Dodge to introduce 4500 & 5500 for 2007 model year

[Gary - K7GLD]

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. "



UNFORTUNATELY, continued meddling by EPA, CARB and environmental groups will probably prevent that from happening - and consumers will end up with yet another namufacturing "experiment"...

 

[KCJackson]

The Cummins QSB6. 7 is not "from scratch" - it's just a stroked QSB/ISB5. 9 used by the agricultural industry. They stroked the 4-cylinder B3. 9 to 4. 4 liters as well.



Whether Cummins is willing to make a street legal (ISB) version of the 6. 7 is another story, but that would make for some great irony, wouldn't it? The Cummins was always the smallest of the Big 3 pickup diesels - going to 6. 7 would make it the biggest.

 

[ACerf]

Don't you think that this 4500/5500 series trucks could be some sort of Sterking, ala Freightliner chassis? Which might use as an option the MBE 900 engine or the 8. 3? Or in the case of the Freightliner and Sterling the Cat 3126.

 

[DPKetchum]

You may be correct on that. I was told back in 2000 that sooner or later the Cummin and D. C. built trans was going to be standard and optional was going to be a M. B larger diesel and a multi gear auto .

 

[Dkevdog]

OK- I've got a few more details, but everything still says this is a definite GO.



Standard engine will be a newly refined 6. 1L HEMI producing 430-440Hp. The diesel option will be a 6. 7L Cummins Engine, and the guy in Business Link I spoke to tole me about 375Hp, not sure on the torque numbers. Transmissions were not fully decieded (to his knowledge) although he indicated he felt it would be a MB trans. He is going to try and find out for me.



The overall appearance of the 4500/5500 will be very much the same as the current 3500- Dodge wants a familiar and comfortable feel. There will be different wheel base options and the frame is a straight rail. Cab and chassis is standard and there will be a bed option, although I do not know if it will differ from the regular 3500 bed (ie hauler bed, utility bed) or not. This is all I know so far.



Business Link has is a program specifically targeted at commercial users, business users and fleets. It requires the dealership to add additional dedicated service personell to get vehicles in the program in and out of service quickly so they can get back to work. They have special hours for them, special treatment, etc. The dealership we've been working with has already been dealing with this program and because of the new med duty trucks, has installed a special lift to accomodate the larger, heavier trucks. This is how the whole conversation started.



Kev

 

[Kilby]

Kev, mind sharing which dealership that is? I don't care about the info but I'm a Business Link memeber but can't find a local dealership who knows what that is, let alone service the Business Link customer. You can PM the info if you'd like.

 

[Dkevdog]

No Reason to hide the information- and yes, you are right many dealers are clueless on Business Link. The dealership I am working with is the one who is hosting a big event for us on Saturday, Foothill Ranch Chyrsler Jeep & Dodge ask for Paul Lewis (Service Manager) (949) 471-8000 and let him know you are with the TDR. They have been very good to us so far.



Kev