Next generation changes

[EDankievitch]

How about a normal work truck. Loose all the fluff. I work out of this thing. Give me real locking hubs. 40 gal fuel tank. Good sight lines all around so you can see in those blind spots we have on todays trucks. I hate to say it but a door like the Fords have with the drop down of the forward edge of the window so the mirror can be mounted lower. You can see over it but it's still there where you need it not blocking that motorcycle to your left. Better headlights, one's that can be serviced on the road with out the need of a full tool set. I like the idea of a 7 speed manual with a granny gear and double overdrive and a cast iron case. Lastly it's got to be Cummins tough. Oh, I'm deaming here but wouldn't it be nice if it looked a little more like the old Power Wagons? More pronounced front fenders and hood. Lower to the bumper headlights.

 

[Newsa]

How about a normal work truck. Loose all the fluff. I work out of this thing. Give me real locking hubs. 40 gal fuel tank. Good sight lines all around so you can see in those blind spots we have on todays trucks. I hate to say it but a door like the Fords have with the drop down of the forward edge of the window so the mirror can be mounted lower. You can see over it but it's still there where you need it not blocking that motorcycle to your left. Better headlights, one's that can be serviced on the road with out the need of a full tool set. I like the idea of a 7 speed manual with a granny gear and double overdrive and a cast iron case. Lastly it's got to be Cummins tough. Oh, I'm deaming here but wouldn't it be nice if it looked a little more like the old Power Wagons? More pronounced front fenders and hood. Lower to the bumper headlights.

Yes. I second this. We buy the G56 because it is the only manual option in any full size truck. But an improved transmission would be offered if it was a more popular option. The reason they don't redesign it is because it isn't popular. And redesign costs will not be recouped.

 

[AH64ID]

The biggest reason you don't see manuals in Furd and GM products is the same reason Ram manuals have reduced power, the clutch. It is not easy/cheap to make a smooth, OEM acceptable clutch that holds 850+ lb/ft of torque. Nor is it easy to have a warrantied driveline handle the abuse an uneducated driver can dish out with a manual transmission.

I would love a 7 speed double OD OEM manual with 850+ lb/ft of torque and 400 hp, but I don't see it as an OEM offering anytime soon.

 

[Larry Willard]

I would love a 7 speed double OD OEM manual with 850+ lb/ft of torque and 400 hp, but I don't see it as an OEM offering anytime soon.

I agree with you, would buy a properly geared manual in a heart beat. Properly geared would need to be low 1st and reverse so there is no need to ride the clutch and an overdrive to bring the RPM's down to a proper cruising range, especially when empty.

Larry

 

[photowrite]

Nor is it easy to have a warrantied driveline handle the abuse an uneducated driver can dish out with a manual transmission.

I would love a 7 speed double OD OEM manual with 850+ lb/ft of torque and 400 hp, but I don't see it as an OEM offering anytime soon.

I agree with you, would buy a properly geared manual in a heart beat. Properly geared would need to be low 1st and reverse so there is no need to ride the clutch and an overdrive to bring the RPM's down to a proper cruising range, especially when empty.

Larry

Agreed.

Manual locking hubs could help lower first and reverse gears for slow speed trailer moving, enabling 2WD low. But this is not the same as a super low gear that doesn't need low range. On my current G56 reverse is more of a concern than first.

The skill level of TDR enthusiasts may be much higher than 'average', but many guys who think they can drive a manual transmission and clutch well, can't, or don't, vehicle sympathy is under appreciated.

 

[SnoKing]

Every RAM in have driven with a manual transmission was slow and difficult to shift during test drives. And I drove a Road Ranger 13 speed in a Titan 90 Chevy class 8 tractor, along with smaller tankers with 4 and 5 speeds with two speed rear axles, so it is not that I do know what I am doing. Clutch? Used that to start and stop with the Road Ranger. Had many Hondas, 63 Sub and 74 K10 with manuals.

RAM may hang onto the manuals, however do not be surprised if they discontinue them like Ford and GM.

Tradesmans with their apple crate seats, 6 speed manual transmission and manual locking hubs might sell. SNOKING

 

[Dogpatch]

Or this is better?

#ad

Isnt that your phone camera/ iPad set up?

 

[SnoKing]

Yes, old Android phone running IP WEBCAM app, MiFi hub and Android tablet. Chris

 

[w6pea]

I would say to add these options;

1) Put a larger fuel tank that is lockable. 45Gal.
2) Power Wagon w/Cummins 6.7L optional.
3) Mega Cab with 8ft. Bed option.
4) Make the 220 amp Alternator Standard equipment not an option!
5) Make 4:10 rear end available on all models.
6) Add a 2nd fuel tank,
7) Make bench seating standard on all models. Bucket Seats and Center Console Optional.

