2002 DODGE RAM

[lawdog]

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Well the time grows near. The 2002 DODGE is supposed to be out at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in January 2001, which opens on Friday Jan. 12, 2001 with the black tie charity preview. I got a peek at an offical Drawing of the 2002 Ram, and all I can say is the drawing that is on Pickup truck.com, of the red 4 door is almost identicle, except for the headlights, which resemble current Grand Cherokee style. Only the half-ton will be out for 2002, the 3/4 and 1 tons will be out in 2003. The half tons ARE independant / torsion bar front 4x4 suspension. The photos showed a SLT and a SPORT model. Iam supposed to get into the show during the week before the show on Press Week, so I will try to get an actual photo, and try to figure out how to post the photo to the site. If any one knows how to post photo's, please let me know via e-mail.
Thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.

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2000 QC SHORT BED 4X4, 24 VALVE W/ 275 HP INJECTORS, 3. 54 GEARS W/ POSI, AUTO, BLACK WITH EVERYTHING EXCEPT LEATHER,285/75R16 KELLY SAFARI AWR, RAIDER NOMAD CAB HIGH CAP,FACTORY RAZ STEREO W/ STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, KENWOOD 848 AMP, KENWOOD EXCELON 6X9 IN DOORS AND KENWOOD EXCELON 6IN. ROUND DUAL-MAGS IN REAR DOORS, MTX FACTORY FIT BOX W/ 2-10"SUBS UNDER REAR SEAT

2001 ARCTIC CAT ZR800 TWIN LE BLACK...

 

[Shrimpy]

Hope you get some good pictures lawdog!! I saw a caravan of test trucks this summer in Coastal Texas (Galveston). The 1 ton and 3/4 ton were both full 4 doors, and very quiet at highway speed. They also appeared to have IFS front suspension. The 1/2 ton in the group (only one) was definently IFS. I was more interested in the 1 and 3/4 tons. I followed behind and beside them for about 10 miles.

If someone is wondering about the truck I saw, check out this months Motor Trend Truck News mag. I saw it at the local grocerie store the other day. It has a picture on the upper right hand front cover of the truck I saw. It was completely covered with car bra material just like this one. I will probably wait until the new ones come out then buy one of the last old style. Hope to pick it up at a bargan basement price. But if the CUMMINS is for some reason dropped then I will buy before the new style hits the market, at probably a slightly inflated price. If Dodge drops the CUMMINS they can KISS the truck market goodbye. I would go back to a gasser rather than drive a f0Rd or cHev. diesel.

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92 Ext. Cab, Auto trans. , 3. 54 Non-LS, Isspro Tach, 16 cm housing, no name 3 Gauge cluster, 220,000+ miles, straight pipe, old and abused but still running strong!!!!

 

[HDH]

IFS?. That Blows. One of the Reasons I bought the Dodge was Because of the Coil/Solid Axle Front Suspension,. The Other reasons were that the Ram Came with Dana Axles and Offered the Cummins.

If DC Thinks that Soccer Moms are Buying 4X4 Trucks to get Groceries and Pick the Kiddies up at the Soccer Park. They are Sadly Mistaken. IFS Does Not Belong a 4X4 Truck.

I guess I will have to Buy a Second Ram, A 2001. 5 2500 SLT QC 4x4 4. 10 SB ETH/DEE to be exact.

Oh Well, Another Truck Bite the Dust and Panders to the Soccer Moms.

Doug.


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1998. 5,2500,ISB,Auto,CC,4x4,4. 10's,Suregrip,White Sport,Isspro Boost & Pyro,275hp Injectors,VA,PS Boost Module,DTT Valve Body,BD Pressure Lock,Mopar Perf Alum transmission Pan,16x8 Eagles,285/75/16 Bridgestone MT's,2. 5" Skyjacker Lift,Stockland Seibring Shell. Uniden HR2510 Ham/CB

 

[Barry]

Shrimpy: We wish you would be more clear in what you mean. What are you really trying to say?

