2009 Dodge Ram Pics In/Out

[WMoroni]

Its the best of ford, toyota and dodge all wrapped into one, with no chevy anywhere. How could you go wrong with that? I like it.

 

[rbattelle]

As to the interior being like the Fords... . :-laf Hello, what have you guys been crying about since day one? That dodges interiors suck and that you wish you could have a Cummins, with a Ford interior... we'll you got it. I like it, and its WAY better than the Ford super Poopy look. At lease Dodge limited the name plates plastered every where to one Dodge emblem above the center console and the Ram head on the steering wheel. If it looked like a Ford, Ram would be placed on every body panel and all over every dash panel! :-laf

Amen to all that!



Aluminum hood? F-150 has one too, and as far as I know is currently the largest single-piece aluminum body part in use. Random fact from the good folks at Alcoa.



I must say, a coil-over-air rear suspension offering on the HD's would be pretty sweet. Actually, why bother with the coils?



Here's what Automotive News had to say about it today:

Miss: The new Dodge Ram pickup -- Getting this vehicle wrong is a move Chrysler can ill-afford to make now that Toyota is gobbling up market share with the full-sized Tundra. But it is hard to see how the 2009 Ram, which arrives this fall, will improve sales. At best, the truck might hold its own.



The problem? Let's start on the inside. The new F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado interiors blow away the interior of the new Ram. Both the Ford and Chevy trucks use better materials, such as real aluminum or classy-looking wood grain trim.



The Ram interior is a dark plastic jungle. The door panels are hard plastic. The chromed door handles look substantial, but they aren't. They are also plastic. Hopefully, it is not too late for Chrysler to perform some emergency surgery on the Ram's interior.

Ryan

 

[Alphacowboy]

I must say, a coil-over-air rear suspension offering on the HD's would be pretty sweet. Actually, why bother with the coils?





Ryan

My thoughts exactly. I never have understood WHY leaf spings are so common. And the answer is... they are cheap and work. Guys, leaf springs are technology carried over from COVERED WAGONS! If Dodge does go to a coil or air back, 5 link system on the HD models, I say, ABOUT DAMN TIME! Leaf springs should be a thing of the past. If Dodge can build a HD model pickup with the same or higher payloads than they do now with a smooth riding coil sprung rear, guess what boys, look out Ford, Chevy AND Toyota. Its time for a serious revolution in the 3/4-1-ton market, and if Dodge does do it, they will be setting the bar very high, and would also be putting a Major breath into the Ram line of pickups! That same design they have on the 1/2ton could EASILY be outfitted with a airbag suspension system, and would blow away anything on the road today! Hey Dodge, YOU LISTENING????

 

[Slingblade]

I just read that Dodge added 6 inches to the cab making it a true crew cab. About time! I guess I will be looking at the 2010's when they come out (And will stop looking at fords for more space). The new ruck looks great, inside and out.

 

[RMalone]

Looks like a Dakota to me, except the dash that is all f150. Maybe it will grow on me, I aint lovin it at first glance.

 

[RailroadJim]

So dodge finally builds a new version of last years ford, mimicking the interior and styling and full crew cab, except for the ctd engine swap in 1989 dodge just can't help but play catch up, why is that?? everybody remembers the first gen crew cab we never got and the second gen crew cab we never got, then the 3rd gen 1-3/4 cab, not quite big enough, then the mega 2-1/4 cab with a short bed to add insult. Come on dodge you know we love the ctd but i can't have my truck looking anything like last years ford, get your stuff together or i'll have to be a one time customer. Thumbs down.

 

[betterthanstock]

Aluminum hood? F-150 has one too, and as far as I know is currently the largest single-piece aluminum body part in use. Random fact from the good folks at Alcoa.

My mustang hood is huge compared to the Ram hood (or the F150), and it is aluminum, has one prop rod holding it, and is real light. Makes you wonder if they will get rid of the gas struts.

 

[betterthanstock]

It's obvious the side storage will only be an option, and you can't use (and probably wont need) a toolbox, or a camper.

 

[betterthanstock]

Looks like an ST with no side storage, fender trim, or fogs.

