Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Dodge Ram Braking Questions
Do all 98 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4's have 4 wheel ABS?
Thanks!
Thanks!
0
Comments
From what I can gather after a LOT of research is that on the Ram 1500 4 wheel ABS is only available as part of the Stability Program Package and I have not seen a single 2007 Ram 1500 that has this option. (I've done a lot of on-line inventory searches.)
If there are any Dodge salespeople who read
read these posts feel free to e-mail at bichonboys@comcast.net.
P.S. Does anyone know when the cut off date is to order a 2007?
There is some contention in the industry about the effectiveness of 4-wheel anti-lock brakes as well as the increased cost of maintenance and potential for failure. GM in particular has had reliability problems with the wheel sensors and the brake controllers.
Testing across various automotive platforms indicates that stopping distances are longer on vehicles equiped with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes. In addition, some will point out that on a light duty pick-up where the majority of maximum laden weight is on the rear axles, rear-wheel anti-lock is just as or more effective as 4-wheel.
Dodge gives the buyer the option to "option-out" of 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Regards,
Dusty
kenromans@comcast.net
kcram - Pickups Host
Regards
Corkscrew
Regards
Corkscrew
1. A feature experiencing reliability problems isn't a reason to nix it. It is a reason to FIX it. And if it IS unreliable, why include it on ANY Rams? Certainly those paying extra for added safety deserve to actually get it.
2. I had two minor accidents due to a pickup with rear ABS only locking up the fronts under heavy load and sliding. I sold the truck because modluating the brakes sufficiently to stop in panic situations when loaded was not possible. So I'm a believer in this technology and can attest that having no front ABS is not an advantage. I've later had to make very similar stops in a 4 wheel abs equipped Ram and a Toyota Tacoma and had no problems. It sure works for me.
3. Dodge effectively does NOT give the buyer much of an option, as the package containing the 4 wheel ABS feature is virtually unavailable, and usually not w/o special ordering (where one risks losing rebate offers upon delivery) or buying a heavily loaded model.
4. The majority of the braking, even in a laden truck, is still done by the FRONT brakes. And what about when the truck is not loaded? These are front heavy vehicles. Rear ABS is important but so is front.
5. If it's so unreliable why put it on the rear axle at all? Perhaps its a govn't requirement? But if it fails in the front wouldn't it fail in the rear also?
6. Tests show minor differences in stopping distances favoring no ABS. But this is not a factor in the real world, especially when done by non-pro drivers in panic situations. They are unlikely to be able to modulate braking sufficiently to equal the ABS computer.
7. The 4 wheel ABS WAS an option easy to get on previous models of Rams. Again, why limit the choice at all if one is pro-choice?
8. If they were interested in safety and choice, they'd make the stability control more widely available. Finding zero trucks on a lot with it isn't much of a choice.
Sorry, but it sounds like Dodge blew it on this decision. My brother in fact just wrote me that he nixed a Ram purchase because of this feature missing on in-stock models available with big rebates.
http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/?N=1607+10105+4294967016+9181
Regards
Corkscrew
Also, just fyi, b/c I don't think it's related, but for quite some time the brake light would remain on even though I disengaged the emergency brake and it just comes and goes.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Corkscrew
It could be other things too, but mostly likely its the brakes.