The 8.0 V10 Magnum | Common Problems & Reliability

[@8BitMetalHead488]

530,000 miles on mine mostly towing a 11,000 lbs trailer and still running strong! It is on its 3rd transmission and 3rd dana 80 diff.

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you've got a good one.

[@zBPS]

5.9 or 8.0?

[@8020Media]

Z - Asking which is better?

[@theinfamousnicksroofinginc]

​@@zBPS 5.9 I have both

[@cjohn7300]

I own a 98 Dodge V10 2500 HD with 5 spd manual. Transmission. I’m the original owner and have 92,000 miles on it. It’s a gem and will keep it till I can’t drive anymore. It’s been a reliable workhorse and has pulled heavy loads with ease! No major issues so far!!

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you rarely drive it? Is it a ranch truck or towing truck or something?

[@cjohn7300]

I only use it for towing heavy loads. I have a half ton 1972 K10 truck for everyday use.

[@8020Media]

C - That makes more sense! Nice trucks!

[@cjohn7300]

@@8020Mediathanks!

[@edwardash8628]

Smart man

[@richardbaylor142]

I bought a new 2500 V-10 in 2001 still purrrs & pulls like a young mule , after 306500 miles. It loves to drink gas! I'm no stranger to the gas station . But best vehicle I've ever owed , haven't had a truck payment since 2004 , so I can't get too upset about gas prices ! I was thinking about being buried in it but it's an 8 ft bed.

[@8020Media]

Richard - Haha. Love hearing this experience! Thanks for sharing.

[@mattdavis7260]

I have a 98 1/2 with the 8.0. Has been one of the most reliable trucks I’ve ever had. Dad bought it new and we both share it lol. Has over 400k original trans with regular service and band adjustments. Governor pressure sensor and solenoid went bad but that’s about it for the trans

[@8020Media]

Matt - Sounds like you've got a good one! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@philipunderwood477]

I have a 1997 8.0L V10 Bought as 2nd or 3rd owner from the eastern shore of Maryland. I bought around 72k miles in November 2022 as a work truck, farm truck, plow truck in New England. It was super clean and nearly no rust for a northeastern truck. Quick tune up and ready to make money plowing. I immediately got a tune-up for some stalling issues- I had to fix some air intake BS that some previous owner Fd up with a K&N intake and bad sensors. Its been running very good since then. New front brakes and bearings (26 years old) It's been oil undercoated with chainsaw oil 3-4x now to prevent rust. Still nearly immaculate metal for the age and a good runner. Not comparable to my diesel trucks for towing, but better than a v8 I echo the comments on the 47RE transmission - I suspect this will be the weakest link as a plow truck and some towing over the summer. I don't think I have an OD gear - seems very suspicious. Engine oil analysis is ok, at 83k miles but showing some early signs of metals and antifreeze. It's getting a 3rd set of right side exhaust manifolds this week Hopefully quieter and more powerful next week

[@8020Media]

P - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@Paul234234]

Love my old v10. Was my dad's truck and he gave it to me at 280k miles. I got 300 now. Kicks ass and won't stop

[@8020Media]

P - Nice! All depends on how well they are maintained. Sounds like your dad took great care of it!

[@andyanderson2392]

I own a tree service. I have 217,000 on my 96' Dodge 2500 with the 8 liter magnum. It pulls my 16ft dump trailer fully loaded with ease. I am on my 2nd transmission, but I love this old truck. Thanks for your video.

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! We love these trucks.

[@magmomwise]

Having owned several Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 8.L V10 my experience with them has been that they are good, reliable and smooth running. I have not had any of the so called common problem occur with any of the trucks I have owned. As for the fuel economy I find if you keep your speed down to 60ish the MPG goes up noticeably. Also this engine starts easy in sub Zero weather.

[@8020Media]

Mag - Thanks for sharing your experience and insights!

[@crispcars1648]

I have daily drivin my 8.0 for 8 years now & I abuse it as much as I can. It’s not a tow rig, it’s a race truck at this point lol. It’s a fantastic engine even with minimal maintenance but the transmissions are definitely sensitive. I purchased my truck I’m with 155k miles & had to replace the trans at 173k It’s at 197k now. Other than that I’ve had no major problems with the engine. I continue to abuse & daily this V10 & I love it! I’ll run this truck untill I or it dies! & if it dies first it will be rebuilt.

[@8020Media]

Crisp - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@justynbenway3889]

Bought a 2000 v10 4x4 a couple years back aith 77k miles on it. Its maiden voyage for me starts tomorrow. 1100 miles to get it home. Changed the fluids and gonna let her ride.

[@8020Media]

J - Sounds like a good deal. These things have a ton of life on them so long as they're taken care of.

