5th Gen Ram --- What a mixed experience

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

JamesB

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Nov 6, 2023
Messages
183
Reaction score
363
Location
Broken Arrow
There was a known issue with the back windows leaking and at one point dodge was fixing them. Chris Nikels tried to charge me out the @$$.. my passenger floorboard would get super soaked (like I had to use a shop vac) They tried saying the back window was leaking and needed resealed but would have to put a new window in as they always break when removing them.. funny thing is the back of the truck was never wet. After the 3rd time in and me complaining they decided there was a rubber seal in the firewall was bad and the AC was leaking back in the cab.. i even told them this was most likely the issue the 1st time in when it happened. What a headache but it’s fixed and hadn’t happened again. I was seriously thinking about trading off this truck I had only had for 6mos. But I am once again a happy hemi owner
IMG_1504.jpeg
 
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
5,123
Reaction score
10,778
Location
Oklahoma City
Not to put a damper on your truck purchase, I think Ram's are pretty good in general. Check your radiator fluid for... oil. There are a few known issues with the oil coolers and even head gaskets assuming you have the 5.7 Hemi. Buying used there will always be issues, most minor. However many new ones are sitting on lots for 6 months, a year, and in some cases two years. Lot rot is a thing. Sad that Dodge has abandoned V-8's (although that may be changing.) Their turbo hurricane appears to be a good engine, but has a lot of plastic.
 

Rez Exelon

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
4,314
Reaction score
5,006
Location
Tulsa
The dash is common. Daughters BF's was totalled in tne Novermber Nader, but his 21 had peeling and cracked dash. The leather shrinks or something and is a known issue as well.
That does make me feel better. Last night I did an inspection around the sunroof to see if there was any evidence of water running from the shark fin over to the front and didn't spot any. So if the dashes are problematic then I may be in the clear on that one, even though I know there's issues in the back.

@TANSTAAFL --- yeah, my 4th gen had head gasket issues which is one reason why I wanted to get this one. 4th gen is still running and driving but it showing signs that it might be time to tear it apart and redo some things that I could do, but would take more time than I have. So far no signs of compromise on that one here. I'll be watching to see how the hurricane plays out as well. I haven't followed too close but initial reports seem positive I think?
 
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
5,123
Reaction score
10,778
Location
Oklahoma City
That does make me feel better. Last night I did an inspection around the sunroof to see if there was any evidence of water running from the shark fin over to the front and didn't spot any. So if the dashes are problematic then I may be in the clear on that one, even though I know there's issues in the back.

@TANSTAAFL --- yeah, my 4th gen had head gasket issues which is one reason why I wanted to get this one. 4th gen is still running and driving but it showing signs that it might be time to tear it apart and redo some things that I could do, but would take more time than I have. So far no signs of compromise on that one here. I'll be watching to see how the hurricane plays out as well. I haven't followed too close but initial reports seem positive I think?
Aside from youtube mechanics and pundits saying "too much plastic" It appears to be a solid motor, actually heard a lot of good from reviewers driving Hurricane equipped Rams. I do think Dodge should have really kept a V8 in the lineup. Have a friend getting a 2025 Expedition, it appears that the 5.0 Coyote is not an option! Top engine the Ecoboost 3.5 liter. The Ecoboost is decent, have heard few bad stories about them. My advice on Turbos, get your first oil change early (Just got the Bronco's 2.7 serviced, 3600 miles.) Next service will be in 5K miles, not the 10K Ford recommends. If I had a Dodge Ram, I'd do the Same, Or a GM 2.7 Turbo 4 (yep, they are putting those in Full Size Pickups.)

Going back to your Ram, the Turbo inline six many reviewers say it runs really smooth and enough power to get the job done.
 

Rez Exelon

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
4,314
Reaction score
5,006
Location
Tulsa
I mean, I'll be honest, I don't need that much power. It's a rare day that I tow anything, or pull someone from a ditch or rescue them from ice. Like, it happens, but 95% of my truck needs are more crap like mulch, moving appliances, and tools between jobsites and things. I got into Rams due to interior options. Like the main reason I have this one in particular is the backseat butt coolers for boo boo
 
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
5,123
Reaction score
10,778
Location
Oklahoma City
I mean, I'll be honest, I don't need that much power. It's a rare day that I tow anything, or pull someone from a ditch or rescue them from ice. Like, it happens, but 95% of my truck needs are more crap like mulch, moving appliances, and tools between jobsites and things. I got into Rams due to interior options. Like the main reason I have this one in particular is the backseat butt coolers for boo boo
My Bronco came with seat warmers and the steering wheel is heated, actually like them. As for power, awesome. You don't need to spool 'em up. When you do need them you'll be surprised.
 

Rez Exelon

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
4,314
Reaction score
5,006
Location
Tulsa
My Bronco came with seat warmers and the steering wheel is heated, actually like them. As for power, awesome. You don't need to spool 'em up. When you do need them you'll be surprised.
Back in 2015 when I got my 4th gen I didn't realize that it had cooled seated. Oh man, that was something when I found that out. Like, I had the power to excommunicate the ghosts of my food from permanently haunting my chair AND keeping me less sweaty in the summer? That set the standard for all future vehicles in my life.
 

Snattlerake

Conservitum Americum
Special Hen
Joined
Jan 19, 2019
Messages
22,642
Reaction score
36,766
Location
OKC
I had a 1994 Dodge Ram with a 360 and it was a 3/4 ton which weighed in at 4,900 lbs.
2 wheel drive and in 1994 single cab was the only thing available.
10 MPG no matter how i drove it and even pulling heavy loads 10 MPG.

My 6000 lb 1984 E150 Van got 16.7 minimum city or highway 302 with a 2 barrel.
Not stock at all though and Not using any overdrive.

WTF is wrong today with fuel injected trucks or vans not getting at least that for MPG.

Maybe driving in town the RPM is too low and the air speed through the intake runners is too slow and not atomizing the fuel as well as it could.
Yea the injectors on most point at the back side of the valves but that intersecting air speed moving faster can help atomize it better and you are not lugging the engine.

I wonder if in town you could get better MPG if you kept revs on the gas engines around 2200-2600 rpm.
My dad's brand new 1973 Chevy 454 was like that. 7 MPG cruising the interstate or pulling 40 headed in a gooseneck. It didn't matter. Both dad and I swear the gas gauge was directly connected to the speedometer.
 


Write your reply...

Latest posts

Top Bottom