Talk With a Dodge Truck Design Engineer

[bighammer]

What if you met and were able to give your feedback and suggestions for the next design? What would you ask for? What should be changed, kept, etc. ?

 

[JDiepstra]

I would ask why the truck was built to a minimum while the motor was built to the max. On my truck alone I have had to to a bunch of front end work, move the fuel pump in tank, and beef up the transmission. Why can't they just do it right the first time? As much as it would have cost me to pay for the fuel pump relo out of pocket (warranty covered mine), I could have put an AIR DOG on and had money left over. Also, how is my poor shifting transmission problem fixed simply by swapping in a $400 valvebody by HTS? Why doesn't Dodge just use those good ones? Don't they know how to make good stuff? Were they the bottom of their class when it came to engineering quality products? It's all junk!

 

[jgillott]

All and all, I'm very happy with the Dodge trucks that I have had. Going from my original '92, to the '01 and now my '07, I've seen certain things drastically improve but others seem to be ignored. Here are 5 that I personally would like to see.



1) Space in the interior to mount a full size CB, emergency radio, siren control etc. The '92 had room for me to mount my mobile fire radio, a CB, and a siren control within reach. The '01, I could only fit the CB (thankfully we had gone to all portable fire radios by then). Now with the '07, there's hardly room to do anything the way I'd like.



2) The upfitter switches and integrated brake control that Ford offers would be a nice addition.



3) GM's snow plow prep package includes a dash mounted switch and wiring for a roof mounted beacon. Again, this personally would be a great addition for me.



4) I'd love to see a verson of GM's On-Star be available for the days that I'm not smart enough to take the keys out of my truck before I lock it.



5) Locking Tailgate

 

[TFucili]

A full complement of gauges, at least as an option, for starters. Also, a more effective A/C system. My '05 A/C pales in comparison to any Ford I have ever owned.

 

[MickeyMiller]

I think there is a huge market for a basic vehicle, manual hubs, 5/6 speed manual/auto trans option, F/R locking differentials, basic interior, rubber floor mats, roll up windows, simplified management system. Fewer things to go wrong, more freedom to personalize! Would love to see the Cummins in a stripped down, standard, short wb (1/2 ton) sized pick up!

 

[DHayden]

I would echo why the greatest engine and not the greatest truck? I like my Dodge but why do we have the only medium duty diesel and the lowest tow ratings? Also the Mega Cab was a half hearted and spendy attempt at somewhat listening to the customer. A real 4 door with a real bed is possible by 2 other manufactures it was certainly possible for Dodge.

 

[ABorgardt]

I like all the ideas you guys are mentioning. But the one that i like the most is the front hubs. We need manual lockers, or atleast an automatic that will completely disengage, not just under pressure. This is the one feature that dodge doesnt offer that actually made me think of going to the dark side and test drive a ford.

(good thing the powerjoke is a dog, otherwise i may have actually bought it)

There is just way to much excessive wear and tear going on in the front end than there needs to be.

 

[JGoss]

I would also agree with lock outs and gauges. How about having EVERY JOINT on the truck (ujoints,balljoints, etc. )greasable. They maybe now, but there were only 2 on my 04' when I bought it.

 

[HBarlow]

I was very satisfied with my '01 HO 6 speed and '06 48RE and am happy with my '08 cab and chassis.



None have been perfect but I figure Dodge has to build a product that will satisfy thousands of owners who will each use them in different ways with different expectations.



I agree with jgillot above. I'd also like to have upfitter switches as OEM equipment.

 

[EDankievitch]

Hmm, What to do to make a better truck... ... Ok for starters; 1) Giv me the same front axel I had on my 89 with greasable king pins and bushings. Keep the 5 link and coil over shock that the newer trucks have but add grease fittings. 2)I like the G56 transmission but could use a better overdrive. 3) Grease fittings on every "u"joint in the truck. 4) Locate the lube and fuel filters whee they can be reached. 5) Headlights! nice and bright with bulbs you can change on the side of the road with out tools. 6) Froget style make the truck so you can work with it. I had much better visability in my 89 it's one of the reasons I have looked at a Ford. In a Ford you can see every corner of the truck, yes it's nice to have a "deep" bed but not at the cost of being able to see back aft. 7) A club cab like we use to have in 95-2002 I don't need full size doors in the back of the cab. The 2002 was "just enough" could reach the rear slider window with out un-buckeling my belt to open or close it. 8) Give me back the things I had in my 02, sunglass holder in the overhead, a place for my garage door opener. Rubber floor mats, forget the carpet. 9) Give me axcess to the whole cylinder head, don't hide it unde the coweling. 10) slightly lower front bumpers and head lights with a forward tilting front end. 11) Seats with more adjustment in all directions. 12)Keep the breaks the way they are, but add the exaust break. 13) Last but not least program the engine to give 20-25 mpg like the older trucks were able to get.

