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2000 Dodge Ram 4000

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2000 Dodge Ram 4000, also known as the Ram 3500 in some markets, is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its ruggedness and towing capabilities. The 2000 model year offered several engine options, including the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six, the 5.9L Magnum V8, and the 8.0L Magnum V10. The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel produces approximately 235 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options generally included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Ram 4000 for its powerful engines, especially the Cummins diesel, and its ability to handle heavy loads. Common complaints include issues with front-end components and general wear and tear associated with a heavy-duty truck of that age.

Engine

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel

  • “Killer Dowel Pin” (KDP)
    • Description/Symptoms: The dowel pin that aligns the timing gear case can loosen over time and potentially fall out, causing significant engine damage by getting caught in the timing gears. Symptoms can include increased engine noise and eventual engine failure.
    • Solution: Install a KDP repair kit that secures the dowel pin in place, preventing it from falling out. This typically involves tapping the hole and installing a screw or tab to retain the pin.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on if the pin has caused damage)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Lift Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The lift pump, responsible for supplying fuel to the injection pump, is prone to failure. Symptoms include hard starting, rough idling, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the lift pump. Upgrading to a higher-quality aftermarket lift pump is a common practice.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VP44 Injection Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The VP44 is a problematic injection pump that is known to fail. Symptoms include hard starting, rough idling, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the VP44 injection pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.9L Magnum V8

  • Plenum Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold plenum gasket is prone to leaking, causing a vacuum leak. This can lead to rough idling, poor fuel economy, and potentially engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the plenum gasket with an upgraded aftermarket gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cracked Exhaust Manifolds
    • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking, causing exhaust leaks. Symptoms can include increased engine noise, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
    • Solution: Replace the cracked exhaust manifolds.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

8.0L Magnum V10

  • Cracked Exhaust Manifolds
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.9L, the V10 exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking, leading to exhaust leaks and related symptoms.
    • Solution: Replace the cracked exhaust manifolds.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

47RE 4-Speed Automatic

  • Overdrive Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The overdrive clutch pack is a common point of failure, leading to slipping, delayed shifting, and eventually complete failure of the overdrive function.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission with a rebuilt unit. Upgrading the overdrive clutch pack during the rebuild is recommended.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, leading to shuddering, slipping, and a loss of power transfer.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the valve body can cause erratic shifting, harsh shifting, or failure to shift at all.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

NV4500 5-Speed Manual

  • 5th Gear Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The 5th gear nut can loosen, causing the gear to slip off the shaft. This results in a loss of 5th gear.
    • Solution: Install a 5th gear repair kit that secures the gear to the shaft.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Ball joints are prone to wear and failure, leading to excessive play in the front suspension. Symptoms include clunking noises, wandering steering, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Tie Rod End Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Tie rod ends can wear out, leading to excessive play in the steering system. Symptoms include loose steering, wandering, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn tie rod ends.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Steering Gear Box Wear/Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The steering gear box can wear and develop excessive play, leading to wandering steering and difficulty keeping the truck straight.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the steering gear box.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard material can crack over time due to sun exposure and temperature changes.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Switch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to malfunction or not work at all.
    • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust is a common issue, particularly in areas with road salt. It can affect the body panels, frame, and undercarriage.
    • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. Apply rust inhibitors and protective coatings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Door Panel Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The door panels, particularly the fabric inserts, can become detached from the door.
    • Solution: Re-glue the fabric or replace the door panel.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Dodge Ram 4000 is a capable truck, but as with any vehicle of this age, it’s prone to certain issues. Engine problems, particularly with the Cummins diesel’s KDP and lift pump, and the Magnum V8’s plenum gasket, are common. Transmission issues with both the automatic and manual options can be costly. Suspension wear and tear is also prevalent. Electrical and interior issues, while less critical, can affect the overall ownership experience. The severity and cost of repairs vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.

Dodge, Ram 4000
Dodge Ram 4000 2000
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