2008 Dodge Ram 2500

The 2008 Dodge Ram HD is still instantly recognizable with its big-rig look, and Heavy Duty models with duallies stick out like sore thumbs.

The Dodge Ram HD is available in three cab styles, which dominate its exterior styling. You have the regular cab, Quad Cab (also known as a crew cab), and Mega Cab (which is essentially a jumbo crew cab). Edmunds writes that with its "jumbo-sized Mega Cab" and "big-rig styling," the Dodge Ram HD 2008 is "the manliest of this most manly truck category."

Dodge Ram HD 2008 ST trims are "pretty bare-bones, offering little more than 17-inch wheels the SLT adds alloy wheels," says Edmunds. "A prominent 'gunsight' crossbar grille surrounded by bold brightwork (dark grey on the base ST) with squared-off fenders and wraparound headlamps" adorns the 2008 Dodge Ram HD, according to Kelley Blue Book, who comment, "Additional shiny bits and chrome wheels are part of higher trim levels." J.D. Power notes, "All Ram 2500 and short-box Quad Cab Ram 3500 models come with standard rear wheels, while all other Ram 3500s have duallie rear wheels."

Since the Dodge Ram 1500 receives a redesign in 2009, with the Dodge Ram HD models redesigned thereafter, the Dodge Ram HD 2008 interior carries over unchanged. However, as Edmunds reports, "An interior redesign a few years ago maintained the truck's freshness." They call it "a straightforward, user-friendly design," though "a slab of glossy, hopelessly fake wood placed front and center is the primary concession to cheesiness." Kelley Blue Book remarks, "Those who place a high importance on interior design and features may find more to admire in the Ram's heavy-duty competitors from Ford and GM."

The 2008 Dodge Ram HD is a powerhouse with either the HEMI or the Cummins diesel, but choose the latter for the ultimate in towing capability and fuel economy.

The standard engine is the 5.7-liter HEMI that makes "345 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque," notes Edmunds. They think the V-8 is "a competent all-around engine, but for serious towing and hauling (plus decent fuel economy), the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel is essential." The Cummins is the first truck-market diesel engine to meet the stringent 50-state federal emissions requirements.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2009 Dodge Ram Production

Chrysler calls the new Dodge Ram a "game changer" with its RamBox cargo management system and solid-axle multilink coil spring rear suspension being the most notable updates to the time-honored nameplate. It's also priced lower than the outgoing model, Chrysler says.

To ramp up production of the 2009 Ram, Chrysler invested $220 million in the Warren Truck Assembly plant, a facility that dates to 1937 and is nicknamed "Dodge City." The investment included expansion, restructuring and training which among other changes, put five times more quality assurance workers on the plant floor. The plant is also going to be recycling everything from tires and oil to alcohol wipes and mop heads.

Dodge Ram regular cab, crew cab and Quad Cab pickups in five trim levels will all be built at the plant. Chrysler will also build the truck at the St. Louis North plant in Missouri, and the RamBox cargo management system will be produced at the St. Louis facility.

© Source: edmunds
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2009 Dodge Ram

Dodge has a tough road ahead when it comes to selling the redesigned 2009 Ram. Though fuel prices have indeed dropped a bit in the last few weeks, consumers surely still have cash registers ringing in their heads when thinking of large V8 engines and four-wheel drive. So, to ease the newest Ram into the market, Dodge has decided to lower its price a bit compared to the outgoing model while also adding some unique and heretofore unavailable content to the mix. The dealings will start at $22,170 for base models with the regular cab, $26,225 for Quad Cab models and $32,530 for Dodge's first-ever Crew 1500 models.

Opting for a top-end Laramie Ram Crew 1500 4x4 will cost you $44,140, which is on par with other top-of-the-line competitors from Ford and GM. Engine options include a revised 390-horse 5.7-liter HEMI, which will allow the quickest Ram to make it to 60 mph in less than six seconds, while a 310-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 and an anemic 3.7-liter V6 with just 215 horses on tap brings up the rear.

© Source: autoblog
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2009 Dodge Ram Preview

When the Dodge Ram was last completely redesigned, in 1994, with its aggressive big-rig grille and very upright appearance, Dodge's market share among full-size pickups about tripled.

Today, the appetite for full-size trucks isn't quite as strong as it's been, and competition's tough. The Toyota Tundra was redesigned and up-sized last year to take on the likes of the Ram head-to-head; GM and Ford have both also recently redesigned their full-size trucks.