[@brandonbeasley4601]

We have one for work and haul a dump trailer with it. It's been a good truck but the crank pulley flew apart on it the other week and we had a heck of a time finding a new one. Apparently the part was discontinued in 2022 but we got a new one and plan on driving it till the wheels fall off

[@8020Media]

B - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and insights. We hope you get 100k+ more miles out of it.

[@mattd.4133]

Mine a 97 V10 5 speed 1 ton dually, total brute force! Literally could pull a house!

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@topothemtn1]

1996 Ram 2500 4x4 453000 miles on original 47 RE. Preventive maintenance.

[@8020Media]

D - Love hearing things like this! Thanks for sharing.

[@codyzellmer1998]

I have a single cab ‘99 3500 dually 4x4 with the V10 and a 5 speed as a work rig. Bought it from a relative this winter. It has a service bed with a 200 gallon diesel tank. Currently at 240k miles and aside from the clutch starting to slip and the hesitation mentioned in the video, it’s been a pretty good work rig. Haven’t had really any major issues with it. Even the electrical system still works for the most part (which is a miracle for a second gen)! Only issue is the fan stops when you turn the headlights on, so no A/C or heat at night.

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience! Sounds like you take great care of it.

[@davidduplessis7800]

When the thermostat "fails" on one of these, it ALWAYS "fails" OPEN-- You will NEVER overheat an 8.0 V10! They just don't get hot! In fact, quite the opposite - - many owners report that their engines take forever to warm up.... It's a seriously over-cooled, over-built engine....

[@8020Media]

David - Thanks for the insight.

[@doranhosteen1751]

My 95 v10’s thermostat go stuck closed last winter and I drive it for 30 mins and it over heated took thermostat out and drove it to where I was going and back home and was cold the whole way after I took thermostat out

[@8020Media]

Doran - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@lukecochran3565]

I have a 96 v10 and can attest to them taking a long time to warm up. on a cold day it can actually be annoying 😂 good problem to have

[@8020Media]

Luke - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Nephi2006]

1996 v10 gas 180k towing no major problems, still going strong!

[@8020Media]

N - Nice! Amazing what can happen when things are taken care of properly.

[@rickreid81]

Having driven the dodge Cummins 12 valve & the dodge 8.0 V10 for many years. Either engine, you can't go wrong with. Personally I preferred the V10. Better acceleration & where I live a better chance of finding gasoline than diesel. Also the V10 had such a unique sound under a load. Just plan awesome to listen to.

[@8020Media]

Rick - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@davidappelquist8357]

Bought my v-10 dually with a 5 speed new in 1999, been plowing and towing with her for over 225,000 so far. Still runs strong, very few problems, other than the thermostat

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@krogunlimitedfahrenkrog6110]

I have 2 of these v10's, and I love them. My 2wd gets better MPG than my Tacoma, and my 4wd does everything I ask.

[@8020Media]

Kro - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you've got some good engines.

[@R3TR0--93]

I always run seafoam in the fuel system every month, replaced the IAC and TPS, all spark plugs air filter and that's about it, truck never skipped a beat

[@8020Media]

Retro - Sounds like you take great care of it! How many miles do you have on it?

[@jeremytaylor4892]

Working on restoring my 95 2500 v10 my grandfather bought new thought about 12 Valve swapping it just so hard to find parts for the v10 wish there was more parts available for them

[@8020Media]

Jeremy - Sounds like a sweet build. Keep us updated.

[@Simplycomplicates]

The thermostats are pass thru. Same type that semi truck engines use. Dodge was thinking when they put this hoss together.

[@8020Media]

Dane - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Great info. I am looking at a 2000 Ram 2500 V10 4WD in Nevada and if it is up to par, will ship to Maryland.

[@dylano7242]

Don't buy dodge v10 , the transmissions are utter garbage. And parts are hard to come by for the engine as wasnt made very long and wasn't adpoted or bought by many or companies. Compared the 8.1l gmc/ chevy which is everywhere and used in big box trucks and is extremely reliable easy to fix , easy to find parts .

[@jeffreypinder9398]

@@dylano7242 Thanks, Dylan. Good to know.

[@8020Media]

Jeffrey - Dylan is blowing things a little out of proportion. How many miles does it have? Is it stock? What are your plans to do to it if you get it?

[@jeffreypinder9398]

@@8020Media Thanks for the reply. Don't know the miles or anything about it. Saw it and then researched. Will be back out there in a week or so to inquire more info.

[@8020Media]

If maintenance has been kept up, it could be a good buy , just depends on mileage and cost.

[@in-rust-we-trust2831]

Tough as nails engines my daily is a 98.5 2wd 2500 v10 the only v10s that were known for cracked heads were the early production years and another hesitation issue was because of faulty o2 sensors

[@8020Media]

In - Thanks for sharing your experience and this insight!