 

[johnrv4]

In one of these forums I read that the 3/4 ton and 1 ton was going to have a solid front axle. Only the 1/2 ton was getting the IFS. I also read that they were going to AAM axles instead of the Dana's #ad


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2001. 5 2500 Quad cab SLT 4x4 ETH/DEE, towing package, snow plow prep, 3:55 anti-spin, and other goodies. Flame Red

 

[Shrimpy]

Well lets see Barry..... I sure hope Dodge keeps the Cummins!!!!! Other than that I am open to any other changes. Since 4-wheel drive is not important to me the IFS is not an issue. I did a search under this bb and found my old post from back in August where I saw a group of Dodges being tested. Since I ain't no computer guru, I'm not sure how to link to it.

Like I said the trucks APPEARED to be IFS. You could not see the front "pumpkin" as plainly as you can with todays trucks. The 1/2 ton definently was. You could see into the wheel well and tell. It was not possible on the 1 and 3/4 tons, because the wheels and tires were larger. When I posted that info, Aug. 7,8, Dodge had not started putting 4 wheel disc brakes on trucks. Soon after they started showing up. This had to have been in the pipeline for sometime, but was a definate plus. The other thing was the quietness of the engine. I can pull up beside the tailpipe on my truck with someone else driving and at 60 mph you definently know it!!! With these trucks you could not tell at the tailpipe that they were diesel. As you got to the front, you could here more diesel sound but still EXTREMELY quiet for a Cummins (if that is what they were). I don't believe they were gas because of the size of the tailpipe, 4". Hopefully Dodge has listened to the folks who buy the 4x4 and use them as intended, to work, and will not disappoint them with the IFS. For me, as I said it is a non issue. Hope this helps.

P. S. Do a search using my name and the earlier post will be the second one down from the top.

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92 Ext. Cab, Auto trans. , 3. 54 Non-LS, Isspro Tach, 16 cm housing, no name 3 Gauge cluster, 220,000+ miles, straight pipe, old and abused but still running strong!!!!

[This message has been edited by Shrimpy (edited 12-24-2000). ]

 

[GotDiesel]

Shrimpy
Hi! neighbor! I'm over in Texas City. When did you see those trucks? I have been working in Galveston for the last four months, I seen a couple of different vehicles but couldn't get close enough for a look see.
Do you know of any other members in our area? I have only contacted one, he's in Dickinson. If there are enough of us maybe we can get together, and if enough are interested possibly a new chapter?? I know of one in North Houston but that's a long way away. Please reply.

Joe Pazdera

 

[JEM]

I have to agree with DieselRam, I bought my truck for the same reasons. When I did make the purchase, I thought the Ram could'nt get much better. I still think I'm right. Give me Dana or give me death.

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99' BE7L33 CUMMINS,2 TONE AMYTHIST, 5SP,LSD,CAMPER SPEC. ,SWB, H/D TRANS CASE,RHINO LINER.

 

[jsimpson]

A quiet Cummins??? I don't THINK so! I'll bet they have M-B engines in them!

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http://coffeewithJesus. homestead.com/web1.html 89 1-ton, Amsoil System 3000 5-30,K&N air filter, cleaned-up exhaust, Dynomax straight-thru, rebuilt pump, thermostatically controlled twin 14" Permacool electric fans, intercooler), modified 518 OD transmission, Gear vendors OD controler, R-134 refrigernt, louvered front fenders, 93 aftermarket smoothie grille, new Dupont Chromacolor black, black-and-red rubber rubstrip, black headlights, powdercoated bumpers; 78 35'Avion, 93 Lance 900 slide in with generator and power jacks. To see my truck, Click on: <A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169022&a=10097213

Jesus" TARGET=_blank>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169022&a=10097213

Jesus</A> saves!

