Dodge Ram 5.9 1995

[AGWAN]

I can agree there was a TON of issues with Caravan auto's. Minivans are meant to be disposable. made with the cheapest of components.

really, EVERYONE?! do you ask everyone you meet "Own a Chrysler?!" YOU DO? "replace the tranny before 40,000?" I KNEW IT. ITS A PANDEMIC?!

Or are you sharing the agreements of a handful of people.

 

[B3Guy]

FWIW, the transmission in my town and country did have to be replaced fairly early on.

also, I would suggest avoiding tranny-things. don't ask why, just watch the Hangover II.

 

[AGWAN]

^likes post.

 

[Torment Leaves Scars]

I can agree there was a TON of issues with Caravan auto's. Minivans are meant to be disposable. made with the cheapest of components.

really, EVERYONE?! do you ask everyone you meet "Own a Chrysler?!" YOU DO? "replace the tranny before 40,000?" I KNEW IT. ITS A PANDEMIC?!

Or are you sharing the agreements of a handful of people.

So what you're saying is people would agree they had their transmissions replaced at 40,000 miles?  Half my family were owners of Chryslers.  I think that qualifies my experiences. 

What do you consider a "handful" of people?  I'm talking +10 people.  Enjoy your Chrysler.  I'll be sure to stop and help you when you're sitting on the side of the road.

 

[AGWAN]

I drive a Toyota.

I didn Enjoy my Chrysler. I enjoyed fixing Chryslers. I know the good and the bad of them. and they've built far too much crap for me to call them a spotless company.

But not every car you listed even HAS a Chrysler tranny. and to note, you listed some really shit cars.

Rams on the other hand are somewhat stout. but really damn crude. (the rams from the era we're discussing) I like them. they've got a lot more good going on then bad.

And all my personal Chrysler trannies (Auto's) have never given up on me. and I drove that jeep hard.

there is good and bad in everything. if you speak in absolutes you're  a moron.

but I think we all agree this truck is the wrong choice for the OP.

 

[Torment Leaves Scars]

I drive a Toyota.

I didn Enjoy my Chrysler. I enjoyed fixing Chryslers. I know the good and the bad of them. and they've built far too much crap for me to call them a spotless company.

But not every car you listed even HAS a Chrysler tranny. and to note, you listed some really shite cars.

Rams on the other hand are somewhat stout. but really damn crude. (the rams from the era we're discussing) I like them. they've got a lot more good going on then bad.

And all my personal Chrysler trannies (Auto's) have never given up on me. and I drove that jeep hard.

there is good and bad in everything. if you speak in absolutes you're  a moron.

but I think we all agree this truck is the wrong choice for the OP.

Well, of course I listed some "shite cars," but aren't they what Chrysler made?  You're right, all Chryslers did not have Chrysler transmissions, as some had Mercedes transmissions, and they were absolute crap.  It's the same thing with GM's DuraMax diesel, it's actually a Mercedes engine.  The DuraMax has etched itself as the "DuraWAX," because they were so prone to "meltdowns" when towing heavy loads.

Out of all the American (Fiat now owns Chrysler) vehicles, I think Chrysler has the freshest designs for a number of their vehicles.  I absolutely love the new 2011 Charger, the Challenger looks good (save for the skinny wheels that just look...goofy), and the Ram is certainly the best looking truck out there.

I don't know what Chrysler was thinking with that last rendition of the Dodge Dakota, but it was awful.  The "little Ram" styled Dakota prior to this latest was a very attractive truck, and offered some nice options to boot, such as a V8.  Remember the Dakota R/T?  I won't fault you if you don't, because there aren't many other people that do, either.  That was a cool little truck, and how can ya argue with a 360ci under the hood?

I'd really like to see Chrysler turn around and be successful, because there are a lot of vehicles they've made that I would love to own, but simply just won't, just because they're Chryslers.

 

[AGWAN]

Yep I was aware of everything you've mentioned. And for the most part I agree.

My jeep was a Crude, basic and sloppy vehicle. but it also held together through 230,000 miles of abuse.

you don't buy a chrysler because its the best. you buy it out of love.

And the Dakota is a downright tragedy, I can't figure how a truck that perfectly placed for its fans could become something so... irrelevant.

 

[Torment Leaves Scars]

Yep I was aware of everything you've mentioned. And for the most part I agree.

My jeep was a Crude, basic and sloppy vehicle. but it also held together through 230,000 miles of abuse.

you don't buy a chrysler because its the best. you buy it out of love.

And the Dakota is a downright tragedy, I can't figure how a truck that perfectly placed for its fans could become something so... irrelevant.

It's a sad thing, because the Dakota could have very easily been the leader in its category, had Chrysler shown it a little bit of love.  With the R/T, all the specs were there; 360ci V8, RWD, etc.  That truck should have easily been the equivalent or more of the GMC Syclone of the 00's.

