2014 — 2018
6.4L V8 Hemi (ESG)
Petrol
Listen closely to the engine bay during a cold start-up and warm idle, keeping an ear out for any distinct metallic ticking. | Note: The 'Hemi Tick' is notorious on the 6.4L. It can indicate sheared exhaust manifold bolts (very common and relatively easy to fix) or premature lifter roller bearing failure, which can score the camshaft and require a full engine teardown.
Drive at 80-100 km/h on an uneven, coarse-chip New Zealand road and check for front-end stability, steering wheel shimmy, or lateral wander. | Note: These heavy trucks are prone to 'Death Wobble' and steering play caused by worn track bar bushings, drag links, and ball joints. Steering components on converted Right-Hand Drive (RHD) models can be particularly expensive to source in NZ.
Execute multiple low-speed stop-and-go maneuvers, paying close attention to transmission shift quality between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. | Note: The transmission (66RFE or 8HP75 depending on model year) can suffer from harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or torque converter shudder, particularly if the vehicle has been used for heavy towing without regular fluid servicing.
Manually cycle the vehicle through 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD High, and 4WD Low on a loose gravel surface. | Note: Transfer case encoder motors are known to fail, and because these vehicles are frequently used in NZ for launching boats, salt-water exposure can accelerate corrosion on underbody electronic connectors and actuator wiring.
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting (frequently missed during basic servicing), rotate the heavy-duty LT tyres to prevent uneven wear, and perform a synthetic oil and filter change using the exact MS-12633 specification.
Replace all 16 spark plugs (the 6.4L Hemi utilizes a dual-spark system), service the automatic transmission by replacing both the sump and spin-on filters along with fresh fluid, and change the front/rear differential oils if towing regularly.
Flush the entire engine cooling system, replace the main accessory drive belts and tensioners, inspect the water pump for shaft play/weeping, and conduct a detailed physical inspection of all front steering linkages and suspension bushings.
Always use high-quality synthetic 0W-40 engine oil meeting FCA MS-12633 standards to protect the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters.
Inspect the rear exhaust manifold bolts at every oil change, as the factory bolts frequently snap under heat expansion.
Ensure the RHD steering conversion box, linkages, and steering damper are regularly checked for grease and play.
Test the dual-battery setup (if fitted) or the heavy-duty single battery regularly; low voltage causes erratic electronic shifting and MDS errors.
Clean and inspect the transfer case vent tube and underbody electrical plugs for corrosion, particularly after boat ramp usage.
Estimated repair costs if issues arise
Because the 6.4L Hemi requires two plugs per cylinder and access to the rear bank is restricted, parts and NZ labour costs are higher than standard petrol V8s.
A very common issue. If bolts are sheared off flush inside the aluminum cylinder head, it requires tedious extraction labour and upgraded aftermarket studs (e.g., ARP) to prevent recurrence.
Addressing front-end wander or wobble requires high-quality heavy-duty steering components. Sourcing heavy-duty US-spec or converted RHD-specific steering parts in NZ carries significant shipping and specialist workshop premiums.
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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