Please! Advice needed!! should I buy a new Ram or...

[Suprteck]

First I fully realize I am asking this question of Ram owners so I expect to get a biased response. But Ive never owned a Dodge before so I dont have any prior experience with them.

I have a 04 Ford F-150 4x4 now and have had some issues that are being resolved in the form of a buy back. Being a squality concious as I am Im not sure If I should give Ford one more shot.

I realy like the Ram but am not sure of the quality. Things I cant stand are piston slap issues or engine knocking sounds internaly not from bad gas or anything like that but actual parts knocking.

A good friend recomends the Ram with a Hemi but warns it is a noisy motor knocking sounds ect.

What are your experiances with the new 04 or 05 Rams?

Anything a semi perfectionist like myself should be concerned about?(Fully realizing that all vehicles have some problems)

Since towing isnt a big issue, the 4.7 will tow what I need it to Which motor is more dependable and smoother. The 4.7 or the Hemi.

I was also instructed to only get the 5 sp auto tranny, the Mecedes tranny.

Im leaning toward Dodge this time around but would like to hear from some Ram owners.

Thanks in advance for you comments.

[BleedDodge]

I wouldn't buy a new one.

[kyslick]

I'm planning to go to the dealer tomorrow and see what kind of deal I can get trading my 04 clunkrolet I bought 2 f'in months ago. I wish I could get a buyback. How'd get to that point w/ your Ford?

[Suprteck]

Originally Posted by BleedDodge

I wouldn't buy a new one.

Really!?
why?
can you give me some specifics?

Thanx

as for my buy back, I lemon law'ed it.

[Suprteck]

Originally Posted by kyslick

I'm planning to go to the dealer tomorrow and see what kind of deal I can get trading my 04 clunkrolet I bought 2 f'in months ago. I wish I could get a buyback. How'd get to that point w/ your Ford?

So if i understand you have a chevy now and are going to get a new dodge??

[BleedDodge]

That's just what I would do. I can't explain it without being biased.

[scoutinkeith]

I'd buy one in a heart beat, but I'd have to get a 2500 'cause I really don't like IFS at all. and you can't get a manual trany with the hemi unless you get a 2500 or 3500.
for now though, I'm happy with the 99 dodge that I have. it's almost payed off, and I just can't justify spending $40,000+ for a new truck, when the one that I have runs and drives fine.

[Suprteck]

Originally Posted by scoutinkeith

I'd buy one in a heart beat, but I'd have to get a 2500 'cause I really don't like IFS at all. and you can't get a manual trany with the hemi unless you get a 2500 or 3500.
for now though, I'm happy with the 99 dodge that I have. it's almost payed off, and I just can't justify spending $40,000+ for a new truck, when the one that I have runs and drives fine.

Please tell me what IFS is.

I did a search of the threads and that didnt help.

Thanx

[fredjacksonsan]

IFS = independent front suspension

I've got an '04 1500 Quad 2wd V6 5spd. About 3000 miles, have had no problems. Have a little driveline vibration between 20-30mph when slowing down but other than that it's been fine.

The 4.7 is supposed to be a solid engine, either auto or manual trans available. The HEMI has great (more than 100hp over the 4.7) power, but you can only get automatic trans with it.

[BleedDodge]

You can get the manual transmission with the 5.7 now in the 2500.

[kyslick]

Originally Posted by Suprteck

So if i understand you have a chevy now and are going to get a new dodge??

Yeah, that was the thought, but after researching it, I'd be giving up too much $$$ to trade my Chevy, Dodge isn't giving enough cash back right now. My Chevy has issues. Slack in drive train, replaced instrument panel motor, defective side panel mouldings (replaced), albs has a self test that creates a big bump through the brake line at 10-11 MPH (you feel it like someone kicked you through the brake pedal - dealer told me it was normal), suck-ass stereo, "pop" in dash every few minutes. This is the first 2 months of ownership. The only issues corrected so far are the side panels and the instument panel motor.

[Jimi Hendrix04]

hey dude up there^ like last guy who posted (sorry iono how2 quote) i keep hearing a poppin sound in the dash too of my 99 ram 1500...i was wonderign if it was from the sun since its black. but i have no clue already stop one crack *bangs head on desk*

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by BleedDodge

You can get the manual transmission with the 5.7 now in the 2500.

True......just not in the 1500.

[Suprteck]

Ok so far I havent heard any one mention engine noise.

I used to have a 02 chevy 5.3L Z71 with bad piston slap, thats what i traded for the Ford.

Ive checked out some Dodge trucks at the local dealership the other day, one 4.7 and 2 Hemi's. Sounded fine at start up.

Has anyone experienced engine knock or piston slap in these motors.
And what about oil consumption? My chevy used 1- 1.5 qts in 3000 miles the ford with a new motor uses none.
Are dodges known for using oil?
Does any one have information or an opinion on the 5sp AUTOMATIC tranny that you can get in the truck the one that came from the Mercedes line.

Thanx

[BleedDodge]

My Dodge engine knocks, doesn't use much oil though. It never gets low enough between oil changes that I have to add. Typically you never hear of Mopars using oil. GM's are notorious for it.

The 5 speed auto is apparently a good idea. Dodge hasn't been able to make a good automatic ever since they stopped making the 727, but this new 5 speed is supposed to be good.