I have to agree with the comment regarding Dodge deteriorating quality. My
dad and I had a 86 Ramcharger. That was the best truck took it to the beach
Summer after summer for like 15 years, never any problems except for a
blowout one trip. The reliable 318 was strong and dependable. Replaced the
valve seals around 150 thousand miles and other than that it was oil changes
and baths. I loved that truck. To this day we have a '86 dodge pick up with
the slant 6 damm this runs like a champ and we abuse it. Haul branches,
rocks and basically the work truck. In high school I had a 73 dodge dart
with a slant 6 and it also ran like a champ was great car for me to learn
about cars and mechanics. So I bought a Dodge truck expecting the same
quality :-( I have also considered selling Dakota and buying a different
make. But economics always seems to steer me away.
While I haven't had quite the repair list as Josh I have replaced the front
right hub, which is bad again and needs replacement, I say hell with it I am
not replacing it @ 150 dollars plus 15 for some stupid nut you can only use
once what is that all about. All the ball joints are shot, upper and lowers
on both sides. Shocks need replacement, Driver window, Power windows is
going out and has been since I bought the truck. The manual transmission :-
P ( will never buy a manual again) pops out of first sparactically. The
center console tether strap broke. And not to even begin to mention all the
different rattles and creaks. But one positive note is the motor the 4.7 is
strong and has quite some potential for upgrades. I choose not to upgrade on
such a sketchy chassis.
Sorry guys this is the not Dodge I remember and love.
Welcome the new age ---Daimler Chrysler
Last Dodge for Me!!
Sam P.
San Marcos, Tx
""Josh Battles"" <jbattles@bankfinancial.com> wrote in message
news:bl1mf4$3r2$1@bent.twistedbits.net...
>
> "Terrible Tom" <SilverEightynine@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> >
> > There have been some recent posts detailing problems with Daks and
> > Durangos that are only a few years old... which I find alarming. Josh's
> > heater core, fuel economy issues, fuel gauge issues, electrical stuff
> etc...
> >
> > the heater cores on my abused 14 year old Gen I trucks have never gone
> > out... neither have the fuel gauges.. and up until I took Christine for
> > a swim - the fuel pumps were both original.
> >
> > It really bothers me to think that problems of that nature would start
> > happening in trucks only a few years old. It makes me worry about my
> > new (used) Ram... I haved noticed some quality issues with it already.
> > Primmarily cosmetic and superficial - but the drivers side door panel
> > feels flimsy and lose... the drivers side window rattles as it rolls
> > down.. and the drivers side power door lock switch is a little lose.
> > Everything functions... but I think quality and craftsmanship has
> suffered.
> >
> > Be it related to the take over of Chrysler by Daimler... I dont know.
> > But I wouldn't be suprised if that had an effect.
> >
> > Terrible Tom -- AIM & Yahoo Name: SilverEightynine
>
> I've noticed that as well, Tom. It looks like the quality has gone down
> severly. If this is the continuing trend of dodge vehicles, I don't know
if
> I could buy another one when it's time. Sometimes I want to sell the
truck
> and take the loss, if I can get something more reliable in it's place.
> Then, other times I love it and wouldn't consider selling it for anything.
>
> In the 51k miles I've had this truck, I've had the following replaced:
>
> all 4 ball joints - 2 times under warranty
> steering rack including outer tie rod ends
> front brakes at 500 miles and again at 48k miles
> rear brakes at 50k miles
> passenger seat frame (the back broke)
> business console trim
> driver side window mechanism - twice
> both front wheel bearings
> shocks
> driveshaft and u-joints
> transmission
> A/C condenser coil (the part under the hood)
> upper and lower radiator hoses
> cracked thermostat housing
> left side striker for the tailgate was added - truck did not come with it
> from the factory
> swaybar bushings - warranteed at 30k b/c they were cracked
>
> needs to be replaced:
> LSD unit - it slips badly, with regular fluid changes at 20k mile
intervals
> (including friction modifier)
> all 4 ball joints
> heater core/hoses - yet to pinpoint the problem
>
> seems a little excessive for a 3 year-old truck, yeah? I can't wait for
the
> 2005 redesign of the mustang...
>
> --
> - Josh
> Lowered 2000 Dakota CC 3.9L
> www.geocities.com/lenny187/dakota.html
>
>
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