Leave the new Ram alone.

[46mech]

I, like many others by now, have had the opportunity to get the feel for the '02. It is important for anyone to note that DC isn't labeling these trucks, a "crew cab,"... . 'cause they're not. More room in the back and that's great, but the reality of DC making a true crew cab for the 2500/3500 models?

In my view, the '02 door should have remained a rearward opening door. With the QC door fully open, try getting anyone in and out of the front door that is slightly larger than the normal size without feeling squeezed to get in. I'm 5'8", 174lbs and I felt like I didn't have too much room on either side of me as I got in and out of the truck, with that QC door fully opened.

I like the new design, but not near as much as I did when the '94 model Ram came out. I didn't like how open the new honeycomb grille was, meaning, the honeycombs were larger and feel that would make the radiator/cooler more vulnerable to damage. Also, it was much weaker than the current grille material is.

As far as the new Cummins, I like the sound of the rattle, but I bought Dodge because of the Cummins reputation not it's sound... . just MHO. I guess I consider myself a Cummins owner, not a Dodge owner, and quiet or not, I'll buy the Cummins, whether it's in a DC, Ford, or GM truck.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Ok, Ok I KNOW I will like it eventually, and I might even like IFS on the front of a 2500 (mebbe). The extra cab room works for me... BUT, IMHO I still think that nose looks like a hog ran off with Lisa Loeb's glasses (no offense, Lisa)!!!

 

[boonsur]

My long-winded opinions

I tried to imagine dressing up the front end with, say, a pair of off-road lights. "Cross-eyed" sow quickly comes to mind (maybe it's just me... try picturing it, and let me know). I had finally warmed a little to the pictures I've seen, but when I finally saw some in person, I was again, let down. It's ugly, plain & simple. However, after staring/studying them for a while, my '99 does start to look a little plain. It's hard to describe, but I may get used to them. I also look forward to seeing if dual wheels will add some sex to the overly square rear end.



I'm not a fan of the newer seats. My wife drives Dodge demos and I find these seats to be very uncomfortable on a long drive. The leather looks quite a bit better, especially the SLT+ ones which include suede leather (like the Durangos). I don't like the new dashes, but the brochure makes it look like the manual transmissions will have better cup-holders than the current version. There is storage everywhere (like under the middle, front "seat").



I am excited about the additional interior room. My quad cab has enough room to let smaller people sit pretty comfortably and even bigger people for a while. Since most of my long range traveling is with kids in the back seat, it will be great. Fully opening windows will be nice for air-flow in the summer. The brochure still calls the cab a "quad-cab". Maybe they're leaving room to include a bigger, still, "crew cab". I can't stop hoping.



I did notice the wheelbase is 6" longer than the current models. This should make the ride more stable. As far as IFS & rack/pinion steering, I'm ready to deal with a little more maintenance for the much better ride it should provide.



Now, I just hope it will be relatively affordable, or a least strong enough, I won't have to cough-up a lot more money to BOMB-it. I'm rolling the dice - and holding-out for the new ones to arrive. After they get established, I'll have a really good '99 for someone to enjoy.

 

[castor]

Thanks, Doc. I've always enjoyed reading your posts the last several years.