Justin, Mopar Performance puts out what they call an engine computer (AKA chip) that they claim will add 24 HP and 26 lb ft of torque. It's a simple push/pull operation and is smog legal. One caveat....you will have to use 92 Octane fuel.
I have the hots so bad for a '99 Ram 2500 QuadCab Diesel I can hardly wait for these to become available. I know what's good with this truck. Does anyone have anything bad to say?
tlippy I would like any info you have on the 99 dodge quad cab 2500. I have not been able to get any info of any kind in florida, or delivery dates??????
Has anyone had any problems with their 5 speed transmissions? Have seen some postings about the 4 speed auto, but not the 5 speeds. Are these trannys good enough? Is no news good news? I too am looking forward to the '99 quad cabs. Have no info on them yet.
The Ram Truck Mailing List (RTML) at ramtruck@vcs.org has been terminated because the systems administrator has retired, however someone else is supposed to pick up the duties of system administrator. If anyone has any late breaking news on this please post it so that us former RTMLers can jump back on.
I have a queation regarding the Mopar running boards. If you select a body color other than black, (i.e. driftwood) does the color come from the color of the Santoprene cladding material or is it a surface treatment, painted? If its a painted surface how durable is it. Does it hold up against scratches and chipping? Ron
Yea, The truck came off the train last Friday in Baltimore and is being trucked up Thursday nite or Friday morning. I'll pick it up Friday nite. It has to go back to the dealer next week for the accessories, hence my question regarding the running boards. For some reason I was under the impression the color was molded into the clad material. The dealer claims they are painted. My concern is on the durability of the paint over plastic cladding. Monday afternoon I have an appointment to have the bed Rhino lined. So this weekend I plan to be doing a lot of long anticipated driving and showing off.
Howdy all, I was just wondering the average wait time is for a 98 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 in Texas. I remember reading earlier that Texas residents seem to get their trucks quicker than others, but wasn't sure how universal this has been. I just lost my 5th and reverse gears on my 89 F150, and I don't really have a long time to wait. If anybody could give me some insight, I would be greatful.
I'm looking at a '93 d250 4x4 cummins to plow snow and tow a trailer. It has 67K miles, anyone have any advise on things to watch out for on this year and model. Also any pluses and minuses would be appreciated.
thanks for the info on Mopar, do you know off hand what it runs. and if i would even feel the difference? i use 92/93 octane in the truck now, i know i probably dont need it, just makes me feel better. .. thanks again
Well Ron...you won't be worth a darn at work Fri. Be shure to let us know how you like it. They told me at the Rino Liner place to have the 5th wheel hitch installed before they did the liner. He said he would take it out, spray in the liner, and put the hitch back in. Did they tell you that also? I guess so the liner seals arouund the holes...I still havn't had it done yet, need to do it in the next couple of weeks...CONGRATULATIONS...in advance. Mike
Mike, Actual I drove past the dealer today minutes after they unloaded my truck, so I stopped. I sat in it. It was almost as good as sex. I pick it up Friday at 3:30. I don't work on Friday, I have some chores to keep me busy till the p.m.. I told the dealer about the Rhino liner plan and he said Dodge has a deal going this month that if you take buy a truck this month you can get a "free" Dodge bed liner, a $300 value (although the accessory catalog has them at $240. I think I may take advantage of that now and consider the spray-in liner later. I think I'm going to really like the color, the dealer said its not available anymore this year. Can't wait to try out that $690 radio, Pete38.
606zp, Ron did you have a liner in your old truck? I mounted my hitch on top of the liner on my old truck by putting square steel rods in the groves of the liner. It worked great, and I didn't have to cut big slots out for the rails. The radio sounds great doesn't it?
606zp, It is great you have your truck. I'm glad you like the radio. It did sound good in the truck I took for a demo. I just think it is pricey for what it costs them. Of course that's just an opinion of mine. When I want to really listen to music I'll sit in the family room with the Bose lifestyle system. In my truck I usually listen to the FM radio or now with my Cummins just the sound of the motor rumbling :-) I'm anxious to get it out on the road. I've hooked up my 5th wheel and pulled a short distance. What a difference off the line compared to my old gas. No more slow starts, that cummins doesn't even think there is a load back there! I will be gone about a month but plan on keeping fastidious records of fuel consumption over the 5000+ mile trip. I have found a source for the Valvoline Blue Oil for the cummins. It is 7.81 a gallon. I'm debating on using it or the Rotella for 4.83 a gallon.
