Kcram's back! Actually, the hip room, shoulder room is what I always noticed about the pre-2002 Ram. That, along with the seat are among the best features. I still prefer the pre 2002 styling by a little bit over the new, on the outside. A regular cab 4x4 long bed 2500 with Cummins, 6 spd manual, in the metallic gold color, is hard to beat.
When I saw one pull out of the dealership with the paper tags still on, the owner sure looked proud, and I had to admit, it was great looking. May have been lifted a bit, maybe not. Towered over my 2500HD Dmax. Still love it the best, but that gold Dodge would have been my second choice, especially with tan leather seats which you can't get in the Chev reg cab models.
Bob, the sad part is, the GM 1500 is using the same cab as the 2500/3500 crew cabs. GM built that cab to originally compete with the Ford SuperDuty, where it fails miserably. Here are those same 8 dimensions for the SuperDuty crew cab, in the same order:
41.4, 41.0, 40.7, 41.3, 67.4, 67.3, 68.0, 68.0
Yes, the SuperDuty has more REAR legroom than front! And the GM crew pales in comparison. It would appear Dodge would already be competitive if all they did was add about 7 inches to the Quad cab to make a crew. That would give them comparable room, and the same behind-the-seat storage as the regular cab.
jcmdie, you're correct about Dodge's marketing. To them, the new QC is an extended cab, not a crew. I'll post a similar table tonight comparing the QC to the Ford and GM extended cab offerings. That will be pretty scary
quadrunner, I never left I still read this when I have a minute after covering my own boards (which have been pretty busy as of late).
Quad, the 4x2 version of the Ram stands 74" tall 4x4 77"...Yes, it will tower over most, even HD trucks.
rsholland and Kcram, I compared the rear seating of the new Ram to my friend's '01 Silverado three days ago...prior to new ram, silverado beats all in extended cab rear seating room (NO CREW CABS). The vertical incline is in most ext. cabs, not just the ram. Silverado has headrests. Dodge does not.. Lift up the seat, Dodge rules in rear storage. While silverado you have to lift up with the seat kind of in your way, the dodge is completely out of your way (not to mention those metal pull out platforms are a class touch. And because of the tall stature, Taller people can sit in the rear without ducking their heads. Rear windows go down all way with Ram, silverado you gotta pop out.
I just came back from lunch, and tested the "loudness" of the engine, and "bouncy" ride. captainj, I have no idea what you are talking about...I had windows down and radio off and I gotta tell you-the 4.7 engine is not loud at all. yeah, it grumbles every now and then, but ALL trucks do when you accelerate. Go try out the Toyota, you'll see. The tundra's engine is LOUDER compared to the Sequoia, and the ride is harsher. SUV's are designed to have more isolation inside than pickups (hence, the higher price). Get over the engine noise. For 02, Jeep Grand Cherokee's top model will get the 4.7 with more HP-260. I'm sure that will find it's way into the 2003 1500 models.
And one more thing: The Ram is assembled in Arkansas, according to the doors.
I totally agree with everyone's replies about my comments. I just happen to like it as quiet as possible. I'd buy one if it was as quiet as the Grand Cherokee. I'm not complaining about the ride, my comments were very positive about that, and everything else too. Enjoy the ride, don't forget those earplugs, oops, couldn't resist.
Here are the numbers for the new Ram QC versus the extended cabs on the market. From left to right, it's Dodge Ram 1500 Quad, Ford F150 Supercab, Ford F350SD Supercab, Chevt/GMC 1500 Extended Cab, Toyota Tundra Access Cab
Ram ...F150 ...F350 ....GM ..Tundra --------------------------------------------------- Head room F...40.8 ...40.8 ...41.4 ...41.0 ...40.3 Head room R...40.0 ...37.8 ...38.5 ...38.4 ...38.3 Leg room F....41.0 ...40.9 ...40.7 ...41.3 ...41.5 Leg room R....36.4 ...32.2 ...32.4 ...33.7 ...28.6 Hip room F....65.1 ...61.0 ...67.4 ...61.4 ...59.3 Hip room R....64.6 ...63.2 ...67.3 ...61.5 ...56.6 Shoulder F....67.0 ...63.8 ...68.0 ...65.2 ...62.4 Shoulder R....66.7 ...63.8 ...68.0 ...66.3 ...63.2
Front head and leg room, everybody is about the same. The SuperDuty wins in width. But Dodge is clearly superior in rear seat head and legroom, and the width dimensions over the other three half-tons. This is where Dodge will win with its conventional rear doors. No suicide doors, no cramped rear passengers, rear windows that roll down instead of flip-vents. And as I noted above, the F150 SuperCrew is the same size as the Dodge Quad, so for Ford to call that a crew cab is misleading.
