[RADC]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, but it seems like it has a lot of great information. Hoping some of you can help me out here - I am currently looking at an 07 Ram 1500 with 80,000 miles on it. What should I be on the lookout for when looking at this truck? Any chronic problems or parts that should have been replaced already? Any other advice to give? If the truck was taken care of, what kind of life can I expect to get out of the Hemi and tranny?

Thanks in advance for you responses!

 

[hydrex]

I'd have the front end inspected for ball joints and tie rod ends (because it's a truck) not because it's a Ram. I have 200,000 miles on my 05, it's been the best vehicle that I've ever owned. When you get it, service differential with correct Mopar synthetic lube, I'd drop trans pan, clean the magnet, replace both trans filters and refill with 8 qts Mopar ARF+4. I'd get a Sonnax line pressure booster for transmission, cheap insurance. I've sprayed a 100 shot, beat hell out of mine, nary an issue. I use Penzoil Platinum oil 5w20. If it drives good,handles good, stops good, it's probably a good truck. If it's got a big 8' snow plow on it, naw, not so good. BTW, my 05 RT Magnum has 300,000 miles and still burns no oil.:smileup:

 

[Thunderhorse]

The Hemi is probably the most reliable gas engine on the market today. The 545 RFE transmission is a reliable transmission as long as you don't go boosting the truck's power too much. It's torque limit is 410 lb-ft.

ETA: Here's something you'll find interesting:
http://www.allpar.com/cotm/13/caldwell-ram.html

 

[starquestbd22]

^^^^ Good info right there. There is just a little I can expand/add.

hydrex covered it with his recommendation to service the differential but in particular, figure out whether it has the LSD or "anti-spin" as Chrysler calls it. A lot of of the trucks with the LSD had retainer clip or c-clip issues in the rear diff. Nothing you should freak out about. Just means you should be extra vigilant about changing the rear diff fluid properly and on a regular basis so that you can get a good look at what's going on inside the housing.

Also, depending largely on your location and where the truck is from....these trucks are prone to develop rust in the bed sides directly over the rear wheels. It's especially prevalent in areas with cold climates where you will encounter a lot of road chemicals and also in trucks that do not have the factory rear inner fender liners. If it has the liners, chances are it's fine. If not, I would inspect it carefully. It's still probably fine if you can't see anything on the outside but you can pop a taillight out and look into the bedside cavity with a flashlight for confirmation. If it doesn't have the rear liners, they are a great investment for around $100.

Like hydrex said, if you take care of it, it will be a great truck for a long time.

Interesting read Thunderhorse. Thanks for sharing.