2000 Dodge Ram 2500

The 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty truck known for its robust design and workhorse capabilities. Engine options included the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six, the 5.9L Magnum V8, and the 8.0L Magnum V10. The Cummins diesel produced 235 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices were generally either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the truck’s durability and towing capacity, particularly with the diesel engine. Common complaints often revolve around ride quality and age-related maintenance issues typical of older vehicles.

Engine

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel

• “Killer Dowel Pin” (KDP)
  • Description/Symptoms: The dowel pin that aligns the timing gear case can loosen and fall out, potentially causing significant engine damage. Symptoms can range from no noticeable issue to a ticking sound, oil leaks, or catastrophic engine failure.
  • Solution: Install a KDP repair kit, which typically involves securing the dowel pin with a retaining tab or replacing it entirely.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on whether the issue is caught early or has caused damage.
• Lift Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The lift pump, responsible for supplying fuel to the injection pump, can fail. Symptoms include hard starting, low power, and eventual engine stall.
  • Solution: Replace the lift pump. Upgrading to an aftermarket, higher-flow pump is a common practice.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
• VP44 Injection Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The VP44 injection pump is known for being a weak point. Symptoms include hard starting, loss of power, and engine stalling. Diagnostic trouble codes may indicate a pump failure.
  • Solution: Replace the VP44 injection pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+

5.9L Magnum V8

• “Plenum Gasket Leak”
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake plenum gasket can leak, causing a vacuum leak that leads to rough idling, poor fuel economy, and lean engine conditions. Oil may be present around the intake manifold.
  • Solution: Replace the plenum gasket, often with an upgraded design to prevent future leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Cracked Exhaust Manifolds
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust manifolds can crack, leading to exhaust leaks. Symptoms include a ticking sound that gets louder as the engine warms up and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replace the cracked exhaust manifold(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+

8.0L Magnum V10

• Cracked Exhaust Manifolds
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.9L V8, the V10 is prone to exhaust manifold cracking. Symptoms include a ticking sound, exhaust leaks, and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replace the cracked exhaust manifold(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ (due to complexity and part cost)

Transmission

47RE 4-Speed Automatic

• Overdrive Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The overdrive clutch pack can wear out, leading to slipping in overdrive, delayed engagement, or complete failure of overdrive.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission, focusing on the overdrive section.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter problems can lead to shuddering, stalling, or complete failure of the transmission.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+

NV4500 5-Speed Manual

• 5th Gear Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The 5th gear nut can loosen, causing the gear to slip off the shaft. Symptoms include difficulty shifting into 5th gear or complete loss of 5th gear.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the 5th gear and related components. Upgrading to a stronger 5th gear nut is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+

Suspension

• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn ball joints can cause a clunking or rattling sound, especially when going over bumps. Steering may feel loose or wander.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per axle
• Steering Linkage Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn tie rod ends, drag links, and other steering components can cause play in the steering, wandering, and difficulty maintaining a straight line.
  • Solution: Replace the worn steering linkage components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges may become inaccurate or stop working altogether. The instrument cluster itself can fail.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Age-related deterioration of wiring can cause shorts, open circuits, and other electrical problems. Symptoms are varied and depend on the affected circuit.
  • Solution: Repair or replace damaged wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the severity and location of the damage.

Exterior

• Rust (Especially Around Wheel Wells and Cab Corners)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust develops, particularly in areas exposed to road salt and moisture.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the damage.

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard is known to crack, especially in areas with high sun exposure.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner adhesive can fail, causing the fabric to sag.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+

Recalls:

• Recall Number: 00V331000
  • Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG LINK ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DANA 60 FRONT AXLES AND 8800 LB. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING, THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THE ADJUSTABLE DRAG LINK SLEEVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY THREADED. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE SLEEVE BREAKING AND A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRAG LINK.
• Recall Number: 00V292000
  • Component: AIR BAGS:FRONT:SENSOR:OCCUPANT DETECTION
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPRESS THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AS INTENDED. THE OCS DETERMINES THE PRESENCE, WEIGHT AND/OR CLASSIFICATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AND INITIATES APPROPRIATE AIR BAG RESPONSE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY CALIBRATED. THE OCS CAN MISCLASSIFY A SMALL FEMALE ADULT AS A CHILD WHICH COULD CAUSE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM.

Summary

The 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 is a durable truck, particularly with the Cummins diesel engine. However, age-related issues are common. Engine and transmission problems, particularly with the VP44 pump and automatic transmission components, can be costly. Suspension and electrical issues are also prevalent. Rust is a concern in certain climates. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect any used 2000 Ram 2500 before purchase. The severity and cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the condition of the vehicle.