Ask the Engineer LIVE Chat - THIS IS THE PLACE!!

[RamEngineers]

I'm curious about the design process and how the final product is conceived....

I'm curious about the design process and how the final product is conceived. I know there are people responsible for only certain parts of the whole end product, but I'm wondering how they all get integrated together.

I guess what I'm really getting at is that we've seen a lot of design flaws, failures, shortcuts, and I'd like to know if the people designing these have ever really built or repaired these trucks. What might look good on paper, (either from an engineering or production cost bottom line viewpoint) can turn into a nightmare for the owner or mechanic. Some serviceable bearings, grease zerks, etc would go a long way toward repair costs down the road. Track bars, unitized hub bearings ball joints are very expensive to replace when their life expectancy is JAWE. (my new acronym for Just After Warranty Expires)



Another good example is the wiring-- Probably an electrical engineer worked out wire size for circuits and never took into account that in a few short years, wires completely break thru from the routine opening and closing of doors.



Paint, poor lighting, (headlamp to backup) suspension problems, auto trans weaknesses, (fortunately I have a stick) broken heater blend doors (that's a BIG mistake that I could thrash somebody mercilessly for) the list could go on and on. Good hardworking people spent a lot of money for these trucks, but will have a bitter taste for the Dodge brand name for a long time to come. They've been let down with a cheap design, no owning up to the known defects and weaknesses, and repairs that are thru the roof because of unnecessary complexity and specialized or non-serviceable parts.



Engineering needs to be top notch. Cutting corners to save a few pennies will bite you later. Letting the bean counters have too much input in what the final product is (esp. how long it lasts) should not be tollerated.



If something needs to be removed to get at something else, it should be made to come apart. (a little anti-seize during the manufacture process if necessary) Give it a design that's easy and straightforward.



If you build them to last we will brag. Build them like you have been, we'll go away.

Thank you for your input - we value our customers interests and consider them when planning future models...

 

[RamEngineers]

When will we see a 2500 in person???

When will we see a 2500 in person.

" " they come to a local dealer here in N. WA state.

" " we test drive one. Actually don't need to test drive it, just buy it!!

Lots of hoopala, but no show :-laf



signed: need a truck, preferably one with a Cummins

They started to show up in dealerships in mid November early December. .

 

[RamEngineers]

Idle speed on 2008 6.7l, std cab a/t 8' bed w/shell

Idle speed on 2008 6. 7l, std cab a/t 8' bed w/shell



On colder mornings, when moving at slow speeds and you come to a stop, or shift from reverse to forward, etc. , the idle drops below the normal idle speed (600RPM?) causing the exhaust system/chassis to rattle. Also, I noticed that when in reverse on the A/T, idle speed is 100 RPMs or so lower than when you shift it into forward.



Please note that my truck profile below is wrong ( althogh elsewhere in TDR it is correct). I have a 2008 6. 7L with A/T, Std. Cab, 8' bed, shell, 17 tires,

I would suggest you check with your dealer to ensure that you have the latest available engine calibration in your vehicle. Slight adjustments are made in fine tuning as the model year progresses to better optimize variables like this

 

[RamEngineers]

What is the Dodge plan to market to the class C motorhome builders?

Now that Ford has dropped it's plans for a E450 diesel, and GM has cancelled it's topkick chassis, what is the Dodge plan to market a (cutaway van chassis) to the class C motorhome builders? Also, is the current 5500 chassis cab model suitable for class C manufacturers??? Also, will Dodge bring back it's Ram van with the cummins??? The Sprinter has too low a tow rating for my boat.

While the 4500/5500 chassis has adequate specifications for this, the passenger area is not configured properly for a motorhome conversion. We cannot comment on any other future products.

 

[RamEngineers]

Will the Ram 1500 get a Cummins V8 diesel in the future??

Ram with Cummins engine



Will the Ram 1500 get a Cummins V8 diesel in the future or will it be sourced from Fiat? Will the Ram continue to offer the Cummins 6. 7L diesel past for the next 5 years?

We cannot discuss future plans... Thanks

 

[RamEngineers]

Future diesel emission standards..

Do you see any chance the future diesel emission standards will be relaxed for personal trucks? If not, are the engineers working on a better emissions system?

Why not a 4bt in a half ton?

As you know, the emission standards are dictated by the EPA, so only they could answer your first question. Our emissions package met 2010 requirements 3 years early and our diesel pickups will not require the use of urea, unlike our competitors. That being said, this is an area we are constantly giving high priority, in order to improve the efficiency and effectivity of our emission controls.

