The 2000 Dodge Ram Van is a workhorse body-on-frame platform sharing running gear with the pickup line. The 46RE/47RE automatic transmissions are the Achilles' heel, often needing rebuilds before 150,000 miles, and the 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8s develop intake plenum gasket leaks and can crack cylinder heads if overheated.
46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping between gears under load, Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive, Burnt transmission fluid smell and dark/metallic fluid, Check engine light with transmission-related codes
Fix: Full rebuild with updated clutch packs, bands, solenoid pack, and torque converter. Requires removal (6-8 hours labor), rebuild (shop-dependent), and reinstallation. Input/output shaft bearings often replaced during rebuild as preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Intake Manifold Plenum Gasket Leak (5.2L/5.9L V8)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and hesitation on acceleration, Whistling or hissing noise from intake area, Fuel trim codes (P0171/P0174 lean condition), Loss of power especially under load
Fix: Replace plenum gasket and upper/lower intake gaskets while manifold is off. Smart techs also do EGR tube gasket and throttle body gasket at same time. 4-5 hours labor for thorough job with cleaning.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from front of vehicle near radiator, Rapid transmission fluid loss leading to slipping or no movement, Pink fluid puddles under vehicle, Transmission overheating if coolant mixes with ATF
Fix: Steel lines rust through where they connect to radiator or at frame contact points. Replace both supply and return lines as set (never just one). If coolant contaminated transmission, flush cooler and pan multiple times. 2-3 hours for lines only, add 1-2 hours for contamination cleanup.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Cylinder Head Cracking (5.2L/5.9L V8)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Milky oil or overheating episodes, Misfires on specific cylinders after coolant loss
Fix: Magnum heads crack between valve seats from repeated overheating or age. Requires head removal, inspection, replacement or machining if salvageable, and complete valve job. Always do both heads and head gaskets together. 12-16 hours labor for both sides with valve work.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Camshaft and Lifter Wear (5.2L/5.9L V8)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 150,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from valve train that doesn't quiet down, Loss of power and rough running, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Flat-tappet cam design wears lobes with age or oil neglect. Requires cam replacement, all 16 lifters, timing set, and often pushrods. Do oil pump while you're in there. 10-14 hours labor for complete cam job.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Freeze Plug Corrosion and Leakage
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: Coolant dripping from side of engine block, Coolant loss requiring frequent top-offs, Visible rust staining on block below freeze plugs, Overheating if leak becomes severe
Fix: Rear freeze plugs on both banks corrode through, especially if coolant maintenance was neglected. Backside plugs require transmission removal for proper access. Smart move is replacing all 6-8 plugs if doing the job. 8-12 hours with transmission out.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from reverse to drive or vice versa, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Driveline shudder during acceleration, Visible sagging or torn rubber on mount
Fix: Rubber transmission mount deteriorates from heat and age. Simple crossmember drop and replacement. Often done with engine mounts for complete refresh. 1-1.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $150-280
Buy one with documented transmission service and no overheating history; budget $3,000-5,000 for the eventual transmission and intake gasket work, but these vans run forever if you stay ahead of the cooling system and fluid changes.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.