The original truck was finally replaced after 8 weeks, numerous letters to the dealer, district manager, and arbitration. I had paid cash, and did not have a vehicle for that time, not much for customer relations.
Wouldn't run worth a damn at the high altitudes where I live in Colorado, gutless, stalling, rough running. Unfortunately it had run OK where I purchased it at a much lower altitude. No-one could figure it out, they thought I was being picky, until several other customers also complained. Was a smog device, O2 sensor issue according to the dealer, (they thought it sounded good eh)???
Plastic interior parts are cracking already, no hard use, they just get too brittle in the 0 degree winter weather. You would think in a $35,000 truck they would use better quality materials.
Pop's out of 4 wheel drive when shifting from reverse to forward. Transmission sticks in LOW in cold weather, will not up-shift. Very hard to put in 4 wheel drive when below 32 degrees, sometimes impossible.
Decent power, OK gas mileage for a full size truck. Will look at a Toyota for sure next time around. Was warned ahead of time by other truck owners.
The truck is OK, I made the mistake of buying it for it's good looks. Just like on women, it's the inside that counts, but you don't find out till it's too late.
Shop around, and if you mind is set on the Dodge, take it for a serious test drive first, not just down the street. If the dealer balks, MOVE ON.
I hope you can help me. I need all the information I can get on the Dodge Ram 1500 V-8 2000 model. I am especially interested in problems with the transmission. I have a new truck 45,000 miles and the transmission went out. Dodge told me "Sorry" not under warranty. I know of 4 other people that have have this same problem. Any information you can provide would be very helpful. E-mail to: willis99@kih.net.
Thanks for your help.
The altitude is not the problem, I live in Fl. and the thing runs rough, pings and generally stinks. Plus now they are replacing the front main seal at 48,000.
I was going to buy a 2000 dodge 4x4.not any more after these notes on transmission problems...
The high altitude performance problem is easy to fix with some basic aftermarket products. First is an air intake kit. With higher altitudes there is less air. Less air means less power. Addition of an air intake kit, N&N for example, increase airflow into the engine. The more air you get into the engine the more power you get. If you have the money you could look into nitrous ($500+) and/or forced induction ($3000+). Nitrous oxide is a great system for instant power when you need it. Contrary to popular belief nitrous will not damage your engine when it is used properly. Another basic upgrade is the ignition system. NGK or BOSCH Platinum plugs with a set of MAGNICORE wires will give you an increased spark for more power and fuel efficiency. I encountered the same problems in altitudes in excess of 6500 feet before I did some upgrades. The problem quickly disappeared with the addition of an intake, spark plugs and wires. Also look into an aftermarket exhaust system to expel the gasses quickly for additional power and a more aggressive sound. BORLA, GIBSON and FLOWMASTER are some good companies to look into.
I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.2L V8 engine. At first the truck ran rough and made a knocking sound like a diesel engine. Then someone told me to try a using high octane fuel. It is about $.20 more, but I have not had noticed any knocking sense.
I bought this truck new and started using the high octane after the the first few months. I also us mobile 1 synthetic oil. I now have 134,000 miles and still as strong as ever. And I am pretty rough on it. I did have to rebuild the transmission at 125,000 miles.
Over all, I would buy another Dodge. But, I hope to get another 134,000 miles out of this one.
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