You build that truck and it will sell like no tommrrow. Keep it simple!

 

[EDankievitch]

Oh, yea, forgot the free wheeling hubs!

 

[GHarman]

Dream on Gents

Heres my picks! 4X4 Manual locking hubs that disconnect the front axle and stop the front drivetrain when the T-case is not in 4X4. Dana-Spicer Axles with trac-loc rear and front. Standard wheel bearings with races. NO unitized-pressed in junk. Grease Fittings where needed. Base model with rubber mats. 25-30 MPG. Tall Skinny tires and steel rims. 300 Cu in Displacement w/<225 HP and 450 Ft Lbs of torque in a full sized truck. Cast iron Drive train components, no Aluminum cases! Less electronics. Outside the tank lift pump. Accessable fuel, oil and air filters. Enhanced do-it yourself maintainence capability.

(Heres a novel idea; Use frame mounted, transmission t-case and Differentials with 4 wheel independent suspension, a la H-1). Full gauges, no idiot lights, real working-can measure a real parameter gauges! Tubular frame [] and cross members. Manual transmission with gears to match the engines hp and torque RPM's. Best quality clutch with a proper pilot bearing and greasable throwout bearing. Comfortable and long lasting seats. An ergonomic "cockpit". Quality sheetmetal and paint that doesnt burn off in 8 years. Extreme weather resistant wiring harness(electrical system enhanced for durability). Stainless steel battery mounts. High performance breathing system with a properly sized and flow maximized innercooler and piping, with the turbo housing matched to the output and the exhaust sized correctly. No plastic tanks on the radiator or innercooler. Get rid of that "I really wanna be a Chevy" front axle and suspension! How about a metal grill instead of cheap plastic. These are the basics if we continue the same old stuff!

I would really like to see a very small diesel enging running a larger generator that powers 4 independent electric wheel motors on a true 4X4. I dont know if we have the technology? I would think 50 MPG would be attainable? GregH

 

[AMink]

A/C that works with a quieter fan, an 8' bed on the Megacab. Manual lock hubs or some way to put it in 2 low. Gauges (boost, ET, tran temp).



If we can put a killer transmission in from an aftermarket place, Dodge should be able to do the same thing for cheaper because of the volume. Same with other mods that lots of folks do after they buy their trucks.

 

[KBalzuweit]

How about some comfortable seats!!!!!!!!

 

[courierdog]

Let us consider engine maintenance, A tilt over hood would simplify most time consuming maintenance issues. Move the Batteries to the box, would save room and improve accessibility.

 

[mikel]

A/C that actually works, especially on the MegaCab.

How difficult would it be to copy Ford and put at minimum, boost and trans temp gauges on the dash from the factory or actually be innovative and give us an EGT gauge too? Although I will grant you that most buyers won't have any use for the EGT at all, make it an available option?

Ditto the integrated brake controller.

Can we have normal maintenance items (oil and fuel filters) that are easy to get to from the *top* of the truck?

All of the ball joints, u-joints, tie rods, etc should have grease fittings.

Ok, and really, who designed keys that have to cost $50+ each?

Mike

 

[bighammer]

Interesting replies.

I guess I would add a tailgate that can hold up to some weight. Long lumber loads, loading andf unloading of heavy cargo, etc. seem to exceed the max limits of the cheapo tailgate.

I also feel the mirrors are too large. I'd like ot see a more vertical design that extends, rathere than the horizontal flip to vertical design.

True locking axle(s) would be a nice addition and would establish the Dodge as the off-road beast.

 

[GHarman]

Interesting replies.



I guess I would add a tailgate that can hold up to some weight. Long lumber loads, loading andf unloading of heavy cargo, etc. seem to exceed the max limits of the cheapo tailgate.



I also feel the mirrors are too large. I'd like ot see a more vertical design that extends, rathere than the horizontal flip to vertical design.



True locking axle(s) would be a nice addition and would establish the Dodge as the off-road beast.

Bighammer, Is there anyone really listening? The way I hear the situation in Detroit is "DOWNSIZE" everything! Including eliminating key personell. 'Course, management is still in place and those that arent have a "Golden Parachute". I would really like to see a change for the better, with the Dodge/Cummins offering. I will believe it when I see it! GregH

 

[mikel]

Interesting replies.

I also feel the mirrors are too large. I'd like ot see a more vertical design that extends, rathere than the horizontal flip to vertical design.

Having towed far too many miles with dinky little mirrors, there is no way to make mirrors too large when it comes to towing something.



Mike

 

[Matt400]

What if you met and were able to give your feedback and suggestions for the next design? What would you ask for? What should be changed, kept, etc. ?

A bed that was useful, not just some generic box. Or at least an option for one.

Imagine one with built in storage box AND a removable section for 5th wheel clearance so Rver's don't have to put lift kits on their 5th wheels.