2002-2008 Dodge Ram 3rd Gen Buyer's Guide (Exterior, Interior, Engines, Common Problems)
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- Опубликовано: 26 янв 2020
- 10th Gen Dodge Ram Buyer's Guide!
Are you looking to buy a used 2002-2008 3rd Gen Ram? This a full review and buyer's guide that will inform you about the exterior, interior, specs, engines, and common problems for the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram.
This video covers the following:
Exterior Design and History of the 3rd Gen Dodge Ram
The 3.7L Magnum V6, The 4.7L Magnum V8, The 5.7L Hemi V8, and Finally The Viper 8.3L V10 engine!
The Ergonomic and upgraded interior with a strong focus on comfort
Common Ram Problems to look for when buying a used truck
If you are looking at used Dodge Rams, this video will show you what the common issues are for the 3rd Gen Rams. Are you wondering what the best engine is, what transmission to get, whether you should get a Megacab, or the best model to buy? This video will cover it all for you.
This is a must see video for any Dodge Ram Fan! 
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06 SLT, Great truck. Great engine. Everyone modifies over time, they keep rolling.
Believe it or not, the 2002-2005 Ram quad cab is the best looking truck..
I’m with you bro
Preach
It is
I like the 2nd gens better
I prefer second gens but me and my wife both have 2005 quad cabs and they're beautiful trucks
Have an 08 5.7 with 312K. Still Running like new. . Best V8 Engine I’ve ever owned. Bought New and Drive it Daily 80mi to and from Work. Has Lifetime Power Train. So I’m keeping this Truck Forever 😊
I just bought a 08 330,000 miles only prob so far is the exhaust manifold bolts snapped
Same here, have an 08 Ram Bighorn 4×4 hemi. 195000 miles and still runs like new. Truck is in Excellent condition and never had a problem except o2 sensor. A lot of people claim the 02 through 08 hemi are the best ones out there and bullet proof !!
Same here I bought a 2008 Dodge Ram Lonestar 1500, 5.7 L hemi Flex fuel back in 2007 somewhere around late September. It was a big sale and they were calling it "The King of trucks!" I Too have lifetime powertrain for as long as I have it in my name. She has close to 350,000 MI. I forgot how much running time it has but it's close to 2 years. I'm never going to give it up. I bought a 2018 Laramie edition. After 600 mi working at the plants, 50 miles one way in 10 mi back Formosa plant near point comfort Texas and Lolita. The rear end locked up on me. Almost killed me! Long time behind it.
That sounds like an awful commute
Just recently hit 200k miles on my 2005 single cab Daytona edition Ram 1500 (Go Mango Orange). Been an awesomely fun truck for the past 15 years.
Make a vid of it! A tour of sorts
Mine is at 300k but I engine swapped
@@gunslingingoni I am still using the original everything engine and transmission wise. I am at 212k miles now.
@@LeadStarDude nice i have a quad cab hemisport
I have my 08 ram big horn and man is it still running like new, interior and exterior still looking in excellent condition, best truck to get out there in my opinion
Same here. Mine has 120,000 and all I`ve done is replace the water pump.
As long as you take care of it, it will take care of you. Love my Rams. Great truck with awesome power..
Love my 06 4.7 150k
No duh but you can’t take care of something before u buy it
Reliable trucks and they will last you if you treat em well like any vehicle
Gypsy :) 07 5.7 Hemi 98k
@@daejames8291 that’s not much miles. That truck wasn’t driven much huh. Welp it’ll last a long time... as long as it gets treated well and maintained
great vid, love my 03 5.9L....190k miles and going strong. Everyday wear and tear items but easy truck to work on. Love my 3rd gen but the 2nd gen were some of the best looking trucks ever produced....a touch of old school meeting new.
I'm new to the ram life got a 04 ram 1500 5.7 4x4 174k shes happy
05 I've had no problems, and absolutely love it still.
I have an 04 1500 with the 3.7 v6 2wd base model work truck with 362,000 km (250,000 miles) on it and aside from all the rust and the transmission slipping sometimes, it still runs great. Now im about to buy an 08 1500 with the 5.7 and 4wd and couldn’t be happier. Dodge FTW!!
