Does Dodge think Promaster is a Porsche?
I have a 2015 Diesel 3500 with 60k miles. Asked a local dealer (S FL) for estimates on some repairs/maintenance and got the following:
1) Fuel Filter Change - $450
2) Spare Tire Winch Cable: $600
3) Calibrate Tire Pressure down to 55psi: $200
4) Stock Rear shocks $975
Are these people "High"? $625 in labor to change stock rear shocks!!!! Wow - I think it would be cheaper to own a Carrera but tough to sleep in it ;-)
1) Fuel Filter Change - $450
2) Spare Tire Winch Cable: $600
3) Calibrate Tire Pressure down to 55psi: $200
4) Stock Rear shocks $975
Are these people "High"? $625 in labor to change stock rear shocks!!!! Wow - I think it would be cheaper to own a Carrera but tough to sleep in it ;-)
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Bilstein B4's for the rear are running $65 each now. They are styled "oem replacement" but are a better riding, longer lasting shock than what the factory installed. I bet you could find an independent shop to install them for $200, even in S Fla. That's $330, give or take, a third of your dealer's estimate.
Like savings could no doubt be found for the fuel filter change.
Resetting the TPMS threshold? Put a piece of tape over the dash TPMS light and check your tire pressure every couple of weeks with a gauge. You can get a nice sticker instead of a piece of tape for some panache!
The spare tire winch cable is a unicorn, you are unlikely to find an indy with experience in that particular job and it may well end up costing you a silly amount. A silly amount, but less than $600, methinks.
At the end of the day RAM dealerships at large don't have a stellar reputation for excellence, or even competence, when it comes to Promasters. I think @MsNomer is right, and even if not, you could save a bundle going elsewhere.
Like savings could no doubt be found for the fuel filter change.
Resetting the TPMS threshold? Put a piece of tape over the dash TPMS light and check your tire pressure every couple of weeks with a gauge. You can get a nice sticker instead of a piece of tape for some panache!
The spare tire winch cable is a unicorn, you are unlikely to find an indy with experience in that particular job and it may well end up costing you a silly amount. A silly amount, but less than $600, methinks.
At the end of the day RAM dealerships at large don't have a stellar reputation for excellence, or even competence, when it comes to Promasters. I think @MsNomer is right, and even if not, you could save a bundle going elsewhere.
I'm not a mechanic, but I would tackle all of those things on your list. As far as the spare tire cable, it just bolts on(I had mine off when installing the hitch) & is a self contained unit, so order a used one off fleabay or other sites and swap it out yourelf.
google: Genuine Mopar Spare Tire Hoist 68421527AA
15 min install
Even if you have to buy tools/jack/jackstands, you will be way ahead of the game.
google: Genuine Mopar Spare Tire Hoist 68421527AA
15 min install
Even if you have to buy tools/jack/jackstands, you will be way ahead of the game.
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Yes the spare tire cable is an easy install. I think new the part is around $350.
4 self tapping screws in the center attachment. Simple.
The attachment near the passenger side uses rivnuts. I’m not sure you can reuse those - I just don’t know. Still simple.
4 self tapping screws in the center attachment. Simple.
The attachment near the passenger side uses rivnuts. I’m not sure you can reuse those - I just don’t know. Still simple.
I'm always amazed at how auto shop labor prices have decreased in the 20 years I've been driving despite some 60% inflation.
That rear shock quote is about what it cost me in labor to replace shocks and struts and balance and install 4 new tires.
That rear shock quote is about what it cost me in labor to replace shocks and struts and balance and install 4 new tires.
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Was thinking this feels like a “we don’t want a diesel to work on” kind of quote
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As @Kip-on-truckin points out in his video about dealers, the service department is now the profit center for most brands these days. The overhead at dealerships is jaw dropping (and getting worse), and they have to charge more than ever to cover costs. Absolutely look for an independent repair shop with a good reputation. They deserve your business.
As Motor7 said, the spare tire lift is an easy install assuming it's the same part as the gassers and your bolts aren't rusted badly. I had mine replaced in about 15 minutes and didn't need to jack the van. The latest part number is 68286776AB (for my '21) and is available for $170 or so online. . The manual says to listen for three clicks after the tire is up against the van floor but when my tire was fully up I kept pushing with no clicks and actually broke the lift. The dealer replaced it but told me to just winch the tire up until it was snug against the floor.
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85 Posts
Thanks everyone- good to get a reality check.
I have done shocks before and have been meaning to invest in jack stands anyway. I have rivnut tools so can take care of the tire cable too. Saw a few youtubes on how to change the fuel filter for the diesel - doesnt seem like rocket science unless bolts are seized on the housing.
I have a TPMS gizmo on my dash that shows tire pressures and temp in real time - solar and works like a champ (saw it on this forum's gadget section- so thanks!).
Where you seeing the Bilstein B4s so cheap?
I have done shocks before and have been meaning to invest in jack stands anyway. I have rivnut tools so can take care of the tire cable too. Saw a few youtubes on how to change the fuel filter for the diesel - doesnt seem like rocket science unless bolts are seized on the housing.
I have a TPMS gizmo on my dash that shows tire pressures and temp in real time - solar and works like a champ (saw it on this forum's gadget section- so thanks!).
Where you seeing the Bilstein B4s so cheap?
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850 Posts
The diesel fuel filter is available as a complete assembly for a few bucks more, IIRC I paid $105 for the ease of swapping canisters versus wrestling a snog slobber unit apart and back in.. .
Pre-fill the new unit and bolt it up - then have the convenience of refurbishing the old cast aluminum housing at ones leisure - imagine truly watered fuel and freezing temperatures or racing to meet an arrival/delivery date AND side-of-the-road repair... The original becomes the spare once cleaned etc. without worrying about o-rings with frostbit fingers : )
Pre-fill the new unit and bolt it up - then have the convenience of refurbishing the old cast aluminum housing at ones leisure - imagine truly watered fuel and freezing temperatures or racing to meet an arrival/delivery date AND side-of-the-road repair... The original becomes the spare once cleaned etc. without worrying about o-rings with frostbit fingers : )
My PM conversion will take any Porsche in the quarter mile even while my wife is brewing coffee in the back.
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my diesel is a dog but....comfier than any sportscar LOL
Like the idea of swapping entire fuel filter assembly - nice!
Like the idea of swapping entire fuel filter assembly - nice!
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85 Posts
Zoomy - got a part number on that complete diesel fuel filter rig? My 3500 is a 2015 but the name of the assembly would help track it down. Appreciate the time!
Fuel Filter Assembly - Mopar (68342108AB)
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85 Posts
OUTSTANDING! Thanks and great site for helpful info!
The hardest part of replacing rear shocks was finding the right size socket. This is the one I needed on my 2019. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y11H78Z/
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