These days, many people don't know about it, but the Chevy Colorado had an optional 305 hp V8 available.  I'm not sure if that option is still on the table, but for the past few years, it has been.  Unfortunately, I can't find much information on a Colorado with the V8.  It's a shame GM is doing the same thing with the Colorado as Dodge did with the Dakota; just ignore it.  I guess I shouldn't leave Ford outta the mix, because they haven't exactly been too worried about the Ranger, either.  I guess the "Big Three" don't mind leaving the market to Toyota and Nissan.  :dontknow:

As for a Jeep being crude, the Wrangler is the epitome of crude, and that's why I like it.  My wife owns a 2009 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro, and it's a great car.  It's smooth, quick, refined, comfortable, quiet, etc., but it's just "too nice" for my tastes.  I much prefer my 2005 Subaru WRX STi to her A3, although it would be nice to have the luxury of an automatic gearbox from time to time.

I'm gassing for a Rubicon Unlimited.  I've driven one, and while crude, it rides like a Cadillac compared to my STi.  Aside from lack of funds, I'm waiting for the Rubicon to get Chrysler's new 290 hp "Pentastar" V6 and an updated transmission, which is sure to be on its way.

 

[DocNrock]

I'll just throw this in again.  My '98 Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T has 68,0000 miles on it.  It previously was a daily driver and I've used it to tow my 20' Reinell fish n ski boat on many occasions.  My transmission has had zero problems.  The truck in general has been bullet-proof, so to speak.  It seems like others have had problems with Chrysler transmissions and that is fair.  I personally have not, but this is the only Chrysler vehicle I have ever owned.

 

[Torment Leaves Scars]

I'll just throw this in again.  My '98 Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T has 68,0000 miles on it.  It previously was a daily driver and I've used it to tow my 20' Reinell fish n ski boat on many occasions.  My transmission has had zero problems.  The truck in general has been bullet-proof, so to speak.  It seems like others have had problems with Chrysler transmissions and that is fair.  I personally have not, but this is the only Chrysler vehicle I have ever owned.

Seems you lucked out!

 

[Eric Banjitar]

All you need to steal a 1995-2010 Chrysler is a fifth-grade street education from the streets of St. Louis. Avoid them because they tend to drive themselves away around here anyway.

 

[AGWAN]

Not far from the truth. I can start most of them with a flathead screwdriver. of course a bunch of chevy's and fords are the same way.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Just to correct a little disinformation in this thread.  I am heavily involved in the light duty diesel industry - I write for a magazine and run the website for Dodge Diesel's.  The Chevy Duramax is NOT a Mercedes engine - it was designed by Isuzu and is made by DMAX Ltd in Moraine, Ohio - which is a joint venture between GM (60%) and Isuzu (40%).  Ford did NOT use Chrysler transmissions in the Super Duty line - they have always used corporate Ford transmissions (electronically controlled for quite some time, btw).  In the 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks Dodge's auto transmissions had problems through 2002 (47RE) - in 2003 they went to the 48RE transmission which has been a great transmission and VERY reliable.  Even the 47RE can be upgraded in the aftermarket to be a very reliable trans.  Ford's Diesel have been VERY problematic for quite some time - they had to buy back 10's of thousands of 6.0 liter diesels and they sued International over the problems.  The current Ford Diesel hasn't been out long enough to know how they are going to turn out.  Dodge's 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks have proven to be VERY robust trucks (although there are some problems - as ALL vehicles have).  I know of many that have over a million miles on them and most of those towing heavy loads.  

I have 280,000 very problem free miles on my '98 3/4 ton Dodge diesel and I've beat it hard - used to drag race it with over 600 dragstrip passes on it, towed all over the country (would tow my trailer to the races, unhook and race all weekend, then tow the trailer back home), a lot of off roading on the sand dunes, etc (and I uprated the engine to 400 hp/1,000 ft lbs of torque at the rear wheels at about 28,000 miles).  The driveline of the mid 90's 3/4 ton and 1 ton Dodges were FAR superior to Ford or Chevy, btw.  Ford used Dana 50's in the front of their 3/4 ton trucks in those years - Dodge used a Dana 60 - Ford used a Dana 70 in the read - Dodge used a Dana 80.  The main problem I have with my truck at this point is the bottom of the doors are rusted which is a very common problem in the 94-02 Rams and after 13 Michigan winters I definitely have that issue.  I'll be replacing the doors and plan to put 500k miles on it before I retire it as a daily driver.

The 1/2 ton trucks (all of them) are a different story.  Noone has asked (nor have I seen it) what the OP's use for his truck is - are you just looking for transportation or will you be hauling with it, etc?  1/2 ton trucks made from the 90's onward have been primarily people haulers - very light suspensions, light duty components, etc.  3/4 ton+ trucks are an entirely different breed and more like the "traditional" pickup truck.

