2013 Ram HDs Announced at TX State Fair

[NIsaacs]

Wow, big changes for the 3500, two radiators?? wonder how that all works? For the most part, it all looks yummy!

Nick

 

[Bill Stockard]

Wow, big changes for the 3500, two radiators?? wonder how that all works? For the most part, it all looks yummy!

Nick

Didn't Ford use 2 radiators with the Navistar 6. 4L diesel or was it with the 6. 0L? IIRC, one was for the engine and one was for the EGR cooler.

Bill

 

[NIsaacs]

I am not sure Bill, I don't know much about the Fords anymore. I am sure you remember the big cam 4 with it's two radiators. One for the engine and one for the aftercooler. It didn't pan out so good if I recall. The big cam 3 was the best.

It looks like per Motortrend, the cab chassis will get all the up grades too. It's starting to look like Ram is going to challenge Peterbuilt with more options/choices!! Now for that 7spd Eaton.....

Nick

 

[MChrist]

Holy cow, they made a lot of changes for the better!! Front axle disconnect was surprising, I must say. Trying to back up a heavy trailer using 4 Lo while turning is no fun for the suspension...

 

[mwilson]

I had a tingle when I tried out a 2012 Laramie Crew, now it may turn into a full blown itch with the added options and DEF... Better work hard so I don't have time to visit the dealership...

 

[Bill Stockard]

Holy cow, they made a lot of changes for the better!! Front axle disconnect was surprising, I must say. Trying to back up a heavy trailer using 4 Lo while turning is no fun for the suspension...

Yep. I noticed the front axle disconnect too. With the continuing front suspension/steering improvements and front axle disconnect, I just might consider a 4-wheel drive Ram again. Up until now I didn't want 4-wheel drive in a Ram because of the suspension/steering problems and the lack of front axle disconnect. I previously owned a Ford with the twin I-beam type front suspension 4x4 that I drove over 200k miles and never had a front suspension or steering problem or had to spend any money on repairs with it.



Bill

 

[rscurtis]

From looking at the specs, I think it's reasonable to assume that the 3500 is now only a dually, as Chevy has done for a number of years. Note also the use of a single swing arm front suspension, similar to what Ford has used since 2005. Another interesting sidebar is the return to 15K mile oil changes- when is the last time you saw that? The front axle disconnect is a welcome addition- between that and DEF, these trucks may be somewhat economical again. I'm curious about the two radiators, the article didn't really explain the cooling system. Perhaps they are referring to the intercooler as a radiator.

 

[BILLUA]

I think it is also somewhat telling that with a minor increase in HP/TQ, they switched to the Asin transmission.

Dang, now will we have to figure out which axle ratio to order again!

 

[orhusky]

I hope they make the new fuel filter available to the 4th gen trucks! "The frame-mounted fuel filter/water separator has 3-micron particulate filtration and water stripping to increase engine performance and durability. "

 

[AfterBurner]

With these trucks riding on new frames and having new engines, trannys, axles, suspension and moderate interior and other changes should they still be called 4th gens? I know they will be, as there hasn't been a dramatic body change, but a very different animal from the 4. 0 gens. I'm glad to see dodge is pushing hard to deliver a truck that meets customer desires.

 

[wyosteve]

Of note to me if the article is correct is a cab mounted rear view camera to see when backing up to a 5th wheel/gooseneck. That along with other features makes me think I'll wait for a '13 instead of trying to find a '12 now.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Of note to me if the article is correct is a cab mounted rear view camera to see when backing up to a 5th wheel/gooseneck. That along with other features makes me think I'll wait for a '13 instead of trying to find a '12 now.

Yep, I read that too. The cab mounted camera will be great for loading my big slide-in truck camper too. Also, I've been waiting for the increased GVWR in order to not be over the truck's GVWR any more. 500-lbs higher GVWR is all I need and then I'll have a bit of reserve capacity for carrying the weenie dog.



Bill

 

[RustyJC]

Also, I've been waiting for the increased GVWR in order to not be over the truck's GVWR any more.

Yep, the 11,500 GVWR of my 4x2 dually is a JOKE, especially compared to the 13,300 GVWR of my RVing friend's 2012 Furd F-350 4x2 dually. #@$%!



Rusty

 

[rscurtis]

Holy cow, they made a lot of changes for the better!! Front axle disconnect was surprising, I must say. Trying to back up a heavy trailer using 4 Lo while turning is no fun for the suspension...

I wouldn't get your hopes up on that, it's probably very similar to the FAD on the 2nd generation trucks. Hopefully, there will be a way the end user can disable the axle lock to use 4lo-2wd.

 

[jgillott]

Well, I for one am very pleased with what I have read. Have been on the fence about a new truck and I have to admit that they have more than sparked my interest.

 

[BILLUA]

I also am very pleased. Heck, the interior looks like the interior on my other turbodiesel (BMW 335D).

I am also happy to see the switch to SCR and DEF. It will improve mileage, keep the exhaust system and oil cleaner and is not the nuisance some on this board think it is. .

Now, I just have to decide if I am going to pull the trigger on this in the next 6 months or wait for a 2014 to clean up any issues with these new systems...

Ah, who am I kidding... .

 

[AH64ID]

They really bumped the hp/tq for the Aisin!

At least the manual trans got a bump, but nowhere near enough.

 

[jgillott]

They really bumped the hp/tq for the Aisin!

At least the manual trans got a bump, but nowhere near enough.

I'm interested to see if they have addressed the G56 dual mass flywheel problems with the new design.

 

[Wingate]

I'm interested to see if they have addressed the G56 dual mass flywheel problems with the new design.

THought I read somewhere they put a different clutch assy. in there for 2013...

 

[Wingate]

Here's the latest "scoop" on the '13 Ram HDs from Allpar: http://www.allpar.com/trucks/ram/2013-heavy-duty-pickups.html



Bill

hhmmm. . SO, do I read it right that the only way to get the high HP and Aisin is to go with a dually?. . I havent seen where you can get the Aisin in the 3/4 ton or 1 ton SRW. . ??