[@manuelcamacho6292]

I have a 2005 Ram1500 5.7Hemi & I have 371371 miles on it . I’ve replaced the power steering pump 3times & one fuel pump . I did change my thermostat to 180 degrees at 150000 miles

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Howie262]

Even with gas These are actually a good buy if you consider the cost of new diesel 25/3500’s and the cost associated with all new emission standards. Someone’s had to have done a manual swap.

[@8020Media]

Howie - That's a good point.

[@Matt-r4o]

I have an nv4500 hooked up to mine

[@OtherSarah2]

It's a 318 with 2 extra cylinders. Change the oil regularly and it'll run forever. You'll run into consumables -- water pump, 02 sensor, alternator, transmission, the truck'll wear off around it...

[@8020Media]

Sarah - Very true. Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@OtherSarah2]

@@8020Media been driving my 318 since 2003. Love me some good old Dodges

[@doodoobutterandjelly69year70]

No its a 360 with 2 more cylinders, the same exact pistons as the 360 not the 318.

[@cz75tactical9]

Same rods too ​@@doodoobutterandjelly69year70

[@thomaslitty7874]

156,000 miles. 94 v10 5speed 2500 4x4 4.10 posi. I couldnt even gwt traction taking off in 3rd. Really 2nd with the gearing. Never had an issue with it

[@8020Media]

Thomas - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@snowsgaming7606]

I have a 98 8.0L and the inly issues ive had id the abs brake light stay on and the oil pressure drops when warm from between 60 to 40

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@deucedawg01]

These V10s are prone to sludge if not maintained, so regular oil change is a must. Rocker arm bolt breaking is another common issue so listen for any ticking coming from the valve train. Aside from the weak 47RE transmission, that's probably the only issue I've come across on mine.

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for sharing your experience. How many miles do you have on yours?

[@deucedawg01]

@@8020Media 290K and still going.

[@8020Media]

D - Nice! Sounds like you've got a good one.

[@joelwilcox3355]

Just bought one yesterday 97 v10 motor runs strong 190000 4x4 needs trans but is making ticking sound so could be rocker arms issue also really good deal for the truck

[@justthatoneguy443]

3rd owner of a 2001 3500 V10 with 180k. Injectors, Catalytic, Transmission and Diff are all going out at once lol

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sorry to hear..

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

How come 2003 was the last year for the 8.0 Liter V10 Magnum engines before it was discontinued I've never seen a third generation body style Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500 heavy duty models

[@8020Media]

Mainly due to emissions.

[@ProtoAzula]

What he said, closest to it is the srt10 ram 1500 in which they unfortunately discontinued

[@stubbsshop]

700ish 2003 models had the v10. They are out there, I've seen two in person and a few others online.

[@anthonyrowland9072]

Even the v8 magnum heads "crack", it's just something that *can* happen. With minimal mods these can be 350hp and 500tq engines. The stock engines make 450tq at 2000 rpm. With 87 being SO much cheaper than diesel now, people should really look into big gassers again. 8.0, 8.1, 6.8...

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@mattk252]

The transmission is the same a a diesel its just fine as long as you adjust the bands regularly

[@8020Media]

Matt - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@Skunnt]

I'm seeing some of these on FB marketplace and considering this over the Cummins....but Idk I still really want a diesel lol

[@8020Media]

S - Honestly, can't go wrong with either of them!

[@toddriesland3858]

I have the 02 ram v10 4x4 327,638 miles

[@8020Media]

Todd - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@DurtyDiezel]

The v10 actually made more power no matter the rpm. There is a dyno sheet that can be looked up with both engines stock readings on the same graph.

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for the insight.

[@ANDERSONEXPRESS7]

Is thier a way to make a 47rh transmisson tougher and is a 47 rh tougher than the 47re

[@8020Media]

A - Yes, the RH is tougher. RE's can be great built.

[@danpatterson8009]

Bought a used '95 V-10 5-spd in 2000. Just over 100k now. Quieter than a diesel and not as smelly. Light use these days, I figure it will last a good long time.

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@josiahwales4736]

I have a 2500 with the 5.9 gasser and it's on her 3rd trans, it's a dodge thing not really a v10 issue. My 5.9 gasser gets about 8-10 mpg and had 235hp, so a gutless pig. I'm thiking about doing a turbo v10 build instead of doing a diesel build.

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for sharing. We love the V10

[@ethanrhodeback9998]

I use to have a v10 magnum locked up ran it to the ground body frame paint work still in good shape bought for 10k for only 50k miles on it now I’m gonna put a 24v Cummins into it oh ps has a 5 speed in it

[@8020Media]

E - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@hildablanco1591]

Always use higher octane gas and replace spark plugs and use Quaker state 5 w 30 oil and it will kick ass

[@8020Media]

H - Well said!

