Dodge to introduce 4500 & 5500 for 2007 model year

[Dkevdog]

Rumors put to rest, I have it on GOOD authority that Daimler Chrysler will finally move up into the medium duty truck market and introduce 4500/5500 series trucks in late 2006 for model year 2007. I can not completely reveal all my sources, and they will deny it until it becomes hard anchored knowledge, but lets just say my sources are within DC's Commercial business link division in Detroit.



I do not know all of the details, but do know that the truck will come standard with a 6. 1 liter (?) Hemi putting out 435hp stock. However, they will also offer a new larger Cummins Diesel in the 6. x liter range as an option. I am still trying to get more details, but it sounds like this is go.



My sources tell me that the deciding committee voted unanimously to get this through, and have been fighting the Germans on this for years and finally won.



I am going to be talking to again to Detroit on Tues and will try and get some more definite answers to displacement, HP, and brand.



Kev Oo.

 

[JHayward]

The Ag version of the ISB is 6. 7L - longer stroke. This could be the one.

 

[Po' Riggity]

Very cool for those that need the bigger trucks, but I think my truck is big enough

Scott

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

A 5500 set up for RV towing should be REAL sweet!

 

[lschultz]

I want believe it to I see it. The way they make decisions things could change. Hopefully your correct.

 

[rmcnamee]

It's about time DC stepped up to the medium duty market and gave Ford and Chevy some added competition. However, I too will believe it when I see it.



Ryan

 

[THanley]

The engine sounds like the 6. 7 liter Cummins ISB. Cummins developed a 6. 7 liter engine in a joint venture in Europe. The engine has a structural block version that is used in some AG applications currently.



The ISB6. 7 will likely have a common rail fuel system, EGR, VGT and a rear gear train for quiet operation. In addition, for 2007 will have some type of aftertreatment.

 

[InThinAir]

Well, if they launch a 4500/5500 line, one selfish thing for me is that they will have to have 19. 5" rims. Which I imagine would bolt right up to a 3500, I hope.



I little price competition would be nice in the aftermarket for 19. 5" rims.



And just as with Ford, there would be some direct bolt on upgrades to add to the light duty line that would come from the medium duty trucks!!!





---Doug

 

[FATCAT]

Definitly good news

... . if it is true. This is what I have been waiting for. I just hope that the supposed 5500 has at least a 20K GVW rating with straight rails for various truck bodies.



If this is true then I will abandon my look towards small Internationals, FL's, and such. I really would like to have 4X4 in a larger truck ... but as we all know about 1st year vehicles it may be best to wait till the fall of 2007 to look at these.



I hope my old bucket of bolts lasts till then.

 

[DPKetchum]

Doubt wheels from a 4500/5500 will bolt to a 3500. They don't on the other manufactures. Wish they would or do but would not bet on it.

 

[C Schomer]

I'm with Fatcat. A cab/chassis with level rails and 90" track, like the good old CxCs. I'll build another 5er friendly body. Maybe DC will get wise and offer a 5er freindly box (as an option) on all their trucks. They would own the truck market forever! Craig

 

[klenger]

It will probably come with an IH 6. 0L V8 because the Cummins is already used on Ford's MD trucks.

 

[dan.poitras]

Originally posted by klenger

It will probably come with an IH 6. 0L V8 because the Cummins is already used on Ford's MD trucks.

Lotsa luck

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by C Schomer

I'll build another 5er friendly body. Maybe DC will get wise and offer a 5er freindly box (as an option) on all their trucks. They would own the truck market forever! Craig

We can only hope, but I suspect the DC cousins over at Freightliner would see this as competition for the FL-60 & FL-70 Sportchassis models. I'd sure like a 5ver-ready alternative to having to custom-build a MDT, though! Momma's wanting that new 40' 5-slide 5th wheel! :{



Rusty

 

[cwcox]

Word is that Freightliner will be sharing, or giving up all together the M2 Business Class for Dodge use. Can't confirm that, but that is the word here (I work for Freightliner). Lots of talk also about the 6. 7 Cummins, as well as Mercedes Diesels. Straight rails are the only way to go, look for GVW's close to F450/F550 ranges.

 

[jelag]

I own both F350's and F550's as well as 01 3500 and a 04 3500 and will order an 05 3500 next week..... don't expect the wheels on the 4500 or 5500 to reto back... . the rear ends and transmissions will have to be upgraded..... as in the case of the F550... . much bigger trans and rear end... that's why I bought it... .



But the injection system is a piece of S*it(F550) and the cam went flat... ... Only got 3 Fords left... and they will be gone ... .



I'd buy the 5500 in a heart beat with a larger cummins in it... .



Jim

 

[jhnbrll]

This 6. 7 cummins, is that a new motor or has it been around for a while? I know a 5500 dodge would fit nice in my life. Then I can flip my F550.

 

[DPKetchum]

The dealer I use to work for was told in 2000 to GET prepared for BIGGER trucks to come in the future. We were also told the 3. 55 gear was going to go away etc. In fact the dealer I worked for bought the 5 acres across the road. Turned it into a rental/ used car lot. BUT he said it was only in the PREP of building a TOTAL truck center mainly for the BIGGER stuff that would at some time come down the pipe line.

 

[RankRam]

DPKetchum I know of a certain dealer near me that has said the same thing.



That's a good sign, huh.

 

[FATCAT]

Originally posted by jburelle

This 6. 7 cummins, is that a new motor or has it been around for a while? I know a 5500 dodge would fit nice in my life. Then I can flip my F550.

I would hope that DC would offer an already existing Cummins engine in the 5500 ... like the ISC (and fix the existing issues that that engine has), insetad of creating a new engine from scratch.

A 5500 Mege-cab, ISC, 7 or 9 speed Eaton ... "Who could ask for anything more" (well ... maybe a ISM).