The new truck is neat! The color is pretty sharp. Compared to my '90 Cummins the new is a lot quieter inside, especially at highway speeds. But louder on the outside, especially at idle. Its a cool sounding engine though. There's a difference of night and day between the ride betweeen the '90 and 98. I think the 98 rides smoother than my wife's Cirrus. I only have 300 miles on it so far, lots of family commitments this past weekend. If the accessories are received by the dealer tomorrow, Wednesday there'll get installed. I think the Mopar driftwood running boards will change the looks and make it alot easier to enter. I'm just razzing you on the stereo, Pete38, because of prior comments. The CD player sounds better than the radio though. I didn't realize there were little speakers on the A columns before I got the truck. Its cool. Tangos, I'm saving the owners manual for reading material for the beach new week. We have a house right on the beach in Whaleshead a couple houses down from RV Cahoon and a KFC. Its right where the bridge goes over the bay to Maneto. Do you know where that's at? Mike, I like your idea using the bars in the bed liner. Did you install your fifth wheel or have it done in a shop? The only problem with the truck I can find so far is the steering wheel is rotated appro 10 deg to left when heading straight. Hopefully they can adjust it Wed. Kind'a gets on your nerves. Other than that its perfect.
I am in the process of looking for my first RAM. Anyone have any comments about the reliability of the 1500 4x4? I read in Consumer Reports that the reliability of the 4x4 transmission is "much worse than average". Anyone comment on their experiences with this transmission. Also - I was prodding for opinions: 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic? Thanks
I don't know if I ever mentioned I didn't have to have the springs on my trailer axles moved. Even though the dodge sits higher than my old ch*vy I just moved the 5th wheel hitch to its lowest position and I still had 7" clearance between my pickrails and the bottom of my trailer. A friends trailer is to low for me to hook up to though so I'm glad I don't have that brand of trailer. I have a prowler and it fits fine. I'm enjoying the lene-x liner already. It looks much nicer than my old rhino in my opinion.
Could anyone else with experience with Rhino liners share their likes/dislikes, please? I particularly want to know if I can mount a cap over the Rhino liner.
606zp, Ron..I had it done at a U-Haul. They really did a crappy job. He mounted it an inch too far back, and crooked. (Its supposed to be 1" ahead of the axel) You need a big drill, and several big bits to drill through the frame if you do it yourself. I had the elec hook up installed at another place. They did a crappy job on that also, as did the guy that tented my windows. I don't think anyone does good work anymore...You might check with the dealer to see if they can recomend someone. I hooked up the brake controller myself. It just plugs in under the dash. (I did a good job on that one.) I never had any problems with the steel bar deal in my old truck. It worked great..You can get the square steel bars at the hardware store. My truck is the noisest when its in gear at idle, and low range acceleration. Im getting used to it now though. Can't wait to hear your mileage figures. I finally got to where I tow in O/D most of the time now. I just took out the 5/60,000 ext warranty the other day. That makes me feel better about it.
Dropped the truck off at the dealers tonite to have the running boards and other items installed. I hope they align the steering wheel o.k.. If that's my only complained I'll be more than happy. Hear its hot in Texas this week, Mike. I should have some good highway milage data when I get back from our trip next week. Diesel fuel costs are still low here in Pa. $1.04/gal.. It was $.20 more last summer here.
Pete38, What Prowler model do you have? We have a 27 5T. I'm suprised you have 7 inches of clearance. How level is the camper when hitched. Is there enough travel in the front jacks to unhitch and bring the camper down level? How far down does the truck drop when hitched? You have a 3500, right?
I took delivery of my 1500 Quad cab 4x4 SLT today. White, SB with most of the extras except leather. Auto trans, and 5.9L V-8. It is AWESOME. I had the mopar chrome tubular side steps and the bug deflector installed. I was a little concerned with the extra price I was paying for the mopar side steps compared to other aftermarket types but one look at the truck eased any doubt. I was also considering having the front windows tinted but I think I will pass on that also after seeing the truck.
The truck is very smooth riding for a 4x4 and very comfortable. Shifting is smooth and the 5.9 sounds great(although nothing compared to the cummins). The factory CD player with six speaker sound system also sounds great. The truck was in transit for a couple of weeks and I was getting very impatient but it was worth the wait. The only small complaint that I have is putting the pass. airbag switch smack dab in the middle of the dash where something else more useful could have been put.
