Dodge and RAM vehicles are everywhere on Chicago roads, from Charger and Challenger sedans to the RAM 1500 through 3500 truck lineup. Both brands share a lot of parts and platforms under Stellantis, which means our inventory often covers Dodge, RAM, and Chrysler models with overlapping components.
This guide covers the Dodge and RAM models we see most often at our counter, the systems with known issues, and what to check before you buy a used part for one.
Common Dodge & RAM Models We Stock Parts For
| Model | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RAM 1500 | Half-ton pickup | The best-selling of the lineup; huge part availability across trims and drivetrains |
| RAM 2500 / 3500 | Heavy-duty pickup | Diesel and gas variants; suspension and drivetrain parts differ significantly by configuration |
| Charger | Full-size sedan | Shares much of its platform and V8 options with the Challenger |
| Durango | Midsize/full-size SUV | Available with three-row seating and towing packages; shares drivetrain parts with some RAM trucks |
Known Trouble Spots by System
| System | What to Watch For | Affected Models |
|---|---|---|
| 5.7L & 6.4L Hemi lifters | A ticking or knocking noise from the top of the engine, sometimes tied to the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) | RAM 1500, Charger, Durango, and other Hemi-equipped models |
| Front-end steering and suspension | Clunking or looseness over bumps, uneven tire wear on trucks carrying heavy loads | RAM 1500–3500, especially higher-mileage trucks |
| Body control module and electrical gremlins | Random warning lights, power window or lock issues, intermittent no-start conditions | Older Charger, Challenger, and RAM models with aging wiring |
The 5.7L & 6.4L Hemi: Lifter Failure and MDS Issues
The Hemi V8 has a strong reputation, but its Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders under light load to save fuel, relies on a set of collapsing lifters that can fail. When a lifter sticks or collapses, the result is usually a ticking or knocking noise, sometimes followed by a check engine light and reduced power. Some owners disable MDS entirely with a tuner to avoid stressing these components, though that’s a modification worth asking about if you’re buying a used engine or top-end parts from a Hemi-powered vehicle.
If you’re shopping for a used lifter, camshaft, or cylinder head from a Hemi engine, ask specifically whether the donor engine had any documented ticking noise or MDS-related complaints before it was pulled. According to NHTSA, engine-related complaints on affected model years are a matter of public record and worth checking against your specific VIN.
Charger and Challenger: Shared Parts, Different Details
The Charger and Challenger share a substantial amount of their platform, suspension geometry, and V8 engine options, which is good news for parts availability since a healthy supply of one often means a healthy supply of the other. That said, the two aren’t identical: the Charger is a four-door sedan and the Challenger a two-door coupe, so body panels, doors, and interior trim pieces are not interchangeable between them even when the mechanical components underneath are. If you’re sourcing a used part for either car, confirm whether the part in question is a shared drivetrain or suspension component versus a body-specific piece before assuming it will fit.
Higher-output trims of both cars, including SRT and Hellcat variants, use reinforced drivetrain components that differ from the standard V6 and base V8 setups. A part pulled from a standard trim will not necessarily hold up in a high-output application, so it’s worth confirming trim level in addition to engine size when shopping for anything drivetrain-related.
RAM Truck-Specific Wear Items
RAM trucks used for towing or hauling put more stress on front-end steering and suspension components than the average passenger vehicle, so parts like tie rod ends, ball joints, and track bars tend to wear faster on high-mileage work trucks. A truck that spent its life towing a trailer or hauling equipment will often show more front-end wear than its mileage alone would suggest, which is one reason it’s worth asking about a donor vehicle’s use case, not just its odometer reading.
Heavy-duty RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks add another layer of complexity: many were built with either a gas or diesel engine, and the suspension, brakes, and even some electrical components differ between the two setups. Always confirm which engine and axle ratio your truck was built with before ordering a part, since a gas-truck part will not necessarily fit a diesel configuration even within the same model year.
Electrical Quirks on Older RAM and Charger Models
Like many vehicles from this era, older RAM, Charger, and Challenger models can develop intermittent electrical issues as wiring and connectors age: random dashboard warning lights, power windows or locks that stop responding, or a no-start condition that comes and goes. These symptoms are often traced to a corroded ground connection or an aging body control module rather than a major mechanical failure, so it’s worth having a shop diagnose the actual cause before replacing expensive parts on a guess.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Dodge or RAM Part
- Confirm the exact engine and trim, since Dodge and RAM used multiple engine options (V6, 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L Hemi, diesel) across the same model years.
- For Hemi engine parts, ask whether the donor vehicle had any documented lifter tick or MDS-related complaints.
- For RAM trucks, ask about the vehicle’s use case, since a truck used for heavy towing will show more front-end wear than mileage alone suggests.
- Ask whether the part was tested, not just pulled and cataloged based on mileage.
Typical Costs: Used vs. New
| Part | Typical Used Price | Typical New/Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hemi lifter (each) | $15–35 | $40–80 |
| Tie rod end (each) | $15–35 | $40–90 |
| Body control module | $60–150 | $250–500 |
| Headlight assembly | $40–90 | $150–350 |
Warranty Coverage
Reputable sellers typically offer 30 to 90 days on used Dodge and RAM parts. For Hemi engine components specifically, ask whether the part was tested for lifter noise, not just visually inspected before it was cataloged.
Where Englewood Used Auto Parts Fits In
We stock a wide range of used Dodge and RAM parts, inspected and tested before they’re cataloged by model, year, and engine, and backed by a warranty. Browse our used auto parts inventory or call ahead with your VIN to confirm current availability.
Not sure how to confirm your VIN before ordering? Our VIN and vehicle compatibility guide covers exactly what to check. If you’re chasing an engine noise specifically, our used engine buying guide covers inspection and testing in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a Hemi engine is ticking?
A ticking or knocking noise from the top of a Hemi engine is often tied to a failing lifter, sometimes related to the Multi-Displacement System that deactivates four cylinders under light load. It’s worth having a shop diagnose the exact cause before replacing parts.
Do RAM trucks wear out front-end parts faster than other vehicles?
Trucks used for towing or hauling put more stress on tie rod ends, ball joints, and track bars, so a high-mileage work truck often shows more front-end wear than its odometer alone would suggest.
How do I know if a used Dodge or RAM part will fit my vehicle?
Match the exact engine and trim, not just the model year, since Dodge and RAM used multiple engine options across the same generation. Cross-reference your VIN against the seller’s inventory.
Do used Dodge and RAM parts come with a warranty?
Reputable sellers typically offer 30 to 90 days. For Hemi engine components, confirm the part was tested for lifter noise, not just visually inspected.
Are Dodge and Chrysler parts interchangeable with RAM trucks?
Some parts overlap since the brands share platforms and components under Stellantis, but always confirm interchangeability against your specific VIN rather than assuming based on brand alone.
Not sure which part fits your Dodge or RAM? Contact our parts counter with your year, make, model, and engine, and we’ll confirm availability and condition before you buy.
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