2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission why would I want another Dodge???

[Cobra]

Yeah right. Why would anyone want a Dodge truck with the inferior products they use on them.



Recently I had to take my truck in to the dealer becuase the front caliper was sticking. My dealer who treats me quite well, replaced the caliper under warranty, however, the tech said that the brakes on all four wheels need to be replaced because the pads are coming apart. The brake material is separating from the backplate. The dealer won't cover that under warranty because it is a wear item. My problem is that the brakes are still in like new condition because I have an exhaust brake and I don't use my foot brake until I am almost stopped. I check with several auto parts stores and they said that if I buy their brake pads and the pads come apart they will replace them for the life of the pads. They admit that it does happen on occassion but when it does the pads are replaced under warranty. Why can't Dodge do that. Again, the tech said that the brakes pads are like new condition. He said it is a same that they must be replaced.



I have two more years warranty on the engine then someone else will own this truck.



I have had two lift pumps replaced also. I don't feel that one should have to pay that kind of money for a vehicle and then rebuild it.

 

[BigMike]

I don't know why some guys have problems and then there are guys like me who don't have any. I have 80k on my truck and still have the original rear brakes. Also still have my original lift pump. Obviously all trucks are not made the same and I don't know why. Guess I got lucky. (knock on wood). I think American made automotive products generally just don't stack up with foreign made stuff. I bought a new Nissan Murano recently and I am just amazed at the quality. First time I've ever owned a foreign made vehicle. But yes, I'd buy another Dodge, simply because I don't think there's anything out there that's any better, especially the engine.

 

[HBarlow]

My truck has the original front and rear brake pads and calipers at over 105k miles with no problems whatsoever. It has towed a trailer about 85k miles.



I've had a lift pump and APPS replaced under warranty and an oil pressure sender and MAP Sensor replaced out of my pocket. Also had the clutch assembly replaced at around 93k.



This is the first MOPAR product I've owned. I bought it because it was wrapped around a Cummins turbodiesel but I would definitely buy another. I'm completely satisfied with the truck and the engine.



Maybe you just happened to get a bad set of brake pads from the manufacturer.



Harvey

 

[Chipstien]

Go ahead and get a Ford or Chevy. Don't forget to check back after a couple of engines have been replaced and remind us how bad Dodges are. You mean to tell me that because of a couple of lift pumps and a set of brakes that you are giving up on Dodge. I would say that you need to get another brand just for a reality check.



BTW, sorry about the problems. I have 65,000 trouble free miles with almost 500 HP. Only been to the dealer for the clockspring. Good luck.

 

[csaba]

I feel bad for you ..... for all the troubles with the breaks; but I am on my second Dodge without any trouble. 93,000 miles with the original breaks in the back (no e-break yet) on the current one. I had problems with the LP after 86,000 miles and had the front breaks changed about the same time. That's all.



I think the 2nd generation Dodge diesel is the finest truck there is. I just don't like the looks of the 3rd generation! <just me>



Don't give up on that truck!



Csaba

 

[stacerbob]

I'll try the flame suit on, Move out of the rust belt! I will bet the salt has rusted the metal frame of the pads causing them to start to delaminate?!?! Is it that DC's fault?

 

[Muleskinner]

Satisfied

I bought my 01. 5 because my wife wanted a "Ram. " After working for Ford dealers as a tune up and electrical service technician for twenty some odd years, I have owned mostly Toyota trucks since I left the business and judge others by their product. People ask why. I tell them that without being in the business, I want something that will not break. (I also saw what Ford produced and all of the trouble we had with the vehicles. Good for service business though $$$$)



I must admit, I like the Dodge now. I have not had any problems with the truck. I have 48,000 trouble free miles on it. I should keep my mouth shut, as I installed the EZ and 4" exhaust two weeks ago. I hope I have not shot myself in the foot.

 

[Cobra]

Stacerbob,

You could be right but my truck doesn't get into the snow much. I bought it mostly to haul a slide-in and pull my MC trailer behind. In the winter I head for Az or Fla. When I am not in the warm climate, my truck is in the garage.



HBarlow,

I agree with you that I got a bad set of brakes from the mfg and for that reason, I felt that they should have offerred me a new set of brake pads. I am more than willing to do the work myself. After all, I am going to do the work myself anyway and pay for the new pads too.

 

[Bandit1]

all auto makers have their problems, but if you are going to judge an entire truck on a part (brakes) that are designed to wear out then i believe that you need to reconsider ever purchasing a automobile. i have gone through several sets of brakes from autozone (lifetime warrenty). they cost me $13 one time and 30 mines of my time to put them on. heck of a lot cheaper then ever taking my truck to a dealer that charges $80 labor. all i am saying is judge a truck by the parts that are worth being judge (ie the cummins motor or the interior) both quality in my book, dont judge a truck by parts that are made the cheapest way possible.

 

[Cobra]

Hey guys,

Please don't get me wrong. I like my truck. I really look forward to driving it. I just hate when the weather and roads around here are sloppy because I don't drive it on bad roads. I have a Jeep for that. So when the roads are good and dry I love to drive my ram. I'm just blowing steam because I take good care of this vehicle (atleast I think so) right Andy?, and I just didn't think I should have to replace brake pads that are not worn.



I doubt that I would buy a Ford or Chevy. Probably get rid of the slide-in and buy a Toyota. Toyota can't haul the slide-in. Nothing would haul the slide-in like the Cummins.

