I have an 06 Dodge Ram Mega Cab. I use this truck to earn my living. When it is out of service, so am I.in the year I have owned it, it has been in their shop for repairs for in excess of 45 days. They also have done several Llube/Oil changes on this truck.
In November 06, the truck was in for Rear drive line U-joint, right upper ball joint, lube/oil change, alignment, a recall fix, shock mounts.
In January 07, an independent shop replaced both front axel shafts and u-joints, and replaced a coolant hose and added a heat shroud, as it was burned through and leaking, having been placed too close to the manifold.
In February 07, I had to have new front wheel bearings. They had no parts on hand and could not get them. I ordered the parts, had them expressed shipped and in their facility in two days. At the same time the ball joints were replaced as well, along with lube/oil change, brakes, power train service and front drive line repair.
After picking it up, 8 days later, while leaving their lot, I could tell the shocks were still bad, and it had a new clunking noise in the left front. I crawled under the truck, wondering if someone had left a tool under there or something and noted that the shocks were clean but I could tell the nuts had never been broke loose as there was still mud/dirt on them.
In mid April, the truck was again in their shop for 2 weeks for new shocks, another lube/oil change, new brakes, heater blower motor, valve adjust, transmission service, front and rear brake reline, as well as after market trailer brakes, suspension air bags, and an exhaust brake. These last three high dollar items were installed in anticipation of hauling horses to "America" and back. This dealer was made aware of this trip and was left with a list of other mechanical things to check to assure the truck was in sound condition.
On May May 23,07, the right tie rod broke, dumping me in the ditch. I broke down north of the Brooks Range in Alaska, about two thirds of the way to Prudhoe Bay and after a $2250 tow bill, I learned that besides the tie rod, the wheel bearings and ball joints are bad as well. And, of course, there are no parts. When inspecting the tie rod end, it was noted that there was no sign of any grease, only dry, dusty metal. This truck has NOT been lubed in months!
When I check the oil periodically, I note that it is always very black, even on the same day they have done an oil change. As I have owned 4 Dodge trucks, and done a lot of this maintenance myself, I know that when I change the oil, it is golden brown and clearish on the dip stick until the oil gets hot and a few miles on it.
This is not a complete list of repairs to this truck, only 6 months worth. It seems to me, that repairs I pay for, are done, maybe, but repairs that should be done under the end to end extended warranty ARE NOT.
As an aside, when the lube/oil change is done, I am always charged for windshield washer fluid refill and always find that the washer fluid cannister is still nearly empty.
I want to know what kind of service scam if going on here!!!
Lori
Fairbanks, Alaska
U.S.A.
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