Multi Topics: Ball Joints, Cheap Oil Cooler, Transmission Flush vs Service, SOTS #2 Ram Promaster

[@keving4081]

I'm hooked. Wishing you great success as your shop gets folling.

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks. Doing well so far.

[@DeprisaDryICeBLasting]

I'm from New Jersey, I have a 2500 Promaster, thanks for your videos

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks, comrade.

[@casstippit766]

I love your attitude and drive to really fill a much needed niche in this world and do so with the utmost integrity. Looking forward to giving you my business when it’s needed and we’re nearby.

[@promastersonly1419]

Stop by, I feature the worst coffee in the state!

[@lifetimedreamvideos985]

Kip, I learn something from every video. You are entertaining, informative, and funny. Thanks. I took notes for my new Promaster 3 ring binder, in case I buy one. I want all the relevant information at my fingertips, when I need it. For my present 21.75 year old Toyota Avalon I have nearly filled two 1" three ring binders with maintenance records, gasoline receipt scans, and anything else remotely relevant.

[@TechCommanderRepairs]

I've seen a promaster not go into gear because the transmission filter needed to be changed so I believe you. Time to get mine done.

[@promastersonly1419]

Symptom of low transmission pressure (clogged filter) is delayed engagement into first gear.

[@chilibeanhere]

We love you Kip! I hope your channel evolves... your sun shines!

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks. It will. It has! I have!

[@lidieri]

I don’t have a Promaster but I really enjoy this channel ! You are great. Very knowledgeable, intelligent and funny. Until I started listening to you I’ve thought that these vans are nothing but complete disaster but now I know they are just like any other brand really. I am actually thinking about buying one for myself. Thanks for the content and keep it coming.

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks! I have fun making them, and I think they do some good in the world.

[@wayneroach6736]

The promaster of Promasters

[@ClayGump]

I would watch this guy talk about paint drying and be entertained and probably learn stuff.

[@promastersonly1419]

Good topic for a video: paint drying techniques 101.

[@craigsmithx]

Thank you for the invitation to stop in and visit. I look forward to meeting you! Just a few min, I know you're busy. Our van build is going steady but slow. Like to aim to have it done enough and get down there spring 2026.

[@promastersonly1419]

Anytime.

[@dennyr98373]

Kip, good timing for me to find you. I have a 2022 Ram Promaster 3500 for a Winnebago camper van (59K). It came with Sumo helper springs, front and rear. When we drove through Montana, with a 80/70 speed limit, we had a serious rumble throughout the van at 69 mph. We balanced the 4 tires in Billings but no cure. We drove to MI and back to WA at 65 tops. The vehicle now has 7,000 miles on it. I found the 4 OEM Nexen tires had tread separation and I bought 4 new Goodyear tires rated at a higher load. Now the rumble is not serious but it is very noticeable at around 39 mph when we are pulling up a grade or accelerating. It doesn't occur at 69 at all now. The Dodge mechanic says it is the nature of the beast, shifting the weight to the back of the vehicle. An alignment check at Firestone and everything in the steering looked good according to the mechanic. He also said the weight shifting could be the cause. I see other people on the Promaster Forum website describing the issue and fixes. I would sure like to hear your thoughts on this, before I have to waste a lot of money experimenting.

[@promastersonly1419]

That's a new one, and it's the kind of thing I would only experience as a freighter, with a heavy load in the back that wasn't able to be pushed forward enough. Meaning, rear heavy and making the fan light in the front. Under those conditions, you can feel the front end being "washy", weird feeling, and it would definitly exaggerate a while balance issue. That it moved when changing tires tells you it's limited to the tires.

[@dennismotil6259]

Thanks Kip! I enjoy your wit and knowledge. I've spent quite a lot of time in China, and even they call their crappy products "CCC" (Cheap China Crap). In regards to the transmission service, unfortunately, my van hit the 60K service right after your video in Feb/Mar 2023 where you said that you were taking a pause to any new work. I just paid someone $300 (not terrible, but...) for my transmission service because we are getting ready to hit the road again for a six week, 8,000+ mile trip out west. Please keep pumping out your videos, and let us know when you start taking new customers again.

[@promastersonly1419]

I’ll keep making them. More, in fact, as I attempt to strike a better work/life balance. The thing about CCC is they can make high quality stuff if they want to, it’s just we buy from them based on price alone. If they chose to concentrate on quality rather than price, they could blow us out of water.

[@HighFantasyStories]

I like the fact you put that cheap prop comedy of the transmission flush and the toilet. I just got a used 19 and like watching your videos. I suggest doing some small maintenance like how to replace a license plate light or tail light, to grow your following. I love the passion you have and hope you keep it up!

[@promastersonly1419]

Fear not, All those general maintenance videos and how-tos will be coming. Many of them are already on the channel, though some are quite old and without my newfound production values. The more videos i make, the better at it I get.

[@markwolf6092]

You make me laugh with the bong/flush reference 🤣if you have the time Sept 8 or 9th I’ll be passing by and would like a transmission service before I go to Arizona BTW Happy Father’s Day Enjoy Brother 🥰👍

[@promastersonly1419]

Sorry, missed this. Happy to do a trans service. Shoot me your email and we'll set it up. I'm [e-mail]

[@chrishess1312]

Always learn so much from your videos

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks. Learning is what it's all about.

