1999 Dodge Ram 3500
Introduction
The 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck praised for its powerful engine options, rugged design, and impressive towing and hauling capabilities. It offers a range of engine and transmission combinations:
- 5.9L V8 Magnum (245 hp, 345 lb-ft torque)
- 8.0L V10 Magnum (310 hp, 450 lb-ft torque)
- 4-speed automatic transmission (47RE)
- 5-speed manual transmission (NV4500)
While admired for its capabilities, the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 has also faced various issues that owners have reported.
Engine
5.9L V8 Magnum
Intake Manifold Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, rough idling Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Valve Seat Recession Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, misfiring, excessive exhaust smoke Solution: Replace cylinder heads Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000+ Recalls: None Found
8.0L V10 Magnum
- Timing Chain Failure Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling or skipping, loss of power Solution: Replace timing chain and related components Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+ Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-speed Automatic (47RE)
Output Shaft Speed Sensor Failure Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or erratic shifting, check engine light Solution: Replace output shaft speed sensor Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 Recalls: None Found
Sun Shell Failure Description/Symptoms: Loss of forward gears, slipping or shuddering during shifts Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found
5-speed Manual (NV4500)
- Input Shaft Bearing Failure Description/Symptoms: Grinding or whining noise, difficulty shifting Solution: Replace input shaft bearing Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found
Suspension
Front Suspension Wear Description/Symptoms: Loose or worn ball joints, tie rods, control arms, leading to poor handling and tire wear Solution: Replace worn components Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on components Recalls: None Found
Rear Leaf Spring Breakage Description/Symptoms: Broken leaf springs cause suspension sag, reduced towing capacity Solution: Replace leaf springs Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical system malfunctions Solution: Replace alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Starter Failure Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to start or starts intermittently Solution: Replace starter Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: 04V225000, 05V050000
Exterior
Door Handle Failure Description/Symptoms: Loose or broken door handles Solution: Replace door handles Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 Recalls: None Found
Tailgate Latch Failure Description/Symptoms: Tailgate opens unintentionally while driving Solution: Replace tailgate latch Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250 Recalls: 04V225000, 05V050000
Interior
Dashboard Instrument Panel Failure Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning gauges or displays Solution: Replace instrument panel Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
HVAC Blower Motor Failure Description/Symptoms: No air flow from vents Solution: Replace blower motor Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 Recalls: 04V225000, 05V050000
Summary
The 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 has faced a range of issues across various components, including serious problems like engine failures and transmission rebuilds. Some of these issues can be costly to repair, while others are more minor and affordable to fix. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues should be considered when evaluating the reliability and potential ownership costs of this vehicle.