My Dodge dealer has 25 Ram 1500s in stock. All but one are Quad Cab 4x4 shortbeds, the other is a Quad Cab 4x2 longbed.
Well captainj, it seem you are new to the full size truck market. If you really like the new Ram, give it a second shot. Go to another dealer and take another one for the test drive. Insist on the 4.7...I did that when I was considering the Tundra. Had to drive it twice before I turned completely away from it. Believe it or not, you will actually get used to the rumble... New Ram SLT has 11 speakers (if you get the premium stereo)...most of the time while cruising, I don't hear the exhaust. Not only go to the Toyota dealer, go to chevy or GMC and Ford and compare the engine "noise" to each of the full size models.
Kcram, the cool part about the Ram is that it doesn't cost "Crew cab" price, but can compare to a crew cab in interior dimensions. The only thing Ram's missing that a FOrd supercrew has is what-rear headrests?
I've never been in a full-size that I felt had a quiet engine. Of course, I only know a few that were obnoxiously loud on interstate cruising. Most quiet down fine when you aren't accelerating. My cummins is probably the noisiest truck you can buy, but sounds like music to my ears:) Especially the sound of the turbo kickin in with 12000# behind you. Been told the '03 cummins are going to be super quiet. Darn') I like a super quiet sedan, but like to hear the grunt on the trucks.
numbers don't tell the whole story. i have sat in the back seat of both a new quad and a supercrew (which i currently own). the supercrew doesn't have much more rear seat leg rooom vs the quad (however you can tell the difference), but the seat back angle is much more comfortable than the too upright one in the quad. the ram does seem a little wider but three folks still fit mighty comfortably in the back of my s-crew. plus, the rear doors on the s-crew are larger and ingress/egress is easier on the s-crew. i have nothing against the quad, but when it came down to the nitty gritty, i preferred the s-crew and that is what i got.
tavgrad,
i have issues with your made in arkansas statement. to the best of my knowledge chrysler does not have any plants whatsoever in arkansas. the truck plants are all around detroit...st louis and in mexico. not sure where you got that made in arkansas business?
Got it off of the window of my truck, and the inside of door jamb. What, they are lying?
Well, the supercrew is a true CREW cab, and the new Dodge Quad is an EXTENDED cab. the seats fold up for even MORE storage versus the Supercrew, you know that.. A crew cab is designed to carry people back there ALL of the time, versus ANY extended cab is to carry people some of the time. When the true Dodge Ram crew cab arrives in a year of two, then we should argue about back seat room....Dodge ain't finished.
Dodge has no assembly plants in Arkansas. Rams are made in Warren MI, Fenton MO, and Saltillo Mexico. What EXACTLY does your door jamb say that refers to Arkansas? The window sticker lists the point of assembly (one of the above three) and the address of who placed the order and took initial delivery (usually a dealer). The factory door jamb build sticker wouldn't list a city or state, only the country of assembly. Sounds like your truck may have passed through a distributor/dealer in Arkansas on its journey to you, and they may have added a door sticker.
The door jamb says "Made in USA," of course. window sticker says Arkansas, that's it. I called Dodge information, and you are right, they are assembled in Warren, MI, Fenton, MO. They did not say Saltillo, Mexico, but I believe that some assembly is there, too.
I recently took a test ride in an '02 dodge with the 5.9 and and an'02 chevy with the 5.3 and I thought the Dodge was an awesome truck with an extremly weak motor, I can't imagine driving it with the 4.7. The Chevy had very nice power, I just wish the interior was as nice as the dodge.
FOr those of you that have a new truck with the 5.9, does the engine make more power after break in?
Do you guys know when dodge will be putting some better engines in these trucks? 11 mpg in the city? Ouch.
Emale, we all make boo-boos. I guess I don't know my geography very well and shape of the states. The window sticker is the shape of Missouri, not Arkansas. Oops.
ispangler, Wait until next year-The HD's will be out, and the 5.9 will be put to sleep. The 5.7 HEMI will replace it. (According to what Kcram stated).
