No worries I have my moments too.

 

Good to see you two make up.

Now, if we can get away from horsepower vs. torque wars, semi trucks and all that other stuff and steer this thread back toward it's original intent I think we'll all be happier

Didn't know that John, thanks for the link. I noticed a footnote (2) beside the tow rating info but I can't find where it is. Did you by chance?

Also noticed the significant de-rating for the manual trans. Looks like those who make that choice are going to have to settle for less power.

 

I've looked but I can't find the footnote info either. Maybe it's one of those "When properly equipped" things. Another shootout should be pretty interesting.

 

I'm gonna sound like a dummy here, but what does that mean?

 

No dumby at all!

It means I added to your reputation positively. On the right hand side on somebody's post you have the option of repping somebody good or bad, and leaving a comment. You can view your rep points and comments in your user CP status!

 

Hey offroadnt, the flashing GIF with those smilies is pretty annoying

 

Oh, thanks bill, I'm a newbie at this Forum stuff, I appreciate your patients .

 

Oops I apologize guys, don't see anything on my computer. I'll stop that .
Um... what's a GIF?

 

Looks like Dodge can't afford to upgrade their manual transmissions for increased torque at this time.

 

The Max Tow package is what takes the 5er capacity to 22,700 and the GCWR to 30k. The footnote was probably referring to that package. The conventional tow rating is still fairly low at around 12k lbs. Hell my 04' SD has a conventional tow rating of 12,500lbs. The max payload is also a good bit lower than the current GM and Ford offerings.

"Ram HD towing ratings are also headed upward, with an optional Max Tow package that will increase fifth wheel towing to 22,700 pounds on select Ram 3500 one-ton models, up from today's 18,500 pounds rating. The max gross combined weight rating will also rise to as high as 30,000 pounds."

"To handle the increased towing, the Max Tow package will add a beefed up rear axle with a new 4.10 gear ratio, new rear-axle pinion, new helical gears, upgraded bearings and an aluminum differential cover with large cooling fins. There's also a new water-to-oil transmission cooler and new power steering cooler to help manage the higher trailer towing ratings."

Doesn't look like any frame or suspension changes were made.

My suspicion is that at RAM and/or the transmission company doesn't want to spend the money to update the design (and clutch)to handle the high torque numbers these new diesels are putting out. Which would make sense due to the percentage of manual transmissions currently being ordered in these trucks.

 

My suspicion is that at RAM and/or the transmission company doesn't want to spend the money to update the design (and clutch)to handle the high torque numbers these new diesels are putting out. Which would make sense due to the percentage of manual transmissions currently being ordered in these trucks.
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If that's the case, it's a wise move, at least they shouldn't be puking transmissions.
But then again, they are thinking the transmission can handle the extra torque.....
More I think about it, more I believe they can't meet emissions.

 

I think they couldn't decide whether to dodge or ram. HaHa, just kidding I've had dodge, Chevy, and Ford, as much as it may upset people on this site, I've found (doing auto repair for 20+ years ) and personal experience that F-Series ARE the TOUGHEST trucks out there, with Chevy nipping at their heels and dodge rite behind. FORD trucks and GM cars are a great combo. But what rubs me wrong are the hybrids (dodge name, Mitsubishi drive-train) But as far as trucks go, any American built will crush an import!!! GO AMERICAN!!!

 

Pickuptrucks.com posted a picture of the new diff cover the other day:




The New Diff Cover for the Ram Heavy Duty Pickup is a Work of Art - PickupTrucks.com News

Things are going to get interesting for sure. From looking at the information regarding the Max Tow Package, it's obvious that current 2011 Ram owners aren't going to be able to just get a flash to upgrade their trucks like the 2011 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel customers did.

 

Dodge or Ram or whatever it is called may be tired of being the underdog, but they will always be a dog, and it won't be Top Dog.

 

I saw that pic the other day, it sure is a nice cover. I would like one for my Sterling 10.5.