606zp, the trailer is level. I read on my fifth wheel hitch instructions the trailer should be level to 3 inches low in the front for towing. I can't go lower without some modifications. I had my hitch installed at a Reese dealer. They did a great job, very quality work. Took two guys less than 2 hours to install it. They install about 20 hitches a day so they have it down to a science.
I have the 2500 with the extra rear springs. It doesn't go down much (maybe a couple inches I didn't measure I was just happy I didn't have to do anything to the trailer. The prowler I have is 25.5P. I use to have a 30ft King of the Road but it was too big for some campgrounds that we like. The slide on the Prowler makes up for the length difference anyway. Do you have the dual slide? We like our trailer a lot. It is just the right size for the three of us. Did my brake install myself too. Easy with that harness.
Don, I really shopped around before I had my old Rhino sprayed on. There was a BIG difference in Quality from dealer to dealer. The Line-x is much nicer looking in my opinion though and the cost was the same. Never had a problem with the Rhino it was tough as advertised. Look at their work before you have it sprayed, that stuff is permanent and you are stuck with it so to speak.
Diesel here is 105.9 I just heard that FlyingJ posts it prices on the web and am going to check that out. Will post my milages when I return. It will be my first time to drive anything other than a rental back east.
I have a 1998 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 with the Cummins engine in it. I am having a couple of problems and I need to know if anybody else is having these problems and what the fixes might be. The first one is a burned oil smell when I get out of the truck. The dealer says that the oil breather tube was leaking against the hot engine block and they shortened the tube to eliminate a vacuum that was pulling the oil out of the tube. I still have a problem with this smell. I can't even run the air conditioning with normal outside air because the smell permeates the interior. The second one just started and it really bothers me. After running the truck hard (65 MPH in 90 degree heat)with no load and then pulling off onto an exit ramp and stoping at the stop light or sign, the oil pressure switch goes to zero and my CHECK GAGES light comes on. If I goose the throttle, the pressure goes back to normal and the light goes out. Has anybody had either of these problems before. I would appreciate any info at all.
Both problems are related. The leak you were experiencing is not cleaned up (your dealer didn't steam clean the engine bay), thus your burned oil smell. The oil pressure flop is an indication that your oil is extremely low. More than likely, they fixed your leak, but never checked or refilled the oil level. Since you weren't topped off, the engine began to burn off oil. This is why you have had this delay in the second problem occurring - I had this same gauge situation occur when I had a hole punched in my oil filter from some road debris. Go to the dealer, have them check for (and repair) any other leaks, steam clean your engine, then have a full oil change (the leak may have allowed contaminants to get in).
My 96 Cummins has been flawless on oil outside of that filter hole. In fact, my oil is still full and clean when I change it - I do so anyway to make sure I have a full complement of oil additives working.
I haven't had those problems, but...Sometimes when I shut the engine off it makes a swoosh noise like its letting off compression through the valves. Is this normal?
The only way to stop a diesel is to shut off its air supply, since there's no spark involved and very little fuel necessary to run it. The "swoosh" you hear is just that - the air being quickly sealed off.
kcram, Thanks for your reply. I agree with the first part of your answer but not the second. After the first time the Check Gages light came on, I went home that evening and changed the oil, refilling it back to eleven quarts. Two days later, the light came back on but it was in ninety five degree heat in the middle of the day. I have talked to the dealer and they believe that it is electronic. I am bringing it in next week (first chance that they can work on it) I will let you know what happens. BTW, I did receive an e-mail from the Powermaster at Cummins. He says that a little blow by with a new engine is normal and that I should extend the breather hose below the bottom of the engine to prevent the oil from getting on the engine block and burning off. I'll try it and see what happens.
When I picked up my truck last nite I discovered they ordered and installed the wrong running boards. They put on the ground effect side step instead of the molded running boards I wanted. What looks dumb is they only installed the cab section. No front and rear bed sections. The ground effect looks neat but incomplete with just partial installed. Additionally they scuffed the paint behind the drivers door. Nothings easy in life. They are reordering the running boards and hopfully be able to buff out the scratches. They did straight out the steering wheel, although it seems to be alittle bit to the opposite side now. Its hard to descripe but the steering does not seem as positive as I'm use to. Is that typical of a solid front axle? See you guys in a week.
