Three days ago i went for a drive after work, went through a few mud holes on a dirt road and such. When i got out of my truck i instantly smelled burning rubber (a smell im very familiar with) and had a small moment of panic, but figured it was the old dodge idling beside me in the parking lot. Then when i drove my truck again and stopped and got out i could smell it again, not as strong as before but this was a much shorter drive and the engine wasn't even warm yet. I took a peek underneath and found nothing against the exhaust but mud, opened the hood and after a good look found my broken block heater unplugged and resting very close to my exhaust manifold, so i plugged it back in and took it for a drive last night, still smelled it, so i took it to the do it yourself car wash and cleaned everything, every part of the exhaust, the engine, every spot i knew got hot and could have something stuck to it, it seemed to make a difference but ill keep you posted.
On a side not my clutch has a lot of grip, my brakes don't make noise or pull to the side, my belts are properly tensioned, my pulleys work fine and there were no fluid leaks though i will be checking my fluid levels.

 

Smell seems to have left. All is well again.

 

Smell still comes and goes. Any ideas?

 

Do you have a heater hose resting on or very near the exhaust manifold?
Also are your tires properly aligned or rubbing on the frame or control arms?
just thoughts. Good luck man

 

any smoke?

 

no smoke or anything like it. so far i have only found that i am missing part of my inner fender on the drivers side (maybe it was rubbing before and was torn off?) and i'm beginning to think that it is the dirt and mud on my exhaust that is making the smell. or maybe dirt getting on my clutch making it slip a little more? it seems to smell a little stronger after city driving than highway driving (that might be just my mind playing tricks.) it has gotten better until i went through more mud again though.

 

I have had the same problem over the last week.. Just something else to add to the long list of problems I've had since I bought it