About to buy a 2014 Ram 1500 Sport

[Boosted Motorsports]

I sold my 09 1500 a few years ago with the Rough Country 6" plus spacers and 35s.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll267/omalley_808/196CD3D0-E831-444C-A87E-EF2A3A84932D-26325-000008620D68D900.jpg



I am looking at a 2014 1500 HEMI Sport right now 2WD fully loaded with the 8spd. Is there anything I should keep an eye out for or inspect with these new ones? I am going to go on the second test drive later today and if all checks out probably drive it home.

The truck has 92k miles on it currently. No squeaks or any noises of any kind and looks clean. My 09 had over 200k miles on it so the mileage doesn't bother me.

Anything else I should look for that is a problem with these newer ones? Transmission issues? Leaks? Recalls?

Also is the rear diff ratio stamped somewhere on the pumpkin?

Thanks in advance!!!

[Vprbite]

the diff ratio should be on the window sticker or perhaps on the door sticker. The pumpkin can house any number of gear ratios.


Any problems with the rough country? I was steered away from it cause it was the cheapest. I really use the hell out of my truck in the backcountry so I got scared off from it.

Good luck on the new truck.

[Boosted Motorsports]

the diff ratio should be on the window sticker or perhaps on the door sticker. The pumpkin can house any number of gear ratios.


Any problems with the rough country? I was steered away from it cause it was the cheapest. I really use the hell out of my truck in the backcountry so I got scared off from it.

Good luck on the new truck.

The kit itself seemed perfectly fine. I had one of the first kits to be produced for the Gen 4 trucks and as such mine had 1 small quirk. It comes with these MASSIVE steel front knuckle/hub assembly that you put your bearings into. I had to remove a bit of material where the ABS sensor mounted into the hub cause it was hanging up on it. Rough Country was great to deal with though. They bought me brand new ABS sensors (mine broke from trying to install it) and they also discounted the entire kit.

Honestly though I wasn't a fan of the truck once it was lifted. It looked badass but as my daily driver lifted trucks are just a pain in the ass. With the wider track and tires the truck would always have a tendency to follow grooves in the road. Also the wind resistance on the highway would cause it to downshift on any sort of incline even though I had the better gear ratios in the diffs. Gas mileage went out the window and MDS would never kick on anymore either. If it was a Diesel it would probably be a lot better.

This one I am going to leave it alone. I need to be able to fit in parking garages and don't feel like being white knuckled driving on a daily basis lol.

[v10enomous]

I have a 14' Ram Express... The shifter knob right next to the heat and ac knobs is just impossible to get used to. I heard the other day they are recalling 1 million rams for the shifter and roll away problems. There was a steering wheel air bag recall and they hosed up the steering wheel mounted menu arrow buttons when they did it and I had to take it back for a new clock spring. Overall though it's a nice truck. It rides like a car and the variable displacement 5.7 Hemi gets almost 20mpg give or take except when I'm towing my boat or side by sides and then it drops to 14 or 15mpg.

The guys on Ramforums are very helpful...

http://www.ramforum.com/search.php

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/njvipermail/0501150812_zpsdmrqnxmv.jpg (http://s375.photobucket.com/user/njvipermail/media/0501150812_zpsdmrqnxmv.jpg.html)
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/njvipermail/0419151314_zpsgg1ui072.jpg (http://s375.photobucket.com/user/njvipermail/media/0419151314_zpsgg1ui072.jpg.html)

[Back In Black]

You most likely have the 3.21 ratio. 3.92 was optional on the Sport and standard on the Sport R/T 4x2.

You can enter the truck's VIN here and get the build sheet which will list the axle ratio:

https://dodge.custhelp.com/app/dodge/eqlisting_detail

[swexlin]

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Bighorn. I personally love the 8-speed auto, and also like the shift dial. Much cleaner in the cabin. This is my 4th Ram, and the best yet. Bought it 10 months ago, now have 10,500 miles on it, and all it's had is 2 tire rotations and oil changes, that's it. Drives like the day it came off the showroom floor. It's like a Charger with a bed. Love it, not one single issue, no rattles, squeaks, zippo.

