The new DODGE RAM

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Let's face it. Ford used to build the best trucks out there. Then, in 1997, they removed the Twin I Beam ® suspension that made Ford trucks what they were. The new Superdutys are considerably better than the F-150/RD F-250 are, but could still stand improvement. Chevy screwed up even more. They completely redesigned their trucks so the new ones are "cars with the backs chopped off and beds put on". Over half the new Chevy trucks I've ever seen are "lowriders". Even their 4x4s are not right. All serious full-sized 4 wheel drive pickups use solid axles front and rear, right? WRONG! Chevy uses a CV joint setup, which is admittedly a normal-wear item. Certainly not strong enough to put much torque on. And a very unintelligent decision, considering that both Dodge and Ford use a solid axle. Furthermore, Chevy's new diesel, a joint-venture with Isuzu, utilizes a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. (more to come on that)
On the other hand, in the late 1980's, Dodge partnered up with Cummins, one of the best 2 manufacturers of high-speed diesel engines out there today. More recently, Dodge redesigned their trucks. This design was based on members of the design team looking through their rear view mirrors when driving home one day and seeing a couple big Peterbilts. The Dodge designers were intelligent enough to keep with a solid front axle, as well as a beefier frame and a front suspension that'll keep the front wheels properly aligned even with considerable abuse. And the drivetrain's stronger than anything else out there. I've seen Dodge 1 ton unmodified trucks pulling 50,000lb 5th wheel trailers. By 1995, Dodge trucks were better than ever, and everything they've done since (to date) has been an improvement. On the other hand, General Motors is selling their vehicles based on a long-since dead reputation. My favorite was the commercial for the GMC Yukon luxury SUV, where they tried to compare it to an early '60's GMC firetruck. Ford is doing little better; they both appear to be trying to appeal to yuppies who are trying to create the false impression that they're really adventuresmen who enjoy going off-road and heavy-trailer hauling. Dodge may be making commercials that are similar, but they actually have the truck to back it all up.

You agree or what?

Even though I used to own an International-Harvester product (if any of you don't know, IH makes the T444e Powerstroke diesel that Ford uses), and currently own two older Ford diesels, I can't say that the T444e is that good an engine. I'll admit that the Super-Duty frame is better than I had prevoiusly thought; however, I personally dislike the HEUI injection system the T444e uses. Besides, Ford's current gasoline engines aren't up to par (but still better than GM's).

For more information on the current Dodge pickups, go to Dodge's website or Cummins' Dodge Ram section. For more Ram pictures, go to my pics section.
If you want your truck on my site, E-mail me with a picture and information on your rig, as well as a description of the situation. Multiple pics accepted. Keep on truckin'!

I found a story that the Detroit Times did on the '96 Ram, and thought that it would be nice to post it here.

Here is another pic of the Cummins B5.9L 12 valve I-6 diesel engine, which has been replaced in mid-1998 with a 4 valve per cylinder, computer controlled version. The ISB series engine is very good as far as power and reliability go, although many say the 12 valve B5.9l has more promise. However, there are rumors that Dodge will be dropping the Cummins engine from their pickups in a couple years, in favor of either a Mercedes-Benz engine or possibly a Detroit Diesel. Personally, I think this is an unbelievably bad idea, but the possibility exists all the same.
I don't have the money now, but, someday, I want to get a Ram 2500 4X4 with a Cummins (and the new 6sp NV5600 transmission), as you probably already could tell. In fact, I'm actively beginning to save up for an earlier Cummins-powered Dodge; hope to realize that within the next 2 or 3 years. This page will get better as I get more information and direct experience. In addition to the above, I've got some pictures that you might be interested in (if you'd like your truck here, please E-mail me). But, for now, unless someone offers me a suggestion, this is all I can do to pay tribute to this truck.

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Back to main page. Last updated 1/27/02