Some General HD Questions

[Scott Hibbard]

Dear Forum Members.

I have a few general questions I wanted to run by the TDR members. I had a smaller Dodge truck (Dakota) that I have since sold and very strongly considering a 3/4 ton or 1 ton(SRW) RAM. Engine choice TBD (6.4 or CTD). With that I was hoping to get your input.

1. Regarding the 2014 2500's, I noticed there were some posts here at TDR indicating some owners of Lance campers have complaints about the rear coils. What is the nature of the complaint? Are they too stiff? Too soft? Too far inboard and presenting side to side stability issues? other?

2. Is the current 2014 2500 or 3500 SRW available with the Aisin transmission with the HEMI 6.4, or is the Aisin only available with the CTD?

3. I was under the impression the 2014 CTD was only available with the 3.42 rear end, but I ran across a post here last night where a member indicated his 2014 CTD has 4.10's. Is this an option?

4. All things equal (e.g. crew cab 4x4 Laramie 6.5 bed) what is the approximate payload difference between a 2500 and 3500 SRW?

5. Does the 3500 SRW have higher rated front springs than a 2500, or are the front springs the same?

6. Does RAM plan for an 8 speed or greater cog count transmission in 2015? If so, will they retain the column shifter or will we find a rotary shifter on the dash just like the 1500's? (I sure hope not).


Many thanks to you all in advance!
Scott

 

[2rrRAM2nv]

well, My truck has the CTD with 3.73 gears. can't answer the rest of your questions.

Scot "Z"

 

[rrl989]

#2 - The Gas 6.4 has its own transmission. It does not get any of the CTD Auto Trans options in the pickup configurations.

#3 - Only 3500 DRWs get the optional ratios on a factory order.

 

[jus2shy]

#2, Aisin only comes on the CTD 3500 (SRW or DRW). They also get slightly uprated power from 370/800 to 385/850.

#3, as previously mentioned, only duallies get the other ratios. Also note, only the dually Aisin equipped trucks get the 11.8 rear differential and finned diff cover.

#4, This depends on options. Looking at the brochure online, seems like the gasser 2500's CC Short beds average 3,000 to 3,500 lbs. Gasser 3500's are at about 3,900 to 4,500 lbs for a similar configuration. The real difference is in the diesels. 2,200 to 2,500 lbs on the 2500 of CCSB configuration and 4,000 lbs for the 3500 of similar configuration. So there's your difference in payload. Really, 2500 series trucks are capped at 10,000 lbs GVWR while the 3500's tend to go up to 11,400 or around those parts.

That's all I have answers for.

 

[Sticks]

Ram's original intention was to offer both the 68rfe and Asin trans with the 6.4 Hemi. Last I saw however was the 68rfe only.

SRW and DRW 3500 have a massive difference in payload. SRW is around 4k, and the DRW is closer to 6k with the right axle.

From the Rambodybuilder website;

2500 - http://www.rambodybuilder.com/iph/iph2014/ph2014/phdocs/phram/phrammlup2500.pdf

3500 - http://www.rambodybuilder.com/iph/iph2014/ph2014/phdocs/phram/phrammlup3500.pdf

There is a significant amount of options available if you custom order a truck vs. what is on the lots. Potentially a significant savings in the final cost as well, since you are not getting "packages" with options that you may not want.

I found this to be true when I was looking back in February. A custom ordered truck was $3k less that what was on the lots as compared to trucks that were close to what I wanted. The snag is, delivery could be anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months or more.

 

[KYOUNG]

If you are even thinking about a cabover camper a dually is the only way to go!

 

[crispyboy]

Ram's original intention was to offer both the 68rfe and Asin trans with the 6.4 Hemi. Last I saw however was the 68rfe only.

I thought the gas motors only had the option of the 66RFE not the 68RFE transmissions?

 

[2rrRAM2nv]

#3 - Only 3500 DRWs get the optional ratios on a factory order.

I would add that it depends on the dealership. Mine must have ordered a bunch of different trucks with different ratios, since my truck was already on the lot w/ 3.73s. I don't order vehicles cause it seems like nothing ever goes right (family experience over many years).

just saying (since my first thought when I read the post, I was thinking Only ordered trucks get a choice)...

 

[JLandry]

I thought the gas motors only had the option of the 66RFE not the 68RFE transmissions?

According to the 2014 sales brochure, that's correct.

However, the sales brochure has been wrong on things before...

John L.

 

[Scott Hibbard]

Sticks/Guys,

Thanks ... the PDF's and replies have been very helpful.

Scott

 

[Sticks]

I thought the gas motors only had the option of the 66RFE not the 68RFE transmissions?

Oops, my bad. 66RFE it is.

 

[dodgesst]

I do believe a 3500 SRW can be ordered in different gears.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

3500 front ends are also higher rated so the springs will be stiffer. As noted above, surf rambodybuilder for more info.

 

[JLandry]

I do believe a 3500 SRW can be ordered in different gears.

Unfortunately not anymore. The 3500 SRW axle ratio is now limited to 3.42:1 only. The DRW can be ordered in 3.42, 3.73, or 4.10:1.

See the 2014 Ram sales brochure for details.

John L.

 

[Sticks]

SRW in gas anyhow is 3.73 or 4.10. (Mine is 3.73, and there were some 4.10s around) Not sure if they offer the 3.42, not a good plan on a gasser unless you live on the flats.