If only my Gen 5 had this build quality. Same mileage on both, and the Viper has been disappointing.

[Nine Ball]

Had a '13 Sport 4x4 w/ Hemi and 8-speed. It was a great truck for the 3 years I owned it. Did a 3" lift/level and some other appearance mods to it.

http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/Truck/DSC07563.jpg

[Boosted Motorsports]

Thanks for the help guys and nice trucks you guys posted!!!

I ended up picking it up the other night. Love it so far!!! Has the 3.92 rear end and is fully loaded. Silver with black factory sport wheels. I'll post up some pictures once the rain here in Socal clears :D

[Vprbite]

My truck still has the mechanical 4x4 engage in the floor. I don't want to get one with a dial. I've seen switches die on me too often.

[Boosted Motorsports]

Man floating around on other forums makes me appreciate this one more. I made a post on a ramforum asking what mods people were doing for both MPG increase and performance. I also said I don't want to do exhaust mods just cause I already have the viper for my loud vehicle. I got an endless amount of butthurt comments about how in the world I could afford both or how much in debt I must be and yada yada. Just goes to show you the different mentality or class of people lurking those boards...

After a bit more digging apparently the DiabloSport tuner is giving 30 more whp and adding 1-3mpg to these trucks which is pretty impressive!

[Vprbite]

That is impressive. I thought the motors were pushed pretty hard because they were stretched for power and mpg. I didn't know they had much to gain, aftermarket.


And whose business is it how and why you afford two cars? (which doesn't take a billionaire to do as we are all aware I'm sure.) I have friends that make good money but have three kids so much less expendable income. I have no kids so it's all up to me. Things like that make a difference. Some people marry someone who already owns a home. Who knows but it's no reason to be a dick about it to someone you don't know. And many of those people could have bought a used gen V for what they spent on a new 2500.

[Boosted Motorsports]

That is impressive. I thought the motors were pushed pretty hard because they were stretched for power and mpg. I didn't know they had much to gain, aftermarket.


And whose business is it how and why you afford two cars? (which doesn't take a billionaire to do as we are all aware I'm sure.) I have friends that make good money but have three kids so much less expendable income. I have no kids so it's all up to me. Things like that make a difference. Some people marry someone who already owns a home. Who knows but it's no reason to be a dick about it to someone you don't know. And many of those people could have bought a used gen V for what they spent on a new 2500.

Yeah I definitely agree and I am by no means a millionaire just make a modest income and manage my funds well like you mentioned! Hate to say it but it just seemed like one of those "my truck could tow your Ford truck out of a ditch when it breaks" type of crowd. LOL

Oh well as is such!

But yeah this is what people are claiming for gains which would definitely be worth it if it increases MPG at the same time!


Diablo i2 w/ Hemifever Custom Tune - $469 shipped

-30 hp/tq to the wheels
-Increased throttle response and drivability
-About 2mpg increase in mileage
-Speedometer corrected for tire size
-Free updates from Hemifever as you continue to modify your truck
-Single best bang for buck mod you can buy

That pretty much sums it up. If you were only going to buy 1 performance part for your truck, the tuner is that 1.

[Vprbite]

That is some serious bang for the buck. 30hp and Tq for 469 shipped. Wow! I suppose it's worh a try. Not a ton of money to lose if it doesn't quite deliver.


I had some random dude say to me "you have way too much money" as he walked by my car. It would have been a perfect time to say "well your mother was so cheap I had a lot of free cash" but I just let it roll off. Way bigger things to deal with in life than someone's opinion that you dot care about.

Enjoy the truck. Be sure to update on how the tune works out!