Eleven is one quart too many. Including the filter, all post-1994 Cummins engines use 10 quarts; 1993 and earlier use 12 quarts. Cummins is very specific about that, regardless of what Dodge or your dealer may tell you. The extra quart may be causing a pressure problem at the oil pump when you come to a stop.
When the oil pressure "dies" - does any other gauge drop with it? Does the tach bottom out quickly then shoot back up, or do you notice a quick "miss" in the engine?
It is possible that the leak caused an oil pressure sensor to crap out - that would depend on how much oil you lost during the leak and where the affected sensor is. That would NOT explain (to me, anyway) why it doesn't happen more consistently...
Don H. , I forgot to mention that you can mount most caps over a spray on. Mine worked fine. You may have to ground it differently if you have a light.
your oil pressure sending unit is out. i've had two go out on me in my driving experience. i found a capped oil passage on my truck and plugged a mechanical gauge into it the first time i was having trouble. at idle, hot, my gauge in my truck was reading practically zero, and the warning light was on. The mechanical gauge read 30 psi. i don't now where the sending unit is located at on a Dodge, but it is a small cheap part.
I've been packing for my month long trip. Leave Sat. 13th. Ready to go give the truck the big test. 5,000 miles before we are back home. I am planning on keeping good records of milage and will report when I get back. I have joined flying J Rv and plan on getting my Diesel from them as often as possible. They have a web site that posts the prices of diesel around the country as well as the location of their truck plaza. No cost to join and you get a penny discount per gallon, which isn't that big of a deal but around here they are the lowest price around anyway. My local station is 114.9 and they are 101.9 so that is a difference. One station of theirs is selling diesel for less than 80¢ a gallon. Drive safe and if you see a white quad diesel with Colorado Pioneer plates it is probably me. For those people who think all Ram owners should wave, out here in Colorado we would get sore arms with all the dodges out here. :-)
Back from a week at Outer Banks. Truck was fun to drive. Big difference in comfort and noise between my '90. Got ~18.9 mpg the trip down (almost empty). Have to fill up to check back trip. On the way back the fuel gauge quite working after stopping in W-burg for lunch. I remember seeing a post about that but can't remember where. ??????. Don't care for the steering much either. Too much play. Is that normal? Pete38, what campground are you staying at in Outer Banks?
606zp, My steering was too tight on mine, I'm getting used to it now. It has no play at all. I think I also saw something on that gas gauge failure also. You got 18.9 mpg towing your 5th wheel??
Mike, No. We rented a house. The load I had was suitcases and 5 bikes. More wind drag than weight. Did run into a lot of stop and go slow (idle) time both down and back. Don't know how that affects milage.
Another dumb problem: I had the Mopar mud flaps installed before we left. The passangers side has melted and curled right infront of the exhaust pipe.
Have you seen anything on the M/S vs AT tires controversy yet?
I had fuel gauge failure too - they replaced a module first week of January and all is fine again. I went over 200 miles with the gauge pegged on "E" - good thing I keep track of how far I usually go on a tank.
My steering isn't so much "loose" as it is faster than the Ford I used to have. I can whip my 3500 around corners with amazing steering wheel speed for a truck that size.
My mopar flaps have suffered no such melting - I have the textured (anti-rain-spray) dually flaps out back, and they have not suffered any maladies.
As for the Michelin thing, there are small pockets of complaints and Chrysler has now started replacing the LTX M/S tires with all-terrain tires of the customer's requested type. Apparently, enough people have gotten word from Michelin that the LTX M/S is not an all-terrain tire and Michelin does not recommend its use off-pavement at all. When I saw that they were using the M/S tire for 98, I thought that was crazy myself; it's a very mild all season tread - far from the Wrangler-AT it replaced.
Comments
Mopar Performance puts out what they call an engine computer (AKA chip) that they claim will add 24 HP and 26 lb ft of torque. It's a simple push/pull operation and is smog legal. One caveat....you will have to use 92 Octane fuel.
Has anyone had any problems with their 5 speed transmissions? Have seen some postings about the 4 speed auto, but not the 5 speeds. Are these trannys good enough? Is no news good news? I too am looking forward to the '99 quad cabs. Have no info on them yet.
Ron (slakier@fcbs.com)
http://www.-ff-road.com/~woowoo/ramlist.htm
to sign up again
http://www.off-road.com/~woowoo/ramlist.htm
Ron
Monday afternoon I have an appointment to have the bed Rhino lined.
