You are here: Forums Pickups Dodge Ram Dodge Ram Care and Maintenance

Dodge Ram Care and Maintenance

172 messages,  Last post on Nov 19, 2009 at 12:09 PM

You are in the Dodge Ram Forum. Your Host is kcram

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

Messages Page 7 of 18 1 ... 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 18 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#61 of 172 gas mileage and changing fluids by jojo5150 Jul 07, 2005 (1:30 am)
I just bought a 2002 Ram 1500SLT Quad Cab with the 4.7. The first thing I was wondering is about fuel mileage. What is a real world mileage for a truck like that and what are some tips to get the best mileage possible. I have always owned Hondas, so I am a little ignorant. Also, I was wondering if it would be realistic for me to change the transmission, transfer case, and differential fluids and if I do any recommendations for what fluids to use. The truck only has 10500 miles on it, and I was thinking about putting synthetic oil in. Is it worth it? Replies to this message: dustyk (Jul 07, 2005 5:19 pm) dellis (Feb 04, 2006 10:19 am)
#62 of 172 Re: gas mileage and changing fluids [jojo5150] by dustyk Jul 07, 2005 (5:19 pm)
Replying to: jojo5150 (Jul 07, 2005 1:30 am) I have the same engine in a '03 Dakota Club Cab, automatic transmission with 45,000 miles. I just returned from a 250 mile trip, mostly interstate driving, and got 20.71 MPG with about 800 pounds loaded on to the truck. I typically get 16-17 in my weekly driving, which includes very little highway, most rural and around town. I have found the 4.7 to be a beautiful engine. They do take a while to break-in completely. Some have stated that it took 30,000 miles or more. Be patient.   I use Mobil 1 0W-30 full synthetic motor oil, but in all honesty I think synthetics are hard to justify. Their biggest positive feature is viscosity stabilization, ie: high flow rates at a wider temperature range and longer duration. Unfortunately, synthetic oils collect dirt and moisture just like non-synthetics and should be changed because of it. I would not advocate 30, 20, or even 10,000 mile change intervals using synthetic motor oil. However, in the practical duration of the manufacturers recommended change interval, I would say that a synthetic is more reliable through 6-7500 miles.   From a cost perspective alone synthetics are probably not justified.   Best regards, Dusty
#63 of 172 Re: Synthetic oil- worth the expense? [br_brian] by lotsofmiles Jul 21, 2005 (7:50 pm)
Replying to: br_brian (May 02, 2005 2:53 pm) I have a 4.7 Ram as well. I drive about 182 miles a day and the 3K oil change rule started adding up quickly. There were times that my oil was still good according to the dealer. My local Dodge dealer recommended that I change my oil every 7500 miles. This worked out great, a change about every 6-8 weeks. I talked with several dealers, auto mechanics, and other owners about switching to synthetic oils for the 4.7 Ram and 90% said it was not worth it, even for high mileage drivers. The engine runs great with non-synths. I am at 110K and the engine runs awesome. I am averaging about 18-city/24Highway. Replies to this message: dustyk (Jul 22, 2005 7:15 am)
#64 of 172 Re: Synthetic oil- worth the expense? [lotsofmiles] by dustyk Jul 22, 2005 (7:15 am)
Replying to: lotsofmiles (Jul 21, 2005 7:50 pm) What have you used for spark plugs?   Best regards, Dusty
#65 of 172 4.7 airfilters by roper2 Jul 23, 2005 (12:50 pm)
What is the best replacement air filter for this engine, a k/n or a standard paperfilter. Do the performance filters help that much on a stock truck? thanks
#66 of 172 changing spark plugs by gwp46 Jul 23, 2005 (9:18 pm)
Hello Everybody,   I have a question, can anybody tell me where i can get info on changing spark plugs on my 2003 1500 quad cab with the 4.7 engine. I have 63k miles on it and was wondering if changing the plugs might help the terrible fuel mileage (14 mpg).Thanks in advance.                gwp46 Replies to this message: dustyk (Aug 18, 2005 5:48 pm) coondogger (Sep 30, 2005 3:29 pm) dustyk (Oct 01, 2005 11:40 am) and 1 more...
#67 of 172 Re: Just curious 50k maintenance by hfeller Aug 10, 2005 (7:42 pm)
Replying to: brnzbk (Jun 27, 2002 5:05 pm) I recently had the transmission fluid changed on my dodge and now the overdrive function is acting up. I can start the vehicle in overdrive, but after a short drive, the overdrive automatically switches off and will not respond when I hit the overdrive button to re-activate. The transmission temp light also activated on one occurance. It is currently at a dealership to determine the problem. Anyone else have this happen or have an idea of what the problem might be? Any help would be appreciated.   Thanks... Replies to this message: dustyk (Aug 18, 2005 5:33 pm)
#68 of 172 Re: Just curious 50k maintenance [hfeller] by dustyk Aug 18, 2005 (5:33 pm)
Replying to: hfeller (Aug 10, 2005 7:42 pm) My first question is who did the transmission fluid change?   Regards, Dusty
#69 of 172 Re: changing spark plugs [gwp46] by dustyk Aug 18, 2005 (5:48 pm)
Replying to: gwp46 (Jul 23, 2005 9:18 pm) Worn spark plugs will most certainly have a negative impact fuel consumption. Although the "A" maintenance schedule (normal service) will let you go 90,000 miles on plugs, the "B" schedule (severe service) requires a change every 30,000 miles.   From what I can tell the 4.7 engine is pretty good on spark plugs. I've talked to folks that have gone more than 75K on the factory Champions. However, I've also talked to a few that thought their 4.7 was running pretty good - no noticeable skips or roughness - yet after a spark plug change said they noticed a difference in smoothness, performance, and fuel mileage.   My personal belief is that most modern engines do seem to run fine when there's high mileage on the spark plugs. Newer designs have more powerful ignition coils and cleaner burning combustion chambers. But fuel quality and driving conditions can impact individual results.   Even though I changed-out my factory Champion RC12MCC4s for Bosch 4418 Platinum+4s, supposedly a much longer lasting plug, I do not intend to try to take then to failure. Spark plugs are relatively inexpensive maintenance items, even the pricey platinums. This seems especially acute now that gasoline prices are $2.61 a gallon!.   Best regards, Dusty Replies to this message: coondogger (Sep 30, 2005 3:29 pm) dustyk (Oct 01, 2005 11:40 am) coondogger (Oct 05, 2005 3:41 am)
#70 of 172 ...Speaking of Spark Plugs... by dustyk Aug 18, 2005 (5:58 pm)
I checked one of the Bosch 4418s in my 4.7 tonight. At 37K I was very surprised to see that the center electrode on number 1 cylinder was completely gone! The electrode had eroded down completely to the very tip of the electrode insulator.   Now the Dak seems to be running fine, although I think I noticed a very slight lag on transmission kickdown in the last couple of months. I'm still averaging 16.78 MPG with more around town driving with the air conditioning on, the idle is good and there has been no other noticeable performance problems.   I was hoping to change these out at 50K, just for a round number, but the loss of an electrode has me a little concerned. I'm also disappointed in the Bosch Platinum+4s at this mileage, although in all fairness the engine seems to be running fine. I may change them out just to see if there's a difference.   I'll keep everyone posted.   Bests, Dusty Replies to this message: dustyk (Aug 20, 2005 8:09 am)

Messages Page 7 of 18 1 ... 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 18 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Pickups Dodge Ram Dodge Ram Care and Maintenance