Faults:

We had to replace the front crank seal shortly after buying this vehicle which had 55000 miles on it.

The fan hub had to replaced at 55500 miles approx.

The water pump had to be replaced at about the same time as above.

The front pinion seal was replaced at 60000 due to leaking fluid.

We now have a thump we can feel upon acceleration and deceleration in the steering column and brake. Not sure what this is at this time, but have replaced the tracking bar at the advice of a front end shop. Still has not corrected the problem.

General Comments:

We obviously are not real happy with the reliability of this truck. The engine seems to be running strong, but the average person could not afford this truck with all the repairs Listed above. I certainly wouldn't recommend this truck to a friend or relative. At least to one I like.

Faults:

The differential went out at 43,000 miles. I had it repaired.

The transmission went out at 52,000 miles. I had it repaired.

The differential went out again at 57,000 miles. Dodge said, "Sorry! You are out of warranty."

General Comments:

The new car warranty expired at 36,000 miles, but Chrysler donated new parts as a courtesy. I had to pay the labor.

The transmission was over $1,200 to repair.

This latest fiasco is estimated at $1,100+. Chrysler says that since they already contributed to the first repair as a courtesy, that I will have to pay the entire bill myself.

I don't tow anything or abuse/misuse the truck in any possible way. Two rear ends and a transmission gone in a total of 57,000 miles sounds like a poor design to me. Chrysler should take full responsibility for this.

Faults:

Plenum Gasket failed 15,000 miles which will make engine ping incessantly. Plenum Gasket failed again at about 60,000 miles which led to a loss of 2.5 quarts of oil, plugged cat., and chemical clean of injection system ($450 later for a warranty issue?). Power steering pump failed at about 2,000 miles.

General Comments:

This vehicle has been very solid and reliable in Alaska for last 5 years, other than the darn gasket.

Body, interior, and running gear have all worked and lasted wonderfully.

Plenum gasket was another Dodge-ism that they neglected to remedy unless people caught them on it. Last time they fixed it, they said a new metal-clad gasket was being used for replacement.

I have not had any problems with transmission, but I have had it serviced three times. Friends that have had problems have not done that.

Faults:

The engine began pinging at about 50,000 miles. A dealer updated the PCM and tuned it which almost eliminated the problem. When it started up again around 65,000 miles, I re-routed the plug wires and put in 89 octane gas which has eliminated the ping, but is now eating my wallet too. This is common with Mopar since they don't use a "knock sensor" on their engines like Ford and Chevy do.

Front bearings and seals wore out around 65,000 miles. Unfortunately, the front ABS option requires a single bearing/hub assembly that costs $240 apiece.

Release bearing is starting to rattle after heavy stop and go driving.

General Comments:

I picked this truck after searching in vain for a 98 Chevy Z71 for months. One look and test drive and I was sold. Plus it was one year newer and thousands less than the 98 Chevy for which I was searching. The styling of the Ram is second to none. It still looks better than the new Ram and F150. As for Chevy, well, they must have broke the mold in 1998.

I was disappointed when the bearings went out and I had to replace the whole hub. This replacement seemed premature. Dodge should put a greasable bearing in there. Oh, well.

The pinging also bothers me. It's something that will never completely go away unless I rip off the PCM and throw a carb on it. The price we pay for emissions control...

My Ram is a 1500 short box quad cab with a manual (I was well aware of Dodge's auto troubles and I wanted a manual anyway). I got the ST model so there's no frivolous electronics to wear out unexpectedly. The floors are easy to clean and the seats are very comfortable. The center console is still the largest on the market and the gages are perfect. I keep a strict maintenance schedule and use the same brand oil and gas every change and fill. It is a very smooth highway cruiser and soaks up city potholes with ease.

Overall, this truck is magnificent! It starts everyday, hot or cold. It looks great dirty or clean. It plows through snow like a snowmobile. I've made four flawless cross-country trips with it in the summer and winter. The cab is huge and more comfortable than both my cars ever were. It would be nice to have more low end torque for going up hills or passing. But then again, it's a truck!

I highly recommend the Dodge Ram. It's not a car and not supposed to be a one. I love it for everything it does and doesn't do. For me, it's the perfect vehicle.