Mid year changes?

[Mingoglia]

Does anyone know when there's mid year changes, when they typically are? For example, I know back in the day there was a 98.5 that came out, introducing the 24v. Does anyone know what month this was? The reason why I'm asking is the rumor comes up every year or two about a Mega Cab long bed. I'm about to order my '15 (and sell my faithful 2001), but can't help but think maybe THIS TIME the rumor could be true (wishful thinking, I know). Just curious if anyone knows if this were to happen, what would be the typical month we'd know?

On a related note, when do the new model years come out? I know on one of my cars they came out in October. When do the new model Ram's typically come out? If I'm dropping $60k on a truck I want to have as much info as possible before I sign my life away.

Mike

 

[Jim W]

It is hard to say in today's marketing environment. New model year vehicles use to be marketed in the Sept/Oct time frame. Now they seam to be introduced when ever the company decides to introduce new models. You can log on to the Ram web site for truck ordering and see when they will allow you to order a new vehicle model year.

Now as to the mid year introductions this seems more to be around new engine /powertrain releases. Such as the 24V engine which had a 98.5 introduction and than the 6.7L engine which was introduced with the 7.5 MY or Jan 1 2007. Then Ram introduced the 2013.5 new engine/powertrain changes these include the DEF use higher HP/lb-ft of torque availability and the newer AISIN transmission along with frame improvements to the 3500 trucks.


I do not think Ram will ever introduce a LONG BED MEGA CAB; this is to small of a niche market for them to consider. Considering all of the other demands placed on the truck segments of Chrysler such as reg cab;crew cab, both short bed/long bed and than the Mega Cab and the frame requirements for these different vehicles.

Jim W.

 

[Mingoglia]

Thanks for the detailed email. I too am doubtful it will ever happen, though I had a slight bit of hope once it was supposedly "confirmed" the Long Hauler concept would be built. Although that was built on the 5500 frame, I was hoping it would give hope of an extended frame for the 3500. Then again, the Long Hauler concept confirmation was at least 2 or 3 years ago so perhaps it's not going to be ever built...

 

[Shadrach]

Mid year changes related to engines are because of emission laws which take effect Jan 1 of that year. The 98.5 24 valve engines were produced starting Jan 1998 so if a 98 model truck was built in 1997 it had a 12 valve and if it was built in the calendar year of 1998 then it would have a 24 valve in it. Same goes for other years like the 04.5 325 engine and the 07.5 6.7 HPCR engines. As for transmissions like the G56 coming out in 05.5 I'm not sure on that.

Why not just have your new Mega Cab changed in to a Meg Box like lots of people do. There are many reputable places doing it.

David

 

[Mingoglia]

Why not just have your new Mega Cab changed in to a Meg Box like lots of people do. There are many reputable places doing it.

David

Yup, that's what I'm looking at doing. I'm just trying to get as much info as I can before ordering it this week. I may even do the work myself. I'm a certified weldor and chassis and suspension building is a hobby of mine. The only concern I'd have with doing this myself, on a $73k truck, is making sure I find a reputable paint shop so the bed looks perfect.