2003 — 2009
5.7L Hemi V8 (EZB)
Petrol
Start the engine completely cold and listen closely to both front wheel wells for a loud metallic ticking sound that fades away after 2 to 3 minutes. | Note: This indicates broken exhaust manifold bolts, a very common issue on the 5.7L Hemi V8. Due to the tight clearances in Right-Hand Drive (RHD) converted trucks in NZ, extracting the sheared bolts can be highly labor-intensive.
Drive at 80-100 km/h on an uneven or rutted Kiwi rural road and check for excessive steering wheel play, 'wander', or violent shaking (the infamous 'Death Wobble'). | Note: The heavy-duty solid front axle setup on the Ram 3500 wears out track bars, ball joints, and steering boxes prematurely. Kiwi RHD conversions often add complexity to these steering linkages, accelerating wear.
Perform a heavy-acceleration kick-down from 50 km/h up an incline, observing if the 545RFE automatic transmission shifts cleanly or slips, 'hunts' for gears, or hesitates. | Note: The 545RFE automatic gearbox is notorious for struggling under heavy towing loads if the fluid hasn't been regularly flushed or if an auxiliary cooler wasn't fitted.
Inspect the lower cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel arches beneath the flares with a flashlight and magnet, checking for soft spots or bubbling paint. | Note: 3rd Gen aggressiveness to rust in body cavities is high. Finding clean replacement body panels in New Zealand is exceptionally difficult and expensive due to limited local wrecking stock.
Minor Service: Replace engine oil and filter using high-quality 5W-20 weight oil to protect the Hemi lifters. Lubricate all front suspension grease points (especially aftermarket steering components) and rotate the heavy-duty tires.
Intermediate Service: Replace all 16 spark plugs (standard copper core plugs are recommended). Flush and replace fluid in both front and rear differentials, transfer case, and the automatic transmission.
Major Overhaul & Inspection: Inspect the water pump and serpentine belt drive system. Thoroughly assess front steering components (ball joints, track bar, drag link). Check the mechanical fan clutch operation and inspect exhaust manifolds for newly cracked studs.
Always use the manufacturer-specified 5W-20 viscosity engine oil to maintain correct hydraulic pressure for the valvetrain, preventing the notorious 'Hemi Tick'.
Grease front steering and suspension grease nipples at every oil change, as NZ's demanding damp roads accelerate joint wear on these heavy rigs.
Service the front and rear brake slide pins annually; the massive weight of the 3500 model causes rapid pad wear if calipers seize.
Regularly inspect the RHD steering conversion steering shaft, drop boxes, and universal joints for play or compliance certification validity.
Keep the auxiliary transmission fluid cooler clean of mud and road debris, particularly if using the vehicle for heavy towing on NZ state highways.
Estimated repair costs if issues arise
Requires removing the manifolds, extracting snapped steel studs from the aluminum cylinder heads, and fitting upgraded aftermarket gaskets and studs.
Replacing worn ball joints, heavy-duty track bar, tie rods, and steering stabilizer to cure steering wander and prevent the 'Death Wobble'.
The 5.7L Hemi requires 16 plugs. Accessing the rear cylinders on the RHD-converted side is extremely tight, driving up labor times at NZ workshops.
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Disclaimer: This report is generated with the assistance of AI analysis based on verified automotive data. While we strive for 100% accuracy, enthusiasts should always conduct physical inspections and consult service records. View Full Disclaimer