Post
Research the Car Logo

2004 Dodge Ram 1500

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its rugged styling, comfortable ride (for its time), and towing capabilities. Engine options include a 3.7L Magnum V6 (215 hp, 235 lb-ft torque), a 4.7L Magnum V8 (235 hp, 300 lb-ft torque), and a 5.7L Hemi V8 (345 hp, 375 lb-ft torque). Transmission options typically include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic, depending on the engine. Owners often praise its spacious cabin and powerful V8 options but commonly express concerns about fuel economy, reliability issues, and overall build quality.

Engine

3.7L Magnum V6

  • Cracked Exhaust Manifolds
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise, especially upon cold start that may subside once warm. Potential exhaust leak smell.
    • Solution: Replacement of the cracked exhaust manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

4.7L Magnum V8

  • Sludge Buildup
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, reduced performance, potential engine failure. Primarily occurs if oil changes are neglected.
    • Solution: Engine flush (if caught early), oil changes with high-quality oil, or engine rebuild/replacement (if severe).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (flush) to $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cracked Exhaust Manifolds
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise, especially upon cold start that may subside once warm. Potential exhaust leak smell.
    • Solution: Replacement of the cracked exhaust manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.7L Hemi V8

  • Hemi Tick
    • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable ticking or tapping sound, usually most prominent at idle or low RPMs. Can be due to worn lifters, exhaust manifold leaks, or other valvetrain components.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to pinpoint the cause, followed by repair or replacement of the affected part (lifters, exhaust manifold bolts/gaskets).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Exhaust Manifold Bolts/Gaskets) to $1000 - $3000+ (Lifter Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts
    • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leak, ticking noise (especially when cold), reduced fuel economy.
    • Solution: Removal of broken bolts and installation of new bolts/gaskets. May require professional extraction if bolts are seized.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (42RE/45RFE/545RFE)

  • Soft/Erratic Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Delayed shifts, slipping between gears, harsh shifting. Often caused by worn valve body, faulty solenoids, or low fluid level.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change, valve body replacement/rebuild, solenoid replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) to $800 - $2000+ (valve body/solenoid replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of drive, loud noises from the transmission.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual (NV3500)

  • Hard Shifting/Grinding
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into certain gears, grinding noises, especially when shifting quickly. Usually caused by worn synchronizers or low fluid level.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid change, synchronizer replacement, or transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) to $1000 - $3000+ (rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Ball Joints
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front end, especially when going over bumps or turning. Steering may feel loose or wander.
    • Solution: Replacement of the upper and/or lower ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Tie Rod Ends
    • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of inner and/or outer tie rod ends.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sagging Leaf Springs (Rear)
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride height in the rear, poor handling, especially when towing or hauling.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs or addition of helper springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), erratic readings, or complete failure of the cluster.
    • Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster. May require reprogramming.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, slow or erratic movement, grinding noises.
    • Solution: Window regulator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Blend Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent or no temperature control, clicking noises from behind the dashboard.
    • Solution: Blend door actuator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust (Cab Corners, Rocker Panels, Wheel Wells)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the body, especially in areas prone to moisture and road salt exposure.
    • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Tailgate Handle Breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening the tailgate, handle feels loose or broken.
    • Solution: Tailgate handle replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in sun-exposed areas.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) to $500 - $1500+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headliner Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaching from the roof.
    • Solution: Headliner replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500, while popular, suffers from a range of issues. Engine problems, especially with exhaust manifolds and valve train components, are common. Transmission issues, particularly in the automatic versions, can be costly. Suspension wear is typical for a truck of this age. Rust is a significant concern, especially in regions with road salt. Interior problems such as dash cracking and headliner sagging are also frequently reported. The severity and cost of these issues vary widely, with rust repair and transmission rebuilds potentially being the most expensive. Prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle, paying close attention to these common problem areas, and factor in potential repair costs.

Dodge, Ram 1500
Dodge Ram 1500 2004
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.