Front end components

[JBob Diesel]

I haven't had a Ram HD since 2007 1/2. Can anyone tell me if the front end components have been improved on the 2020's or at least since 2007 1/2? Thanks.

 

[AH64ID]

I haven't had a Ram HD since 2007 1/2. Can anyone tell me if the front end components have been improved on the 2020's or at least since 2007 1/2? Thanks.

There have been several improvements to the front end since MY07.

The front axle was rated at 5200lbs in 2007 and it was very easy to exceed that number on 3rd gen trucks, so the axle was always at capacity and thus it wore out quicker than we would like.

I think it was in 2009 that the front was upgraded to a 5500lb axle and longevity increased some.

In 2013 (2014 for the 2500) there was another major redesign upgrade. The frame, suspension, and axle were all drastically upgraded. The front is now rated at 6000lbs and without a plow is going to be under FAWR for most people all the time. The heaviest I have seen mine is 5300lbs. The ball joints, steering, housing, and suspension all make the 3rd gen stuff look like heavy duty 1/2 ton.

The front end is relatively unchanged since 2013. There are some minor frame differences for 2019+, but all in all the new 6K front axle is having a good track record.


If you haven't had a Ram since a 2007.5 what is the 2014 in your sig?

 

[JBob Diesel]

There have been several improvements to the front end since MY07.

The front axle was rated at 5200lbs in 2007 and it was very easy to exceed that number on 3rd gen trucks, so the axle was always at capacity and thus it wore out quicker than we would like.

I think it was in 2009 that the front was upgraded to a 5500lb axle and longevity increased some.

In 2013 (2014 for the 2500) there was another major redesign upgrade. The frame, suspension, and axle were all drastically upgraded. The front is now rated at 6000lbs and without a plow is going to be under FAWR for most people all the time. The heaviest I have seen mine is 5300lbs. The ball joints, steering, housing, and suspension all make the 3rd gen stuff look like heavy duty 1/2 ton.

The front end is relatively unchanged since 2013. There are some minor frame differences for 2019+, but all in all the new 6K front axle is having a good track record.


If you haven't had a Ram since a 2007.5 what is the 2014 in your sig?

I had a 2014 for a short time, but not long enough to tell if the front end had increased longevity. I appreciate the update. Thinking of buying a 2020 HD. I currently have a 2016 Silverado 3500 SRW which has been flawless, but I miss the Ram.

 

[Ozymandias]

Wait another year and get a real Gen5 with the then coming 8 speed transmission.

That would be my way.

 

[endoscott]

My 2014 had a failed front wheel bearing at 60,000 miles. Little disappointed with that but otherwise the rest of it has been great mechanically. Couple electronic fails (GPS unit and radio unit) but mechanicals good. I mean not Toyota good but good. Love driving and towing with it. Anybody know what significant changes coming for 2021 or 22? Starting to get the itch to upgrade next year or two.

 

[Cummins12V98]

72k on my 15 DRW and still tight as new.

8 speed for a fact?

 

[Regcabguy]

When the mono arms front came out the Rams finally steered right without the on center vagueness.

 

[Ozymandias]

8 speed for a fact?

Very likely.
Dont forget about the 68RFE that is also outdated and expensive for FCA.

 

[JR]

.

8 speed for a fact?

As in fact that 2019 would be EGR free?

 

[mfurrh55]

I would never buy a transitioning year... Too many bugs, wait another year and see if the bugs are all worked out, just my .02 if you are considering 2021 w/8 speed Auto

 

[JBob Diesel]

Another question or two: I keep reading about people having to replace steering stabilizers, accessories to tighten the steering box, etc. Are these things still necessary? Also, has the shifting in the Aisin improved?

 

[jhenderson]

My 2015 has 145,000 on it. It carries a 9ft v plow in winter and I pull an 18,000lb gn in and out of log landings all summer. I’ve replaced one wheel bearing because it made a little noise. It wasn’t loose. I think you’ll find most unmolested suspensions go a long time before replacement parts are necessary. Lift kits and big tires take their toll on every manufacturer.

 

[Cummins12V98]

As in fact that 2019 would be EGR free?

Hey ya can only go by what yer told. She did say it would still be a 6,7. So partly correct I guess.
Still believe it’s coming.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Another question or two: I keep reading about people having to replace steering stabilizers, accessories to tighten the steering box, etc. Are these things still necessary? Also, has the shifting in the Aisin improved?

Love my AISIN zero issues. But I only tow 34-35k combined.

 

[Ozymandias]

As in fact that 2019 would be EGR free?

Well that was obvious an urban legend, wish thinking.
Did you ever believe in that story?

A state of the art transmission is a whole other story.
A six speed is simply outdated today, even if it is fine it has to go. Thats how it works.

 

[Ozymandias]

Another question or two: I keep reading about people having to replace steering stabilizers, accessories to tighten the steering box, etc. Are these things still necessary? Also, has the shifting in the Aisin improved?

Simple answer? NO. To the first question.

Aisin shifting is a point to discuss, especially in the latest revision it seams to bang the 1th gear pretty hard in. Many complaints about that issue.

 

[Regcabguy]

Well that was obvious an urban legend, wish thinking.
Did you ever believe in that story?

A state of the art transmission is a whole other story.
A six speed is simply outdated today, even if it is fine it has to go. Thats how it works.

I don't know if I'd trust a 8-10 speed auto in Baja.

 

[AH64ID]

I don’t think a 6-speed is any more outdated than an I-6... but time will tell. The only think I could see benefiting me is a 3rd OD and 4.10 gears. Or a 20-30% lower 1st and the ability to lock the converter in the current 1st.

Basically, something needs to allow lockup between 10-20 mph... without increasing cruise rpms too much. Even then I’m in the minority with constant loads unlocked.

 

[JR]

Well that was obvious an urban legend, wish thinking.
.

That was my point, just a little friendly ribbing on Ron.

It's all speculation until it comes to market. If I were a prospective buyer I'd buy based on what I can test drive, not what i or anyone else thinks may be coming to market in the future. That's a good way to end up being a disappointed customer.

 

[Ozymandias]

Once must watch over the plates edge, the big Two have 8 and 10 speed, RAM an simply not stay behind this if they want to sell cars.
Most buyers are not die hard Cummins lovers, they weighing the pros and cons against each other and 2 or even 4 more gears are a good point to buy.
RAM builds vehicles for the mass market not for the TDR.
And FCA has a strong connection to ZF anyways, they AISIN was just the only trans back then that fit behind the 6.7 HO.

And again, the Diesel is the last Ram with 6 speed, the Gassers are already at 8.