2003 HD axle rumor

[joesoot]

taken from car-truck.com:

BUZZ WATCH EXCLUSIVE
2003 RAM AXLES

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Good news for all of you who've expressed concern that the next Ram is going to be wimpy due to its independent front suspension. While half ton Ram 1500 4x4's will have an IFS, one of my Ace Buzz Patrollers in Auburn Hills reports that the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 will have solid front axles. As previously reported the three quarter ton and one ton models will be showing up for model year 2003.

Another of my Ace Buzz Patrollers shared some insight into the goals set for the Dodge truck team. Topping the list was durability, the truck was designed to last longer, and be more reliable than anything on the market. While this obviously benefits the consumer, it will also benefit Chrysler by reducing warranty claims.

He adds that the new Ram (DR) was engineered to be the best. If it does not get a top rating from JD Powers, and the Motor Trends Truck of the Year, "some VP's and plant manager's better start looking for new jobs!" Based on the Buzz I've been hearing from folks who've driven the new truck those guys don't have to worry about working on their resumes.

 

[HDH]

Thats Good News Joe, But i wonder if they will be Dana's Or the GM POS "American Axle Co".
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

 

[KCJackson]

Dana is definitely out as axle supplier for the new Rams. American Axle got the contract for the redesigned Rams over Dana last year.

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

 

[Bad340fish]

DC has had numerous problems with the Dana axle in the last few years or so. I know the LSD sucks thats a given. I also heard of some problems with the Axle tubes coming out on some Dakotas... . ouch #ad

Clark

 

[BCFAST]

pardon my ignorance here, but... who is American Axel Co. and why do they suck? I agree that our vacuum engaging front axle diff is a POS,... how about front lockouts in the new one!?

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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!

 

[KCJackson]

American Axle and Manufacturing Co. is the former GM axle division, spun off about 9 years ago, similar to Delphi (formerly the Delco parts division) and Visteon (the former Ford parts division). AAM is fully independent, but GM is still their largest customer, with about 75% of their revenue.

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

 

[Mopar-muscle]

oh god ,more crap parts from GM , just like the steering boxes and the old brake systems , glad i have my 2000 .

 

[1tuffram]

Since American Axle supplies GM with a majority of their axle's does anyone know if GM is having problems with American Axle axle's??

 

[Tom C]

Any body know what gear ratio's will be offered in these American axle axle's.

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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.

[This message has been edited by Tom C (edited 02-15-2001). ]

 

[Cooker]

The only word I have on the American Axles is that currently they can't keep up with production of the truck. A friend of the family was looking at a new Duramax (couldn't convince him the Cummins was the way to go) and said he'd have to order it. No problem right? Wrong, GM has no axles to put under the trucks right now and they could not even give him a idea of a possible delivery date. This was about 2 weeks ago.

I wonder how they are gonna keep up making axles for the Rams and GM's?

 

[Davey]

I may be wrong, but AAM is not owned by GM, just supplying then with a new rear axle. Just curious what is wrong with gm axles? BEEF=14 bolt. Just a thought.

 

[FAB]

Give me a 14 bolt=BEEF rearend anytime!! This is not a pos. From a mechanics point of view the 14 bolt is much easier to overhaul and has a far better means of establishing tooth pattern (pinion depth etc. ) than any dana! (no adding or subtracting shims from under a bearing race) These are tough rearends, I would have to assume that ring gear dia. in 2500-3500 T. D. would be at least the size of what's used in the Duramax, if not larger!

 

[lawdog]

Just a confirmation on the 2003 3/4 and 1 tons, they WILL have a solid front axle on the 4x4. A friend drove a 3/4 ton hd 4x4 around the lot at JTE ( Jeep / Truck Engineering) last week, to get the 5. 7 HEMI warmed up to find an oil leak. He says the truck has the same coil spring / quad link / solid axle as the current rams. He also says the HEMI is as quiet as the 4. 7 litre in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Durango's, and the power made his 5. 9 gasser feel like a V6. He also said the back seat room is fine for him , at about 5'9" with the front seat about 1 click from full back.....

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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...