buying a truck

petefarms · #1 04/26/15, 05:56 AM

Looking at a pickup 2012 dodge ram 1500ST hemi, v8 4x4, regular cab it is a work truck. Sounds louder than expected but underneath exhaust looks good, as does all else. Are these trucks normally louder than say a F150 or the Silverado. It is what I'm looking for manual windows, locks and ac but it does have cruise . Pretty bare bones but just sounds louder than what I expected, any thoughts, and is probably poor in the gas mileage. For this area, upstate ny with an army post here, the price is good.

Darren · #2 04/26/15, 07:00 AM

Before you buy any Chrysler product, research Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures. Call a dealer with info on the truck you're thinking of buying and ask them how much a new TIPM costs. Ask them if they keep them in stock too.

People think they're failing because of corrosion issues when it's a design issue.

petefarms · #3 04/26/15, 07:10 AM

Have to look into it, under the extended warranty $20. monthly, which I will buy, even though I've never believed in them, the PCM module is covered. Thanks for the info, any more appreciated.

sniper69 · #4 04/26/15, 07:20 AM

By chance was their an aftermarket exhaust put on the truck? I've seen a few people take off a perfectly good exhaust from their vehicle and put an aftermarket exhaust on because "it sounds better" or "it flows better". That could be one reason it sounds louder...

Darren · #5 04/26/15, 08:38 AM

If I understand the setup, Dodges have a PCM and a TIPM. Make sure the warranty covers the TIPM too. I think the TIPM is similar to a BCM on vehicles from other makers.

HuskyBoris · #6 04/26/15, 08:48 AM

take a good look at the underside,look for the skid plates,lower frame,crossmembers and basicly anything that hangs down being damaged or replaced.
if someone changed the exhaust on a truck that they may be younger and beat the crap out of the truck,I have a 2 GM trucks,a 2001 and a 2002 and both still have the factory exhaust and I live in the rust belt.

petefarms · #7 04/26/15, 01:15 PM

when test driving pulled into a parking lot, with engine running crawled under truck and everything looks good, specifically looking for rust and anything that looked unusual, all looked good. Had a Silverado and it ran quieter. Tomorrow i'll check on the pcm. Thanks.

nosqrls · #8 04/26/15, 07:40 PM

Like darren said research any used truck before you buy. Ford had a problem when they put the ecm under the hood of their super duty. it would corrode and fail leaving you stranded. chrysler had problems with input shaft hardness on transmissions. chevy has had problems with switches and transmissions planetary gears not up to snuff.

fordy · #9 04/26/15, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petefarms

Looking at a pickup 2012 dodge ram 1500ST hemi, v8 4x4, regular cab it is a work truck. Sounds louder than expected but underneath exhaust looks good, as does all else. Are these trucks normally louder than say a F150 or the Silverado. It is what I'm looking for manual windows, locks and ac but it does have cruise . Pretty bare bones but just sounds louder than what I expected, any thoughts, and is probably poor in the gas mileage. For this area, upstate ny with an army post here, the price is good.

.............Make sure it still has the Cats ! The exhaust shouldn't be all that loud . , fordy