[Vprbite]

Had a '13 Sport 4x4 w/ Hemi and 8-speed. It was a great truck for the 3 years I owned it. Did a 3" lift/level and some other appearance mods to it.

http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/Truck/DSC07563.jpg


Nineball, was that just the level kit on there? Looks good. Just right for me cause I go in the backcountry a lot where being too tall would be a liability.

Sorry for the off topic post, O.P.

[Boosted Motorsports]

Nineball, was that just the level kit on there? Looks good. Just right for me cause I go in the backcountry a lot where being too tall would be a liability.

Sorry for the off topic post, O.P.

No worries! Not too much truck talk on this forum so its cool to have it all in one place!

The Gen 4 gets a little weird with level kits. Some people install leveling blocks but you cant go too much or your front CV's start to shake.

With the new GEN 4's being coil spring on all 4 corners it makes it pretty easy to change ride height. Most people run the Bilstein 5100 front struts which have an adjustable height (moves where the spring is perched) and people set it at 2.1" raise.

[Vprbite]

Good to know. Everytime I think about a new one though, I'm reminded that my 04 just clicked over to 100k, I have owned it since new, and I don't know how many times I've been the recovery vehicle but have never once had to be recovered. That makes the cost of a new one a bit harder to swallow.

Good tires and good driving are key when off road. The best built truck in the world won't save you from bad driving. Similar to the track that way.

[Boosted Motorsports]

Good to know. Everytime I think about a new one though, I'm reminded that my 04 just clicked over to 100k, I have owned it since new, and I don't know how many times I've been the recovery vehicle but have never once had to be recovered. That makes the cost of a new one a bit harder to swallow.

Good tires and good driving are key when off road. The best built truck in the world won't save you from bad driving. Similar to the track that way.

Yeah I hear ya! I have had all the different years and have had great success with all of them!

My old man's 05 1500 hemi has over 500k miles and still going. The engine was replaced at 150k miles covered by wal-mart since they forgot to tighten the drain plug and you can guess how that story went. Other than that it eventually lost O/D so we changed the torque converter. Thousands of miles towing our 24ft race trailer all over the US. That truck took a beating.

My 09 I sold with over 200k miles also. No issues and never broke down. It has the fob in ignition system and never had any issues.

Hoping the 14 is as solid as the last. The complete keyless fob is a little scary so hopefully that doesn't leave me stranded one day.

[Vprbite]

Yeah I hear ya! I have had all the different years and have had great success with all of them!

My old man's 05 1500 hemi has over 500k miles and still going. The engine was replaced at 150k miles covered by wal-mart since they forgot to tighten the drain plug and you can guess how that story went. Other than that it eventually lost O/D so we changed the torque converter. Thousands of miles towing our 24ft race trailer all over the US. That truck took a beating.

My 09 I sold with over 200k miles also. No issues and never broke down. It has the fob in ignition system and never had any issues.

Hoping the 14 is as solid as the last. The complete keyless fob is a little scary so hopefully that doesn't leave me stranded one day.

I hear ya. Like I said I prefer having a manual 4x4 transfer case. Hell, I wouldn't mind locking hubs to be honest. Even so, trusting whether I'm getting out of the backcountry to a switch gives me the heeebie jeebies. Progress I guess, though.

I would say you are probably OK in cities cause you could always get a battery. If going out in the boonies, bring the second fob. That's what I would do.

Good to hear on the longevity. Mine is still kickin the same as the day I bought it, except for one of the power plugs went. Otherwise it still spins the 35s of i stomp on it. I've only ever had dodge trucks. On my second ram, a 1999, the motor scored the cylanders and it was past warranty. Dodge replaced the motor at their cost because I had kept up on all my maintenance (at dealerships) and apologized and said they hope I stick with dodge. Here I am another truck and 2 Vipers later.

If anything would really push me into upgrading, it would be to get a 3/4 ton, a power wagon (mine is a baby power wagon at this point with the winch and what not) or to get the new 1500 diesel once I see how that plays out.