How about 330 horsepower, 360 foot pounds of torque. It is said to develop over 300 foot pounds of torque at 1000 rpm. Not impressed? How about the rumors of a 6.1L Hemi coming after with 350+ horses and 450+ ftpds? The really insane part is the rumors that the 6.1L is going to be offered in the next generation Grand Cherokee.
is that it will be discontinued after the arrival of the 6.1L Hemi. Daimler is on a mission to cut down the number of separate engines in their line up so I doubt they will carry the V10 and 6.1 Hemi. My information was taken from car-truck.com if you haven't checked out that site you should they have a lot of cool info on there. As far as engines hitting their rumored ratings it all depends on what the competition forces them to do,if horsepower wars cool down then no,if the horsepower wars heat up they may even surpass our wildest dreams.
Lets just hope that the new engines make something close to competitive power and fuel consumption. I enjoyed driving the new dodge, i look forward to trying one with some power.
there has been some debate on the output ratings of the upcoming 5.7l hemi. a guy over at pickup-truck.com says that the torque number (360lb/ft) coming from that article in car-truck.com is wrong. it is more like 395 lb/ft! my opinion is that i certainly hope he is right since ford's current 5.4l already produces 350 lb/ft. and it is supposed to be upgraded to a 24 valve design next fall. so, unless the new hemi produces more than 360 lb/ft of max torque...chrysler will still be behind the power curve...
When dodge comes out with the crew cab version, it won't even be compared to the SCrew. The only comparison you can do, will be with the Super Duty, since they will supposily be in the same class. I got in my wife's Durango with the 4.7, and that engine is loud compared to the 5.4 in my SCrew.
kcram.....In your comparison chart, the F350 doesn't belong in there, it's a 1 ton truck, everything else in your list is 1/2. The F350 is a Truck, the rest are wannabes, the Super Duties are a breed of their own. When you see the elephant ears coming at you, you know it's a super duty, can you say that, you can tell any other truck at a distance like the SD.
I bought the truck, I wanted for my purposes, like Tav did, but if I was given the choice of a new ram quad or an avalache, the quad would make the cut. That drop down just doesn't cut it in my book.
I put the Super Duty crew cab in my chart because the GM 1500 crew is the same cab as their 2500/3500s which do indeed compete with the SD. Ford also markets the SuperCrew as a crew cab, not a 4-door extended cab like Dodge.
Have you sat in the 1500HD & the 2500HD, they aren't the same, they are similar. I would say owners of the 2500 & 3500 of GMs, would tend to say the 1500HD is not the same, even though it sits on a 3/4 ton frame. (2000 model frame)
Maybe dodge should market it as a crew cab and not as an extended cab with forward opening doors. The Super Crew is a crew cab with a 5 1/2 box. The dakota is a crew cab just like the S-10 Crew Cab. Just because dodge doesn't want to call their new quad cab a crew cab, does it mean chevy and ford is wrong in calling there trucks crew cabs?
Finally saw one I liked the looks of. It was a short bed regular cab 4X4 in bright silver with chrome grille. It looked worlds better to me than the black quadcab I saw. I still wouldn't say I love the new look,but at least this truck doesn't make my stomach turn when I see it. Now if they offer the 5.7 Hemi in the half ton with a 5 speed and a heavy duty version of Jeep's selec-trac I will be at my local Dodge dealer like a rat on a cheet-oh to get in line to buy one.
Lots n lots of ads for the 02 RAM round here (mainly TV ads, I really like the music doesn't make me want to buy one) seem um on dealer lots but not a single one on the road, why is that ? Are they for sale yet (any model) what gives ? Not in the market for one just curious. Rob Fruth Houston
Give it time you will. I thought the same thing around here when they first came out. Then a few weeks went by and I started seeing more and more of them on the road.
I have yet to see a truck driving around Atlanta. I see lot of them on the dealer lot. They should of put that 4.7 OHC V8 270/325. They could halt production and put that engine in this year. In stead of waiting a few years. I may have to wait until next year to buy my truck. I wouldn't get the 5.9 that the old engine still. What where they think!! I was going to get the 4.7 240/300 when kcram wrote #318 about the engine. Dodge truck market is flat as a pancake right now. Ford and Chevy steaming right along.
Well I broke down and bought a 2002 regular cab. 4.7, automatic. The sticker was $19,800 and my purchase price was $16,800. I bought it from Performance Dodge in Phoenix. It was without a doubt the best car buying experience I ever had. My salesman was Ted Hall and the manager was Adam Spooner. Everyone was very nice and Ted took about 30 minutes after the sale to explain every detail about the truck. I love it. It feels very solid compared to my chevrolet that I traded in. Also very quiet inside. I will keep you posted.
