What's the latest ?

[GOakes]

Anyone been able to find out anything about 2002 diesel Rams?

I've heard rumors of a 4 door model (maybe like the 2001 1500)

new automatic transmission (six speed ?)

What about the engine --- will it be a Cummins?

 

[chuck3]

2002s

The 02s are at your local dealer have been for a few months, you must be thinking of the 03s. The 02s are the same as the 01s pretty much.

 

[GOakes]

Oh me -- you're right

That's what happens when you get old --- can't remember what month it is --- as to the years --- not even a clue. Your right - I was looking for info on the "03" model

 

[DieselB59]

03's should still remain the same body style from what I've read, but incorporate the new 5. 9 Cummins ISB common rail engine with cooled EGR to meet federal emission mandates.

 

[DAWG-1]

'03s

'03s will have a new body, 4 doors, different automatic, optional Mercedes diesel. This is just about right for all the people who want 4 doors and a Cummins. I can't wait to see them. Sam

 

[GSchlegel]

Took my boy to the archery range yesterday for his first lesson with a recurve. Got talking to his instructor who is a construction equipment mechanic and teaches at the local tech. school. Talked about trucks and he was impressed with the DuraMax. I expressed concern about the alum. heads, etc. He said through the tech. school he learned the '03' 6B will have an alum. head. I questioned this and said with an engine weighing close to 1000 lbs. , how much would that save? He said the current 6B head weighs "450 lbs. " so it would save quit a bit. Has anyone heard this and does the head weigh anywhere near 450 lbs. ?

Thanks,

Gene

 

[DieselB59]

Don't buy into any of the above. My Dodge contact says the Mercedes engine is a Motor Trend rumor, likewise is the aluminum head and the automatic. Cummins themselves said they wil never make a bi-metal engine. That does not work well in a Diesel. The body change is still up in the air.

 

[John]

Originally posted by GSchlegel

He said the current 6B head weighs "450 lbs. " so it would save quit a bit. Has anyone heard this and does the head weigh anywhere near 450 lbs. ?

Q#1: No, I have never heard this before



Q#2: The 6B head weighs nowhere near 450 lbs. (although it may seem like it when R&Ring one.

 

[lawdog]

The body change for 2003 3/4 and 1 tons WILL be that of the 2002 1500 series. The Cummins will be the diesel of choice, Dodge signed a contract with Cummins thru 2007. The Mercedes engine will be an option only on a heavier cab and chassis model that is supposed to be coming out. I did see a dually in mask here in the detroit area a couple of months ago. I could see thru the openings for the lights that the headlights and taillights looked identicle to the 2002 1500. I told a friend a DC that I saw the truck in mask, and told him about the engine leaking a large amount of oil. He asked if it was a Cummins or a Mercedes. I looked from underneath the truck (the engineer driving would not open the hood) and the engine looks the same as the current from the bottom. I told him that it was a 3500 4X4 4 door, and he said that it would then be a Cummins and not a Mercedes, as it is only coming in cab and chassis types. The interior also looked the same as the 2002 1500 on this truck. the engineer driving would only say that they are not trying to hide the fact that it is a Dodge, and obviously a 4X4 (Straight axle with quad link / coil spring front suspension) and a dually ( No hiding that). He said it was only still in mask because the 3500 series had not yet been officially released. There were no emblems on the doors.



My contact at DC works in the area to know all about the trucks and the diesels, and is very reliable... The new engine is supposed to be as quiet as the duramax (says no shutting down the engine at the Mc Donalds drive thru) and it in fact shares the same injectors and pump from bosch as the duramax.



Sorry so long, but I hope it clears up some questions...

 

[C Schomer]

There were several local TDR members at the Cummins BBQ 2 months ago. Maybe some of you guys can correct me, if I'm wrong! There were several speakers there. One of them said DC will put the new Cummins in the new design 3/4T truck towards the end of 02. Common rail - many of the same parts as Duramax. Noise reduced considerably - I think he said 20%. The back seat MAY be bigger than the 1500 - DC hadn't decided yet. It might not look exactly like the 1500. There were a lot of "maybes". It sounds like DC is feeling things out with the 1500. So if we do enough b!tch!n about the 'gangbanger' looking 1500, they'll build a better looking 2500! Craig