 

[RamEngineers]

Cummins diesel engine block material...

Cummins diesel engine block material



Will the future engine block materail for the Cummins diesels go to CGI (compacted graphite iron)?

If so, when will this happen?

Would the major service interval increase above 350,000 miles?

We are unable to discuss future plans at this time. Thanks

 

[RamEngineers]

Why won't you make a long bed megacab?

Why won't you make a long bed megacab?



I would like to see 4x4s come with the option to be in two wheel drive and be able to use low range on the transfer case.



Better fuel economy is a must, my 1995 diesel 2500 gets 24 miles per gallon at 72 miles per hour. The new trucks don't get that good and therefore I am holding off on purchasing a newer model.



I would like to see larger factory fuel tanks for all models



Will you make a hybrid 3/4 or one ton using the 6bt cummins?



Since many Cummins powered trucks are used to pull RVs, it would be great to be able 120v AC power generated from the truck itself to power the Air conditioners on the RV.



FYI, if for some reason, the RAM would no longer have the Cummins, I would no longer have an interest in purchasing another RAM, I would buy whatever truck is wrapped around the Cummins.



Thank you for your time and taking our questions/comments.

Over the years, there have been many changes in the diesel industry, many of which have lead to a much cleaner environment. However, fuel mileage will vary due to truck configuration, duty cycle, road speed, and environmental conditions. From an engineering perspective, there is an inverse relationship between NOx emissions and fuel economy. To reduce NOx, we need to lower combustion temperatures, which essentially lowers efficiency. We utilized new technology such as high pressure injection to regain some of this efficiency. The emissions standards on the diesel truck market have been reduced significantly through the years - particularly, the emissions standards changed significantly between MY1990 and MY2001. Despite the 50%+ reduction in NOx emissions that occurred in 1998, Cummins was able to meet this requirement and yet minimize the fuel economy degradation.

In the entire market of four door pickup trucks, the short bed is more popular by many times over. The Mega Cab is already a very small volume model and a Mega Long would be smaller volume yet. Since it would be our longest and heaviest model, it would require a great deal of engineering development to validate and tune the frame, suspension, body mounts etc. There would also be regulatory issues to address for the same reason. All of this extra investment for a very small volume of sales does not present itself as a good business decision.



We are always striving to improve fuel economy and efficiency. Please understand there are many parameters and regulations we must work within which limit the freedom of exactly what we can do and keep the vehicle saleable.



Thank you for the feature suggestions - we use these to help define our future projects; we understand and share your passion for the Cummins engine.

 

[RamEngineers]

Tilt front end on the Cummins powered Ram trucks...

Have or will you guys ever consider installing a tilt front end on the Cummins powered Ram trucks? IMO, it would be a huge improvement for just doing regular maintenance, and especially to R&R power steering/AC pumps, etc.

I'm talking about a one piece fiber-glass, hinged at the bumper, full tilt front end.

Ray

Thank you for the feature suggestions - we use these to help define our future projects.

 

[RamEngineers]

1st Generation Driver....

Howdy Folks! Thanks for listening. I am a 1st Generation Driver. I will stay that way as long as I can find parts for the old iron. My Reasons? Instead of building a better vehicle, the succeeding generations of Dodge/Cummins offerings have become more complicated, more difficult to work on and maintain! The average fuel mileage has gotten worse and now we must rely on a UREA injection system for emissions. The drivetrain does not properly match the engine capabilities and electronics are the crutch that allows the unit to operate in an acceptable manner (EPA) without the consideration for hardening the electronic components from environmental degradation. Drive these rough mountain roads for a few years and your electronics will be a nightmare for the owner. Broken connectors and worn wiring insulation as well as corrosion from Magnesium Chloride that is used year around for road maintainence procedures like dust control and ice melt.



Lets talk about cheap formed sheetmetal front suspension (control arms?) parts and unitized bearings that cannot be greased, only replaced. 4X4 drivetrains that are in constant motion instead of having lockout options. An engine that has gotten bigger but not more efficient. You all have been in a Torque and Horsepower race for so long you cant see what is really needed. I demand reliability, efficiency, maintainence compliant for the owner, Comfort, quality workmanship and finish that lasts, for the money spent! Why are all the newer trucks sold with wide tires and wheels? They do not work well in snow country!



Why design a V-8 diesel for the light duty market when perfectly good 5 and 6Cylinder, in-line units are in operation in Europe? Get the engine cold air breathing and exhaust systems right, the first time. Consider fuel tanks that have filtered vents, high enough so the tank can be filled to a visual point. Fuel lift pumps that can be monitered for functional life before they trash out expensive injector pumps. Overhead displays that can be inexpensively calibrated to real world conditions.