My neighbor gave me the same truck when he moved away. 102k miles. Already needs all 4 ball joints.
@@benztech2262free truck can’t complain
Just under 240k(238,673) miles on my 2003 and still running like the little engine that could. Fairly impressed GM guy.
4.7 ?
@@brimmez7135 Yeah. 03 variety. Not sure of they kept the same configuration in the newer 3rd generation but my odometer is now at 249,372. Got another on order for when she finally gives.
Hey man what do u do if the emission light stays on and the car shuts off on idle
My 02 ram its becoming a pain in the ass just because the last owner didnt took good care of it i replace a part and another one breaks, it became real chalenge to me but i will get out of this and have a great truck with new parts
I've got a 2004 Dodge Laramie 1500 4 weal drive and I still love it it's been an great truck but I've took care of it it stays in my garage out of the weather but it has 156000 miles on it and it's been over all great
Have a 2007 ram 4x4 quad cab with the 4.7. It’s been well taken care of and is a sharp truck. Has 251k miles and the engine sounds perfect aside from exhaust leak on cold start as you mentioned. The 4.7 isn’t the fastest thing ever but it does good for what it is and has had no problems in the 40k miles I’ve owned it. IMO these are some of the best trucks you can buy if they’ve been taken care of and maintained properly.
Love my 2006 5.7 Sport! It’s got almost 360,000 miles on the original engine and trans.
I love my 2008 Ram 1500 with 125,000 miles on it. I wanted a truck but didn`t want payments so I traded my 2013 Equinox straight up for it a couple of years ago and haven`t regretted it as they both had about the same miles on them. I did have to replace the water pump at 115,000 but that`s it.
3rd gen Dodge Ram is the worlds most perfect pickup
Mine is an 07 with 190,000 I am second owner purchased with 48,000 miles. Original hemi drivetrain and only had good maintenance done to it. Modified with 2 inch level kit, has 2013 Dodge sport wheels, 34.6 inch tall tires and a Thunderstruck grill guard. Would post pic if could, no rust.
I have 234,000 miles on a 2003 Quad cab with the 5.7 Hemi only major problems have been water pumps, and broke an exhaust spring at 100,000 miles. No problems with the 4x4, still hauls arse when called upon. Very satisfied with the truck.
Just came into a 04 2500 that has 25pk on it. Only thing it needed was a new throttle body, idler and tensioner pulley and some minor tlc, fluid flush and fill and such you do that you when you get a used truck.
Solid truck overall as long as you keep up with basic maintenance engines also before the MDS cylinder deactivation generation I really became a Achilles heel to those hemis
Still loving my ‘05
Nice channel.
I like second generation, last one with suicide doors and club cabs
If you live in the NE USA or southern Canada than good luck finding these without rust. It's like a unicorn
Yes, yes indeed I know firsthand
Some of yall are lucky I got a 2004 big horn and had to replace the engine at 188,000 thousand and installed it myself but in all it's still a strong pick up truck 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
I love my 2006 4.7 TRX, not a lot of options, but comfortable and powerful enough for my needs
Thx for the video.
2005 quad cab 2500 SLT with 5.9 Cummins. 330K on it here. The heater/AC blower door he talks about in the video got me about 2 years in. Cheap plastic gear on the blower door snapped and I heard the big clunk when it fell down. Good luck replacing it yourself. $500 at the dealer to pull the dash to replace it. There's like 4 of these doors that can break so if you need to replace 1 do all 4 and get the metal gear doors. I found a biz online that sells these blower doors that have a metal gear on them. $200 for 4 doors. Terrible design to use plastic on something that takes a lot of torque.
2 transmission rebuilds, a couple water pumps. Stock batteries were Sears Gold Diehard that lasted 5 years. Sears stopped making these Gold Diehards so the best i can find is the Optima Red batteries.