 

[JMusso]

looks bad-ace

 

[ECasey]

The Silver Quad Cab is actually an SLT

 

[JasonCzerak]

My thoughts exactly. I never have understood WHY leaf spings are so common. And the answer is... they are cheap and work. Guys, leaf springs are technology carried over from COVERED WAGONS! If Dodge does go to a coil or air back, 5 link system on the HD models, I say, ABOUT DAMN TIME! Leaf springs should be a thing of the past. If Dodge can build a HD model pickup with the same or higher payloads than they do now with a smooth riding coil sprung rear, guess what boys, look out Ford, Chevy AND Toyota. Its time for a serious revolution in the 3/4-1-ton market, and if Dodge does do it, they will be setting the bar very high, and would also be putting a Major breath into the Ram line of pickups! That same design they have on the 1/2ton could EASILY be outfitted with a airbag suspension system, and would blow away anything on the road today! Hey Dodge, YOU LISTENING????

A note on the HD coil overs. . An friend of mine (Works at Chrysler) mentioned they prolly can't do a coil over on the rear. the front end is a known weight (4700#). while the back is 2700-4700# Plus what ever you might have for a trailer swinging around.



What you need to worry about is lateral movement. Something that won't be as "huge" in a 1/2 ton, no matter what it may haul. He's no expert in that line of the build/development process by any means, but that's what he is thinking. Tho he is privi to info and will not tell me much if anything (aaarrrrggh!), so maybe this was a hint. . I dunno, it was over Instant message so I can't tell anymore info from body language.





As a funny note. one of the original names for the "Ram Box" was "life box". heh I guess this was a last minute kinda change to Ram Box. Good call Chrysler!

 

[Yo Hoot]

I love the new style along with the new real crew cab. I don't think it looks like a Ford at all. Ford's got that weird tall bed rail and the superduty window. I don't see where it looks like a Ford at all.

 

[CumminsBu]

It looks like Dodge has finally done their homework, this is the Truck that should have came out in 2002. Lots of styling came from the Charger, which to me enhances the sporty appearance.
With the larger four door cab and shorter bed with the bed rail storage, will be a big hit in the four door 1/2 ton market. Hopefully stealing some sales. Beings I'm a family guy, need a four truck and haul everything in a trailer. I would be all over it, but I done think I can part with the one I have!

 

[opjohnny]

I would take the silver one with the small cummins v6 or v8. I think it turned out well.

 

[AKaiser]

Side storage is only on the 5'7" box... boooooooooo

I'm going to take a SWAG and say that's a market segment issue. They probably figure 90% of the people who buy the long bed are going to put aftermarket toolboxes, etc. for work, and those ppl who buy the short beds are using them for daily driver/weekend trips, and the bedrail boxes are sufficient and keep the truck's clean looks.

I cant wait to see the fuel mileage that the v6 or v8 Cummins will be capable of in that 1/2ton!

Me too, but it would have to be significantly higher than my 19-23 MPGs (summer fuel) on this 3/4 ton of mine.

 

[EErmert]

Wow !!!

If the 3/4 and 1 ton are even close, WOW. Now we have to wait and see what the over 1/2 ton Dodge team will do... Also, no one on this thread has said a word about the new MIRROR'S !!! from what i see they are really nice! (and about time too)

Eric '03 white 305/555 6spd. q, srw, swb, 3500, limited stock, still 59k

 

[MFalkinham]

I love the redesigned look, but here is a quote from the following article...

2009 Dodge Ram - Auto Shows - Car and Driver January 2008

As before, there are three cabs: standard, extended cab (Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 true-four-door crew cab that replaces the gargantuan Mega Cab. Bed lengths vary from six feet three inches and eight feet long on the standard and Quad Cab, and a new five-foot, seven-inch bed on the crew cab to “maintain garageability. ”

What's this? STILL not a crew-cab with 8' bed option available? I hope that's a misprint, as I can't believe Dodge would continue to let Ford and GM get the market share from buyers who want the big cab and big bed.

Maintain garagability? You gotta be kidding me!

 

[ECasey]

What's this? STILL not a crew-cab with 8' bed option available? I hope that's a misprint, as I can't believe Dodge would continue to let Ford and GM get the market share from buyers who want the big cab and big bed.



Maintain garagability? You gotta be kidding me!

I think and hope that this will only be for the 1500's. If you look at GMC/Chevy and Ford, the standard bed sizes for their 1500 Crew Cabs are also around 5. 7', so Dodge is following their foot steps.



Hopefully when the 2500 and 3500 are unveiled, Dodge will offer the Crew Cab with 6. 3' and 8. 0' bed lengths. If not, then they are just shooting themselves in the foot once again.

 

[MFalkinham]

I hope you're right, ECasey. Unless they are cheaping out by using the same old frames there is no excuse this time.