Dodge Cummins..NOT WORTH IT!

[Archive]

SO... . How many of you out there have almost died due to brake pull . . The brake pull that Chrysler clames is all in our heads!. \
Besides the 10 plus fuel senders, Ive had my truck back to the dealer countless times for brake pull. Its now worse than when I started and Chrysler couldnt give a crap!
If you havent wasted your money on a Dodge yet, SAVE IT!!!! You will thank me. Your life isnt worth the crap Daimler Chrysler sells.

------------------
98 Quad Cab 4X4 Cummins Automatic Totally loaded Minus fuel sender plus right brake pull, no extra charge!

 

[Archive]

<font color=blue>If you don't like it... ..... sell it. Problem solved, I for one will keep mine thank you.

When you say countless times back to the dealer, are we talking the same dealer each time? Ever thought of trying a different dealer?

 

[Archive]

Your problems certainly are not typical of the Dodge cummins. You just need to find someone that will fix your problem. Try a different dealer.
dean

------------------
1993, W350, 70K miles, two toned paint, mopar tack, rhino liner,LE, club cab, 22mpg.

 

[Archive]

I really(!!) have to wonder about taking a truck back to the same dealer who has no clue about maintaining the truck. Should get the hint after a while. My truck has NEVER had any brake pull. It was delived that way by my dealer who seems to do a very good job of dealer prep before delivering a vehicle. My wife's '99 LHS runs like a new car. There are Dodge dealers all over northern CA not too far from Chico.

------------------
Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Archive]

These are good trucks. This ain't brain surgery. Unfortunately, the DC shops tend to be a repair production line which is not designed to satisfy a diesel owner who is far more in tune with how our vehicle performs that the typical soccer mom. Sometimes a second opinion is helpful even if it's wrong; try a local brake shop and see what they have to say. Sometimes you have to help the dealer solve the problem, not right, but that's the way it is. I had my rotors and pads replaced at 50,000 miles (not by DC) and now at 60,000 I have a slight pull to the left, I drive the truck hard #ad
I quess they need to be adjusted and/or lubed as some of the posts on this forum have suggested.

------------------
1998 Driftwood Extended Cab,short box,12 valve,4X4,automatic,3. 55 rear end,fuel plate,Rickson 19. 5's,Abbott EPRA, Rancho Shocks,Heim trackbar,Mag-Hytec transmission pan and differential cover,Ranchhand Bull Nose front bumper, headache rack with side rails, in bed tool chest, side steps and rear bumper.

[This message has been edited by DOWG (edited 10-18-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Phil Johnson:
SO... . How many of you out there have almost died due to brake pull . . The brake pull that Chrysler clames is all in our heads!. \
Besides the 10 plus fuel senders, Ive had my truck back to the dealer countless times for brake pull. Its now worse than when I started and Chrysler couldnt give a crap!
If you havent wasted your money on a Dodge yet, SAVE IT!!!! You will thank me. Your life isnt worth the crap Daimler Chrysler sells.

There is an old saying "If You Want Something Done Right Due It Your self" I learned that years ago. The thing you have to remember is that there are very few Dodge dealerships that have mechanics intelligent enough to work on our trucks even the 5***** dealerships. The problem with your brakes is in the caliper specifically the piston boot is so tight that it does not allow the piston to retract,there fore keeping pressure on the brake pads against the rotor giveing you brake pull. I experienced it untill I investigated it and found the cause,then correctted it short of rebuilding the caliper. Have not had a problem since,and I'v put 60,000 miles on the vehc since then. You have one of the best, if not the best trucks on the road. If you can, get in touch with the Dymler-Chysler Rep. and express how disatisfyed you are,If you have gone through 10 fuel sending units there has got to be a serious problem.

 

[Archive]

DOWG:

I agree with all your comments.

An important note: Dodge/Chrysler has a very specific, exacting procedure for brake service on our Rams. The rotor are supposed to be turned ON THE TRUCK!

I'm not a technician, so can't explain the significance of this requirement. If Ram owners are experiencing pull, after having their rotors turned by shops other than Dodge (or incompetent dealerships) then the chances are that the rotor-turning procedure was improperly performed.