Most notably, the new Ram will feature a crew cab design for the first time, called Ram Crew, with full-access rear doors that open 90 degrees. Crew cab body styles are the fastest-growing among pickups and account for about 50 percent of the market. Besides Ram Crew, the new Ram will be offered in standard and Quad Cab styles, and in five different trim levels.

The new rear suspension design also has another important benefit: a wider, deeper cargo box. And with an improved frame design, it makes no payload or towing sacrifice. Max payload remains an estimated 1850 pounds, while max towing capability is about 9100 pounds.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which about 40 percent of customers upgrade to, gets more horsepower, while fuel economy increases an estimated four percent - thanks to new variable valve timing, a variable intake, and an expanded range for the fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS). It's now rated at 380 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque, while the mid-range 4.7-liter V-8 has been completely revamped to make a very competitive 310 hp and 330 lb-ft. The base engine will remain a 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the Hemi and optional with the 4.7-liter; otherwise a four-speed automatic is offered. Part-time and on-demand four-wheel drive systems are available, plus four different axle ratios to meet various needs from towing to off-roading. Electronic stability control will be standard across the line.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Dodge Ram What’s New

Dodge's boldly styled, full-size pickup line returns for the 2008 model year in light-duty 1500, and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 versions, with a choice of regular and four-door Quad Cab body styles and ST, SLT, Laramie, and Sport trim lines.

A four-door Mega Cab models boast the largest pickup passenger compartments available in the market. At 111 inches long, the Mega Cab offers plenty of room to seat six adult passengers and includes the first reclining rear seats available in a pickup. There's also about 7.6 cubic feet of covered storage behind the rear seats and a 24.9 square foot flat load floor; the rear seats also split-fold and move forward for added cargo flexibility.

Light-duty Rams come standard with a 215-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine and can be alternatively fitted with a new-for-2008 4.7-liter V-8 that produces 310 horses and 330 lb-ft of torque, and the HEMI 5.7-liter V-8.
Heavy-duty models offer a choice of a 345-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline engine or a turbodiesel in-line six. A Multi-Displacement System that shuts down half the cylinders to save fuel is standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI engine.

A TRX4 Off-Road model features 17-inch wheels and off-road tires, painted monotube shocks, tow hooks, skid plates, and a limited-slip differential.
For 2008, the Ram gets better steering on 4x4 models. Trailer Sway Control is added to models with stability control, and tire pressure monitors are available. A new SXT version is offered on Mega Cab models, and bigger mirrors are added on some models.
New exterior colors and interior trim are among the cosmetic changes for 2008. Power adjustable pedals, a navigation system, and DVD entertainment array are among the available options.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2007 Dodge Ram BFT

(from Chrysler Press Release) “Built for towing,” the Dodge Ram BFT is also one “big fast truck.” Designed to be the “ultimate” workhorse, the vehicle will appeal to the hardcore truck buyer. And there’s one thing the heavy-duty trucker can never get enough of: a bigger box.

The design team placed a standard cab on a 160-in. Dodge Ram Heavy Duty wheelbase frame so the 9.4-ft chopper fits snuggly in the 10-ft. box. The team also accommodated the dually setup with a 6-in. suspension lift kit from Superlift and Alcoa’s 22.5-in. 10-lug semi wheels. The BFT also features full-length polished bed and step rails.

The Ram BFT has a Banks-enhanced 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine that is mated to an automatic transmission.

In the end, the Ram BFT provides “maximum” hauling and towing power. And isn’t dependability, durability and capability what Ram life is all about?

© Source: seriouswheels
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2009 Dodge Ram: Spy Photos

Ever-vigilant spy photographers snapped these first photos of the 2009 Dodge Ram prototype in a public parking lot while it was out testing.

The next-generation Ram goes on sale in late 2008, and even with its heavily camouflaged front end, it's easy to make out the full-size truck's new aerodynamic design. Dodge's signature crosshair grille still signals the Ram's arrival, but a broad, flat hood replaces the current Ram's curved haunches.

Although technical specifications have not yet been released, expect to see the Ram make use of Chrysler's latest V6 and V8 engines. The Dodge Grand Caravan's 4.0-liter V6 is the likely choice for the base Ram engine, as it provides more torque than the current 3.7-liter V6. An upgrade to the twin-plug 4.7-liter V8 may occur as early as this year, as production of the revised engine is already scheduled for the 2008 Dodge Dakota. An upgrade for the top-of-the-line 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is likely too, although it's already one of the more powerful engines in its class.

© Source: insideline
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