John,
the only thing I don't agree with is what you said about the "limitations Dodge built into" the trucks...
The torque profile of the Cummins is much different than the V8 diesels, DC admits that this has caused problems with the automatic. The F@rd and D-minus don't have this problem, since they don't build low end torque as quickly as the Cummins does.
So it's not built in limitations. . but what they call "system intergration" issues in my industry.
With some after market magic... problem solved.
Would I have liked some of that after market magic as an factory option for my auto, YES... that I fault DC for...
I find my brakes in my 2500 the best I've owned soo far. I do all my own work... and I don't have the brake pull problems.
My Fords ate brakes... I'm at 20K miles of all towing and off road, much around town travel to get there and some highway. . the brakes are still fresh. This is the 1st truck, the most powerfull and heaviest I've had, and the only one that I've been able to make 20K on the brakes.
I'm happy with the 2500 Ram. . I myself don't need a "4500" version... . Don't need 4 full size doors. . just need a crew cab, but never liked the access to the back area on a 2 door truck. I found that the Quad Cab broke that niche market for me and allows great single spot access (stand in one spot and open two doors)for both doors. .
Sorry. . I'll stop now...
Bob