As my 99 F150 nears the end of it's warranty (and lease), I am considering turning it in and getting the new Dodge. However, I would rather get one with the 5.7, as I am not impressed with the 5.9's power or fuel economy. What the latest update as to when this will be available? Before the 2003 model year? At the 2003 model year? Last I saw from car-truck.com it was January 2003...I can't wait that long!
Hi! I bought an SLT+ 2 door regular cab 4x4 in Light Almond, Sticker was $31,565. I LOVE the looks, and everyone tells me what a nice truck it is. Problem is, the interior RATTLES like a box of rocks over any little bump. Also, It has a very good stereo, so good in fact that it rattles the doors (literally) if I turn it up some. WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THE RATTLES? Like I said, I love the way it looks, but all these noises in the interior are starting to DRIVE ME! Anyone else have any experiences like this? Thanks.
I have a 2002 2wd Quad Cab SLT -- I have the CD/cassette player and have the same problem with the door panels vibrating. Not horrible, just on certain songs it seems, the latest Staind CD especially. I haven't tried to chase down where exactly it comes from. Like I said, it isn't too horrible, but when you hear it, it is aggravating knowing what these trucks cost. However, I have no complaints about about going over bumps or anything. Good luck!
Thanks for responding. Yeah, any song that has any base to it at all and those Infinity speakers rattle the hell out of the doors. About my other interior rattles; I took it back to where I bought it and had them "FIX" it. They put some double sided tape between the door and the panel(they also had to fix a windshield water leak). Well, the door is AGAIN rattling, as well as the console that is now rattling(not to mention the sliding glass window which is developing a sound of its own). I love this truck, but am becoming VERY disappointed with the quality!
So far mine seems to be rattle free (500 miles), although my stereo remains at reasonable noise level. Mine is very quiet over bumps and pot holes. As a matter of fact that is what impressed me about the truck in the first place. I don't have a sliding rear window so I can't comment on that. I would insist on them fixing the problem. It may just be a small piece that is loose or something similar. Find a bumpy section of road near the dealer that makes your truck act up, then drive to the dealer and have the service writer get in with you and take him for a ride. Good luck.
I LOVE the new Ram!!! In my opinion, next to the F150 Supercrew, it's the best looking truck on the market!! But why, in the name of everything that makes good sense would Dodge make us wait till who-knows-when to get an engine that actually competes with Ford and GM????? I don't get it!! I want this truck, but I don't want to wait!! Come on, Chrysler!! Is it that damn hard!! You've got a great looking vehicle, but crap for engines!! And they don't even let us know when we can expect better engines??? All while hyping about that whimpy-[non-permissible content removed] 4.7l????????? I'm stumped!!! Looks like I'll be heading over to Ford country for a Super Crew. It's here. It's ready. And they're selling 5 to 1 here in Colorado against the Ram. Looks like Dodge is heading back to where it started, circa 1994, in my opinion.
I'm with ya!!! What, Dodge has only had 5 or 6 years to come up with a competing engine??? Or even just an HO of the 5.9, but they haven't. And I, a Ford owner who said he would never buy a Dodge vehicle, would be at the dealer today buying this truck if it had an engine. It is perfect - big cab for 4 adults, 6+' bed, great looks, great suspension, and fits in my garage! I don't have time to wait, I'm in Colorado also and the prices on the Screw are too good to pass up right now. Only thing is it's a pain strapping my quad in the back of the Screw compared to my supercab bed...
I finally bought an 02 ram quadcab last wed. 2 weeks of hassleing with the dealer(gotta watch those guy's). I spent a week checking out comparably priced ford and chevy and didn't like anything else near as well. (chevy was awful close). At about 800 miles i'm lovin it. no rattles in mine. lots of power.(5.9) of course i'm coming out of a V6 Toyota the last 9 years.I didn't read back very far, is there somthing bad about the 5.9s.
