2021 Dodge Ram Classic

[millerbl00]

I am looking at a 2021 Dodge Ram Classic V6. Never owned a dodge. What are the issues with this model? I heard that some have plastics oil pans and Trans pans?
Transmission problems? V6 problems?

thanks

 

[wwillson]

I heard that some have plastics oil pans and Trans pans?

Yes, I believe most of them do. I own two Dodge vehicles with plastic engine and trans oil pans. There is no functional difference between metal or plastic and nobody has ever heckled me at a light because I have plastic pans.

Transmission problems? V6 problems?

The ZF8 and Pentastar V6 are both great products, I own two and am a big fan even after 200,000+ miles. They have been completely reliable for me.

 

[JTK]

Great trucks. I owned a 2017 Ram 1500 with the pentastar V6. The only reason I own a 2019 classic hemi now was because I couldn't find a V6 with a crew cab.

Biggest issue with the pentastar IMO is the plastic oil cooler/filter housing, but if you do your own oil changes, should be a non issue.

The 8spd trans does have a plastic pan, but they're pretty sweet because the gasket and filter are built into the pan and replacement aftermarket pan kits are cheap.

That pentastar and ZF8 is an awesome powertain in a Ram 1500. The only suggestion I would make is try to get one with the optional 3.55 gears vs the standard 3.21. 3.55s almost double the tow capacity on them for some reason.

 

[millerbl00]

Thanks!

 

[millerbl00]

For $26000 for a brand new truck its tempting

 

[Danno]

JTK summed it up pretty well. I see a few in here for appraisals - a Ram store. They're a solid package, I don't see major issues with this model.

 

[nwjones18]

Really nice powertrain combo and very well sorted out at this point. Would be at the top of my list if I didn't need the v8 towing capacity.

 

[JoelB]

My dad has a 2019 with the V6 and 4wd. He loves it. Plenty of power for everyday truck stuff. Sounds good with a magnaflow exhaust too.

 

[The Critic]

Like the others mentioned, try finding one with the 3.55 gear ratio. The Ram Classic (DS chassis) is fairly mature (and dated) by now, but the $26K price cannot be beat.

But if it is in your budget, I would consider paying a bit more for the new body style Ram's. I have a 2020 and it is much nicer than the DS chassis in many ways.

Also, rumor is that the Pentastar V6 doesn't deliver significantly better fuel economy in exchange for the reduction in power. But it all depends on your needs and preferences. @JTK can probably comment more on this since he has owned both.

 

[MParr]

I thought that RAM had phased out the 1500 Classic. But, I see they haven’t. I imagine at some point they will.

 

[skrypj]

I had a 2018 Ram quad cab V6 in the Bay area as a rental once. It was nice for sure. No issue scooting around.

 

[benjy]

that price is for a tradesman, i like standard cabs but NO 4WD. prolly close to twice that much for what many want!!! my 2011 nissan frontier has more torque but less HP + i overpaid 18 G for it a loaded SV with a manual + 28 thou on it a few years ago, you cant hardly find ANYWHERE, + none on a new model. trucks especially 4WD + they are are crazy expensive + being light in the rear 4WD is a necessity for most owners if you use it as a truck, not an overpriced sedan!!

 

[The Critic]

that price is for a tradesman, i like standard cabs but NO 4WD. prolly close to twice that much for what many want!!! my 2011 nissan frontier has more torque but less HP + i overpaid 18 G for it a loaded SV with a manual + 28 thou on it a few years ago, you cant hardly find ANYWHERE, + none on a new model. trucks especially 4WD + they are are crazy expensive + being light in the rear 4WD is a necessity for most owners if you use it as a truck, not an overpriced sedan!!

Around my neighborhood, all of the Ram's seem to be used as overpriced sedans. The beds look unused and they are usually either the super-loaded Laramie trucks or the Limited trims. If someone is towing, 9 out of 10 times, it is a F-150 or F-250.

Not trying to jump to any conclusions, but just reporting my observations.

 

[2EHA]

. The beds look unused and they are usually either the super-loaded Laramie trucks or the Limited trims. If someone is towing, 9 out of 10 times, it is a F-150 or F-250.

i’m probably skewed from working in transportation but i forgot the last time i saw a single rear wheel truck towing anything meaningful. a corolla could probably do 75% of the things i see them doing

 

[The Critic]

i’m probably skewed from working in transportation but i forgot the last time i saw a single rear wheel truck towing anything meaningful. a corolla could probably do 75% of the things i see them doing

True. A Prius/Outback can do 90% of the things that homeowners (in the suburbs) think they need a truck for. I'm fully guilty of that.

 

[wpod]

Yes, I believe most of them do. I own two Dodge vehicles with plastic engine and trans oil pans. There is no functional difference between metal or plastic and nobody has ever heckled me at a light because I have plastic pans.


The ZF8 and Pentastar V6 are both great products, I own two and am a big fan even after 200,000+ miles. They have been completely reliable for me.

I would hackle you if I saw you !!!

 

[farrarfan1]

Around my neighborhood, all of the Ram's seem to be used as overpriced sedans. The beds look unused and they are usually either the super-loaded Laramie trucks or the Limited trims. If someone is towing, 9 out of 10 times, it is a F-150 or F-250.

Not trying to jump to any conclusions, but just reporting my observations.

You accurately described what my '20 Laramie is used for, except I have hauled some stuff in the bed, including a couple large loads of wood to use in my smokers, but it will never tow anything. We bought it for the looks, size, comfort and the ability to haul stuff that won't fit in our Jeep.

 

[CKN]

I thought that RAM had phased out the 1500 Classic. But, I see they haven’t. I imagine at some point they will.

They are only available in three trim levels-optioned in such a way as not to compete against the new model.

 

[nwjones18]

They are only available in three trim levels-optioned in such a way as not to compete against the new model.

Just for fun I did a build/price on a crew cab tradesmen the other day and they have all options available to turn it into what the big horn was. My theoretical crew cab 4wd tradesmen was nearly $50k, but was extremely well optioned.

 

[CKN]

Just for fun I did a build/price on a crew cab tradesmen the other day and they have all options available to turn it into what the big horn was. My theoretical crew cab 4wd tradesmen was nearly $50k, but was extremely well optioned.

So-what would be a "Big Horn" in the new style? I'm sure you can order one-but it's difficult to see fully loaded Tradesman in inventory. . Dealers don't carry them-even before COVID.