New 2017 Ram 3500 SRW

gsganzer · Sep 17, 2022

My oldest started college, majoring in equine science. Now that she's starting to spread her wings and becoming independent, we really needed to find her a truck to haul herself and her horses around. This is the worst time possible to be finding a used truck, but there's a few out there.

I think we found a good one today, 2017 Ram Tradesman, 3500 SRW longbed crew with cummins, 157K miles and clean carfax and maintenance records. First Ram we've ever owned, anything in particular we should watch for? Everything felt tight except some front end drifting. From what I could tell, the camber looks off as evidenced by some alligatoring of the outer tire edge, passenger side slightly worse than drivers. I had them knock off some more of the price and gave a deposit, final acceptance based on them doing an alignment that fixes the problem. I can't imagine needing any extensive front end work at 157K, anyone have any different experience?

5030 · Sep 17, 2022

My only comment are 2. One, get underneath and check the tightness of the Huck bolted steering box with an impact wrench (I don't know the torque spec but I'm pretty sure it's plenty) as they have a habit of getting loose and that will adversely impact both the toe and camber and cause the 'wandering sensation' and be aware the frame ears from the front axle forward are weak as well and prone to flexing. The motor is golden but if it's an automatic, keep up on the fluid changes. Lots of torque going through it, consequently, it need regular fluid changes and filters too.

I'd check the steering box before I had it aligned because if it's loose, it will impact any alignment done.

Hay Dude · Sep 17, 2022

gsganzer said:
My oldest started college, majoring in equine science. Now that she's starting to spread her wings and becoming independent, we really needed to find her a truck to haul herself and her horses around. This is the worst time possible to be finding a used truck, but there's a few out there.

I think we found a good one today, 2017 Ram Tradesman, 3500 SRW longbed crew with cummins, 157K miles and clean carfax and maintenance records. First Ram we've ever owned, anything in particular we should watch for? Everything felt tight except some front end drifting. From what I could tell, the camber looks off as evidenced by some alligatoring of the outer tire edge, passenger side slightly worse than drivers. I had them knock off some more of the price and gave a deposit, final acceptance based on them doing an alignment that fixes the problem. I can't imagine needing any extensive front end work at 157K, anyone have any different experience?

It could need front end work. Alignment may not be possible without parts & service. Seen more than a few trucks need rebuilt front ends with those kinds of miles.

gsganzer · Sep 17, 2022

I'll dig deeper on the front end. Apparently, there are some known steering gear box issues with Rams. Fortunately, I'm under the typical value and have some room for parts/repairs. I really didn't see any other issues other than the front end. I also have a buddy with a lift and ironically we're rebuilding a front end suspension and front rear shocks/struts on my 2008 Toyota 4runner with 250K miles in the coming weeks.

Topzide · Sep 17, 2022

The 3500 don't have the steering box issues like the 1500s do. The alignment is issue as probably not set to Thuren specs. To much toe from the factory. I have both 1500 and 3500. One is y style drag link and other is continuous drag link. 157k isn't much on a 3500 diesel that's been cared for. Just check over and stay on top of things.

SMOKEEATERFF · Dec 11, 2022

I had my drag link replaced by my local dealer due to the temporary fix ram did, there is a bushing in the steering shaft in the cab that you can Google-I used a piece of hose to push in and it really helped the steering wander, if it’s leveled use thurens specs for alignment, grid heater bolt-wiggle test-YouTube it and disconnect if you don’t need it, grease the front drive shaft-Google it too to find it, factory emissions? If not try to take pics and upload here-really need to know who the tuner is.