So this weekend I plan to be doing a lot of long anticipated driving and showing off.
I was just wondering the average wait time is for a 98 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 in Texas. I remember reading earlier that Texas residents seem to get their trucks quicker than others, but wasn't sure how universal this has been. I just lost my 5th and reverse gears on my 89 F150, and I don't really have a long time to wait. If anybody could give me some insight, I would be greatful.
Thanks,
Tristan
They told me at the Rino Liner place to have the 5th wheel hitch installed before they did the liner. He said he would take it out, spray in the liner, and put the hitch back in. Did they tell you that also? I guess so the liner seals arouund the holes...I still havn't had it done yet, need to do it in the next couple of weeks...CONGRATULATIONS...in advance. Mike
Actual I drove past the dealer today minutes after they unloaded my truck, so I stopped. I sat in it. It was almost as good as sex. I pick it up Friday at 3:30. I don't work on Friday, I have some chores to keep me busy till the p.m.. I told the dealer about the Rhino liner plan and he said Dodge has a deal going this month that if you take buy a truck this month you can get a "free" Dodge bed liner, a $300 value (although the accessory catalog has them at $240. I think I may take advantage of that now and consider the spray-in liner later.
I think I'm going to really like the color, the dealer said its not available anymore this year.
Can't wait to try out that $690 radio, Pete38.
The radio sounds great doesn't it?
The new truck is neat! The color is pretty sharp.
Compared to my '90 Cummins the new is a lot quieter inside, especially at highway speeds. But louder on the outside, especially at idle. Its a cool sounding engine though. There's a difference of night and day between the ride betweeen the '90 and 98. I think the 98 rides smoother than my wife's Cirrus. I only have 300 miles on it so far, lots of family commitments this past weekend.
If the accessories are received by the dealer tomorrow, Wednesday there'll get installed. I think the Mopar driftwood running boards will change the looks and make it alot easier to enter.
I'm just razzing you on the stereo, Pete38, because of prior comments. The CD player sounds better than the radio though. I didn't realize there were little speakers on the A columns before I got the truck. Its cool.
Tangos, I'm saving the owners manual for reading material for the beach new week. We have a house right on the beach in Whaleshead a couple houses down from RV Cahoon and a KFC. Its right where the bridge goes over the bay to Maneto. Do you know where that's at?
Mike, I like your idea using the bars in the bed liner. Did you install your fifth wheel or have it done in a shop? The only problem with the truck I can find so far is the steering wheel is rotated appro 10 deg to left when heading straight. Hopefully they can adjust it Wed. Kind'a gets on your nerves. Other than that its perfect.
Anyone have any comments about the reliability of the 1500 4x4? I read in Consumer Reports that the reliability of the 4x4 transmission is "much worse than average". Anyone comment on their experiences with this transmission. Also - I was prodding for opinions: 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic? Thanks
Thanks,
Don
I never had any problems with the steel bar deal in my old truck. It worked great..You can get the square steel bars at the hardware store.
My truck is the noisest when its in gear at idle, and low range acceleration. Im getting used to it now though. Can't wait to hear your mileage figures.
I finally got to where I tow in O/D most of the time now. I just took out the 5/60,000 ext warranty the other day. That makes me feel better about it.
what engine do you have? i thought you had the cummins, and i thought all the diesels had 100,000 mile factory warranties.
I hope they align the steering wheel o.k.. If that's my only complained I'll be more than happy.
Hear its hot in Texas this week, Mike. I should have some good highway milage data when I get back from our trip next week. Diesel fuel costs are still low here in Pa. $1.04/gal.. It was $.20 more last summer here.
Pete38, What Prowler model do you have? We have a 27 5T. I'm suprised you have 7 inches of clearance. How level is the camper when hitched. Is there enough travel in the front jacks to unhitch and bring the camper down level? How far down does the truck drop when hitched? You have a 3500, right?
The truck is very smooth riding for a 4x4 and very comfortable. Shifting is smooth and the 5.9 sounds great(although nothing compared to the cummins). The factory CD player with six speaker sound system also sounds great. The truck was in transit for a couple of weeks and I was getting very impatient but it was worth the wait. The only small complaint that I have is putting the pass. airbag switch smack dab in the middle of the dash where something else more useful could have been put.
Just wanted to put in my 2 cents.
