I have been looking at Dodge trucks and every mechanic has warned me away from them, citing problems such as transmission, front end, noisy diffs and general crappy Chrysler quality. I just sold a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee so I can attest to the crappy quality.

Are there any years where specific improvements were made to address the above issues? I know about looking for well-maintained trucks with records...

Thanks,

Barry

2wd or 4wd? Different front end designs. Check this forum for alot of commentary on all your concerns; there's a post on just abou each one I believe. Dodge changed the design starting in 2002 so if you're looking to avoid your mechanic's warnings, go with 02 and up. Overall though, almost everyone that has commented loves their truck.

Your mechanic only sees broken vehicles. Most people love their trucks and with a little lovin they run for a long time. Thats the same story as any manufacturer. Just ask Chevy people about their crappy v8's. Everyone has their problems.

I've got a 2001 V6 shortbed WT (worktruck) 1500 5 spd. manual

My Opinion FWIW:
- I paid $13,000 for this truck new as opposed to similar Ford or Chevy at 5 - 6 thousand more.
- I like the look of the Dodge
- I think trucks are trucks and carpets and fancy do dad's like auto trans. and power windows are superfluous garbage that have driven up truck prices so SUV wannabee's can have sumthing similar.
- Lotta Dodge owners around my nieghborhood and I don't here more complaints than Ford / Chevy owners.
- 2002 has new suspension and engine line up, as in V6 is OHC new guy, Hemi reputedley uses MIM parts....... 17in. rims.= more expensive tires.
- I wish I could have afforded an extended cab.
- Unless you're gonna do some haulin or towin I stick with a V6 since gas ain't gonna get any cheaper.
- Some say (can't confirm) Dodge auto transmissions don't last.

- Lastly: NO OFFENSE ment to 2002-2004 truck owners, I wish I could afford one.

I have a 96 1500 Ram ExtCab that I love. 83,00 miles and none of the problems your mechanic mentioned. Great build from the factory. Regular service including the automatic transmission, and all is well so far. I would not hesitate to buy another Dodge PU from 96 up.

I've heard lots of bad things especially about the new design, 2002 up until now. Bad brakes, leaking glass, wind noise, noisy differentials, are some of the things that I can remember hearing off the top of my head.

I like my 1997 because it has the old style dash, the kind that these trucks recieved in 1994, and I like it best.

I'm here to tell you that the V6 is probably pretty useless for anything unless you like wasting space and money. Big mistake on Dodge's part for putting this trash in their full size trucks and vans. I can't get any kind of gas mileage out of mine, it sounds like shit, and it hasn't got power enough to get out of it's own way. It can't be killed though, I don't think...