 

[lawdog]

Info from my source at JTE (Jeep / Truck Engineering) here in Michigan, says that the 2003 ram is scheduled for a Cummins with common rail injection with the pre-injection shot like the dura max, which makes it QUIET. . Supposedly its tough to tell the difference in noise a freeway speeds compared to a V-10. I have not heard one yet. It is also supposed to be 305 HP and 550 ft/lbs with an availiable Allison auto. I don't want to list how he would know as I would not want to get him in trouble, but believe me, he would know... . He also said the 3/4 and 1 tons are SUPPOSED to have a solid axle, and only the 1/2 tons are independant

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2000 QC SHORT BED 4X4, 24 VALVE W/ 275 HP INJECTORS, 3. 54 GEARS W/ POSI, AUTO, BLACK WITH EVERYTHING EXCEPT LEATHER,285/75R16 KELLY SAFARI AWR, RAIDER NOMAD CAB HIGH CAP,FACTORY RAZ STEREO W/ STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, KENWOOD 848 AMP, KENWOOD EXCELON 6X9 IN DOORS AND KENWOOD EXCELON 6IN. ROUND DUAL-MAGS IN REAR DOORS, MTX FACTORY FIT BOX W/ 2-10"SUBS UNDER REAR SEAT

2001 ARCTIC CAT ZR800 TWIN LE BLACK...

 

[HDH]

Originally posted by lawdog:
He also said the 3/4 and 1 tons are SUPPOSED to have a solid axle, and only the 1/2 tons are independant

Well, Thats Good. Thank God someone has some sence. But I Think I will have to Keep the Mrs 1/2 ton 4x4 CC SB Gasser for old times sake. Much easier to keep aligned.

Doug.



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1998. 5,2500,ISB,Auto,CC,4x4,4. 10's,Suregrip,White Sport,Isspro Boost & Pyro,275hp Injectors,VA,PS Boost Module,DTT Valve Body,BD Pressure Lock,Mopar Perf Alum transmission Pan,16x8 Eagles,285/75/16 Bridgestone MT's,2. 5" Skyjacker Lift,Stockland Seibring Shell. Uniden HR2510 Ham/CB

 

[1tuffram]

OK, can someone explain to me WHY a quiet diesel is desirable? Why the big push to make the Cummins quiet like the PSD and Dura-Max? Guess I'm too young & dumb to understand why a quiet Cummins is a good thing. Seems to me the "loudness / sound" of the current B-series is part of the testosterone factor. Maybe DC should add ear plugs to the list of factory option for those who can't handle the noise.

Comments??

 

[Davey]

The only thing I don't like about the mighty loud cummins is going through drive through. #ad

 

[KCJackson]

The manufacturers are hoping quiet diesels woill get more people to use them. Couple that with the new diesel fuel regs just passed that require lower engine emissions and the removal of sulfur, and the hope is, diesels will become a larger percentage of production to help improve the nation's overall fuel economy by making diesels (cars and trucks) more desirabke to own. Too many people still think "Oldsmobile" when they hear "diesel".

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1996 3500 Club 4x4 Laramie SLT, unmodified 180/420 12-valve, 47RE automatic, 3. 54 limited slip

 

[BCFAST]

OK, a serious question for you "off-road" types: why are you so against independent front suspention? I am more familiar with Porsche, Audi... even Benz' all wheel drive systems. I cant imagine why you would NOT want IFS as it is far superior in every respect to a solid axle style. I dont go off road, but bought this truck for mountainous roads in winter weather.

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[SteveAZ]

Any word on the crew cab?

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99' Qcab, 4x4, auto, chrome nerf bars, VA, Boost elbow, DiProcal Pillar mount gauges,

 

[1tuffram]

Originally posted by KCJackson:
The manufacturers are hoping quiet diesels woill get more people to use them. Couple that with the new diesel fuel regs just passed that require lower engine emissions and the removal of sulfur, and the hope is, diesels will become a larger percentage of production to help improve the nation's overall fuel economy by making diesels (cars and trucks) more desirabke to own. Too many people still think "Oldsmobile" when they hear "diesel".

I can see your point, but by the way things are going I feel the opposite may happen. With the ever ridiculously increasing diesel emission standards, lowering of sulfer in diesel fuel and even talk of "designer" diesel fuel, rumors of EGR valves on all diesels and now even of particulate traps all looks like actions to discourage diesel engines through end-user increased operation costs resulting from these new fuels and the added maintenance cost of all the emissions crap.
I can't see a big consumer demand if the auto manufactures have to increase the cost of deisel engines due to extra needed emissions equipment, along with potentially higher maintenance cost from these items and the possibility the new diesel fuels costing more.