 

[DocNrock]

I'll just throw this in again.  My '98 Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T has 68,0000 miles on it.  It previously was a daily driver and I've used it to tow my 20' Reinell fish n ski boat on many occasions.  My transmission has had zero problems.  The truck in general has been bullet-proof, so to speak.  It seems like others have had problems with Chrysler transmissions and that is fair.  I personally have not, but this is the only Chrysler vehicle I have ever owned.

Seems you lucked out!

So it might seem.  Mine even has the 5.9 L V8.

 

[Nando Vallart]

Hey Steve! I may use it just equal I use my car: driving on city's street and roads... My main appeal on the pickup is because it looks awesome and I'm thinking in buy a pickup because they're taller and usually tough than average cars...

I usually drive 6,500~7,000 miles a year... I'm just not sure on this overdrive on the transmission, of how it works... I'm searching for changes to 5 or 6 speed transmission trying to make it quick on the shifting... Saw this tciauto.com and transmissioncenter.net... Anyone does others?

In deed most people here thinks I may not like it. I'm taking these opnions, but I may test drive someday and see if I like. I'm not really worried if it's crude, I believe I can handle that. I'm a kinda stout person too And there is a difference in values of my car and the pickup and I ain't got the money now. So will have time to think, etc...

On the thief problem: there are just few of them here and I don't think they're stealled a lot, because it's easy to find... Any way I'm putting the tracking thing on it as I think it can't be secured as my '99 A3 (only one company does, at more than half the price of the car per year...). This one has thieffery problems, it's fast as hell, compact and does winds really good: if you don't hit a light pole, police ain't gonna get you (they drive 1.6l cars here, at most a V6 Blazer, which is a nightmare to turn ways). So, for bank robbery, they like it a lot :sad:

Thanks a lot for the comments guys! They're very helpfull. Even if I end deciding to buy one, I'll now the problems I can have

 

[Graffiti62]

I'll agree that not all Mopar equipment has a gearbox issue. My '97 Ram hasn't had any problems aside from the fact that the garage that flushed it was off by a half a pint when they filled it back up again. Then again, I have a bare-bones truck with just the V6 in it. As long as I don't have to climb around in my driveway underneath it anymore for a while, I'll be happy. I had a brake caliper seize up last week. That can honestly happen on any make and model of car--not just a Chrysler problem. I replaced both calipers with remanufactured units I bought at Advance Auto Parts ($20 a piece as long as I brought the old ones with me). Two new calipers and a new set of pads, and I was back on the road for under $75. I also had to fix a couple of wheel studs that broke off when a wheel loosened itself up when the garage I had my oil change done at forgot to torque the lugs to any real weight when it was having its tires rotated. That was spooky as sin--I was doing 55 down a state highway at night, and I felt the truck shake like a dog passing tacks. I pulled over, to learn that the wheel nearly fell off.

I'm actually very glad that FIAT has a big chunk of the Chrysler pie--they really do have some impressive vehicles. I am greatly hoping that the Fiat Panda is offered in the States, either as a Fiat or as a re-badged Chrysler product. Some of you in foreign lands may laugh, but a tought little car with four-wheel drive would fit my bill perfectly--I live in a very snowy part of the country, where driving to town can easily be 50-60 miles round trip. A Subaru would pe perfect, but up here, they're in such demand that the dealerships charge what they feel, and nobody complains about it.

For those of you who don't know what this car looks like, here's a pic of the 4x4 version:

Little car?  Very much so. But, if Clarkson, Hammond and May can spend hours gushing about how much they love it, it must be a good piece of work.

 

[Nando Vallart]

4x4, that is cool! In deed my idea is to buy a small car near in the future for most tasks... In a big city, the smaller the car you ride, the easier it is... But I want to have a cool car that I like for "have" it and drive once in a while :laughing7:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

A different motor altogether, but my '03 Dakota with 4.7L V8 ran like a champ.  It had 215 K miles on it, when I got rid of it and nothing under the hood had an issue.  I replaced the waterpump on it, which was quite easy.  7 bolts, an o-ring, no gasket.  I didn't have to remove the radiator or shroud.  From the time I started to running back on the road at the appropriate level was 1.5 hours, and that included a new thermostat.  I towed a little with it and did a few mods like headers, lower temp thermostat, larger intake, and larger (Ford) oil filter.  My mileage was anywhere from 18 to 21 mpg, not bad for a 4 door V8, albeit midsize.  And yes, Dodge dropped the ball on continuing the Dakota being a badass, though I've heard it's because they didn't want it to compete with their full sized line.  Imagine a modern Dakota R/T with 5.7 L Hemi.  In the end, a hailstorm cosmetically totaled it.  The age and mileage made it not worth fixing. 

As far as Dodge being flawed, and I could name a few more flaws, the ball joints are undersized, show me any company that isn't.  Chevy used to, and may still, glue on the door hinges.  Fords used to have the heaviest and slowest gas powered light duty out there.  It is/was the best selling, also the lowest sticker.