Brake parts that can be matched with those from the factory with similar wear chacteristics. A Power steering system that uses ATF instead of proprietary Power steering fluid. These are just some thoughts and are subject to editing and I've only skimmed the surface! If I have to spend a years income on a new truck, it better be able to last 30 years! GregH

I think you will see that the entire automotive industry has become more complicated and more difficult to work on and maintain. Complying with government regulations (primarily in emissions and occupant safety) require an extensive nextwork of parts. On the flipside I think you will also see that the industry has improved tremendously in comfort, convenience, safety, emissions, and capability as well. These advancements do not come without associated components and complexities.

 

[RamEngineers]

7 speed manual is in the works?

I would like to know if a 7 speed manual is in the works? It would be nice for the manual crowd to have 2 overdrives as well. A Towing and an empty one. 3. 73 is a great rear end ratio because of the speeds it allows in direct drive for mountainous towing. But there are plenty of times where 5th is too many rpms and 6th is too few. The AD G56 had a great towing OD, but was changed because people complained about rpms at 75. A truck with 2 OD's would solve this problem a . 85:1 for towing and . 68:1 for empty driving.

Thanks for the input on gearing strategies, though we cannot comment on future products at this time.

 

[RamEngineers]

How about a pickup bed option in the 4500 and 5500 HD trucks?

How about a pickup bed option in the 4500 and 5500 HD trucks? Since these trucks also serve as daily drivers for many of us, with the same needs as a 2500-3500 as far as day to day carrying, it would be nice. This would allow those with a bigger TT or 5er to more safely pull the trailer while still having the convenience of a regular bed.

There is some aftermarket attention in this area but we feel the sales volume of this would be extremely limited and to make a box worthy of the 4500/5500 would be an expensive and extensive project. Thank you for the input we appreciate our customers opinions.

 

[RamEngineers]

Demand for a factory built Megacab longbed...

Rumor has it that if there is enough public demand for a factory built Megacab longbed before the 2011 or 2012 model year, Dodge will start producing one. Any truth to this? Thanks in advance.



Scott

We are always interested in our customers desires, but the development of a Mega Long would be quite a "stretch". .

 

[RamEngineers]

E17 Out of Park Alarm

As the owner of a 2005 Ram w/ Auto, when will there be a REAL fix, rather than the "E17 Out of Park Alarm" and when will it be something that can be "reversed" rather then an annoying Beep and flash item?

This was resolved with the 68RFE trans introduced on the 07 models. Thanks for your question.

 

[RamEngineers]

Fuel gauge sending unit

Thank you for talking the time to talk to us.



I bought a new 1995 Ram 2500 4x4 12 valve and had fuel gauge sending unit failures every 40-45,000 miles. Then I bought a new 2001 Qcab 2500 4x4 24valve 6speed and have had fuel gauge sending unit failures every 42-45,000 miles. I finally bought a new sending unit and took the board out of it and designed my own ball bearing pivot system and haven't had any more problems.



Did you fix the fuel gauge sending unit in the new trucks?

Since my '01 wasn't really designed for ultra low sulfur diesel fuel should I be running an injection pump lubricant in my fuel?

Has the steering system been redesigned in order to provide more durability?

What is the anticipated lifespan of the VP44 injection pump?

There has been a different design for the sending unit implemented since the model years you mentioned and warranty looks to be very favorable. The manufacturers of ULSD fuel incorporate a lubricant in their product so there is no need for an additive. The steering linkage has also seen some design changes in the interest of durability.



Thank you for your ongoing interest in Ram Trucks

 

[RamEngineers]

Cummins hybrid bio/syn fueled

Any chance of a cummins hybrid bio/syn fueled, 4 or 5 cyl. BT inline or V or orbital,reverse flow, lightweight aluminum blocked "chessey special", why havent we seen more 2 stage supercharged/turbo cummins engines? i have seen a 2 stroke supercharged cummins engine in a construction drill rig long ago.



