Should I buy a '04.5 w/70mph vibration...suggestions please!

[MAX A/C]

I'm looking at buying a 04. 5, quad cab, 4x4, short box, automatic from a Dodge dealer. 60K miles on it. Truck has new factory-spec Michelins.



I noticed a vibration that feels like a driveline vibration (not a tire vibration) as it comes on at 64mph and goes away at 72mph. Truck is very smooth at all other speeds (tested up to 90mph. )



I perused this forum, and see others have had the same issue, which may or may not be fixed by a driveshaft angle shim (rear driveshaft I'm assuming?), or even a new axle assembly. I read where various dealers have tried replacing drive shafts/u-joints/etc. Some posters talked about the front axle systems, so I'm not clear if the culprit is front and/or rear.



The truck is a "Dodge Certified Used Vehcile" which my understanding is it has a 3 month. 3K non-deductable warranty. The salesman of course stated "we will fix the vibration" when I mentioned it. I'm still test driving it (they let me take it for 2 days!)



Should I go ahead and buy the truck, and let them "attempt" to fix it? Should I avoid this truck altoghter?



Edit: It's a tough decision, because this truck is extremly clean, is the right color, and is priced lower than everything else comparable. No other issues except the vibration! Decisions, decisions... .



Thanks!

Scott

 

[DBCooper]

Why not have them fix it, then buy it after they prove the vib is gone?

 

[JDiepstra]

Yes I would get it. I love my 04. 5! If I were you, I would negotiate a price that you would pay and then sign on the line after they have it fixed. By the time they are done, you could have a whole new front end.

 

[JCasper]

Just have them fix it first.



I don't know that it would be a driveline angle problem with it being a SB. Don't the SB trucks have a one piece driveline, therefore no center support bearing to shim down.

 

[MAX A/C]

Yes I would get it. I love my 04. 5! If I were you, I would negotiate a price that you would pay and then sign on the line after they have it fixed. By the time they are done, you could have a whole new front end.

So you think it's a front end problem? I was assuming it was the rear end. Not sure.

Scott

 

[JCasper]

It really is hard to tell where the vibration is coming from if it happened to be as simple as a U-Joint.



I had plowed through a snow berm that ended up being almost solid ice. 200 Miles later my U-Joint went out. I however suspected front end problems and spent the first hour or two looking there.



After you get done driving it, crawl underneath and feel the U-Joints. When my center one went bad (You probably don't have this one) it was hot to the touch, the others were cold.

 

[GButia]

I had an 05 develop that problem. I was convinced it was drive line and not the tires but I went ahead and aired em up all around. If they are stock michelins I beleive its 80 in the rear 65 up front, check to be sure. It solved my vibration, couldn't beleive it really. Try it, its worth a shot.

 

[BHolm]

Most dealers will not perform a fix prior to the sale. I am not even sure they can have it done under warranty, but you can. The drivetrain on this truck has a 70k mile factory warranty still intact as well.



I have had the vibe from front and rear driveshafts. In my current truck, it had the vibe when I bought it used. The dealer then replaced the entire front driveshaft and it fixed it, no vibes for the last 30k miles.



If it is the truck you want, the vibe is not an insurmountable issue. I wouldn't even hesitate, snatch it up!

 

[JDiepstra]

So you think it's a front end problem? I was assuming it was the rear end. Not sure.

Scott

I can't say for sure. I'd be lying if I claimed to know it all.

 

[CBarr]

cbarr

Just had a vibraton on my 2004. 5 repaired at 68K.



It was drive shaft u joint.



should be under warrantry (mine was anyway)

 

[MAX A/C]

Thanks for all the input.



They were hesitant about trying to fix it unless they were able to call it "sold. " We came to the agreement, after much friendly debate, that I would put a deposit on the truck and they will fix the problem to my satisfaction.



With the "Certified Used" program (8 yrs/ 80K miles), I can take it to any Dodge dealer since it is a factory-sponsored warranty.



Thanks

Scott

 

[AABEN]

Sound like you did a good job at getting it on paper. I hope it works out good for you.

 

[p-Bar]

AAM had a lot of problems with not enough grease installed in the u-joints. Especially the early 3rd genners. Check the transmission out for the "hunting" 1-2 , 2-1 go up a steep hill slowly and get it to shift into 2 and hold it there and see if it hunts. Get that fixed too. Check for rear end howl , drive on freeway go down hill and let of and on the throttle and see if you here any howling. Other than that I love my 04. 5