I couldn't believe it when I was told this, but I haven't seen anything contrary. A friend of mine just bought an 02 QC Ram 1500. He choose the SLT 4WD, but wanted the 4.7 because of the techs. Well, he wanted the Image package, but the YOU CAN'T GET IT WITH THE 4.7!!!! IS THIS RIGHT??? Has Dodge made an even more collosal blunder by stipulating that you can only have the Image package by purchasing the 5.9???? That's nuts!!! Why would Dodge make this marketing blunder of blunders??? Can someone set me straight on whether this is true or not?? I think it is, but if so, when I'm driving to work and I count 5 to 7 Super Crews, and not a single 02 Ram, I can see it's definitely justified to say the least. Not only has Dodge shot themselves in the foot by not offering engines on par with GM and Ford, but they've also gone so far as to put the barrel in their mouths and pulled the trigger by not even offering their potential customers some type of choice in how they want their trucks!!! Way to go Dodge!! Yeah, you're headed back to the dump again!!! And in a great looking truck, no doubt!!
I have to agree with most comments about Dodge not having the engines to compete with Ford or GM. However, with my Dodge reg cab 4.7, I have more than enough power. Granted, I'm not hauling 6 people or a horse trailer, but not everyone does. My Chevrolet 5.3 that I traded in was much faster than the Dodge. Unfortunately, things inside the cab were falling off faster than I could glue them back on. I just think that sometimes horsepower is a little over rated.
Only thing wrong with the 5.9L is all the people who are enamored with peak horsepower ratings and don't really know squat about what trucks are really for. The ones who are impressed that a Chevy or Ford that is about 800 pounds lighter than a comparable Dodge is a few thousands faster in a 1/4 mile drag race,even though they will never use their truck for that. The ones who don't realize that their trucks are faster only because they have a more efficient transmission to make up for the lack of low end torque and horsepower in their over achieving V8's. The ones who are more concerned with beating a Civic to the next light then knowing that the engine in their truck has 30 years of proven reliability under its belt. The ones that read Consumer Reports magazine religiously and take their opinions as gospel,without a thought that the guy writing the story also test toasters for a living and probably drives a Honda Accord,and went off road once when he drove through a construction zone on the way to the coffee bar for his morning cappacino. Am I rambling here? Sorry
Wow somebody that agrees with me trucks need low end grunt not high end HP. I like pulling 5000# trailers in OD keeping the RPM down around 1500 not towing in 3rd or 2nd at 3000 or more RPM.
i do have one comment about consumer reports...take it with a grain of salt. however, it is hard to ignore the fact that dodge trucks have over the last 8 years consistently scored worse/much worse than ford or gm in such areas as transmission and engine. if you are a doubter, check it out for yourself. i'm not trying to berate dodge, but the info says they are behind the other big two. hopefully the new trucks and next years new powertrains will help rectify this situation, but i'm not so sure. i can tell you that the '02 1500 ram is not selling very well where i live. local dealership is socked full of em. i predict it won't be long and you'll be seeing big discounts to move em...
I have a '95 ram 4x4 reg cab long bed with the 5.9l / auto. Has full towing package, but 3.55 rear, sure grip etc. Nice truck, but the motor is gagged at anything over like 2k RPM it seems, and I have trailered a double axle Uhaul full of stuff from MD to TX and back. Even empty (on return trip) the trailer bogged the truck down more than I expected given the size of the motor and the equipment on the truck.
I like the interior, but between the extra weight and the motors (until hemi comes out), and the poor transmission reliability (mine is fine tho) I'd have to consider the F or GM trucks.
The 02's boast of a 400% frame torsion improvment, that just shows how weak the old frames really were.
The big 3 really don't want to make a fantastic truck, they milk these cash cows for all they worth and just add what they think will sell. The new Dodge truck seems to think that a jacked up truck will sell - and it might, as some people think height is a way to determine how heavy duty the truck is (warped, I know). The huge front grill is my main styling objection to the design, if it wasnt' for that, I might be trading in or something. That and the hemi isn't out yet.
Comments
Actually, the hip room, shoulder room is what I always noticed about the pre-2002 Ram. That, along with the seat are among the best features. I still prefer the pre 2002 styling by a little bit over the new, on the outside. A regular cab 4x4 long bed 2500 with Cummins, 6 spd manual, in the metallic gold color, is hard to beat.
When I saw one pull out of the dealership with the paper tags still on, the owner sure looked proud, and I had to admit, it was great looking. May have been lifted a bit, maybe not. Towered over my 2500HD Dmax. Still love it the best, but that gold Dodge would have been my second choice, especially with tan leather seats which you can't get in the Chev reg cab models.
