What issues are you guys having with the new generation trucks?

[Silver Bullet Ram]

I am thinking of getting the new 04 with the 325 hp 600 lb/ft torque. So far what issues are you guys dealing with on you 03s. I know the track bar is not a problem. I have a 01 and I do like the body style much better than the new one, but on paper it makes my 01 sound like a s-10.



Gary

 

[rbattelle]

Don't dismiss the track bar just yet. Look at this It could be an issue.



Vibrations are a fairly common problem, and you can find loads of threads on the topic by searching on "vibration".



Other than that, I can't think of anything else at the moment. However, remember that your '01s injectors will be more durable than HPCR injectors, which by their nature are far more sensitive to deposits/wear at the needle and seat. So far there have been no premature injector failures, but average mileage on 03 trucks is probably less than 50k right now.



Also beware the 03s are significantly more computer-controlled than 2nd gen trucks, so if you're not comfortable with electronics, you might get headaches later.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Cummins has a very good track record on their electronics, or I wouldn't have bought a 2004. The vibration, etc. seem to be solved. My truck has none of those issues, and is definitely the best Ram yet--even better than my 97.



The new injectors are coated inside and should last well.

 

[rbattelle]

Joe-



Coated with what?

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

interesting, sounds like there is still issues with the track bar. When I looked at the new track bar I thought the design was much better. Maybe they need heim joints or polyurethane bushings. What is mostly driving this is some of the ratings on the engine and with employee discount and rebates I can get almost $10,000 off a new truck.



Gary

 

[lmills]

Some people are having problems with them pulling to the right. Mine has been doing it since I swapped the springs out, so I will probably take it in to get checked.

 

[barbwire]

problems

odor in the cab, from vent tube

 

[barbwire]

50000 miles????

rbettelle, Are you saying that there is a strong possibility that we will have to get new injectors at every 50000 miles?????

$#!t, my rig will have to be in the shop 2 to 3 times a year if thats the case. I hope you are wrong about this!

Joe, I also want to know what yours are coated with, if it cures the prob.

 

[Elite1]

Re: problems

Originally posted by barbwire

odor in the cab, from vent tube

I have 17,000 miles on her and I love the truck. No problems with the exception of the oil smell in cab, if I have the fan in the fresh air position it smells at stops or idle, if I switch it to recirculate it solves the problem. I never smell it if driving over 5 mph, only at stops. I read somewhere that Cummins put a new crankcase ventalation system in the 3rd gen. and it send fumes back inside the valve cover... . it doesn't seem to be a very good system as many of us have the same complaint.

Overall it's a great truck... my MPG keeps getting better! Especially since adding the Volumizer. 24. 8 on my last trip!!!

 

[IPULLRV]

03 with 6000miles

pulls to the right!!!!!!

 

[rbattelle]

barbwire,



Relax, that's not what I meant. I simply was pointing out that the needle and seat in common-rail injectors is known to be prone to damage over time. Since average mileage is probably <50000, we can't say what might be the injector failure rate when the fleet gets up to 150000 or 200000 miles.

 

[DF5152]

having computer replaced this week not common but an issue... .



does your truck pull to the right or drift? pull you have to fight against the steering wheel, drift if u let go of the wheel it will start to the right... as far as cab smell did u ectend ur breather hose and what oil are you using? I changed from the factory fill to penzoil last change faint smell every once in awhile will be going to synthetic soon.

 

[barbwire]

WHEWWW!!!

rbattelli, you had me scared

Also, I just looked under my truck, and noticed that I have tape inside the rocker panels, like some of the others had . So I guess thats another thing to put on the list of things to look at when getting a new one.

 

[JPM]

Re: Re: problems

Originally posted by Elite1

I have 17,000 miles on her and I love the truck. No problems with the exception of the oil smell in cab, if I have the fan in the fresh air position it smells at stops or idle, if I switch it to recirculate it solves the problem. I never smell it if driving over 5 mph, only at stops. I read somewhere that Cummins put a new crankcase ventalation system in the 3rd gen. and it send fumes back inside the valve cover... . it doesn't seem to be a very good system as many of us have the same complaint.

Overall it's a great truck... my MPG keeps getting better! Especially since adding the Volumizer. 24. 8 on my last trip!!!

I have the same diesel/oil odor. I tolerate it for the most part but when I have a cold ,(like now )it really bothers me

I also hate the computer assisted headlight circuits, what's wrong with fuses?

 

[Glen]

Gary:

I know that I am supposed to complain on this thread but you will love the Gen 3 truck. I don't have any of the complaints noted by the others here. Everything that I disliked about my '01 is fixed: much less noise, great brakes, no steering pull. I do have some wind noise that I am working on. I wouldn't have been able to hear it if I had it on the '01.

 

[curatchko]

I'd say the 2 most common issues are Wind noise, and Vibration.



Both I think will be an easy fix eventually.



Most if not all other problems here are in the minority. Even the vib's and wind noise is probably in the minority of all truck purchases.



I'd say this has been a very successfull launch of a new truck platform... especially when you look at the launchs of other competitors trucks, gas and diesel.



This is the best truck I've owned to date, and I'm saying this with a wind noise issue, and a vib issue.



Chris

 

[nickleinonen]

i've got some squeaks&resonating vibes in the dash at low rpm, higher engine load. one exhaust clamp is just about touching a crossmember and will buzz a bit when starting off in 2nd...

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Sounds like vibration could be an issue. I personally think that can be the new american axles which the jeeps have the same problems. I wasn't thrilled they went away from dana.



Gary

 

[realsquash]

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the rear axle in this truck. It's every bit as good as a Dana axle, possibly even better. I know the LSD is the best I've ever experienced in a factory truck. It locks up just like a Detroit, which is how a truck should be IMHO.



The only issue I'm having is annoying rattles in the dash. The worst one is on the steering column cover but that will get fixed soon.



Andy

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

I have seen way too many tsbs and buy backs on the american axle vibrations.



Garu