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06-20-2018, 06:08 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Divide
Posts: 267
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Gen 3 Ram may be showing its age
Couple of weeks ago I was pulling my camper back from Guntersville. I was almost home and made a left turn and the ABS light came on. After some research I found this is a common occurrence while towing when front wheel bearings are out of spec. Checked the bearings for runout and found none. However the bearings are so tight the tires will not free spin more than a few inches, even when the grease is warm.
At 14 years and 102k with a lot of sitting in the garage, I'm not taking and chances with permanent lubed items. New set of SKF front wheel bearings on the way as well as new Spicer permanent lubed U-joints.
I'm headed cross country in two weeks and I believe these were my most risky items.
__________________
2018 Hideout 31RBDS TT
2004.5 Ram Quadcab Short Box 2500 5.9HO, 2WD, Auto, 373s, Edge Insight CTS2.
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06-20-2018, 07:42 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
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Not broken just getting broken in. We are in the same boat ..... front end is the weak link. The rest of the truck is still like new.
Replace the bearings and you're "On the road again".
Might want to get your hands on a spare lift pump, that should be due soon.
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
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06-20-2018, 08:14 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Divide
Posts: 267
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hankpage
Might want to get your hands on a spare lift pump, that should be due soon.
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I’ve already made a preemptive strike on the lift pump. It was sounding grindey.
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06-21-2018, 03:08 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Columbia
Posts: 128
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Might just have to completely clean all old grease and repack with fresh grease. The old grease gets clumpy in the bearings. 192k on mine and don't want to use anything else!
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06-22-2018, 02:56 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,138
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Are Dodge Bearings like Ford, unit bearings?
I carry a spare as I’ve lost one going on a trip in the middle of nowhere. Have become adept at changing them.
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2017 Alpine 3661FL: For Sale
2021 Vilano
2020 F350 Crew DRW 6.7, 4x4, 10 sod auto, 4:10 gears
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06-22-2018, 03:41 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
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I am getting ready to purchase a new RAM 3500. I have read this thread and others as a prospective buyer and there seems to be a common denominator with Ram trucks and front end wear. I know there is a lot of weight on their front ends and 102K miles is a few weeks away, but one comment from a friend still sticks in my mind. "If you buy a Ram,the truck will fall apart around the motor". At this time I don't think that is enough to persuade me to spend another 10-15K on the competitors product.
Good info,thanks.
RMc
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06-22-2018, 03:58 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Kingston
Posts: 295
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I've owned 3 new Rams since 2002.
The '02 front end fell apart before year 1 and was replaced/rebuilt under warranty.
It then lasted 9 more years until I traded it on a '12.
No issues at all with the '12.
Both of those were 1500 (1/2 tons) with independent suspension, with the '02 being the first year they came out with one, I believe.
My current '17 3500 (1 ton) is back to the good ol solid front axle, and it rides like it too, but hopefully it will be more reliable in the long run and is more adept to the job.
Bearings are definitely a routine maintenance item though. Glad you caught the issue before it caught you
__________________
2013 Raptor 310ts Toy Hauler
2017 Dodge Ram 6.7l CTD DRW Laramie Longhorn
2008 FLHTC Harley.
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06-22-2018, 05:02 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Divide
Posts: 267
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fishsizzle
Are Dodge Bearings like Ford, unit bearings? .
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Yes they are unitized. I considered removing the ABS sensor and adding grease but decided against it.
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06-22-2018, 05:09 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Divide
Posts: 267
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harleydodge
I've owned 3 new Rams since 2002.
The '02 front end fell apart before year 1 and was replaced/rebuilt under warranty.
It then lasted 9 more years until I traded it on a '12.
No issues at all with the '12.
Both of those were 1500 (1/2 tons) with independent suspension, with the '02 being the first year they came out with one, I believe.
My current '17 3500 (1 ton) is back to the good ol solid front axle, and it rides like it too, but hopefully it will be more reliable in the long run and is more adept to the job.
Bearings are definitely a routine maintenance item though. Glad you caught the issue before it caught you
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I’ve been told the same thing about falling apart. I like to be proactive and replace with quality aftermarket replacement parts. I replaced everything in the front steering and suspension except bearings four months ago. Should have changed them then.
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06-22-2018, 05:33 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 503
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Hi,
Did you perform the "tire spin test" with the brake pads removed?
Reason I ask is, the symptom you describe could be a stuck brake caliper.
__________________
Lee & Christie
1970 F250 Highboy 4x4
2013 Cougar 21RBSWE
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06-22-2018, 05:47 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Divide
Posts: 267
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee
Hi,
Did you perform the "tire spin test" with the brake pads removed?
Reason I ask is, the symptom you describe could be a stuck brake caliper.
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I used a c clamp to push the calipers in.
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07-11-2018, 04:35 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Divide
Posts: 267
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Just rolled into Teller County Colorado. My old truck pulled 4 tons for 1200 miles and climbed 7300' in elevation. Never missed a beat. Couldn't be happier since I've spent a lot of time and energy getting her ready for the trip. The wind beat us up pretty bad but that's another subject.
__________________
2018 Hideout 31RBDS TT
2004.5 Ram Quadcab Short Box 2500 5.9HO, 2WD, Auto, 373s, Edge Insight CTS2.
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07-11-2018, 04:57 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: USA and Canada
Posts: 873
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I had considered getting a Ram 3500 when I was looking to upgrade from my 97 Ford. My research revealed that the Ram quality was much better on the 2012 and up trucks, over the previous models. Ram has heard your complaints.
__________________
2010 FZ 405
2011 F350 6.7 Dually w/Banks Power making 510 hp and 1065 ft/lbs torque
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