Hemi Ram - feedback?

[Turbodave]

Ok, thinking of looking at 03-06 3/4ton Ram pickups.

Originally I was set on getting a Cummins truck, but I've run the numbers and on paper it's really smarter for me to go with a V8 truck. I don't drive the truck daily, so I expect to put about 10k miles/year on whatever truck I own. At least 1/2 of my driving is done with a single place car trailer, and some form of broken turbo car on it (total of about 2.5tons typically being towed). My 1/2ton 5.2 magnum powered 96 Ram has done me well for the last 160k miles and is still going strong.

In the used truck market the Cummins trucks seem to be bringing about $10k more than a comparable gas truck. That's a lot of fuel to save to make up that difference, especially with diesel about $0.60 more than unleaded per gallon right now.

Anyhow, just looking for personal experiences with the Hemi trucks as well as anything to look out for on a new one. I'm looking to find one with under 50k miles on it, and will probably go with a 4x4 quad cab.

[Bardo]

one thing to keep in mined about the CTD. it might be about 6 to 10k more but when it comes time to get something new your going to get a better turn around. and with the ctd you can run veggie. and being that its almost free thats a lot better than 3.22 per gallon

[GLHS592]

I just picked up a 1997 3500 with a CTD. It DID NOT cost me $10k more than a comparable gas truck. I think it might have been $2000-$3000 more than a 360 powered version, if you can find one of those. You should buy your friend's 1997 that he priced to me. You won't regret a Cummins.

[Bardo]

I just picked up a 1997 3500 with a CTD. It DID NOT cost me $10k more than a comparable gas truck. I think it might have been $2000-$3000 more than a 360 powered version, if you can find one of those. You should buy your friend's 1997 that he priced to me. You won't regret a Cummins.

+1

[Turbodave]

I just picked up a 1997 3500 with a CTD. It DID NOT cost me $10k more than a comparable gas truck. I think it might have been $2000-$3000 more than a 360 powered version, if you can find one of those. You should buy your friend's 1997 that he priced to me. You won't regret a Cummins.

I've thought about Joe's truck, but I would really rather stick with a 3/4 ton and prefer 4wd to 2wd.

Right now I really like the newer body style and 4 regular doors, that's why I am looking at the 03-and newer ones.

Around here most of the 02 and older trucks have rust issues on the door bottoms, fender lips etc.. It's all repairable, but I can't bring myself to take out a loan on something I have to fix right away. I've thought about buying a truck from the southwest, but it's hard for me to find the time to fly out there and drive it home. Also kind of leery about buying sight unseen on a major purchase like that.

It seems with the newer trucks unless I go with something that's high mileage (200k plus) the 3/4 ton's are all in the 25k -30k price range. Similar Hemi trucks are going for 15-20k. The prices on the 02 and older trucks are a bit closer as you've noticed Kevin.

I've seen a few 03 V10 3/4 tons as well for a good deal, but the fuel mileage of those has got to be horrible.

[GLHS592]

I wouldn't touch a V-10 truck. Our materials and tests HQ has two of them that they use to test skid resistance on the roadway. They get around 9 mpg and tend to have no power after 100k miles. The skid trailer is around 5000 lbs. and they say you can really feel it back there.

There are a bunch of nicer trucks around here. Fly down and we'll go look at a few.

[Turbo3Iroc]

I have an 04 Hemi 1500 and though it is enough to get the job done if I had to do it again, I would get the 3/4 ton and diesel. It has been very reliable for me and like you about half of the miles on my truck are towing. I've had it 4 years this week and just turned 36K. CTD's are also availabe in a 6 speed manual but are quite rare if that is your preference.

[BadAssPerformance]

....There are a bunch of nicer trucks around here. Fly down and we'll go look at a few.

I might be down for that

[karlak]

I have an 04 Hemi 1500 standard cab. I do not tow a lot with it but have noticed when I have a load that makes it work I do not like the auto transmission. It tends to shift a lot more than I want even when in tow mode. The motor has plenty of power but that trans has a mind of its own. If I towed more I would get the cummins.

[GLHS592]

I might be down for that

Come on down.

[Turbo3Iroc]

I have an 04 Hemi 1500 standard cab. I do not tow a lot with it but have noticed when I have a load that makes it work I do not like the auto transmission. It tends to shift a lot more than I want even when in tow mode. The motor has plenty of power but that trans has a mind of its own. If I towed more I would get the cummins.

There is a service bulletin to correct this. I was very disappointed after I towed with it the first time but the bulletin helps it a lot.