 

[jtisdale]

My rear pads (disc) also separated from the backs at 29k. They had what appeared to be more pad left than the ones I bought to replace them. Auto Zone told me "keep the receipt, and when they wear out, bring them back and we'll give you a new set. "

I also lost a lift pump at 14k, it was covered under warranty, as was the headliner, 2 passenger side batteries, the passenger side heated mirror, and factory high idle feature. I know it does get frustrating, but I have had a few other brands that also had problems. Still, this is the best truck I have owned.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[RWatson]

Well let see, At 30K I had a set of pads seperate and take out a rotor. At 62K lost 2nd gear in Auto trans.



BUT being real, I have several friends that made the bad call to try PSD and after driving my Cummings, three of the four wish they had gone Dodge. There always has to be one, but even he has made some under the breath comments about the power of a Cummings motor.



My brother in law just had to buy Chevy and after building such a great first name relationship with the service manager at his local dealership... . was in the shop 8 times for pump and fuel line problems, he traded up into a 04 2500 and life is rockin. He has already got the BOMB bug .



SO would I do it again... . YOU BET!!

 

[Patriot Diesel]

Originally posted by Cobra

Yeah right. Why would anyone want a Dodge truck with the inferior products they use on them.



Recently I had to take my truck in to the dealer becuase the front caliper was sticking. My dealer who treats me quite well, replaced the caliper under warranty, however, the tech said that the brakes on all four wheels need to be replaced because the pads are coming apart. The brake material is separating from the backplate. The dealer won't cover that under warranty because it is a wear item. My problem is that the brakes are still in like new condition because I have an exhaust brake and I don't use my foot brake until I am almost stopped. I check with several auto parts stores and they said that if I buy their brake pads and the pads come apart they will replace them for the life of the pads. They admit that it does happen on occassion but when it does the pads are replaced under warranty. Why can't Dodge do that. Again, the tech said that the brakes pads are like new condition. He said it is a same that they must be replaced.



I have two more years warranty on the engine then someone else will own this truck.



I have had two lift pumps replaced also. I don't feel that one should have to pay that kind of money for a vehicle and then rebuild it.

I don't know Bill. I could almost take you post as being a testimony of how well your truck has held up. In three years of driving you have replaced two lift pumps and now the brake pads need replaced. I'll bet most of the furd and chevy owners would love to have that few a problems in three years. As far as the pads are concerned... hhhmmm... I would go get some good Bendix or RayBestos pads and just replace them and be done with it. I think that both companies offer a lifetime warranty.



I know I am a "former" furd truck owner and will probably not go back any time soon. Although I do have to admit the crew cab that furd offers sure is roomy... especially when you have two kids.



We won't talk about how many lift pumps :{ I replaced before going to the FASS

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Dealer replaced the front pads on my truck under warranty because they were falling apart. It's obviously not a wear item when it's falling apart. It all depends on how good of a dealer they are.

 

[jGiacobbe]

You guys always convince me to keep what I have. I have been considering getting rid of my CTD for a number of reasons. The diesel was awesome when I lived in Colorado, but I really don't need the the diesel here in Pennsylvania. The interior noise is too much on long drives. I get irritable just from the noise. I've done a fair amount to make it better, but it's still not that great. The transmission issues that I don't have yet. And most importantly, the steering wander. I can't believe that Dodge has let the steering issue continue all the way until the 01 that I have. I have Darrin's Steering Stabilizer, but I think I need the DT Trackbar.



Anyway, relatively speaking, it still sounds like the best thing out there. If Toyota made a 3/4 ton, I think I may make the switch. I've been looking at the Chevy HD gassers, but I'm reading a lot of issues with those as well.



Thanks for everyone's information.

 

[IWeiny]

Ford 99 vs Dodge 99

I can totaly empathize with you...



I have a 99 dodge and my buddy has a 99 Ford. His walks up the mountain like it was nothing with just a Banks kit. AND with a heaveir camper and trailer than mine.



He has 4 wheel disk brakes, and no problems. I have had countless fuel sending units replaced, rear drum brakes, which I had to upgrade to EGR just to get rid of the pull problem. Lost a lift pump.



I don't know what real power he is putting out vs mine with the EZ box but I have to say dollar for dollar I think he got the better deal. He might have just got a "good one" and I got a "bad one" but it does make me wonder. I lay on the concret drive trying to figure out how to put on this FASS system, while he is out having a good time...



Then I find out about the KDP, block 53, yada yada yada, it seems there is no end to the problems I am going/might have... He may be living in ingroant bliss but sometimes I wonder if reading this site is going to kill me with worring about all the problems.



I know after I get it done I will have a better truck over all but it is frustrating with how much money I am pouring in.



But don't get me wrong I LOVE my truck, but sometimes I wonder when I will be on the side of the road... and it can and does happen to every mechanical thing out there.



PS my 99 was a replacement for a 98. 5 lemon as well. That truck spent 1 month out of the first 2 in the shop with electrical problems!!!



Good luck,

 

[crobertson1]

This talk about switching to Toyotas if they made a 3/4 ton really bothers me. In the last TDR issue, an article informs us that Toyota has passed Chrysler as the 3rd largest auto company in AMERICA! That is ridiculous. Buy American!

 

[Rman]

how is dodge buying american???? It's a german owned company that has their trucks assembled in mexico?



Toyota has has many production plants right here in the USA. This buy american motto is getting old, look at the big picture here.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The Non - American auto manufacturers are probably putting more americans to work than the "American" ones. Honda, Toyota, Nissan, it would be interesting to see how many people work for each. Of course I spent a few weeks at the Ford plant in Dearborn Michigan and it probably takes 4 times as many people to build a car there than it does at Honda. I am a buy American person but really the whole idea as it pertains to automobiles is kind of a mute point isn't it?

 

[gonzo2]

Toyotas are neither perfect or trouble free. My workmate is far more intimate with his service department then I have ever been with 3 CTD's. The grass is always greener... ...