29th Aug 2002, 10:10
I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, and now it has 220 000 KM on it, and all I had to replace was the Transmission oil pan seal, that's it. It drives like new, and I am actually very pleased with it. It has lots of power, drives smoothly. One thing I don't like is the quick wear on the steering wheel, its down to metal on the top, and I had to get a steering wheel cover. And I think one of my wheel bearings is starting to go. Overall I am happy with this truck.
5th Sep 2002, 11:17
1998 Quad Cab 2wd 5.2. 128,000 so far. Only problems were pinging (fixed with a computer recalibration, this made gas mileage even worse) and an ABS sensor. Transmission is on the way out, but it looks like I should consider myself lucky from what I've read here.
8th Sep 2002, 12:09
I have a 1997 Dodge Ram Extended Cab, short wheel base V8. It has 100,000 miles on it and the transmission is shot. This truck has never pulled anything. It is customized and looks great. After talking with other owners of '97 Dodge Rams I find almost everyone I come across has had problems with the transmission. How can Dodge get by with this? I am furious! I have friends with GMC trucks, Chevy trucks made in the same year and none of them have these problems with their trucks. My advice is: if you are thinking about buying a Dodge no matter how good it looks, don't walk, run on by. As soon as mine is fixed I'm getting another truck and it won't be a Dodge, ever. I won't be recommending one to anybody either. As matter of fact, I'll suggest they visit this web site.
8th Sep 2002, 23:07
I have a 1998 5sp club cab 4x4. When I bought it I realized Dodge is incapable of building automatic transmissions, electric windows or seats. I had the pleasure of owning an intrepid...trans, c.v. joints before 60,000 KILOMETERS. I have 105,000 k on my truck (60,000 miles) and my manual seat catch has broken, and I have worn lower ball joints and a front U-joint. I work on cars frequently, when my wife wanted an automatic... we got a Honda. Never thought I'd say it, but if you want options, go foreign. I'm lucky, my local Dodge guy is excellent... too bad he doesn't sell Hondas... I don't know what my Honda guy is like... I guess that says it all.
3rd Oct 2002, 17:02
I've got a 1997 Dodge 1500 2WD, 5.9L Auto. I bought it used with over 330,000 km on it over a year ago. The company I bought if from showed me their repair records, and all they had done was brakes, tires and a battery. One recurring problem I have now is that every couple weeks the engine light comes on, when they scan it it says the RPM didn't drop when the torque converter locked up. I've had 4 different shops take it for a drive with the scanner connected, but it never does it for them. The only other problem I've had is the fuel pump died a few weeks ago. Other than that it drives great, has loads of power. It now has 360,000km on and doesn't even burn 1/2 liter oil between changes. I've never had a truck I like as much.
16th Oct 2002, 10:05
Yes, indeed. I have found some new friends. I have a 1997 Ram 1500 4WD with about 65000 miles on it. I have towed a car dolly with a 1971 Volks-Wagon once when it was a year old. Its been off road once. After that "Easy Life" it is now sitting at one of the local transmission shops. (Not a Dodge dealer) Apparently I was lucky to get this thing the 4 miles back home. The tech says that "Flashing" from one of the valve bodies wasn't removed properly during initial assembly, and has now found its way into one of the internal valves, where it has ruined the upper valve body, torque converter and the valve its-self.
On a more cheerful note, the local dealer (s) all tell me they will make me a "Super Deal" on a shiny new Ram! "Just stop by and we will set you up!" Thank you so much Dodge, for such a wonderful product!
17th Oct 2002, 13:10
I sure wish I saw this website back when we thought we were buying the greatest truck! You can bet any truck we decide to replace the Dodge with, I'll be checking websites like these. We have '96 Dodge Ram 3500, dually, and pull a 28' camper. We don't use the truck for much else. We've had the truck for about a year now and are on the second transmission. We know the original owner put at least one in, along with a new rear end. We bought the truck second hand, dealer told us the guy cried when he had to give it up. I get it now... he cried freaking tears of joy!!! What a piece of crap and if there's anyone out there who has started anything that might get Chrysler to give a hoot about anyone who bought a vehicle from them, write to us (Al or Ann) and we'll jump on your bandwagon with you. Looks like these are going to be some heavy bandwagons! Wagons ho! AnnNASCAR@yahoo.com.
17th Oct 2002, 22:25
I own a 97 ram 1500 4x4. Only problem ever is transmission. Went in for air condition service, told them to check shifting of transmission also. They called me that afternoon and told me my transmission was shot, and it had to be overhauled. When I got it back, it shifted just like it did before they touched it. The transmission lasted for 9 months. Torque converter exploded. Dodge replaced the torque converter, and??? CLEANED the transmission? The transmission didn't get my home. My truck was towed back to the dealer the Next day. Oh my, they say the transmission has now let loose, and must be rebuilt. Picked my truck up 5 days later... didn't make it home, transmission blew up again. Truck was towed back to dealer the next day. This time they are going to install a factory rebuilt unit. That's great! Picked my truck up 4 days later... guess what, didn't make it home. Truck went back to dealer the next day, blown transmission. Dealer replaced the entire unit again with another factory rebuilt unit. Truck ran OK for a few weeks, but sometimes wouldn't down shift to first gear. This was an intermittent problem that got more frequent as time went on. I took it back to the dealer, survey says... bad transmission, this time the valve body. Keep in mind this is all within 20,000 miles. I take care of my truck, don't pull trailers, don't go go off road, very well maintained. Dodge you have a serious problem with your transmissions. Take some of the money back from Aerosmith and send it to your research department maybe they can find the problem, and get the thorn out of your side. Remember customer satisfaction comes first.
Tony DeCosmo
Hudson, Florida.
15th Aug 2002, 01:25
I have a 1997 Dodge extended cab SLT Laramie 5.2 Liter motor.
Since I owned it, I have had several problems.
At 8500 miles we had a knocking & tapping noise. Took it to the dealer; they said it was normal.
Then I had to have it towed in, because the slave cylinder went out. Told them about the noise again. They said it needed to have a chemical clean done. Within a month or two, the noise was there again.
Then it started using 4 or 5 quarts of oil between oil changes. I change my oil every 3000 to 3500 miles.
Had several tune ups trying to get rid of the spark knock, then after my warranty was up, I took it to a different mechanic shop, & they told me the intake manifold gasket was bad, & it was a common thing on Dodges.
A few months later, the knocking was back, a little at first, & now it's back to being real loud, so guess what it's probably the gasket again, & I only have 60000 miles on it.
Well I'm gonna quit now, or I'll be here all night, telling you my problems with my Dodge.