Advice on buying a 2010 to 2012
- Thread starter Diesel92
- Start date
smokin1997
I Know Nothing
I have a '12 with the g56 with 120k on it now. Bought it a year ago with 100k. It's deleted and tuned is all. The stock clutch wouldn't take even the extra power of the tune. I went to the south bend dual disk 3250. 3250gk is the part number. I run 7 full quarts of Schaffers 50w trans oil in it. I had the nasty growl and rattle till I just changed the fluid and put that in.
bigstacks95
Diesel Doc
IMO, I'd get a 13+ so you can get the Uconnect screen. I didn't realize how much I can't live without that until I had it.
Signature600
THA MAN!
My 10 had a Uconnect screen unless they changed the functionality in 2013-up...
Chris
CorneliusRox
Seasoned Rookie
In 2013 they revamped it, and the interior. It's nicer, but you pay for it. I like it, but they didn't offer Android Auto or Apply Carplay until 2018 trucks... Kinda behind the ball.
The big upgrades in 2013 were the interior, front end redesign (better for daily/high mileage stuff, worse for full on performance), and the addition of DEF (which gave much better throttle response on a stock truck).
I liked it until I got my wife a Ford with Sync 3. It's a lot nicer. You should look into upgrading to an Android Auto capable one! Or this guy looks bad ass!
https://phoenixandroidradios.com/products/10-4-tesla-style-vertical-screen-android-navi-radio-for-dodge-ram-2013-2018
bigstacks95
Diesel Doc
That's really neat. I might have to check that out. I've been happy with mine in my 13 so far, I just wish they had voice-texting available without paying for the subscription. Also every once in a while especially when its super cold, it tweeks out on me and takes a minute to load radio presets, bluetooth, etc. It'll boot, just load everything slow. I guess that can be expected when a computer has been sitting outside and its below zero. Otherwise its pretty awesome. All the 2012-down trucks I've been in don't even compare to the 13+ in my opinion.
ramthiscummins
New member
Do the 13+ not have steering wheel audio controls? Or is it just a case of it isn't in your truck?
A lot of people overlook the buttons on the back of the steering wheel....
CorneliusRox
Seasoned Rookie
I don't believe the 2010-12 ever got nice controls in the wheels. Just the up down, left right ones. Kinda disappointing. I wonder if anyone makes an upgrade kit. I'd definitely pay for that.
There were two models for audio (that I know of). w/ Alpine (had the rear buttons), w/o Alpine (didn't). So that depends on the truck. Most SLT's and above I've seen have the buttons on the back.
red dodge2
New member
Ive been looking at a 2010 with 120,000 miles, automatic, all stock. Anything i should watch out for with that kinda miles? Are would i be more wise to find a 13+? Ive read where the trans cooling system is better?
CorneliusRox
Seasoned Rookie
I'd take it for a test drive, get it into 6th gear locked, and do a pull. See if the RPMs rise and blow through the clutches. If so, you're trans is about done.
Check there's no visible head gasket leak (leaking around head on outside, or coolant/oil mixing on inside).
Also check cold start. If the injectors are in good shape, it should cold start at around 0F with no grid heater and almost no hesitation. Mine does (and it always surprises me how effortlessly it does).
Other than that, they're a pretty good truck. I'd recommend head studs, a fuel system that filters better than stock, and an engine/trans tune/deletes.
Check there's no visible head gasket leak (leaking around head on outside, or coolant/oil mixing on inside).
Also check cold start. If the injectors are in good shape, it should cold start at around 0F with no grid heater and almost no hesitation. Mine does (and it always surprises me how effortlessly it does).
Other than that, they're a pretty good truck. I'd recommend head studs, a fuel system that filters better than stock, and an engine/trans tune/deletes.
oilburner97
New member
Your'e buying it for the motor. The rest of the truck is mediocre at best.
CorneliusRox
Seasoned Rookie
160k on mine and I'm impressed. It's quieter than my wife's brand new Ford Titanium at highways speeds, the audio is surprisingly good, and the steering is surprisingly tight. I wish the springs were softer, it had air bags, and beefier sway bars, but... That can all happen over time.
What do you hate about the 4th gens?
bigstacks95
Diesel Doc
Anyone who bashes the newer Rams or says they are cheesy trucks, clearly never has to work on them, verses working on the Fords or GM's
blackmega3500
New member
Well..... how bout those 5th gens....
2019 Ram 1500s look awfully Chevy like, and likely the HD series will soon follow, just hopefully without the sharknosr/ overbite front hood/ grill.
red dodge2
New member
Yours a 2010? Had any problems with transmission or engine problems?
CorneliusRox
Seasoned Rookie
We're talking about 2010-2010 specifically, but I agree with you. Usually the HD stuff trails a year behind for body updates.
My favorite body style is the 2nd gen sport, followed by the 4th gen HD. I don't really care for anything else. (Although I do have a soft spot for std cab, flat bed 1st gens)
No sir! I've got an AFE deep trans pan, PDD Power Torque fluid, and an H&S with a mild tune with overdrive (w/ intake/exhaust/deletes). It's a great daily driver/tow truck/family hauler and gets 20mpg pretty reliably with my commute to work and back.
I really don't think the 68rfe is as scary as everyone makes it out to be. Keep big torque out of 5th and 6th gear (worst part), and keep the fluid clean. Most issues surround the solenoid pack which is easy to swap, costs $250, and you normally get codes/sporadic behavior before it dies. On top of that, I still haven't had to replace mine.
I also just drive it, and don't abuse it. I'm sure it wouldn't like being treated like my 12V.