Took a look underneath my new 2500 today and was amazed at how little of the drive train is painted. There is no paint or any method of rust protection on the transmission, drive shaft, any of the 4X4 parts etc. Rust everywhere already. I do not remember this on two other Dodge's I have owned. Is this normal for the 03 Ram's? Is it a sign of Dodge scrimping on quality? Should I start wondering and worrying about what else they have scrimped on? Should I complain to Dodge? If so where and how?<br>Comments please.

 

My 2002 is exactly the same way.<br><br>Painted part, rusty part, painted part, rusty part.<br><br>Just Dodge saving a buck or two here and there.<br><br><br>phox

 

Climb down under your dashboard and take a look at the rust on the metal framework under there. Disgusting. Brand new truck and the metal INSIDE the truck is all ready rusting. How hard would it be to put some paint on, or protective coating on the dashboard shell? Yeh, the tranny and driveshaft on mine are all a mess too. No salt on the roads down here (thank goodness). 8)

 

Maybe someday I'll get motivated enough to pull all that metal out and get the rust off and paint it. I've been thinking about doing the same with the underside. Maybe when I have more time. What would be a good clear coat to protect the underside?<br><br>-SFB

 

[quote author=shortfieldbreak link=board=10;threadid=11600;start=0#110348 date=1046482966]<br>Maybe someday I'll get motivated enough to pull all that metal out and get the rust off and paint it. I've been thinking about doing the same with the underside. Maybe when I have more time. What would be a good clear coat to protect the underside?<br><br>-SFB<br>[/quote]<br>Look into POR-15. It's tedious to install, but if you like your truck I think it's worth the trouble. I'm happy with it.