Noise while turning could be a problem with the differential side gears. It sould have had synthetic in it from the factory, and that's probably what the dealer used. As long as they fixed it...

My last Ford didn't specify a routine axle change either, but I changed it a couple of times anyway- cheap insurance.

Overall I'm pretty happy with my Cummins, though IMHO Dodge's interior fit and finish is a bit behind Ford. I do like the way the engine runs, and how it tows, which for me was more important.

 

Yeah I hear you on the nice interiors that Ford has... But I am more interested in using my truck as a truck. Not that the Ford won't do the work either, but they can get too nice to drag mud into.. and that isn't what I am about.

Actually, this is the first Dodge I have owned. Up until then, I had always bought Fords. But I had a bad experience with a car, extended warranties not being honored, and having to call Jaq Nasser's office to get someone to pull their head out of their backside to get them to do anything about it. It just left a real bad taste in my mouth that has not gone way.

The RAM has been a darn good truck, with the aformentioned RE issue the only problem in 60,000 miles. I have been really pleased with it.

I am very happy with the room the Ram has in it but when I get the next one, I am really looking forward to the maxi cab dually. That thing is absolutely awesome space wise. I have two boys, one is 6'4", and my 10 year old is going to be a bruiser like me too... (6'5" 320, but now down to a svelt 265) I do not doubt he will top the older brother in height and weight when he is all done growing. He needs the room in back. Heck, he is already 5'6" and weighs in around 125. And he is only 10. A linebacker for sure. Nearly $50K is going to put a dent in my budget though. Luckily, I can write most of it off as a business expense. Otherwise I could not afford it.

 

Yeah, I hear you.

Dodge's not-quite-crew-cab will hold full sized adults in back in reasonable comfort, but not for long distances. Looking at bigger 5th wheels in the future, my next truck will be a dually, but I don't want the mega-dually unless they increase GCWR and make a long box (don't want to mess w/slider hitch).

I will have to see what the details are on the 4500 and 5500 series cab and chassis looks like. Supposed to have a new aisin auto, and bigger Cummins, but it will have cooled EGR system, and some sort of particulate filter... none of which is likely to do much for fuel efficiency. Variable vane turbo is supposed to be able to double as an exhaust brake and absorb more power than previous trucks w/Jacob (like mine).

5500 series GMC 4x4 crews are kind of cool, but I wonder about having the same basic pickup drivetrain in something that heavy.