[Warren Stramer]

My 2004 1500 quad cab Hemi has been very dependable, has plenty of towing power (I pull a 7000lbs enclosed trailer bout 6000 miles/ year) absolutely no trouble. Gets 16-18mpg empty and 8mpg fully loaded trailer.
Yes the trans does shift alot, had the reflash as per tsb. and helped greatly. At first all that shifting was a bit unnerving but I just let it do what it wants and just flat gets the job done. Dodge went from having the worst trans to now the absolute best in class.
I towed fully loaded to SDAC 16, plugged in my scan tool to monitor everything during the trip,I towed 900 miles against a 20mph head wind with 105 degree temps, trans never exceeded 200 degrees. After that trip I have always had confidence in my truck.

[BadAssPerformance]

My 2004 1500 quad cab Hemi has been very dependable, has plenty of towing power (I pull a 7000lbs enclosed trailer bout 6000 miles/ year) absolutely no trouble. Gets 16-18mpg empty and 8mpg fully loaded trailer.
Yes the trans does shift alot, had the reflash as per tsb. and helped greatly. At first all that shifting was a bit unnerving but I just let it do what it wants and just flat gets the job done. Dodge went from having the worst trans to now the absolute best in class.
I towed fully loaded to SDAC 16, plugged in my scan tool to monitor everything during the trip,I towed 900 miles against a 20mph head wind with 105 degree temps, trans never exceeded 200 degrees. After that trip I have always had confidence in my truck.

Damn, that sounds like a good truck...

[fleckster]

Yes, the early 45RFE transmission trucks had some software issues and as a result, the did wander a lot, but it was soon corrected (through the TSB) and the newer trucks don't have these issues and are actually 545RFE which makes them 5 speed autos and a sixth gear that is only used for kickdown that is referred to as 2 Prime. My '05 Short bed/Regular Cab Hemi Ram Laramie 4x4 rocks! I can get 18.5mpg if I am careful and with my steel plate 18' trailer and one of my turbo Mopars on it, I can get 12.5mpg towing on level ground. Make sure you go with a truck with the 3.92 gears in it as it makes it nice enough to not have to down shift out of OD all the time. I actually don't even use the Tow mode of the trans as I get better mileage without it. If I start to get into serious hills, then I will as it allows the lock up converter to be engaged and will try to stay in 4th (or 3rd if required) with the converter still locked up.

[yogurt_slinger]

Got a white 04 quadcab 1500 4x4 with the hemi. The gas mileage sucks....bad especially if you keep weight in the back for bad weather, I average about 11.3 with weight in the back. 13mpg without any extra weight and I don't have mds. One thing I can tell you, DON'T GET THE 20" WHEELS, I just paid close to a grand for cooper zeon offroad tires(the stock tires suck). Also, make sure the truck your looking at has ABS, my truck doesn't and its REALLY scary sometimes if I hit ice or compacted snow, its like trying to stop a freight train. The other thing that bugs me about the hemi, is a Fly-by-wire throttle setup which I don't like, you can press the go peddle down a little and nothing happens.. You get used to it but, its just one of those things that bugs me, I'll take a throttle cable anyday. Otherwise, I really like the truck, tows well, good power, drives very well, its a good ole big truck.
I am really looking forward to the 09s, I love those side bed storage compartments and more power. The awkward rear swap bar looks a little weird for offroading but we'll see.

good luck
Bryan

[yogurt_slinger]

another thing I forgot to mention, the lower inside lip on my tailgate is already rusting!!! so are the bolts on the inside of gas door. kinda sad for an 04

[Warren Stramer]

Yes I agree with the throttle by wire comment, I dont like it either, I have not driven any vehicle with TBW that I like (any make or model). It has some benifits but the negetives are very irritating, especially when towing with the cruise control acctivated.

I have the 20" wheels and I like them, and the original Goodyear Wrangler HP tires have been good with 54,000 miles on them so far and still lookin good. I will replace them with the same tire.
I just inspected my trucks under carriage, on my lift, and could not find even the slightest leak anywhere, not even oil sweat. (54,000 miles).............This truck does EVERYTHING better than my Silverado.

[yogurt_slinger]

The stock HPs are good if you don't go offroad or drive in snow(they smoke well)...my cooper zeons(only avail at discount tire), are WAY better in the snow and other slick surfaces, I think they were about $178 per tire.. good luck finding them in stock though because its the only resonably priced offroad tire for the ram with no suspension lift. I had to have them shipped from other discount tire stores.

[Turbodave]

Thanks guys for the feedback. If money were no object I'd have cummins 6 speed truck in the driveway, but the Hemi trucks sound like they will get the job done too. I've got a buisiness venture that could help my finances and that will probably help me decide which way to go.

[Turbo3Iroc]

Hey Warren, thanks for posting your mpg toting an enclosed trailer. Been considering one and have been curious about the mileage.