Do You Like The New HD Rams?

[Evan A. Beck]

Well, this one is pretty simple fellas... Do you like the new HD Rams?



#ad

 

[Lurch]

Sorta, it's growing on me.



Lurch

 

[Floor It]

I really like the looks but I hate the fact that this was supposed to be a crew cab, which it is not! From what I'm hearing about the motor I'm really not interrested, heck they havent fixed the problems of the current I. S. B 24v.

 

[Cummins Corvette]

I have to admit, it is growing on me. I think the dual rear wheels help it out some. Some pictures I see make me cringe, others I like. I like that pic of the red one. It just depends on the angle of the shot and the color of the truck.



Edit: I guess I will have to like it if I am going to buy a new truck with a cummins in it.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

I bet it's going to look sweet in silver or black...

 

[WyoJim]

Yes I like that new Heavy Duty CREW CAB. Look at that picture. How could I not like it. I think it is slicker than snot. We have two 24v HD's pushing a hundred thousand miles with no problems. NONE. If these new ones are as reliable as the ones we have now. WOW!!! I for one am glad they finally made a crew cab. I might have to get one.

 

[klenger]

I guess I have different tasts than most people here. Here's what I don't want.



1) I don't want a noisy diesel

2) I don't want a crew cab that is so long that has to be registered in two zip codes.

3) I don't want a 4WD that's so high that I need step bars to climb in and I can't hook up a 5er to.



You tell me if the 2003 RAM fits my needs.

 

[RDBuck]

Opinion on "new" ram

The advances made in HP,torque,noise,pollution,efficiency etc. are impressive. The ride quality in trucks is approaching that of the old station wagons while actually increasing load capacity. Safety has made quantaum leaps. All of that said I have one major gripe- they are making them impossible to work on especially if you intend on keeping a truck 10 yrs or more. Why doesn't Dodge go everyone one big leap forward and make a tilt-nose? Stop this trend of burying the engine under the firewall. Most people who buy a Cummins powered Dodge are engine-oriented and want to see and put hands-on that engine, admire it, show it off, change the oil and sooner or later start down that road of endless tinkering.

My word of advice to Dodge is to put the engine and drive-train center stage and let the rest of the truck fit around it as needed.

 

[jmeehan]

It's better then no Ram, but it sure ain't a second generation! I'm perfectly happy with mine, and I'll replace it with a fuel cell powered Ram when my Cummins wears out.

I also agree with a previous post, Dodge needs to quit stuffing the engines back under the cowl, or maybe make a tilt cab like a C. O. E. truck tractor.

 

[Jff24Gordn]

I like it. I really like what they did to the trackbar, expect the death wobble count to be lower. there is now rubber bushings at both ends.

 

[Andy Perreault]

I like the idea of a single-rear-wheel 3500. What I don't like is the front bumper, it makes the front end look "fat" like Dick Tracy's jutting chin. The sport model looks much better because I think the regular model has way too much chrome, like a big 50's car (Caddy, Lincoln, etc. ). A powder coated (matching the paint or contrasting it) winch bumper would make a world of difference in my opinion. I'm envisioning a bumper that's not as thick in its vertical dimension compared to the existing bumper.

Okay, one more thing that I'm not used to is the thickness of the vertical "crosshair" of the grille. I'd be anxious to see what a billet grille would look like on these trucks.

Other than that, I think it looks great!

Andy

 

[Andy Perreault]

Re: Opinion on "new" ram

Originally posted by RDBuck

Stop this trend of burying the engine under the firewall.

Just my opinion here, I don't have any dimensions to back it up, but I would wager that the engine is in the same location as it is in the 2nd generation trucks, but because the windshield has a much steeper rake to it, the bottom of the windshield is a lot farther forward than it is on the 2nd genners. Look at the difference between the bottom-of-windshield location on a 2nd genner compared to a 1st genner. They just took it to more of an extreme on the 3rd genners. If they keep it up, the next generation will have a 5 foot long windshield and a hood like a Ford Econoline van! Open the hood and all you'll see is the radiator cap. Don't bother with chrome dress up items, no one will see them!

Andy

 

[DMalone]

IOo. I like it guys, with a few extra goodies it will be the king of the road. I like the SRW3500 also. JMO

 

[Briar Hopper]

Getting harder to work on them. Harder and more expensive to BOMB them. Other than that, it's nice. I'll keep my 2001, even with it's steering problems, thank you.

 

[Steve G]

I like it, but I agree with everyone else on the placement of engine. Also noticed that the A pillar has handle on it and not sure there will be enough room for gauges. Can't wait to see one in person and drive it.



Steve

 

[Pit Bull]

I like it in the DRW. I would wait for a year or so to let them work out the bugs, before I bought one.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

The looks are growing on me, the motor is cool. I'm just wondering what the BOMBs are gonna be like. Hopefully the 6spd will get an improved clutch.

 

[FATCAT]

I'll wait for the 4th generation

What part of "Crew Cab" does DC not understand! Pathetic attempt at a 4 door. Ford will still retain the market for "Crew Cab" utility trucks bought by towns, cities, contractors, etc...



If we can get over 300hp and 555 ft/lb with the 12 valvers for not much money ... then what is the great advancement?



As is stated previously, it looks like it will be almost impossible to maintain and modify it ourselves ... another great advancement?

Just more computer garbage to go wrong.



Also, can't DC understand the "best practices" process of building a vehical like the large trucks companies have been doing for ever. Offer 2 Allison auto (5 or 6 speed) and 3 manuals (6, 7, or 9 speed) and a choice of 2 or 3 engine ratings and axils. Then

drop the body on top of all that.



And why are we forced into buying the top of the line trim to get the HO version. (The day that leather seats, carpets, and electric windows/locks were put into trucks; that was the day they all started going down hill).



Hope my '97 5sp will last for a good while longer. Gonna have to take out a mortgage to purchase any new trucks these days.

 

[MCummings]

But Dodge still doesn't pyro&Boost gauges in them.



I think the Pyro&Boost gauge would be a very high selling point. They Look Cool LOL, and it would just add more "Big Rig" feeling to it.



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[DHess]

I like the new one. Just one question - wouldn't my '99 2500 with the camper package qualify as a SRW one ton if I put 265 tires on it?



Have to agree on the gauges - EGT & Boost should be standard equipment with the Cummins. Fuel pressure might be nice, too. My 99 is a super rig and absolutely no problems. But something about the new ones gets the juices flowing.



Dave