Issues:

• Crankcase oil dilution from egr /regeneration washdown to reduce climbing crankcase oil levels from fuel dilution
  
• Removal of intank fuel emulsifier pusher pump to revert to inline suction type diesel fuel prefilters/ water separators with fuel polishing circuit /
  
• to protect injection components
  
• Bluetec urea injection on 2500/3500 chassis
  
• Remove or revise EGR/Turbo "Soot" circuit on intake tract /cleaner intake tract solution
  
• Redesign "Water in Fuel" sensor accuracy for both inline and tank drains to insure injection component protection
  
• Plug in or switched ambient temp controlled fuel tank heater elements with filtered recirculation circuit for artic operations with B20 or greater bio/syn fuel to prevent gelling
  
• Abilty to idle for longer periods without sooting or regens for vehicle heater and AC operations in temp extremes allowing for extreme ambient intake air temps
  
• Auxillery cooling within intercooler heat exchanger core to reduce temps
  
• Flat or square DPF trap with access panel for user friendly cleaning and element service /eliminate fire hazard from low underchassis DPF, forest service approved
  
• Onboard compressed air for factory installed air bags for load leveling and air tools , inflation etc.
  
• Grease fittings on all wear related points
  

Concepts:

• Reduce chassis weights better load distributions front to rear
  
• PTO/option
  
• Hydraulically driven accessorys
  
• 110/220 volt power ports
  
• Electro or hydraulic drives/Eaton
  
• Easy and convienient filter accessability
  
• Load sensing selective injection cyl events to reduce fuel consumption?
  
• Hydrogen injection
  
• Nitrogen tire fills
  

What would be the highest achievable MPG ?



Also with new cleaner algae based synthetic diesel fuel emerging as new refining plants are nearing completion will or could some of the restrictive exhaust emission equipment be eliminated with these newly emerging fuel blends to enhance engine efficiency and performance and if so is experimental engine development ocurring now as with Cat R&D?



Algae based diesel synfuel is a economically "cleaner" alternative to imported light sweet crude based diesel and not based on soy either.



Supercharged turboed lightweight diesel electric hybrid engines with hydraulic/electric or pressure driven thermostatically controlled fans and accessorys with onboard compressed air,110/220 volt electric power from a hybrid electric hydro 8 speed transmission, Eaton hydro electric drives will reduce drive train weight and improve efficiency a 2 speed rear end would encourage a economical mileage king with torque ? with all wheel steering on long chassis models,factory 5th wheel setup with harness



More extensive use of aluminum components to reduce weights



The tilt front end/cab sure would eliminate the milk crate we have to stand on for service events great idea. .



Austin Diesel

Thanks for your interest in Ram. Though we cannot discuss future plans; you've given us quite a few valid ideas to explore.

 

[RamEngineers]

2005 Dodge Ram HEV program

Question for:



Bernard I. Robertson, Senior Vice President Engineering Technologies and General Manager for Truck Operations at DaimlerChrysler,



What happened to the 2005 Dodge Ram HEV program, aka "Contractor Special"? How can I get my hands on one? Will this be offered in the Near future?



For those that are unfamiliar with it:

Dodgeboy.net - 2005 Dodge Ram HEV



One more for a Long bed, Mega Cab.

This vehicle was not put into high volume production.

 

[RamEngineers]

Proud past and present owner of 5 ram cummins powered trucks

as the proud past and present owner of 5 ram cummins powered trucks, I can say with some measure of authority that although we are equiped with the smallest cubic inch diesel in the american pickup line, we have the most overbuilt, potentialy longest lasting (reliable) motor in the industry. my experiance has been that if built to about 450-460 HP with accompanying torque of around 920-950 these trucks will outpull,outlast any stock truck of the competing market, with very little sacrifice to maintenance or reliability, and absolutley no internal changes,only upgrades to intake, exhaust, and fuel injection (timing and delivery) all these points are well known and almost universaly used by owners (and lovers) of cummins powered ram trucks, my question is why hasnt the company put the competition on the trailer and just bult a stock truck that we all know will win the torque, HP, fuel mileage,and reliability wars in a blowout? I know I will be very close to the head of the line,when you roll that one out!!!!!!!

When we release a package to the public we need to balance many attributes of the overall vehicle. Primary ones that may conflict with your maximum torque concept are government regulations on exhaust and noise emissions, and overall vehicle durability. These regulations are very challenging to meet and limit our freedom to employ many of the performance tricks that are being carried out in the field. If you consider that todays diesel has more torque at idle than the max torque of a decade ago, you can see we are definitely interested in increasing our trucks capability while staying within mandated regulations.

 

[RamEngineers]

Simple creature comforts

How about the simple creature comfort of a real secure locking glove box?

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[RamEngineers]

Ram HD be available with color matched bumpers

Will the Ram HD be available with color matched bumpers?

No, but the TRX model has a body colored grille and dark grey bumpers which match the lower bodyside color. Thank you for showing an interest in a monotone model.