Possible GM convert here...

[kwick66]

Hello Gents!

First and foremost, I've always been a Chevy guy. They've treated me very well. I have over 200k on my '08 Duramax, and its time for me to get a new truck.
On my '08, the Duramax/Allison drivetrain has been virtually bullet proof. But a few other items drive me nuts. Mostly, the front suspension. The IFS is junk. Components are weak, and there is way too much prematurely wear on most major items; ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings/hubs, axles. Other items of mention: crappy quality interior, common transmission line leaks, sheet metal too thin, water pump leaks.

Ive never been a huge Dodge/Ram fan. Asthetically, Older Gens just didn't do it for me, and I had always heard of Transmission issues.

As I start my search for a new truck, the new Ram Trucks struck my interest. Classy looking truck, the interior is second to none, the Cummins is tried and true, and a solid axle front suspension.

As a veteran Silverado HD owner, I can provide a list of items that I'd wished that GM had invested more R&D into... As veteran Ram owners, lets hear what your thoughts are as to where Ram could/should improve.

So my question is this; What are the common quirks, failures, annoyances, and problematic items with previous gen Ram 2500/3500's, and are these expected to continue with the new '19/'20 models?

Any thoughts on the new/revised Cummins graphite block?

My apologies in advance if this post is in the incorrect category. (new guy around here)

 

[Deleted member 80]

I ended up a Dodge owner in '05, after an endless string of junk from Ford, and a lemon-lawed '04 Chevy with 8.1/Allison. I am on my second Ram, and about to order my third. They have been the best trucks I have owned, and I have owned a bunch. Are they perfect? Heck no. My '05 had a Cummins, and the engine was flawless. It had the 48RE automatic, and I had no problems with it. My current truck is a '15 with 6.4 Hemi. I was not doing much towing when I bought it, so that's why I didn't go Cummins, but as life goes, I bought a BIG gooseneck toyhauler, and I will have to go back to a Cummins. I will tell you the Aisin transmission is every bit as durable as an Allison. If you intend to tune the engine, drag race, or sled pull, then I can't say, but otherwise, I am confident of the longevity of the Aisin. The Ram chassis is as confidence inspiring when towing as you will find. The Cummins does not have the fast winding, quick feel of the V-8 diesels, but their endless grunt, and effortless pulling capability is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, once you get tuned it to how it works. There is a reason semis all run inline sixes. Issues? With the weight of the Cummins, ball joints can be a problem. My '05 3500 SRW needed ball joints at low miles. I don't know if that has improved on the newer trucks, but it won't stop me from buying another one. The Cummins/Aisin/Max Tow combo is the best there is, so go 3500 with HO and Aisin IMHO.

 

[gmchurch]

I also had all of these concerns when I decided to look outside of Ford, but once I drove my new ‘19 3500 I decided to take the plunge. I hope I made the right decision, but so far I love it! Mine will be a week old on Thursday.