[@ANDERSONEXPRESS7]

Which motor was more reliable 8.0 v10 or 6.8 v10 2 valve

[@8020Media]

A - Honestly can't go wrong with either of them.. Depending on how they have been maintained, they're probably equal.

[@kyles234]

Only problem is how many gallons per mile?

[@8020Media]

Kyles - Assuming you meant miles per gallon. Not great. Anywhere from 11-13 not towing.

[@kyles234]

@@8020Media no I meant what I said. I was being sarcastic. I'm currently doing a full service on a friends v10 he just bought and it gets worse fuel milage empty than my 07 Cummins G56 with a gross weight of 28000lbs towing my toyhauler. 13 to 14 mpg. I guess this is why I dont see too many of these v10s anymore

[@8020Media]

Kyles - Got it. This is true. There aren't very many left on the road.

[@mb-fs1yo]

Makes a lot of difference with what gear ratio it has . My friend has a 1996 2wd that has 3.55 gears and it averages 18 mpg and pulling a 40’ 5th wheel trailer loaded weight of 9000 lbs averaged 14. It has been through a couple of gear sets in the rearend and 1 transmission but has 290,000 miles on it.

[@ourv9603]

The Viper block is aluminum. The truck engine has an iron block. !

[@8020Media]

O - Thanks for the insight.

[@ANDERSONEXPRESS7]

Would a 1999 trition v10 be more reliabe

[@8020Media]

A - They're both reliable, depending on maintenance.

[@MikeHoncho0811]

With the dodge it's a 5.9 360 with 2 more cylinders and the ford is a 2 valve 5.4 with 2 more cylinders both v8s are reliable when taken care of and so are both v10s but if the vehicle has an automatic transmission I'm going with Ford and I don't think Ford offered a manual transmission like the dodge

[@davidduplessis7800]

Dude. The Dodge v10 NEVER had an EGR valve. Any hesitation was almost always caused by the oxygen sensors failing.

[@8020Media]

They certainly did have EGR valves at least in the 94-98 models, but gotcha.

[@davidduplessis7800]

I stand corrected! (mine is a 2001)... The o2 sensors on mine fail every 20,000 to 50,000 miles, and when they do they also blow the o2 sensor fuses. When this happens, the truck misfires under light load, sort of Backfires, stumbles, just generally runs like shit..... No egr though. No air pump either.

[@8020Media]

David - Thanks for adding your experience!

[@bienvenidojosejorajuria5125]

The solution to the transmission is higher viscosity 68 hydraulic

[@8020Media]

Jose - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@nashfamily721]

11-13mpg? My 04 grand Cherokee 4.0 barely gets 16 when it wants to.

[@8020Media]

N - Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@MikeHoncho0811]

My 2014 f150 with the 3.7 only gets 14 I might be able to get 16 if I took my toolbox and rack off

[@bienvenidojosejorajuria5125]

Solution to the transmission is high weight hydraulic 46 and higher

[@8020Media]

B - Thanks for the insight.

[@theinfamousnicksroofinginc]

Lukas hydraulic fluid

[@waynesimpson2040]

How is this even a fair question which is best when a V10 uses twice as fuel as a 5.9 Cummins?? That's not even a sensible question lol😅

[@8020Media]

W - Got you to click on the video it seems.

[@MengzisDisciple]

15mpg and more expensive diesel fuel (and sometimes harder to find, especially if out camping) vs 12-13mpg gas. Pretty even if you ask me...

[@ourv9603]

There are rural places in the US where diesel fuel is not available. Thats who the V10 was built for. And of course there are guys who hate the clatter & stink. !

[@8020Media]

O - Thanks for the insight.

[@bienvenidojosejorajuria5125]

Cracked heads is thermostat 200 f* use 180 and under

[@8020Media]

Jose - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@dylano7242]

Don't buy dodge v10 , the transmissions are utter garbage. And parts are hard to come by for the engine as wasnt wasn't adpoted or bought by many or companies. Compared the 8.1l gmc/ chevy which is everywhere and used in big box trucks and is extremely reliable easy to fix , easy to find parts . And dodge electronics this age are absolutely horrible. You will be tracking dodge electric gremlins constantly that leave you stranded.

[@8020Media]

Dylan - We think this is blown a little out of proportion. I think you make you sound way worse than it actually is. If it's bone stock and maintenance is held up, these trucks can be great. However, we do agree with the parts being hard to come by.

[@robertthomas7239]

​@@8020MediaIt's the same trans that's behind the Cummins lol

[@davidduplessis7800]

You're an idiot. I have over 470,000 miles on mine. Engine has never even had the heads or oil pan off, and I'm only on my second 47RE (has over 300,000 miles on it and I only rebuilt the first one because I wanted firmer shifting)