The headlights suck so i upgraded to the Sylvania top of the line. I tried to upgrade the backup lights to the super bright LEDs but they dont work without a modification. I changed out all the overhead interior lights to LEDs. The old lights ran hot and made the lens covers brittle, I broke one taking it off. The housing of the 2nd overhead light also cracked from the heat.
Have the valves adjusted at 200K.
Right now my mileage has dropped from 19 mpg to 11 mpg. Diesel mechanic buddy says to replace the exhaust gas pressure sensor and the intake manifold pressure sensor. The variable geometry turbo on these engines relies heavily on the readings of those two sensors to position the VGT in the proper position. Those sensors are well known “wear parts”. They are not expensive and pretty easy to change. After that its injector time. Brakes, wheel bearings and transmission don't appear to be causing the mpg issue.
1st diesel ive owned. Great for towing or cruising. Downside is you have to turn the motor off to talk to someone like in a drive through. Diesel sound spooks critters so my using the truck as a blind on a hot day for photography doesnt work. Mileage was good compared to gasser trucks ive owned that got 11mpg. Lots of low end grunt with this truck. I thought electric heated seats were for sissies but as i get older, a nice warm backside is a nice luxury.
I have an '07 2500 that is built tough. Replaced a few things, but overall a great truck. No Hemi Tick here! The Tick started after shifting plant locations to our southern neighbor.
3rd gens- only get a Hemi. 06-08 is the way to go 👍🏻
My stepdad bought a 07 Hemi brand new in 07. It has 130k today and I am the new owner 👍
Or the 360 in the 02-03 models.
Hemi yes, 06 to 08 interior is gross and the 02 to 05 body looked way cooler and no mds or struts like 06 to 08
06-08 are the ugliest trucks ever
Whats wrong with 05
My 2003 3/4 ton just rolled 100,000 miles about a month ago, it only had 68,000 on it when I bought it in 2015. I'm in Iowa and the body is still virtually rust-free. There's a pic of it on my channel home page. Almost seems the really bad rusted out ones I see are 1500's.
Wow such an awesome truck. Thank you for viewing
03 dodge ram 1500 5.7, doing my research it was advise to get titanium valve springs
Love my 04 hemi... Great Reliable Truck
I got a 2005 base model that was my dad's ing my yard and I love it
07 Hemi Sport with 178000 miles. Manifold are leaking but other than that It still runs fine
The front fenders remind if a 1969 International pick up I used own.
I love my 04 dodge rumble bee just put a catback exhaust on it and man it growls loud
2002 awesome reliability. Old school 5.9 v8 in my eyes . Not the 4.7 v8 it Looks great 4 door . I love it
I have a 07 2500 With the 5.7 it’s very long it has the the 4 doors with the long bed it has no rust anywhere thanks the the southern weather. It’s 2wd so it has the 3033 payload and it pulls 11k with ease it’s currently at 242k and going strong
05 Hemi Dodge Ram, trouble free since bought new. Great truck
It probably only had 20k miles on it then lol
I’ve owned 2 03 single cab hemi rams and can say they’re by far the best trucks I’ve ever driven, fast as hell and loud as fuck, plus crazy reliable
Loud is obnoxious.
I bought mine not so long ago so much fun but is it cool if I could ask you questions as I don’t know super in detail about truck maintenance?
I have a 2003 dodge ram SLT 1500 quad cab 4.7 , with a 5 speed manual and I love my truck it has had a couple minor issues but nothing major she has 228,658 miles and still going strong
What kind of MPG do you get?
2008 Ram SUV 5.7 345 ci. 345 hp stock jet black limited Durango Always keep double platinum plugs fresh. One strong motor 126k dated 2-5-21
I have a 2003 8.0 V10 four door 4x4 5 speed manual with a long bed. Its been a great truck and loves its gas about 9 mpg town 10 mpg highway.
