Cab and Chassis

[jelag]

Just got an e-mail from my friendly dealer... ...



The are going to start accepting orders for the 3500 Cab and Chassis sometime in the next 120 days. . with production to start on 07/06



On the same sheet of paper, is the production start dates for the 4500 and 5500 estimated at 05/07 over a year away... .



He also mentioned that the new engine is 400 lbs heavier than the current model. . and is guessing it won't make it to the pick-ups for a while... ... . and that they will continue to use the existing engines and transmissions in the pickups... .



The 3500 cab and chassis is to be built in a plant in Mexico and the 4500 and 5500 are to be built in a Freightliner plant or Sterling Plant.....

 

[KCJackson]

He also mentioned that the new engine is 400 lbs heavier than the current model. . and is guessing it won't make it to the pick-ups for a while... ... . and that they will continue to use the existing engines and transmissions in the pickups... .

Cummins is giving the impression that the 5. 9 is essentially history, and all 2007 ISBs will be 6. 7s. I don't see it being cost-effective for Cummins to build the 5. 9 just for Dodge pickups while building the 6. 7 for everyone including Dodge.



It's entirely possible that Cummins is cranking out Dodge-spec 5. 9s to carry Dodge through Jan 1 2007, but at that point, Cummins likely wouldn't want to build the 5. 9 since they didn't invest anything regarding 07 emissions certification into that engine.



The 6-speed automatics, both the Aisin and the 68RFE, will go a long way towards making the Dodge feel more powerful thanks to the lower first gear.