I'm starting to form the opinion the Feds are using their strong arm to push diesel engines into extinction. I also see this as just one more step the government is taking to tighten the noose around the necks of those who like to BOMB!! Pretty soon we will just have to accept what the factory offers us due to all the emissions laws and factory installed tamper proof systems.
I see all this benefiting the Gov. and maybe those who are satisfied with factory stock power configurations.

 

[Big A]

This was sent to me by Cummins:
Big A

Cummins and Dodge have a working arrangement until at least the 2004
models. There have been rumors that Dodge will use the Mercedes Benz diesel
however it is a larger engine and does not have the loyalty that the
Cummins carries. We are switching Dodge over to the ISBe model for the 2002
model. This is an evoluationary change of our current ISB engine. The ISBe
has a rear gear train and different fuel system (still Bosch). This will
enable the engine to produce less noise and with the pump produce more
power. Just think you may be able to order from the drive-up window
without shutting the engine down, however Dodge still needs to find another
transmission to hold up behind our engine.

 

[JEM]

To answer the question asked by bcfast a quote from the February 2001 issue of Four Wheeler magazine is needed. "No matter how much travel you can dial into an independant design, it will never deliver the load on the tire's contact patch that way a live axle can". Basically a solid axle can provide leverage on the tires, whereas an independant design can't. To find out more, read the article quoted "Mild to wild". My feeling is that independant suspensions have too many parts to wear out and too many adjustments to change. Plus the fact that cv type axles are used which have the potential to be damaged in an off-road situation. I would'nt want to run a stick though a cv boot out in the boonies.

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99' BE7L33 CUMMINS,2 TONE AMYTHIST, 5SP,LSD,CAMPER SPEC. ,SWB, H/D TRANS CASE,RHINO LINER.

 

[HDH]

Originally posted by BCFAST:
OK, a serious question for you "off-road" types: why are you so against independent front suspention? I am more familiar with Porsche, Audi... even Benz' all wheel drive systems. I cant imagine why you would NOT want IFS as it is far superior in every respect to a solid axle style. I dont go off road, but bought this truck for mountainous roads in winter weather.

The IFS System is Great for Baja Type Racing, But I cant Go 100mph over a 2. 5ft log laying across the trail.
The Solid Axle Design is Much more suited for Low speed "Rock Crawling" Type 4 wheeling.
The Problem with the "IFS" System is that as the load is placed on the front of the Vehicle, The ground clearence greatly deminishes. IOW's, The Front Crossmember moves closer to the ground.
This coupled with the fact that IFS Systems have a larger turning radius,two more u-joints to break, more expensive to add a lift kit,(many are non reversable).
And Generally, the IFS System has the Least amount of suspension travel(with most off the self kits).
The IFS Systems also have Unique center sections (the pumkins) that are made of Aluminum, and are hard to any ring and pinions/Lockers for upgrading to a lower ratio.

Many Serious 4x4 Owners are taking the 88-98 chevys and ditching the IFS, And converting them back to a Simple tried and true Leaf Spring/Solid axle design and Getting over 20" of wheel travel thus increasing their Ramp Travel Index from a Measly low 200's to a index of 600-800 RTI Scale. This prove the Vehicles ability to "Flex" while driven on a Un-even Road/Trail.
IMHO IFS Belong on Camaros,Mustang's,2wd Truck's,Suburban's and Golf Cart's.
IFS Does not Belong on True 4 wheel drive Vehicle's Like Jeeps and Trucks.
The Next Gen Cherokee is Coming out with IFS #ad
This is a Sad Day For Jeep #ad


Doug.


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1998. 5,2500,ISB,Auto,CC,4x4,4. 10's,Suregrip,White Sport,Isspro Boost & Pyro,275hp Injectors,VA,PS Boost Module,DTT Valve Body,BD Pressure Lock,Mopar Perf Alum transmission Pan,16x8 Eagles,285/75/16 Bridgestone MT's,2. 5" Skyjacker Lift,Stockland Seibring Shell. Uniden HR2510 Ham/CB