Anyway, keep us updated on how that tune works out and if you really notice it, as I assume you won't dyno it.

[Boosted Motorsports]

I hear ya. Like I said I prefer having a manual 4x4 transfer case. Hell, I wouldn't mind locking hubs to be honest. Even so, trusting whether I'm getting out of the backcountry to a switch gives me the heeebie jeebies. Progress I guess, though.

I would say you are probably OK in cities cause you could always get a battery. If going out in the boonies, bring the second fob. That's what I would do.

Good to hear on the longevity. Mine is still kickin the same as the day I bought it, except for one of the power plugs went. Otherwise it still spins the 35s of i stomp on it. I've only ever had dodge trucks. On my second ram, a 1999, the motor scored the cylanders and it was past warranty. Dodge replaced the motor at their cost because I had kept up on all my maintenance (at dealerships) and apologized and said they hope I stick with dodge. Here I am another truck and 2 Vipers later.

If anything would really push me into upgrading, it would be to get a 3/4 ton, a power wagon (mine is a baby power wagon at this point with the winch and what not) or to get the new 1500 diesel once I see how that plays out.

Anyway, keep us updated on how that tune works out and if you really notice it, as I assume you won't dyno it.

Yeah I was actually debating the EcoDiesel 1500 instead of the Hemi I got but apparently they haven't sorted them out yet. There is some dude that has been spearheading those trucks who apparently documents everything about them on YouTube. Oil changes, maintenance etc. Well he maintains his religiously and it grenaded on him at 150k miles (he obviously bought the EcoDiesel since he drives a lot).

I still have a fully loaded 2006 Jetta TDI that I plan on driving into the ground. Currently has 270k miles and keeping it as my daily beater car. Has a stage 2 malone tune, rolls coal and doesn't even burn a drop of oil lol. That thing has paid for itself time and time again...

[Vprbite]

Yeah I was actually debating the EcoDiesel 1500 instead of the Hemi I got but apparently they haven't sorted them out yet. There is some dude that has been spearheading those trucks who apparently documents everything about them on YouTube. Oil changes, maintenance etc. Well he maintains his religiously and it grenaded on him at 150k miles (he obviously bought the EcoDiesel since he drives a lot).

I still have a fully loaded 2006 Jetta TDI that I plan on driving into the ground. Currently has 270k miles and keeping it as my daily beater car. Has a stage 2 malone tune, rolls coal and doesn't even burn a drop of oil lol. That thing has paid for itself time and time again...

Exactly my concern on that new diesel. I'm a fan of putting diesels in half tons but figured there would be some sorting. Especially with the new emissions stuff that makes them more complicated than they were. Now a cummins in a 3/4 ton I wouldn't think twice about. I really miss the old 12 valve cummins. That thing was loud, but if a nuclear bomb hit, all that would be left are cockroaches and that 12 valve cummins.

[swexlin]

Go check at the Ram EcoDiesel forums - they've had more engine failures than us Gen 5 peeps. Major issues. If I were buying a 1/2-ton with a diesel, I'd go for the Titan with the Cummins.

[Vprbite]

Go check at the Ram EcoDiesel forums - they've had more engine failures than us Gen 5 peeps. Major issues. If I were buying a 1/2-ton with a diesel, I'd go for the Titan with the Cummins.

Cummins is the key word here. At which point I would get a 3/4 ton. Or the power wagon, which is only available with the Gas Motor.

[swexlin]

Cummins is the key word here. At which point I would get a 3/4 ton. Or the power wagon, which is only available with the Gas Motor.


You and I think alike! However, Ford announced the F150 will have a new diesel option next year. I believe it's the same unit available in the Range Rover.

[Boosted Motorsports]

You and I think alike! However, Ford announced the F150 will have a new diesel option next year. I believe it's the same unit available in the Range Rover.

I saw that too! Didn't know Ford and Range used to be merged. Explains the Explorer resembling the Range lately!