Dustin Myers you got a unicorn 🦄
Another thing with 4wd drive the lever uses a rubber bushing to connect it to a arm that goes to the transfer case. That rubber bushing will dry rot and fall out and you won’t be able to shift into 4wd. Basically it falls out and the lever is now not connected to that arm and moves very easily. But it’s super easy to replace and very cheap you can do it with no power tools. I’d it In a Walmart parking lot in like 2 minutes if that proves how easy it is
My 2004 Ram has 133,000 miles. It’s one owner, bought as a leftover in may 2005. I have very little to no issues with it. Both airbag recalls were done, no issues with any of the ones noted in video. The only thing I have to do is replace the EGR valve.
Since day one I’ve used Amsoil synthetic oil and all fluids swapped out. Amazingly in getting approximately 18 city 22 highway.
The bast truck I’ve ever owned.
I’m guessing you live in a warm climate?
I have ‘02 Ram 1500 SLT 4.7 with 110k miles. Only complaints I have are gas mileage sucks with the small V8 motor, 14 city & 18 hwy. Also the dash is cracked out in probably 20 something places, sorry material used for dash. However can be covered but shouldn’t have to if built right!
*OTHER REVIEWS TO WATCH:*
Ford:
2004-2008 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/duNWJA7m63s/видео.html
2009-2014 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/3IpC-mHY0xM/видео.html
1997-2004 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/eaKffURoFQY/видео.html
1998-2011 Ranger Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/fELUyrKY1U4/видео.html
Mercedes:
W211 E-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/QpplQTp2DSQ/видео.html
W212 E-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/IYZSnLzdNp8/видео.html
W204 C-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/BtCbbrsQQ-Y/видео.html
W222 S-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/5E9U0zEkWdg/видео.html
Toyota:
1995-2004 1st Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/WtyhiOD8Jm4/видео.html
2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/9ZOhD0KU_gA/видео.html
2000-2006 1st Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/9pIyUcFGf4c/видео.html
2007-2020 2nd Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/fhH4UnFvJuI/видео.html
Porsche:
2010-2016 Panamera Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/3giueysuXdU/видео.html
1999-2005 911 996 Buyer's guide: ruclips.net/video/rvdMzS8XdXk/видео.html
Thank You.
Any idea why these models and specifically 2002 - 2008 are having issues passing smog?
I have an ‘02 and am being told to keep driving it until it clears the catalytic codes.
Both smog shop and dealership said the same…
I’m approaching 2,000 miles and cannot get it to clear.
Any ideas?
Thank You 🙏🏼
If you get a chance please do the Dodge Dakota! 👍
they changed the front end in 06 from torsion bars to struts.......have an '08 and got bit by that while buying some shocks
1998-2012 is the best 5.7L engines hands down 👌🏽 have a 2004 5.7 currently has 248k miles . Had a 2010 5.7L had 192k 😎
Love my rumble bee 190k miles no major problems
Nice vid
People shit on rams for being unreliable but are also the same people that buy the least reliable rams and abuse the snot out of them. Tell my 03 4.7 ram its unreliable with almost half a million miles
I have 05 Ram 1500 and imma put on after market front bumper. I have the 3rd generation and imma drop it
When did they start making the Hemi sports
I have a 04 slt 4.7l v8 magnum truck is a monster
Have a 04 slt lornghorn edition with 250k and a 4.7l v8 and she still runs strong and have never had to replace anything major so far its been a great truck so far. While the paint it starting to fade and my dash is cracked but i have put a matt on it i love my ram and plan on driving her till she quits on me!
Yes
I have 3rd gen 04 1500 dodge ram 🐏 4.7 with 336,199 miles she still goin 🙌
Do the 2nd gen ram next!
Does anyone have a link to that first picture he shows right at the beginning?
Right on bro
I have a 2004 dodge ram 1500 hemi sport and damn does it look and drive good!
How many miles you looking at bro I'm looking at a 07 with 130 dudes asking 5600 for it
I have an 04 HemiSport, has 133,000 miles still looks good and runs great. I will never sell it.
