Most common problems for the big 3

NO FLAME WARS!!!!! Lets make this imformative for everyone, so that potential buyers can have a fair shake.

I would like to know what are the most common problems and weakest points between the 3 diesels trucks, this includes everything on the trucks ie.. motor, tranny, etc...


Well, the Fords (Powerstroke 7.3) Cam Position Sensor problem is in probably every 7 out of ten trucks, maybe more!!! Better buy a spare, you WILL need it.

The wireing harness under the valve covers fry sometimes, not that often.

Up until 2001 the door lock actuators were failing left and right, most have been fixed now since there was a national recall on them.

The auto trannys usually dont last past 150,000 with daily heavy towing.

the front hubs on the 4x4's have fixed ball bearings and tend to dry out cause a really horrible rumbling noise while driving. You cant repacl them, you have to get a whole new hub!!! and they dont last much over 100,000 miles either!!!

The leather seats in the lariats arnt all that durable, but the king ranch leather will last a lifetime of abuse.

Ball joints suk big time, seems like you have to replace them every other year

well...thats my honest take on Fords

 

I agree with everything except you forgot the overhead display LCD burning out and you can replace the Needle Bearings pressed in the back side of the Unit Bearings.

 

The overhead display buring out is new to me, ive never heard of that one before. And the way i understand it is that the 4x4 front hubs are internally greased(sealed) and you cannot acces them externally, the only way to fix the hub is to replace it. I have replaced two on two different trucks so far.

 

You are right the Front Unit Bearings are internally greased(sealed) and you cannot acces them externally you have to replace them. The Needle Bearings are pressed into the back of the Unit Bearings which you can hammer out with a punch and replace along with the Knuckle Seal and yellow O-ring for about $50.00. A good way to tell if it is the Unit or just the Needle Bearing is when you are getting the rumple strip sound shift into 4x4 and if the sound/vibration stops it is the Needle Bearings/Knuckle Seal. Another way to cancel out the Units is if you jack-up the side in question and grab the tire at the 12 and 6 and see if there is any slop. If there is it is the Units not the Needle Bearings/Knuckle Seal.

 

I learn something everyday, thanks waytogo

 

Come on Guys/Gals I know Ford isn't the only one with a few problems.

 

The GM 6.5 :

PMD is a common failure point and needs to be relocated

Injection pumps fail on about 50% of trucks

Doors sag and need new bushings and pins (happens on gas trucks too )

Wastegate solonoid

Fuel safety shut off switch (at least on mine )

Will add more when I think of them!! waytogo

 

VP44 IP is probably one of the most commone failures found on a diesel pickup today. Bosch and Cummins should have built a better pump, no excuse for that at all.

Weak lift pumps.

Auto trannies that aren't impressive. A tranny behind a diesel should be able to outlast a tranny in a gas truck, since a diesel engine lasts longer, just makes sence to me. Usually the stock HD running gear found under your big 3 3/4-1T trucks can handle the mileage of a diesel for the most part, why can't they build an auto that can also?

Somewhat prone to failure 4wd system. The CAD setup is a very nice system with a great idea behind it, and has worked great on our two Dodges. But, some people have had problems with the system with it not engaging or disengaging.

 

ya the main thing that i have heard / noticed with my dodge is the not so hot transmission. im sure the thing is fine but i doubt it will last nearly as long as the rest of the truck. the guys at banks say that the weakness is not the transmission itself but the torque converter... so when they built their sidewinder truck they put a nice torque converter in it and bumped the power up to like 1000 lbft or something imp:

also the polished alluminum rims scratch really easy... i had a bunch of sandy mud dried on there (from mexico) and when i tried to scrub it off it scratched up the finish :doah:

 

Thats pretty much any polished aluminum product. I just put on my billet grille emblem the other day and scratched it lightly just wiping the Install "dust" off of it.

 

Well since it seem like no one will say it, i guess i will, here goes:

Dodge Ram:

The auto tranny is the weakest available on the market and its failure rate is alarmingly HIGH!

Torque converters are weak as well

The fuel/lift pumps also have a very high failure rate! (about every 8 out of 10 fail)

The '98 models have been known for engine block cracking do to poor castings (cummins droped the ball that year)

The suspension is kinda shabby (depends on your driving habits)

The ball and u joints arent good (in all fairness, neither is Fords)

The braking system isnt up to par, most people (who tow) update the braking system (better rotors and pads)

The cab develops a lot of squeaks and odd noises

There have been reports of failing camp sensers lately

A number of pickups appear to be having axle failures


.......and yes, ive owned a dodge

 

Here we go. The first shots acrossed the bow. I hope everyone is strapped in. opcorn:

 

Dont forget ol 5th gear nut that backs off on the NV4500

 

You got me about to fall out of my chair, ROTFLMAO!! rotfl

 

OK, where the GM guys at?

I must warn you, I have also owned (briefly) and 2003 Duramax Dually, Im trying to give others a chance to post, but if no one posts soon about the GM trucks, I will

 

Of course it counts, im just stirring the post, :stir:

 

Seriously though, how do you like the independent front suspension?