41.4, 41.0, 40.7, 41.3, 67.4, 67.3, 68.0, 68.0
Yes, the SuperDuty has more REAR legroom than front! And the GM crew pales in comparison. It would appear Dodge would already be competitive if all they did was add about 7 inches to the Quad cab to make a crew. That would give them comparable room, and the same behind-the-seat storage as the regular cab.
jcmdie, you're correct about Dodge's marketing. To them, the new QC is an extended cab, not a crew. I'll post a similar table tonight comparing the QC to the Ford and GM extended cab offerings. That will be pretty scary
quadrunner, I never left
kcram
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rsholland and Kcram, I compared the rear seating of the new Ram to my friend's '01 Silverado three days ago...prior to new ram, silverado beats all in extended cab rear seating room (NO CREW CABS). The vertical incline is in most ext. cabs, not just the ram. Silverado has headrests. Dodge does not.. Lift up the seat, Dodge rules in rear storage. While silverado you have to lift up with the seat kind of in your way, the dodge is completely out of your way (not to mention those metal pull out platforms are a class touch.
And because of the tall stature, Taller people can sit in the rear without ducking their heads.
Rear windows go down all way with Ram, silverado you gotta pop out.
captainj, I have no idea what you are talking about...I had windows down and radio off and I gotta tell you-the 4.7 engine is not loud at all. yeah, it grumbles every now and then, but ALL trucks do when you accelerate. Go try out the Toyota, you'll see. The tundra's engine is LOUDER compared to the Sequoia, and the ride is harsher. SUV's are designed to have more isolation inside than pickups (hence, the higher price).
Get over the engine noise.
For 02, Jeep Grand Cherokee's top model will get the 4.7 with more HP-260. I'm sure that will find it's way into the 2003 1500 models.
And one more thing: The Ram is assembled in Arkansas, according to the doors.
Ram ...F150 ...F350 ....GM ..Tundra
---------------------------------------------------
Head room F...40.8 ...40.8 ...41.4 ...41.0 ...40.3
Head room R...40.0 ...37.8 ...38.5 ...38.4 ...38.3
Leg room F....41.0 ...40.9 ...40.7 ...41.3 ...41.5
Leg room R....36.4 ...32.2 ...32.4 ...33.7 ...28.6
Hip room F....65.1 ...61.0 ...67.4 ...61.4 ...59.3
Hip room R....64.6 ...63.2 ...67.3 ...61.5 ...56.6
Shoulder F....67.0 ...63.8 ...68.0 ...65.2 ...62.4
Shoulder R....66.7 ...63.8 ...68.0 ...66.3 ...63.2
Front head and leg room, everybody is about the same. The SuperDuty wins in width. But Dodge is clearly superior in rear seat head and legroom, and the width dimensions over the other three half-tons. This is where Dodge will win with its conventional rear doors. No suicide doors, no cramped rear passengers, rear windows that roll down instead of flip-vents. And as I noted above, the F150 SuperCrew is the same size as the Dodge Quad, so for Ford to call that a crew cab is misleading.
My Dodge dealer has 25 Ram 1500s in stock. All but one are Quad Cab 4x4 shortbeds, the other is a Quad Cab 4x2 longbed.
kcram
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If you really like the new Ram, give it a second shot. Go to another dealer and take another one for the test drive. Insist on the 4.7...I did that when I was considering the Tundra. Had to drive it twice before I turned completely away from it. Believe it or not, you will actually get used to the rumble...
New Ram SLT has 11 speakers (if you get the premium stereo)...most of the time while cruising, I don't hear the exhaust.
Not only go to the Toyota dealer, go to chevy or GMC and Ford and compare the engine "noise" to each of the full size models.
Kcram, the cool part about the Ram is that it doesn't cost "Crew cab" price, but can compare to a crew cab in interior dimensions. The only thing Ram's missing that a FOrd supercrew has is what-rear headrests?
numbers don't tell the whole story. i have sat in the back seat of both a new quad and a supercrew (which i currently own). the supercrew doesn't have much more rear seat leg rooom vs the quad (however you can tell the difference), but the seat back angle is much more comfortable than the too upright one in the quad. the ram does seem a little wider but three folks still fit mighty comfortably in the back of my s-crew. plus, the rear doors on the s-crew are larger and ingress/egress is easier on the s-crew. i have nothing against the quad, but when it came down to the nitty gritty, i preferred the s-crew and that is what i got.
tavgrad,
i have issues with your made in arkansas statement. to the best of my knowledge chrysler does not have any plants whatsoever in arkansas. the truck plants are all around detroit...st louis and in mexico. not sure where you got that made in arkansas business?
