The Mad Norsky wrote: Am I wrong, or wasn't there an agreement reached with Chrysler back in the big bailout in the Lee Iacocca era that Dodge would not produce any 4500 or 5500 pickups to compete with the Ford 450 and 550 series???
I just keep thinking that an agreement along those lines was done then (was it during the 1970's ? ). Mind you, I would love to see that concept vehicle LongHauler made into a production vehicle, as it would be outstanding for heavy truck campers or the larger fifth wheels made today.
Whatever the case, if they are indeed going to go with 5500 series (or 4500 series) pickups, that agreement must no longer be valid, or perhaps there was an expiration date to it.
Dodge has offered 4500 and 5500 cab and chassis for several years now.
But.........The haven't offered a pickup box from the factor like Ford does. That would be important.
Ford didn't offer a class 4 truck with a factory pickup box on it until they came out with the F450 Pickup in 2008. Therefore, there couldn't be an agreement all the way back in the 70's or 80's limiting Dodge from offering a pickup box in that class of truck, when neither Ford nor GM were offering anything of such at that time, or anytime since then, until Ford in '08. GM has never offered one.
ib516 wrote: It's NOT an April fools joke. It's a campaign that started March 31st, and the truck (I think it's a truck) is revealed April 5th.
Here are some details I found on Allpar:
"The 2013 Ram will be extensively refreshed, with new front and rear styling, powertrain enhancements, and additional luxury and convenience features.
Federal filings have already revealed that 2013 will finally bring the long-awaited Pentastar V6 & ZF eight-speed automatic combination to Ram 1500; the combination should measurably boost gas mileage and dramatically increase performance, as it did on the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Most likely, all models will benefit from a new ZF-designed lightweight-but-strong rear axle. There are also clearly visible horizontal slats on the 2013 Ram pickup, and numerous sources say they will open and close to reduce drag and noise when extra cooling is not needed (thanks, “Diamond Jim”). It seems that Ram is planning to leapfrog Ford’s most frugal F-150 in gas mileage.
Other exterior and functional changes include new headlights, an optional air suspension, and a different bumper that allows for tow hooks. Reliable sources and the Federal filing also indicate that an optional stop-start system will be arriving as well — just the thing for construction crews working in city traffic or stop-and-go job sites. Stop-start systems use a special starter and battery to kill the engine when stopped, and instantly restart it when the gas pedal is pressed (or, depending on the system, when the brake is released and the truck is still in Drive).
Several sources have now agreed on a 8.4 inch touch-screen, and a Dart-like 7-inch digital screen within the gauge cluster (likely as an option). The interior has been upgraded, keyless enter-and-go will be added, and a central locking system will be available to tie in the Rambox and tailgate locks with the key fob.
oh2o has confirmed an “all-new, next generation” 8.4” stereo with SmartTouch™ screen. He also confirmed the Stop-Start system, available with the Pentastar V6 and eight-speed automatic; the standard axle ratio with that combination will be 3.55:1. oh2o said we should expect electroluminescent gauges and a fold-flat floor for the crew cab.
While the launch is still expected to take place at the New York Auto Show in April 2012, along with the Viper (two days earlier), word has come down that actual production might be delayed somewhat.
A Cummins V8 diesel was listed on dealer systems for a time, but it might be a late-availability, military-only option; this engine generates 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The quiet, high-revving engine (redline is over 5,000 rpm) is said to get highway gas mileage in the mid-20s in half-ton trucks. A hybrid powertrain also showed on dealer systems, but this might be for the PHEV test truck fleet. (The Cummins V8 diesel now seems to be an unlikely addition after all, but one never knows.)"
Looks like significant mpg improvements are coming for the RAM 1500.
I just wonder if the "giant" thing hints at the HD trucks getting some updates or perhaps the 5500 Longhauler I mentioned previously.
Thanks for the post. I think that about ends the guessing game.
It's our seats. They make are ! sore and we get grumpy.
No that's not it, the one thing I can say is Ford has one nice ridding truck. One of main reasons I bought one. Even with the issues I had with Ford I still think they ride very nice.
Don
Perrysburg Dodgeboy 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab SLT Cummins HO
2005 Keystone Cougar 304 BHS
Chrysler the only one to pay back 100% of their loans from the Government. *The Old Car Company" still owes 1.6 billion. Is that better Chuckles
You guys are way to serious. GMC CHEVY DODGE OR FORD. I like tham all they all have their strong/weak points.
It seams like Dodge is trying to pull out in front of GM and Ford for the first time and actually put a something that compeats with the LTZ and King Ranch options. The long horn looks very nice.
As for the hong hauler long horn! That looks awesome.
2008 Silverado 2500HD DMax LTZ cc sb 4x4 EFILive tuned, Blocked, Deleted, Rerouted and removed B&W Turnover ball and 5th Companion
02 F250 4x4 Auto Ex LWB SRW 7.3L B&W, RideRite, 5"exhaust. TW6 chip. 195k
2011 Sabre 32BHOK-6
Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote: I do get a kick out of all the Chrysler haters that anytime anything is posted about Chrysler they try and get the post closed down. Whats a matter guys does it upset you that you have to have your cab removed anytime your power-joke needs worked on?
Don
It's our seats. They make are ! sore and we get grumpy.
'10 F250 XLT CC SB 5.4L 5spdTS 3.73
ex '95 Cummins,'98 12v Cummins,'01.5 Cummins,'03 Cummins; '05 Hemi
'07 KZ Jag 28JFSS.
It's our seats. They make are ! sore and we get grumpy.
No that's not it, the one thing I can say is Ford has one nice ridding truck. One of main reasons I bought one. Even with the issues I had with Ford I still think they ride very nice.
Don
Remember the days of the Ford Twin I Beam front end. That was a nice riding suspension.
Regards, Eightballsidepocket
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x2 Quad Cab, Cummins, 48RE Tranny, Lg Bed, Line-X Spray-on Bed Liner.
06 T25BS Komfort Trailblazer TT
"If you can't say it in person, it isn't worth saying while hiding behind an anonymous P.C.!"
It's our seats. They make are ! sore and we get grumpy.
No that's not it, the one thing I can say is Ford has one nice ridding truck. One of main reasons I bought one. Even with the issues I had with Ford I still think they ride very nice.
Don
Remember the days of the Ford Twin I Beam front end. That was a nice riding suspension.
yes I do remember that front suspension because it was right, left right, left but almost never straight. One reason we decided a chev truck was for us because of easier to drive straight.
chevman
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy
easyrider/reese airhitch
trailair center point suspension
JT Strong Arm Stabilizers
KSH 55 inbed fuel tank
Garmin 2720
scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
TST tire monitors
It's our seats. They make are ! sore and we get grumpy.
No that's not it, the one thing I can say is Ford has one nice ridding truck. One of main reasons I bought one. Even with the issues I had with Ford I still think they ride very nice.
Don
Remember the days of the Ford Twin I Beam front end. That was a nice riding suspension.
They're still using it on the 2wd F250/350's. They eliminated Twin I Beam from the Rangers in '96 I think and from the F150's in '97. They eliminated Twin Traction Beam from the F250 4wd's in '99 and from the F350 4wd's in '86. I was never a fan of of the 4wd Twin Traction Beam axles, I'd rather have a plain solid axle, but the 2wd Twin I Beam I prefer over upper/lower a-arms.
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B&W Turnover ball and 5th Companion