 

[Cummins12V98]

"Put a larger fuel tank that is lockable. 45Gal"

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AH64ID]

Every RAM in have driven with a manual transmission was slow and difficult to shift during test drives. And I drove a Road Ranger 13 speed in a Titan 90 Chevy class 8 tractor, along with smaller tankers with 4 and 5 speeds with two speed rear axles, so it is not that I do know what I am doing. Clutch? Used that to start and stop with the Road Ranger. Had many Hondas, 63 Sub and 74 K10 with manuals.

RAM may hang onto the manuals, however do not be surprised if they discontinue them like Ford and GM.

Tradesmans with their apple crate seats, 6 speed manual transmission and manual locking hubs might sell. SNOKING

Yes the clutch and it's not ones ability to drive it but rather the engagement, noise, and holding power. To get holding power in a clutch that fits the ISB bell-housing it takes a clutch that isn't OEM friendly for most drivers. Most people on this site are NOT in that category and you must consider the 95% rule that most vehicles are built to. It needs to work/last for 95% of the users/uses.

Ability has nothing to do with it.

 

[Flash1034]

How about a real selectable rear locker like the Furds have and not a crappy limited slip. Also, a choice of gear ratios in the diffs. Also, I'd really like a bigger fuel tank...say 45 gallons.


Flash

 

[NIsaacs]

Every RAM in have driven with a manual transmission was slow and difficult to shift during test drives. Had many Hondas, 63 Sub and 74 K10 with manuals.

SNOKING

They are slow but not difficult to shift. They are slow because of their size, ratio gap and the Cummins is slow to decelerate. The little 4spds of yesteryear are like ricers, shift easy and quick. The 13 spd was easy because the ratios were close and no syncros to get through.

Nick

 

[SnoKing]

The 13 spd was easy because the ratios were close and no syncros to get through.

Nick

Yep, ran a 300 RPM range with a screaming 350 jimmy in front of it. Against the governor and shift, dropped 300 RPM repeat 12 times. SNOKING

 

[SnoKing]

"Put a larger fuel tank that is lockable. 45Gal"

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Question on window stickers, build site and fuel tank size? Tanks are listed at 31 gals(which is to small) and the RAM build program has a clicky for 5 additional gals of fuel???? What is that all about? When people are getting the chime for low fuel, how many gals go back in the tank? How reliable is the gauge and chime. My 2001.5 with 35 gal tank chimed at 26 to 26.5 gals to refill. Road trip tomorrow!!! SNOKING

 

[Newsa]

I traded in my mitsubishi ricer with a 5 speed to get the 2500. Too many people on phones and not paying attention to their driving and running into me.
I decided to get a hd truck for them to run into. But so far nobody has.

Love the Ram 2500. The only difference is the longer throw of the G56. And maybe a slight bit more resistance from the clutch?

Slower. Not difficult.

 

[Newsa]

Question on window stickers, build site and fuel tank size? Tanks are listed at 31 gals(which is to small) and the RAM build program has a clicky for 5 additional gals of fuel???? What is that all about? When people are getting the chime for low fuel, how many gals go back in the tank? How reliable is the gauge and chime. My 2001.5 with 35 gal tank chimed at 26 to 26.5 gals to refill. Road trip tomorrow!!! SNOKING

Since I've been using the opti lube fuel additive, I have been running my tank down near empty. But have never heard the chime.

I'm beginning to think the fuel gauge is not accurate. When getting near empty, I put it on the fuel economy screen which tells me approximately how many miles I have left. Although I've never heard the chime, after turning off the engine and filling up, twice I have seen a low fuel warning flash on the EVIC (I have the basic 3 inch screen, in my tradesman) even after filling up until it recognizes the full tank. It is bizarre that I never got that low fuel message before filling the tank. So, I suspect the fuel gauge is inaccurate and slow to respond.

I did notice thought that the tradesmen and SLT have a 32 gal tank where the Laramies only have 31 gal tanks.

The 5 gallons of fuel I think refers to how much fuel they deliver the truck with? Not tank size?

 

[Newsa]

But when I turned off the seat belt chime, I might have also turned off the low fuel warning chime?

I have never heard the low fuel chime, but did briefly see the low fuel warning on the EVIC

 

[SnoKing]

Well, I am carrying 6 gals of diesel in my box until I figure this thing out towing the trailer. Took this yellow can on the first trip with the 2001.5 and never used the diesel in it until I finally dumped it in near home. SNOKING

 

[Wayne M.]

3) Manual hubs with greasable wide track wheel bearings

Locking hubs? Possible. Serviceable bearings? Really doubt it. I see our severe duty class 8 front axles going sealed bearing with a plastic cap. The old spec was a wet hub. It would last cradle to grave.