Suggestion to DC for the 2003 HD's

[rmrc]

Just for the hell of it, I sent a suggestion to DC on their web site for the 2003 2500 & 3500 body design. I suggested that they incorporate a "tilt forward nose" on the HD line. I stated that a majority of the owners of the 25 & 3500's do their own maintenance and having this option would make servicing the truck a pleasure, not only for the owners, but for the service departments as well. I later received a responce from DC stating that my suggestion was forwarded to the appropriate department and will be reviewed. I really don't expect to be taken seriously by DC, but that would be one hell-of-a nice design to have on the new Ram's and IMHO, put the Ram another step ahead of Ford & Chevy.

[This message has been edited by rmrc (edited 04-29-2001). ]

 

[1tuffram]

It would be refreshing to see a new and improved commitment to customer service from the top on down thru the dealerships.

 

[danandamy]

Excellent suggestion. It would also be another way the Dodges would be "different" from the other brands. How much do you want to bet within a year or two, the Fords would be coming out with it just like they essentially copied the Ram front end design when they came out with the H/D line. Lest we forget, originally ALL the Fords were going to be shaped like the F150... . YUK!

Daniel

 

[Bad340fish]

My work truck has a forward tilt front end(97 International) and its a PIA to work on anythink in the truck. You have to rub against the tires if you do anything and that will mess a clean set of clothes quickly. Plus it would not be as easy to get a whole front end to latch and hinge as tightly as the stock style hood. If it wasn't for oil changes and bombing we wouldn't ever need to open the hoods anyways lol.

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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd, EZ, Flowmaster 3 chamber, K&N Re-0880
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112 Currently scattered all over the garage

[This message has been edited by Bad340fish (edited 04-29-2001). ]

 

[KCJackson]

Another issue regarding tilt hoods: on class 6-7-8 rigs, the headlights are usually mounted to the fenders. In the Ram, the headlights are still mounted to the radiator support panel, meaning they can't move when the hood tilts. You'll notice a lot of medium duty trucks still use sealed-beam headlights for this reason.

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1996 3500 Club 4x4 Laramie SLT, unmodified 180/420 12-valve, 47RE automatic, 3. 54 limited slip

 

[NVR FNSH]

Easiest vehicle I've ever worked on is a Jeep CJ - hood folds all the way back over to the windshield. Just watch out for the sharp corners - I've got the the scars on my head to prove it... . Fenders come off with 7 bolts each - makes life really sweet #ad


Brian

 

[KCJackson]

By the way, DC does indeed take suggestions seriously. Back in 1998, I wrote a wish list to Chrysler regarding the new Ram, involving 11 specific items. Not only were many of them implemented, one of them was specifically highlighted in the new 2002 Ram 1500 brochure that is passed out at the auto shows. That item is the fact that the taillighs are now 30% larger than before - I had noted that the current Ram's taillights are the SMALLEST on any current full-size pickup.

Other items I mentioned in 98 that made it to the '02 Ram 1500:
- the top edge of the windshield is now higher than the side windows to reduce ducking to see close-up traffic lights
- adjustable head restraints
- better seat bolsters on the sides
- stronger automatics for the Cummins and V10 (even the 48RE will be better than the 47RE)
- improved braking: 13-inch discs up front, nearly 14-inch discs with auxiliary drums in back, and that's on the 1500!
- a work bumper with tow hooks... well, I got the tow hooks on 4x4s

That's 7 for 11. Pretty good in my book. The other 4 items? Narrowing the A-pillar (nope), a full crew cab (not yet), standard-tint glass instead of the dark tint (nope), and stronger shocks (we'll find out).

The key to be taken seriously in a wish list letter is to always remain positive. "I love my current Ram, but THESE features would make it better. " When you mention an improvement suggestion, explain why you want it, and under what conditions you experience problems ("I go throught front brake pads every xx thousand miles" or "I prefer controlled handling over a smooth ride").

Include your address or phone number, and they will always get in touch with you. I did my wish list via snail mail, and about 2 weeks later, I got a very nice full page letter in response acknowledging receipt of my suggestions, and their promise to consider them. Obviously, they did just that #ad


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1996 3500 Club 4x4 Laramie SLT, unmodified 180/420 12-valve, 47RE automatic, 3. 54 limited slip

[This message has been edited by KCJackson (edited 04-30-2001). ]

 

[1tuffram]

KCJACKSON, what's the snail mail or E-mail address you sent your suggestions to? I have a few of my own.

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'95 2500 SLT 5 speed 4x4

 

[KCJackson]

Originally posted by 1tuffram:
KCJACKSON, what's the snail mail or E-mail address you sent your suggestions to? I have a few of my own.

Here's where you send it:

Mr. Bernard Robertson
Vice President/Engineering Technologies &
General Manager/Truck Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326

Just remember one important thing: the 2003 HD Rams are already set in stone. The only thing you can influence at this point will be option packages and minor feature details.

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1996 3500 Club 4x4 Laramie SLT, unmodified 180/420 12-valve, 47RE automatic, 3. 54 limited slip

 

[WOWZY]

The first pics back in '93 of the second gen Rams actually sported tilt front ends. Everyone I talked to was more excited about that Big Rig feature than the new look. Leave it to Mopar to make another stupid last minute decision to not to have the tilt front end. I wonder how many more Rams would've been sold had they kept the tilt front end?

Whoever made that last minute decision should be wearing his testicles for earings.