Well, the supercrew is a true CREW cab, and the new Dodge Quad is an EXTENDED cab. the seats fold up for even MORE storage versus the Supercrew, you know that.. A crew cab is designed to carry people back there ALL of the time, versus ANY extended cab is to carry people some of the time. When the true Dodge Ram crew cab arrives in a year of two, then we should argue about back seat room....Dodge ain't finished.
kcram
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I called Dodge information, and you are right, they are assembled in Warren, MI, Fenton, MO. They did not say Saltillo, Mexico, but I believe that some assembly is there, too.
Disregard my previous post.
FOr those of you that have a new truck with the 5.9, does the engine make more power after break in?
Do you guys know when dodge will be putting some better engines in these trucks? 11 mpg in the city? Ouch.
ispangler,
Wait until next year-The HD's will be out, and the 5.9 will be put to sleep. The 5.7 HEMI will replace it. (According to what Kcram stated).
Ram 1500
- 3.7 OHC V6 - power increase to about 225hp/260 lb-ft
- 4.7 OHC V8 - goes to the HO version of 270/325
- 5.7 HEMI V8 - 330/360
Ram 2500/3500
- 6.1 HEMI V8 - 360/420 (don't think it will get to the rumored ratings, moparmad)
- 8.0 V10 - 380/480
- 5.9 Cummins - 285/540 (current rumor is 275/525)
kcram
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kcram.....In your comparison chart, the F350 doesn't belong in there, it's a 1 ton truck, everything else in your list is 1/2. The F350 is a Truck, the rest are wannabes, the Super Duties are a breed of their own. When you see the elephant ears coming at you, you know it's a super duty, can you say that, you can tell any other truck at a distance like the SD.
I bought the truck, I wanted for my purposes, like Tav did, but if I was given the choice of a new ram quad or an avalache, the quad would make the cut. That drop down just doesn't cut it in my book.
kcram
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Maybe dodge should market it as a crew cab and not as an extended cab with forward opening doors.
The Super Crew is a crew cab with a 5 1/2 box. The dakota is a crew cab just like the S-10 Crew Cab. Just because dodge doesn't want to call their new quad cab a crew cab, does it mean chevy and ford is wrong in calling there trucks crew cabs?
I see lot of them on the dealer lot. They should of put that 4.7 OHC V8 270/325. They could
halt production and put that engine in this year. In stead of waiting a few years. I may have to wait until next year to buy my truck. I wouldn't get the 5.9 that the old engine still. What where they think!! I was going to get the 4.7 240/300
when kcram wrote #318 about the engine. Dodge
truck market is flat as a pancake right now.
Ford and Chevy steaming right along.
I hope you enjoy it
kcram
Host
Smart Shopper and FWI Message Boards
I bought an SLT+ 2 door regular cab 4x4 in Light Almond, Sticker was $31,565. I LOVE the looks, and everyone tells me what a nice truck it is. Problem is, the interior RATTLES like a box of rocks over any little bump. Also, It has a very good stereo, so good in fact that it rattles the doors (literally) if I turn it up some. WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THE RATTLES? Like I said, I love the way it looks, but all these noises in the interior are starting to DRIVE ME! Anyone else have any experiences like this? Thanks.
problem with the door panels vibrating. Not horrible, just on certain songs it seems,
the latest Staind CD especially. I haven't tried to chase down where exactly it comes from.
Like I said, it isn't too horrible, but when you hear it, it is aggravating knowing what these
trucks cost. However, I have no complaints about about going over bumps or anything.
Good luck!
Paul
Sorry
I like pulling 5000# trailers in OD keeping the RPM down around 1500 not towing in 3rd or 2nd at 3000 or more RPM.
I like the interior, but between the extra weight and the motors (until hemi comes out), and the poor transmission reliability (mine is fine tho) I'd have to consider the F or GM trucks.
The 02's boast of a 400% frame torsion improvment, that just shows how weak the old frames really were.
The big 3 really don't want to make a fantastic truck, they milk these cash cows for all they worth and just add what they think will sell. The new Dodge truck seems to think that a jacked up truck will sell - and it might, as some people think height is a way to determine how heavy duty the truck is (warped, I know). The huge front grill is my main styling objection to the design, if it wasnt' for that, I might be trading in or something. That and the hemi isn't out yet.
DD