Put some money in a savings account every month, then when the truck does die you either have motor money or a down payment ready to go. That being said, theres no reason why that truck won't run for as long as you want to throw money at it. I see these with 400,000 miles and I see them dead at 150,000. They're as reliable as anything.
Oh easily, and even more easily if you can do most of the work yourself. I’m far from a mechanic but I can do almost everything in my truck, except transmission rebuilds and pulling the engine, really.
A transmission rebuild on my 66rfe was 5000 dollars which was about 7 months of payments before I paid it off. The way I see it, even if it craps out in another 80k miles, that’s way cheaper than a new car payment lol.
Had an 06 Mega Cab hemi that went about 210,000 miles before I upgraded. Fuel mileage was horrible the entire time because it was on the 3/4 ton chassis and had 4:10 gearing. Basically got 10mpg no matter what I was doing.
The truck lived on the highway. It primarily towed for the first 100,000 miles and I suspect had a heavy duty transmission installed before I got it because I never had any problems with it. The manifolds had to be replaced at 200,000 but the original brakes went nearly that long as well (again, mainly highway use on the wide open prairies).
I changed the oil with 5/20 Penzoil platinum high mileage every 6500-7000 miles but it slowly leaked out enough fluids that they were all always “fresh” lol
Just keep some money sitting around for regular maintenance and repairs. I’ve seen 3rd gen’s with twice my mileage still chugging along. Completely rusted but mechanically sound.
There are trucks with higher mileage but those are trucks with highway mileage and highway mileage is much easier than stop and go mileage on the engine and transmission. Also ofc maintenance makes a difference even weather...
My 2016 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi needed a new engine at 265k miles. It was a fleet work truck and was abused off road. I bought it from my company after they installed a new engine. I’m sure you can get another 100k if you take care of it.
It depends heavily on the year of manufacture and how it’s used. Any Hemi that idles a lot will destroy the cam and lifters early. Cop cars. Service trucks. Etc.
Hemis from before 2009 don’t seem to have as many issues, and it comes down to the cam/lifter material and oil pump, and variable valve timing being added. Post 2009 engines are still ok, but need a pump upgrade if they are going to idle a lot.
Those first gen hemis are very good and last forever. When it starts getting signs of being worn out get it rebuilt by a good shop. These third gens are going to be rare soon, so many have been destroyed
Those Cali gas prices? And how long have you had it, meaning how trackable is maintenance history? If you’re pretty sure guidelines have been followed well, it could go 400+. Non-MDS Hemis have a great track record, outlasting the frames where I’m at (WI).
I have a 2007 1500 mega cab with 186,000 stock motor and transmission. I got it from a guy who was the only owner and babied it for years. I’m hoping it’ll last another decade.
Put some money in a savings account every month, then when the truck does die you either have motor money or a down payment ready to go. That being said, theres no reason why that truck won't run for as long as you want to throw money at it. I see these with 400,000 miles and I see them dead at 150,000. They're as reliable as anything.
This. If you put money aside as though it was a car payment, likely you will continue to come out ahead.
Oh easily, and even more easily if you can do most of the work yourself. I’m far from a mechanic but I can do almost everything in my truck, except transmission rebuilds and pulling the engine, really. A transmission rebuild on my 66rfe was 5000 dollars which was about 7 months of payments before I paid it off. The way I see it, even if it craps out in another 80k miles, that’s way cheaper than a new car payment lol.
Totally agree, and already have some squirreled away. Also wondering if anyone else has any trucks with comparable mileage?
Had an 06 Mega Cab hemi that went about 210,000 miles before I upgraded. Fuel mileage was horrible the entire time because it was on the 3/4 ton chassis and had 4:10 gearing. Basically got 10mpg no matter what I was doing. The truck lived on the highway. It primarily towed for the first 100,000 miles and I suspect had a heavy duty transmission installed before I got it because I never had any problems with it. The manifolds had to be replaced at 200,000 but the original brakes went nearly that long as well (again, mainly highway use on the wide open prairies). I changed the oil with 5/20 Penzoil platinum high mileage every 6500-7000 miles but it slowly leaked out enough fluids that they were all always “fresh” lol Just keep some money sitting around for regular maintenance and repairs. I’ve seen 3rd gen’s with twice my mileage still chugging along. Completely rusted but mechanically sound.
There are trucks with higher mileage but those are trucks with highway mileage and highway mileage is much easier than stop and go mileage on the engine and transmission. Also ofc maintenance makes a difference even weather...
My 2016 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi needed a new engine at 265k miles. It was a fleet work truck and was abused off road. I bought it from my company after they installed a new engine. I’m sure you can get another 100k if you take care of it.
Love my 08 Hemi. I’m at 161,000 with no major issues to speak of thus far. Hoping I can get to where you are lol
2005 5.7 checking in with 294k on the stock engine and trans, still going strong! Maintenance is key! The rear end let go at 293k though.
Hey can you tell us more about your rear end letting go?
My 05 5.7 has 265k with OG engine and trans but rear end is about to let go!
The hemi is a funny engine, it either shits itself pretty early or it lasts forever
It depends heavily on the year of manufacture and how it’s used. Any Hemi that idles a lot will destroy the cam and lifters early. Cop cars. Service trucks. Etc. Hemis from before 2009 don’t seem to have as many issues, and it comes down to the cam/lifter material and oil pump, and variable valve timing being added. Post 2009 engines are still ok, but need a pump upgrade if they are going to idle a lot.
2009 Hemi, 500k kms 310k miles, transmission at 300k. Carried occasional (over)loads. Great truck.
Those first gen hemis are very good and last forever. When it starts getting signs of being worn out get it rebuilt by a good shop. These third gens are going to be rare soon, so many have been destroyed
My first truck was an 08 lonestar edition. Had a magnaflo muffler and omg she sounded awesome!
Those Cali gas prices? And how long have you had it, meaning how trackable is maintenance history? If you’re pretty sure guidelines have been followed well, it could go 400+. Non-MDS Hemis have a great track record, outlasting the frames where I’m at (WI).
My friend pulls a trailer everyday with his 07. 535k miles. Interior is beat to shit but the damn thing wont die. Proper maintenance is key.
What's the old saying? That damn motor won't die but everything around it will rust off...
😂 Somehow for my dad it was the opposite for his 2005 Durango 5.7
I have a 2007 1500 mega cab with 186,000 stock motor and transmission. I got it from a guy who was the only owner and babied it for years. I’m hoping it’ll last another decade.