@@thomasmize7444 same love my truck
03 to 05 with a hemi is the best trucks every made
What about 06
Bro i agree with you but learn how so use English right
@@HypnoLizardHD a lot of people hate the 2006 and newer models because that's when MDS was added, and when lifter and camshaft failures started happening. 2009 and later are even worse about lifter and camshaft failures. Evidently VVT added in 2009 put even more stress on the lifters of the vehicles with MDS.
@@HeavyChevy1965 sorry buddy i got excited. Check out my 3rd gen rams
@@LeadStarDude not only that but terrible interiors and struts instead of torsion bar front end on 4x4 models
You think these trucks will eventually get hard to find or the hit the market within the years I have a 05 sport 1500 4wd
Everyone i know that own or have owned 3rd gen Rams have had serious issues, including me. Heads warped, but never over heated, tranny or rear-end issues.
What year are those?
Is a 2005 4.7 1500 quad a good/reliable truck?
They are pretty good. Frame has less rust than the Chevys up here. my frame looks awesome. minus the rear dampener mounts... fenders rust out exactly like that picture. Also the bottom inside of the doors. Worst quality plastic interior and in the HVAC system. Bad as it gets. $60 for stupid plastic replacement parts. 5.9 Cummins is awesome. The auto transmission sort of sucks. The a/c seems to work a long time. Ignition switch melts and turns your fan on after you leave the truck and it kills your battery. Most Parts are cheap. linkages for 4wd shifter suck. headliner stays up. Had a small tree fall on my truck and been rear ended by a vw golf. No serious damage. Truck holds up good and tows good. All the trucks have good and bad points. Just buy the best taken car of truck you can afford Ram, chevy, toyota whatever. Im still not sold on fords 03 and up. I have an 02 5.9 magnum quad cab with 195k avg 13mpg and fix everything myself and its an ok truck to work on even the heater core.
Luv my 08 Ram 2500 4/4 Hemi. Absolutely No Check Engine Lights an it has 114,000 miles Runs Great" I have Kenda Kleaver RT 10 ply tires on it 💪
How do like those tires? I heard about them but wanted to get info from owners
I have e the 04 dodge ram, hemi with the AWD system. No 2 wheel drive. Handles great in the winter!
There was no AWD available in this generation...
is the 02 -08 ram any good? i got 625,000 miles on my 03 ram 2500 cummins, so yeah, it's pretty fuckin' good
3rd gen is the only good Ram...all the rest suck in comparison. This is something I just learned after owning my Dodge Ram 2500 for 19 years now. Keeping it.
The 3rd generation Dodge RAM's 5.7 Hemi's main problems, are the Exhaust Manifold bolts breaking and the AC/HEAT plenum Blend Doors breaking and rust on the rear fender wells....Dodge dealer quoted a $6800.00 and up, cost, to repair my Blend Door issues. YES, I said $6800 and up!!! 🤬
Agreed!!
My 04 Hemi lasted until only 136k miles before it needed frame repair and new front end. Gas tank and spare tire falling off. I do live where they use salt in winter but it isn’t even worth fixing now repairs would be more than it’s worth. Not the greatest
How many V10 trucks were produced??
My 05 doesn’t shift out of rwd every time I try the shifter just loosely moves and doesn’t feel attached does anyone know how to fix this
I was never a 3 gen guy... they are good trucks but I love my 2nd gen.... hopefully gonna add a 1st gen soon as well
This is the German based generation. It’s not like the 2009 + that has the cam lifter issue. I got a 07 one with 162k miles and love it.
as a hemi dodge ram owner myself i can confirm that there is a crapton of power but terrible fuel efficiency
Hey you got about the ThunderRoad package only made 500 of them special edition
wassup with the 2002 5.9?
Does anyone know was the 8l. V10 magnum offered for the 3rd gen
Very rare. I believe only midway through the 2003 model year. They were able to get a few 8L v10s in 3rd gens.