I have the 2500 with the extra rear springs. It doesn't go down much (maybe a couple inches I didn't measure I was just happy I didn't have to do anything to the trailer. The prowler I have is 25.5P. I use to have a 30ft King of the Road but it was too big for some campgrounds that we like. The slide on the Prowler makes up for the length difference anyway. Do you have the dual slide? We like our trailer a lot. It is just the right size for the three of us. Did my brake install myself too. Easy with that harness.
Don,
I really shopped around before I had my old Rhino sprayed on. There was a BIG difference in Quality from dealer to dealer. The Line-x is much nicer looking in my opinion though and the cost was the same. Never had a problem with the Rhino it was tough as advertised. Look at their work before you have it sprayed, that stuff is permanent and you are stuck with it so to speak.
Diesel here is 105.9 I just heard that FlyingJ posts it prices on the web and am going to check that out. Will post my milages when I return. It will be my first time to drive anything other than a rental back east.
Both problems are related. The leak you were experiencing is not cleaned up (your dealer didn't steam clean the engine bay), thus your burned oil smell. The oil pressure flop is an indication that your oil is extremely low. More than likely, they fixed your leak, but never checked or refilled the oil level. Since you weren't topped off, the engine began to burn off oil. This is why you have had this delay in the second problem occurring - I had this same gauge situation occur when I had a hole punched in my oil filter from some road debris. Go to the dealer, have them check for (and repair) any other leaks, steam clean your engine, then have a full oil change (the leak may have allowed contaminants to get in).
My 96 Cummins has been flawless on oil outside of that filter hole. In fact, my oil is still full and clean when I change it - I do so anyway to make sure I have a full complement of oil additives working.
They did straight out the steering wheel, although it seems to be alittle bit to the opposite side now. Its hard to descripe but the steering does not seem as positive as I'm use to. Is that typical of a solid front axle? See you guys in a week.
Eleven is one quart too many. Including the filter, all post-1994 Cummins engines use 10 quarts; 1993 and earlier use 12 quarts. Cummins is very specific about that, regardless of what Dodge or your dealer may tell you. The extra quart may be causing a pressure problem at the oil pump when you come to a stop.
When the oil pressure "dies" - does any other gauge drop with it? Does the tach bottom out quickly then shoot back up, or do you notice a quick "miss" in the engine?
It is possible that the leak caused an oil pressure sensor to crap out - that would depend on how much oil you lost during the leak and where the affected sensor is. That would NOT explain (to me, anyway) why it doesn't happen more consistently...
http://www.cummins.com/ram/ramqa10.html
Thanks for the warning.
Don H
your oil pressure sending unit is out. i've had two go out on me in my driving experience. i found a capped oil passage on my truck and plugged a mechanical gauge into it the first time i was having trouble. at idle, hot, my gauge in my truck was reading practically zero, and the warning light was on. The mechanical gauge read 30 psi. i don't now where the sending unit is located at on a Dodge, but it is a small cheap part.
In nice weather, we go out and drive our Rams - no time for the PC
Don't care for the steering much either. Too much play. Is that normal?
Pete38, what campground are you staying at in Outer Banks?
Is there anyone out there with this tow vehicle setup and if so, how is it performing?
Have thought about 3500HD, but no real need for such a larger vehicle. Any information/suggestions would be appreciated.
You got 18.9 mpg towing your 5th wheel??
Another dumb problem: I had the Mopar mud flaps installed before we left. The passangers side has melted and curled right infront of the exhaust pipe.
Have you seen anything on the M/S vs AT tires controversy yet?
Allow me to hit on a few of your points.
I had fuel gauge failure too - they replaced a module first week of January and all is fine again. I went over 200 miles with the gauge pegged on "E" - good thing I keep track of how far I usually go on a tank.
My steering isn't so much "loose" as it is faster than the Ford I used to have. I can whip my 3500 around corners with amazing steering wheel speed for a truck that size.
My mopar flaps have suffered no such melting - I have the textured (anti-rain-spray) dually flaps out back, and they have not suffered any maladies.
As for the Michelin thing, there are small pockets of complaints and Chrysler has now started replacing the LTX M/S tires with all-terrain tires of the customer's requested type. Apparently, enough people have gotten word from Michelin that the LTX M/S is not an all-terrain tire and Michelin does not recommend its use off-pavement at all. When I saw that they were using the M/S tire for 98, I thought that was crazy myself; it's a very mild all season tread - far from the Wrangler-AT it replaced.