I had my local dealership re-do my front brakes after a local "Brake-0" (brake chain store) messed 'em up, big time. After re-turning and replacing after-market (with OEM pads) my truck drove like a champ, again.

Brake-0 refunded my money; they simply weren't aware of Dodge procedures, and didn't have the equipment to turn the rotors on the truck...

 

[Archive]

If it is that bad make them buy it back on a Lemon Law or take it to Arbitration.

------------------
4-sale or Trade
'99, 3/4, QC, SLT, 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 3. 5xlsd, tow pac, HD tcase, tow mirrors, camper pac, White over driftwood, Mist gray interior. With less than 19,500 miles.

 

[Archive]

I can understand your feelings. I have had trucks like that before(non-Dodge), and that is the reason that won't buy another one. But also I agree with the other guys, have someone else take a look at the problem. My truck has 150,000+ miles on it and it has never pulled when I hit the brakes. There is something else wrong causing this problem, its not a trate of Dodge. These are some great trucks!!!!Let us know what you decide. .

Rick

------------------
RICK
97 2500,CC,5 SPEED, 3. 54 Limited Slip,Psychotty System,K&N, ISSPRO 3" Pyrometer,Silencer Ring Removed
12,000 RBW 5th Wheel Hitch,25' Excel 5th Wheel,Rancho RSX17000 Shocks

 

[Archive]

I agree with Kat, if you can not live with it or don't have the time or knowledge to repair the problem yourself then sell it.
Try a different dealer there are actually some good ones out there. Every vehicle will have faults no matter how minor you just have to figure out what is most important to you and then decide what action to take!! Good Luck to you!!


Chuck

------------------

 

[Archive]

I just had my 98 back for the same problem you are describing and I took a copy of the TSB with me so there was no discrepancies. I then called the next day(dropped truck off at night) to make sure they understood exactly what was wrong and he told me 9 out of 10 times it is the calipers. They gave me 2 new calipers and it is ok now. Just wanted to let you know. They also tried to align it themselves and it still pulls but no need to beat a dead horse. 1 out of 2 isn't bad

 

[Archive]

A number of us solved our brake pull problems with Performance Friction pads from Autozone for under $40.

Not everyone deserves a Dodge/Cummins.

 

[Archive]

"Amen!" to your reply Joe D. I've never had any brake pull to one side or the other. But I've got a tremendous amount of "kick-in-the-pants" pull when I press down on the loud pedal!!!

------------------
95 2500 SLT, clubcab, 2wd, longbed, a/t, 3. 54, 135K miles, "all the usual refinements"

 

[Archive]

Look phil the problem is not all your trucks fault. There are some fixs for problems,you just need to find you a good dealer and a techican who cares. As for your sending unit
if you have put that may units in then you have a problem high resistance in the wiring or a bad ground. Can you list what they have done to your truck to try to fix the pull?

 

[Archive]

I know the dealer in Chico that Phil is dealing with very well. I took my '62 Power Wagon into them way back when I was college student tring to survive on GI Bill. I wanted the clutch adjusted,when I returned to pick it up they had pulled the engine to replace the rear main seal. They also wanted three times my monthly income(and twice the trucks value) for the repair. I took them to court and won,in the process I learned that they did that kind of BS all the time. I'm surprised they are still in business,Phil go elsewhere!

 

[Archive]

Not everyone deserves a Dodge/Cummins

I just hauled my horse to a clinic with my 3500 Cummins Diesel. Never missed a beat or pulled left or right when an eighteen wheeler cut me off.

!!!!!I LOVE MY DODGE!!!!!!


------------------
Gene Earl, White '97' 3500 Laramie SLT, Ext Cab, LB, 5 SPEED, 4. 10 Limited Slip, 4X4. Isspro Boost and Pyro, (pre-turbo), SW Fuel pressure, in a 3 guage A-Pillar mount. No muffler. (it's a start).