Only in the 2500s is a 3/4 ton rated and an enormous gas hog but great reliability and power
What would be a good price for a 05 Ram 1500. I got a guy selling one for 9k and I want it but I think the price is high
I just bought a 2005 5.7 base model needs some work but drove it home for $4800 previous owner replaced engine and tranny with 95,000 miles 133,000 on the truck just depends on milage and condition mine needs some work but nothing major
My 08 hemi is a keeper. 170000 mi,
I have an 04 5.7 Hemi Quad Cab as something I used to haul stuff, paid $2500 for it. It’ll always start but it’s almost killed me a couple times, steering is absolute shit.
Can you explain ?
Cummings Diesel best thing about any Ram/Dodge.
Cummins*
No..
Still own my 06 2500 ram, bought new, doors were rusted out in three years. .
H vac bend door problems, tipm, issues, seat fabric tears, drivers seat due to collapsed foam..
5.7 hemi, is reliable, no real issues, but being a 3/4 ton, solid axle suspension reliability, is horrible.
09-18 -23 is the staple
Would a ram 2002 single cab with 144k miles for the price of 1k be a good investment?
Sounds really cheap, especially if it’s in good shape. Are you going to buy it?
@@UsefulVids looks like it’s in good shape, the color of the car is still looking good.
Make sure you check out the frame
Hey man, what did you end up doing? Ever get the truck?
I’ve been offered a 2003 doge ram 1500 for $2,800 and it has 200k miles on it. It’s a great deal as the truck has no rust and amazing interior I’m just worried about the transmission. Can someone help me?
did you end up purchasing the truck? thinking about getting a 2003 as well, 141k miles but worried about transmission aswell
@@krowdnthestreets4491 I did and I’ve had zero problems so far and it’s an everyday driver
@@krowdnthestreets4491 just make sure it doesn't have rust and you will be fine. There will be wear and tear items that pop up but the these trucks are easy to work on, parts readily available and for the most part inexpensive.
I have a 03 for two years no problems
@@krowdnthestreets4491 my 03 runs well no issues
To prevent crack on the dash board coat it with fiber glass underneath it , you’re welcome
Owner of a 03 5.7 Hemi 1500 and armor all the dash every 6 months and used a sun screen when parked. No cracks yet at 160k and 20 years.
Found a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 ST Pickup 2D 6 1/4 ft 6-sp manual w/ 203k mi
for $5k. Sounds too high for that old and 1/5th million miles.
Motivated seller. May just offer $2500 and see what happens.
How’d it go??
@@Chris-vc2kn He sold it b4 I could get it.
@@filoIII used truck market is stupid now. people want $4k for 200k mile rusty rams! $2500 more like it. I looked for a while but couldn't find a better deal than overhauling my 195k mile 5.9 magnum 3rd gen. good luck. You don't see the good deals posted for long. they sell in a matter of hours. I gave up.
at all costs, avoid the 4.7 engine. more trouble than they're worth. will you be doing a video on the 72-93 dodge trucks?
Stay tuned for that one!
@@UsefulVids I've owned 4 of the 72-93 dodge trucks, and my dad has had 5 or 6. good, rugged and dependable trucks. a guy can't kill the 318 in them, I've tried!
@@krazi77The 4.7 is fine just change your oil
@@waterloo123100 make sure you change the head gaskets and intake gaskets periodically as well
375500 miles on my 5.7 HEMI untouched engine
I have an ‘05 Ram Big Horn Hemi , bought with 28 miles on it, have had it 15 years & 72,350 orig. miles. No major breakdowns, a few recalls but I DO have to say they have a Shitty weak brake system for such a heavy vehicle. I’ve now owned two generations and say both brake systems are shit!
Why anyone would want to mix a viper engine and a diesel automatic I do not know
2002 is still second gen I’m pretty sure?
They are good trucks they all have their issues. I mean all brands. All rust. V8s guzzle fuel. They have their cheapness and design flaws. They go far if you maintain them. Really. I have a 2003 5.7 with over 265K miles.