2025 Ram 1500 SST Engine Tear Down

[Danno]

From what I understand, a valve spring broke at 400 miles. Decision still to be made on long block replacement or replace valve spring only. I don't have pictures of the head. Probably sent out for inspection.
Interesting that it looks to be a closed deck design and there a lot more coolant flow on the exhaust (hot) side vs intake (cool) side.

 

[ctechbob]

Specifically designed so you can't get the trans off without pulling the cab? Seriously, what were they thinking here?

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Specifically designed so you can't get the trans off without pulling the cab? Seriously, what were they thinking here?

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What, you don’t use 4” long studs to connect two 1/2” thick flanges??

 

[ctechbob]

What, you don’t use 4” long studs to connect two 1/2” thick flanges??

Nahh, I'd use 5" and then stack a whole bunch of stuff on top like wiring harnesses, heat shields, and cooler lines. Why not, not like anything is easy to work on these days!

 

[oldhp]

So that's replacing the HEMI???? Yuck.

 

[JavierH19]

What a disaster. To change a darn valve spring you gotta put c4 under it and blow half the truck into space just to turn a bolt you couldn't get to. I think I'll keep my 2003 forever.

 

[bdcardinal]

There are some jobs that even though you don't have to, pulling the cab makes it a lot easier. Or at least easier on your back.

 

[OneLonelyBurrito]

Honestly, it looks like a pretty stout engine. There are bound to be teething issues and I don't even know if I would consider this to be a teething issue. Seems more like a random failure.

Specifically designed so you can't get the trans off without pulling the cab? Seriously, what were they thinking here?

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Its called DFA, design for assembly. Pulling the cab is just a part of life on new pickups. You can get better access to everything and most of the time pulling the cab doesn't take all that much time with a lift.

 

[joegreen]

Very pleased with what looks like a simple short timing chain.

 

[ammolab]

Very pleased with what looks like a simple short timing chain.

But is it? Do you see anyplace for push rods going to the head? It’s an DOHC engine!

 

[bullwinkle]

Specifically designed so you can't get the trans off without pulling the cab? Seriously, what were they thinking here?

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It’s Stellantis-how much thinking was really going on here? Just like Ford & the big Transit transmissions-no thought of service whatsoever!

 

[Hirev]

Looking at the 3rd pic down it almost looks like the cylinder walls have scratches or scoring marks. Is that just my imagination? It does not seem good to have a valve spring break at 400 miles. Hopefully they did not get a bunch of bad springs in a production run. We had that happen when I was working. Good thing we tested them before using them. Out of a box of 500 only a handful of springs past testing.

 

[cptbarkey]

Specifically designed so you can't get the trans off without pulling the cab? Seriously, what were they thinking here?

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they make super long sockets that might work there, but there isnt much excuse for what looks like lazy design. Cut the dang stud.

 

[GMBoy]

I would not want the truck anymore after all of that disassembly. There are just too many ways that truck won't be as good as originally assembled. At the factory every bolt and nut is set to proper torque - doubt the dealership will check torque on everything. I used to review warranty data for GM large SUVs and most issues were tracked back to plant repair as the culprit. Built on line and in station gives the best quality -not repair afterwards.

(Note- I am not saying the Op won't do a great job here, I am just speaking generally from my experiences)

 

[bullwinkle]

Very pleased with what looks like a simple short timing chain.

Unfortunately I think that short chain drives a longer one that drives the cams…

 

[Tman220]

Looking at the 3rd pic down it almost looks like the cylinder walls have scratches or scoring marks. Is that just my imagination? It does not seem good to have a valve spring break at 400 miles. Hopefully they did not get a bunch of bad springs in a production run. We had that happen when I was working. Good thing we tested them before using them. Out of a box of 500 only a handful of springs past testing.

I agree, those cylinder walls look toast. There was definitely more going on with that engine.

 

[JavierH19]

You ain't got to do all this to take the heads off a gm truck. I've seen a vid of how a tech removes the heads on them, they take the front rims off and the bumper lip as well if I recall and the truck's now low enough to work on. Enough space on both banks to take the heads off. Those ohv engines are nice and compact.

 

[meep]

Man I like me a good I6, but the access bothers me as a DIY guy too. But that’s not an I6 thing, that’s a vehicle size and packaging thing. My truck gives you a core workout that I fail at for anything topside.

I hope this motor does well. I also agree with @GMBoy. Ford had my entire dash out in 1 year for warranty work, and that’s when the rattles started.

I added a bit of wiring to mine - camper shell interior, 600W inverter, a couple of extra clearance lights, and a PV panel on the camper shell, and probably something else - it’s occurred to me if they ever remove my cab for any kind of work, none of that will fare well unless I go back in and install disconnects and instructions first, that they may or may not read.

 

[OVERKILL]

Stout looking engine, unfortunate for the valvespring failure.

 

[meep]

As well as the Rams ride, I’ll bet that six feels good and smooth underway.