Thinking about a 06 mega cab

[firefighter_2000]

I may be purchasing an 06 mega cab 2wd diesel. Anything special I need to know about or look for in particular? Carfax reports two repairs one being the a/c serviced. Would like to add an inch or so lift on the front end if possible just to make it look a bit better. Any and all comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Craig

 

[JFought]

love it!! more room for toosl and junk and crap!

 

[gathomas]

2WD - Just so you know that truck probably has "Sealed" Front wheel bearings, just like my 2004. 5 has. I have 132,000 on the clock and I'm looking at the 4th set of front bearings from the dealer. They are $480 each, add in labor your looking at a $1500 repair bill. CHINESE JUNK !!! you'll be lucky if those bearings last 10K - I have paid for two sets so far & I need a new set now. Your 99 truck is like my 97, old style where you could repack the bearing, you can't do that with a sealed unit. good luck - Glen

 

[firefighter_2000]

Anyone confirm this?

Can anyone confirm that the 06 mega cabs have sealed bearings? Is it something where I might be able to drill & tap a hole into the bearing area so I can get a shot of grease or two in there at oil changes? Anyone maybe have any photos of the hub?

Craig

 

[FFL8N]

I have the same truck, but 4 wheel drive. I love mine. I did have an AC vent door break. It was the one that controled the recirculation. I just took the door out and and waiting to get them all fixed with aftermarket doors that I already have purchased. No problems so far. I have 63,000 on mine.

 

[gathomas]

Firefighter, I had the same initial thought as you, drill & tap a zerk fitting, but here's why I think that kind of thinking is flawed - if you start out with a "substandard" bearing, (what I'm talking about here is Metallurgical expertise, heat treating, hardening, etc. . ) your basically trying to fix a POS with synthetic grease - IMO - it won't work, you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear. Eventually the decision is yours, I like my truck, its those dammed CHINESE sealed bearings that Dodge has CHOSEN to use and I have go back to the dealer every five months to cough up $1500, that's $3000 a yr - how many truck payments is that?? Not to mention the value of my time. I'm just telling you my experience, so you will be educated. Check with your local dealer to verify if the 2006 has sealed bearings, auto parts stores can also confirm.

 

[JExum]

Check the rear doors because at the top front where it curves inward. Mine pinched the rubber insulation and rubbed the top of my roof when they were opened and closed. Dodge did bend and adjust the doors, painted the roof even though it was past the 36k warranty for no charge. Mine is black and stays cool in the Texas heat but I have double tint on the back doors and rear window which is legal but the fronts are a little too dark but I can still get it inspected. Also I have a headache rack to block the sun. The megacab longbed will still out turn a Ford longbed crewcab.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Sealed

I just called Oreilleys and they dont even list a front wheel bearing for the truck. How much of a PITA is the front to do myself if I bought the parts? Has anyone else had the same problem? This is the truck I've been dreaming about since they came out and dont want to screw up and buy a POS. Im keeping my 99 tho so I'll still have it to drive!!!

Craig

 

[gathomas]

Craig, that 2006 MegaCab your looking at, is it a 2500 or a 3500 Dually, or a SRW 3500??
The reason I ask is because my truck is a 2004. 5 3500 Dually.

 

[gathomas]

Craig, Here is what I found on AutoZone's website. This is for a 2006 2wd 3500.
Here:Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly-Front | 2006 Dodge RAM 3500 1 ton 2WD 6 Cylinders C 5. 9L Turbo Diesel | AutoZone.com

 

[firefighter_2000]

2500

Looks like that would be it. The one Im looking at is actually a 2500 3/4 ton but looks like the parts are the same. So are there any alternatives for this sealed bearing hub? How hard of a job is it to do yourself and does it require any super special tools? I REALLY want this truck.



ALSO are there any OTHER issues associated with the trucks? I've learned about the hvac issues, now the hub assembly issues. Any other major problems?



Craig

 

[gathomas]

Craig, I'm doing some research on this sealed bearing issue. I'm going to be in touch with TIMKEN, they manufacture the sealed unit that we need (hub/bearing). I'm going to ask them if this entire unit is USA made - NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Please be patient as this might take a few days to get the answers we need
Also, Timken has a website where you can view a picture of the Hub/bearing - if I can I will provide a "Link" in another post.

 

[gathomas]

Craig, Go Here:Timken Online Parts Catalog
You first have to agree to their terms - click YES, it will take you to a parts page, the part number for a 2006, 2500 / 2wd is SP550104. it will bring up a picture when you click on rear wheel drive.

 

[ABarry]

blend-door is a problem. . ask if it has been changed

 

[firefighter_2000]

Got it

Just took a look at it. Looks to be the one that autozone supplies. Any idea who makes the one that mopar supplies? Im no mechanic, but how are those bearings put in the assembly? Pressed I assume? Would it be possible for us to remove the old bearing, use the dimensions listed in the attributes to find another bearing [of better quality] and have it pressed into the assembly we have now? Possible? Too much trouble? Any ideas?

Craig

 

[gathomas]

Because of my experience with these bearings over a years time frame there is NO Doubt in my mind that the units -Hub/bearings that Dodge is selling at the dealership are substandard or in other words Foreign made - China is a good bet!!!
Now as far as these all looking the same, absolutely there going to look alike, you can not tell the difference in Quality by looking at the outside, or for that matter the inside.
This is all about the $$$ MONEY $$$
As far as trying to fix this problem yourself, that's a BIG NO NO, because there is a SAFETY & Liability issue here, you don't want to be driving down the Highway and have the wheel fall off because you made a mistake. Your Life is at stake
Like I said, I'll be in touch with Timken, I only live about an hour&1/2 from their world headquarters in Canton, Ohio Hang in there Bro, I'm doing my best.....

 

[AMink]

I'm guessing the seats are the same as the ones in my 4x4. Designed and manufactured by the Marquis de Sade himself! Do a search on seats for these trucks. They're not well loved. Other than that, I love my truck.

 

[Cissco]

The 99 has sealed bearings. You can grease them threw the sensor hole in the hub. You can convert it to standard bearings.

 

[JFought]

the 06 has sealed bearings. but if you pull the abs sensor you can put grease inside. my fonts went at 60k and explicitly NOT covered by 100K warranty and the next to highest extended warranty. i put about 30K on the new one's and pumped 10 squirts of grease in the bearings the other day. pull: tire bracket the holds brake assembly, the rotor, then remove abs sensor.
Same bearing for 2x2 or 4x4 (don't know about dulley)
not to hard, did it when i changed my brakes. love the space!!

 

[AWeiman]

we bought ours back in december and put almost 20000 miles on it wth no trouble. ours is a 4x4. one thing not mentioned yet is the shorter life span of injectors and the large replacement cost compared to 2nd gens. luckily we have not had to do that yet. i will say this you will love owning a mega cab. i can guarantee nobody will ever complain about leg room, and all your buddies will wish they had one. (or in my case wish there wives had one):-laf