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What is this discussion about? Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, Truck

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#70 of 3275 jejoh by 02ramman Jun 19, 2002 (3:14 pm)
What year is your truck? Chrysler trannies are VERY PARTICULAR about their fluid! Had a 1996 and used ATF+3. My 2002 uses ATF+4. Did Dodge do your service? If it was another quick lube I'd be very cautious. They love to put the Dexron/Mercon in them. Different fluid will cause problems, I had a 1990 Plymouth that had the same, changed the tranny fluid back to chrysler ATF and it fixed the problem. Hope your's is this easy.   Steve
#71 of 3275 5.9 transmission failures................ by dustyk Jun 20, 2002 (5:24 pm)
I've done some research regarding the reports of Dodge transmission failures. I have counted vehicles at transmission repair shops for just over 10 months, talked to transmission repair techs, and about 55 owners.   My suspicions are that the 45RE coupled to the 360 engine will probably be the most susceptible to failure. Of course, how the vehicle has been used and maintained will have a significant effect on reliability.   02ram is correct about the transmission fluid used by Chrysler. The specified fluid is Chrysler 7176. This ATF contains anti-friction modifiers and the transmission is designed around this fluid. I know that some transmission shops and auto mechanics will tell you that Mercon 4 will work just fine, but I don't believe it. One shop here told me that they use the Chrysler 7176 exclusively in Chrysler products and have never had one come back. They even stated that they use it in Ford transmissions to cure torque converter shudder problems.   The drain back valve which is located in the cooling return line are known to be a problem, especially in cold weather and with transmissions that contain contaminated fluid. These valves are easily clogged, apparently, and that can lead to loss of pump pressure and resulting failure.   I have talked to people who have 360 engines in 4x4s that have never had a problem, even after 150,000 miles. This makes me believe that there IS NOT an inherent design or component problem with these transmissions. However, these same people have been religious about transmission fluid and filter changes.   The use of overdrive when towing heavy loads is another cause of premature transmission failures.   Good luck, Dusty
#72 of 3275 Update by peppe1 Jun 21, 2002 (6:45 am)
Had the Tranny Guy listen to the gear grind. He said it was normal and coming from the rear end, I think not but he is the "expert" so against my better judgment will only keep a eye on the "problem". Decided not to push the low RPM issue until later. So all seems to be fine. Did anyone get paper work for the 7/100,000 from the dealer or in the mail after buying your truck.
#73 of 3275 7/100K by xyz71 Jun 21, 2002 (2:16 pm)
I am not sure - but think I heard a radio ad that said the 7/100K coverage was non-transferable.   Is this right - or are my ears full of wax?   So if you buy a used Ram - what is the coverage?
#74 of 3275 gmengineman1 by gmengineman1 Jun 27, 2002 (9:48 pm)
The Dodge truck automatic transmission is a great product but it is not designed to hold up to the torque produced by the ZCummins diesel and/or the V-10 engines. Heat is the primary enemy! Big, big auxilary coolers may help prolong the failure, but it will happen. The new upgrades that Cummins and Chrysler have proposed for the 2003 models will challenge this transmission even more. Lets hope they can cut a deal with Allison to use the 1000 series transmission in this new truck. If they were able to do that it would be an awesome performer.
#75 of 3275 Dodge Automatic & Cummins Diesel by dustyk Jun 28, 2002 (4:49 pm)
It's been announced that Dodge will offer three new automatic transmissions in 2003, rated at 700, 800 and one rated at 900 ft. lbs of torque. One will be a 700-rated version of the new generation RFE. This might go with the V-10. The 48RE will replace the 47RE used on current diesels. The 49RE will be used with the new diesel.   Dodge has already made the decision not to take the Allison. Dodge instead decided to manufacture their own, which is why the automatic will be delayed for the new deisel.   Dusty
#76 of 3275 Thanks Dusty..... by Jason5 Jul 01, 2002 (9:30 am)
Great job highlighting the flaws in Consumer Reports methodology. You should transfer that over to the minivan and Intrepid discussions where our "non owners" bash at every opportunity but hate it when you bring in factual information..
#77 of 3275 Jason5 by dustyk Jul 03, 2002 (12:14 pm)
Well, my critique is valid for all vehicles, but with pick-up trucks I think there is a greater chance of deviation in the CR "data." This is due to the fact that you cannot assume a mean average level of use or severity of use. Light-duty trucks run the full gamut of purpose, from pure civilian to severe commercial use. Automobiles do not with the same degree.   Of course, it is fairly easy to see, if not immediately obvious to some, that Consumers' Reports have established a moral based system for judging cars and other items. The result is the 'good,' 'bad,' 'very bad' method of conveying reliability data instead of a data-point number. This is expressive of a philosophy that contains a high degree of contempt for ordinary people, who without the "expert advice" from a consumer advocate would not be able to make a wise decision.   This, I think, is the result of the often zealous, religious-like collectivist, anti-commercialist view indelibly established by CU's founders, and an organization that goes beyond mere product evaluation and advocates political positions, for example with respect to the environment or health coverage.   Best regards, Dusty
#78 of 3275 C.R. by bigfur Jul 05, 2002 (4:39 pm)
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that CR HATES trucks in general...specially ones made in America???
#79 of 3275 Dodge Ram 2500 1999 4x4 Diesel - Sloppy Steering by patalexander Jul 07, 2002 (7:19 am)
Hi, Am new to the group; just joined today. Had truck in for 50,000 service and catch-hood safety recall replacement. Wife has been complaining (since we bought the truck) about sloppy steering; I haven't since it really didn't bother me that much. She drove it to work last week and mentioned a "noise" while turning the steering wheel and mentioned maybe I should check the power steering fluid (I knew it was fine, but decided to mention it to dealer when I took the truck in for service).   Here's what they are now saying: "found play internal in gear box". They want $825.00 to replace the gear box.   Have read some discussion here about sloppy "steering", but nothing conclusive about design flaws or design problems, and actually more discussion/opinions that have to do with the type of tires!   Dusty, you seem to have done extensive research on several subjects here; would you mind sharing with me where you do your research. I sure don't want to give the dealer $825.00 for a new gear box and then find out that isn't the problem after all; or that this gear box has been defective since I have had the truck and that this is a "latent" design flaw with the Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 and should have been corrected from the beginning.....   Thanks in advance for your time and efforts.   Pat

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