[This message has been edited by MuddFlapp (edited 10-18-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Phil, in our frustration I see you have taken to ranting on another thread too. Let me be serious for a moment and try to help:
1. the problem is 90%+ the dealer. The brake pull has been somewhat common but not to such a dangerous extent as you describe. As another said, go to another dealer, regardless of inconvenience due to its location.
2. Hopefully in order of necessity/cost/ease of repair, look at better brake shoes as I noted above, look at rear brakes for leaky rear axle seal and for good adjustment, uniform from left to right, check tires and pressures, and finally a caliper may be sticking. Also Dodge put a spacer behind the right front wheel on some trucks and that seemed to help.
3. The problem and its solution are somewhat less than rocket science. If the above don't do it, go back to basics. Check the frame for straightness and front and rear axles for alignment. I have also heard that the polyurethane bushings and aftermarket front control arms help some, but this should not be necessary.
4. I'm afraid that if your judgement of ANY brand of anything comes as the result of a single product and single dealer, you will be at risk forever. If your daler couldn't fix it after 3-4 tries, why did you go for 10 tries? Its like teaching a pig to sing. You still get grunts and annoy the pig. #ad

 

[Archive]

I tell you what, I've got a 99 DORF, I'll trade ya for yours. Then you'll have something to cry about... ... ..... Mike

------------------
92 Std cab. LE. 215 P-pump reman cummins motor. 5-speed, 3. 54, 105 gal Aux tank in bed. Borgeson shaft, Banks Power pack. 12cm Hot end housing w/wastegate. 4" Exh, Pyro & boost guage, oil temp guage. E-brake. Galaxy DX99V, Used as a Hotshot/express Reg. at 36,000 lbs in 48 states. http://hometown. aol.com/hotshothauler/myhomepage/business.html 2000, 3500 being setup for Hotshot work as we speak. 250 miles todate

 

[Archive]

I had a truck that drove me crazy like that and I learned to hate it----but then it was the other ahem! major brand. think it started with an F.

Wouldn't be with out MY Dodge Cummins.

Vaughn

 

[Archive]

Phil,

First let's say you were looking in the dealers lot at side by side Dodge and Fords. Let's also say that for some stroke of bad luck Dodge decided to put a powerstroke under the hood as does Ford. Both trucks with the same or similar packages, the color is right, you feel like spending the money... but which one do you choose? Not too awfull difficult if you aren't a diehard Mopar fan due to Fords brakes and bla bla bla. But, you have the dodge and if it were my guess, it was for the awesome inline 6 cummins diesel motor. It's reputation is great and no self respecting gearhead would dispute the fact that by its sheer design, will outlast and out perform any other similar class diesel motor on the road. Wow!! How lucky to have this motor even offered in a light truck to the lay public. Not to discount the engineering feats involved in coupling this engine to a light truck chassis because it took alot of effort and tech to get it done.

Phil, have you ever seen a midrange engine factory planted into a pickup truck before? Ofcourse there are going to be difficulties and obsticles to overcome and yes, maybe Dodge hopes the loyal Cummins fans hold on until they get it right-for good. But try to see past the difficult times with your truck and set a long term goal to reach- like 350k miles. Your frustrations have been felt by us all and although probably not as rantingly, we have stated our cases and searched for solutions like you probably are doing now as well. Keep the faith and don't let the walls of mechanical incompetence keep you from being one step closer to the pulse of your truck. Don't let it down, and it will be there for you.

You may now kiss your truck and make up for the terrible things you have said about it.

#ad


------------------
98 qc, 12V, 4x4, slt laramie, 3:54 ls diff, 2YG pkg, Kelsey trailer brake control, dodge running boards, diamond plate bed rails, prime designs bug shields, silencer ring wind chime on porch, Raven cab-hi camper shell, psychotty air system, T/C lock-up switch, gutted cat, Walker muffler 22572, crome 5" tip from Kenworth stack, Isspro guages, A pillar 3 guage mount, TST #6 250/635.

Toys: 70' F250 4x4 highboy- 429cid 400+ hp on 35"BFG's(ranch truck) 64' MF 205 tractor 3cyl perkins diesel w/bucket