[@westwasbest]

Excellent video! As a mechanic I enjoy your attitude and your directness, you sound like a fun guy, but next time you're in the pot, make sure you have more toilet paper than you obviously had in that video😮

[@promastersonly1419]

I'm a big fan of the bidet, as I like the idea that we live in such a Jetsons future that I have a robot to wipe my ass. Alas, my bidet is at home and not at the shop, so you have to back to the barbarian method of wiping your own ass manually. How quaint!

[@ToniAdventures]

Hi Kip! My friend Sue Ann and I were just talking about your shop! I have a 2016 Travato, diesel Promaster.

[@kipamore]

Sorry to say, I have little experience with an no special knowledge of the diesel. Much of the rest of the van is the same, but engine and transmission I probably cant help you. There is a guy who works on them, but he’s near Chicago.

[@DrewHolidayFX]

Keep these videos going bud! Great info an giggles as usual!!

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks!

[@southhillfarm2795]

I would put money on a transmission service greatly extending the life of a transmission.

[@promastersonly1419]

I can state the converse: neglect will definitely destroy a transmission.

[@benjaminvanlandingham5568]

Whats the update on the oil cooler parts??? Our business has 8 plus or these and need ideas for upgrades...message me on this issue or send links to vids

[@Slimsomerville]

I have a question? Do you have any comments on the new 2022 Ram ProMaster with the maintenance free sealed 9 speed transmissions? Thanks in advance!

[@promastersonly1419]

It's too early to tell with any accuracy. The only thing you can do is look to the past performance of that 9 speed in other vehicles. It's in a buttload of cars and SUVs, not just Chryslers. Verdict is that it's not better or worse than anything else. That you can't change the fluid or filter isn't a dealbreaker for me. Running the problem backward; let's say that you can expect it to go 200k and then fail, and cost $7000 when it does. If that were true and the worst case scenario...that doesn't seem so bad.

[@Slimsomerville]

Thanks for your input.

[@robertbalcaceres1288]

Thank you 🙏🏽 for all your info and tips I just recently purchased a 2020 Ram ProMaster form hertz with 60k any recommendations

[@promastersonly1419]

Assuming no codes or issues, lube the brake slides, gorilla tape the cowl the the windshield, and keep an eye on the driver's door checkstrap. Other than that, there isn't much to do except oil changes and transmission service at 80k. Plugs at 100k. The good news is that even though it's a rental, there's very little the driver can do to abuse the van. The computer won't let him over-rev it, or slam it into reverse at highway speed.

[@robertbalcaceres1288]

@@promastersonly1419 Thank you 🙏🏽

[@TyrellClark-qv4nb]

Can someone bring in a Promaster to your shop to have it inspected before they buy it and what would be the cost for the inspection?

[@promastersonly1419]

I do that all the time. Free if you bring it to me. If I have to travel to go inspect, I don't know, $75 depending.

[@jonminnella4157]

Hi I was wondering if you could shed some light on my situation my pro master 3500 has funny idea at a stop light it almost acts like it's going to stall then gose away there is no issues with driving and not check engine light

[@promastersonly1419]

Two possibilities. One is motor or trans mounts, but far more likely is an issue with the transmission. Search TransGo 62te shift hit. It’s cheap, but it’s skilled labor to get to.

[@GVONN1]

You are funny as hell!

[@promastersonly1419]

Stop me if I include balloon animals in these videos!

[@bob8359]

Nice to have that customer care, but trying to continually move things fast will eventually burn you out.

[@promastersonly1419]

I worry about that too.

[@stevelandsberg6951]

... another good contribution to the knowledge base - hope you manage to keep the little guy amidst the fleet activity... and feed a lil' sludge to them german porn guys infiltrating utube ;-)

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks man!

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

What is the typical lifespan of the ball joint?

[@promastersonly1419]

Depends on use, and luck. Normal city use, perhaps 60k-80k. Generally, when you do the struts you do the ball joints since they are cheap and you are already there.

[@razzlekhan292]

8:20 lmaooo

[@sheylaaguilar3202]

Man! I love the way you explain things! So funny and understandable 👍👍 hope you can make a video about motor and transmission mounts problems in promaster.

[@promastersonly1419]

I will put that on the list of videos to make. For now, we really don't see too many problems. I have had a motor mount break, and I have one van with 757k where the transmission mount is totally shot. But so far so good. Are you having issues with yours?

[@brandonerbse4803]

I got better than good service from these guys. I had my transmission serviced.

[@promastersonly1419]

Thanks, boss!

[@benjaminvanlandingham5568]

Whats the update on the oil cooler parts??? Our business has 8 plus or these and need ideas for upgrades...message me on this issue or send links to vids

[@promastersonly1419]

You should email me at [e-mail] if you want to discuss upgrades. Currently, the dorman coolers are generally available, though you may have to hunt. Seems like when one vendor goes on backorder, they are plentiful at another. Dorman is set to soon release an aluminum thermostat housing, which is a fairly rare problem but the upgrade will be cheap and bulletproof and take 5 minutes to install. Otherwise, I can hip you to some tweaks that will pay off big time over the long haul.