New Ram - great thread!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
I'm not a Dodge hater, but Ford didn't take federal bail-out money. That's the difference. They took loans from private companies to help them through the rough time.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 380
From: Southern California
I would like to see air bags become normal on trucks. For ride and for load carrying capacity. With the latest Ram blunder of putting coils in the rear of the 1500, they surely went looking for a new tactic. Hopefully they made these airbags to hold a good amount of weight, like the air bags people add to their truck, and not just like the air bags that support the sleeper cab of a semi truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
Ford Takes $5.9 Billion Government Loan
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
From what I read here, and my own opinions, Dodge has a bad quality reputation. Just see thier Grand Cherokee add on TV. Even if thier product is steller now, it's going to take big discounts relative to Ford in order to convince truck guys, and the general public for that matter, to consider Dodge. I JUST purchased my F150 and while I seen Ram was offering 0 for 84 months with rebates, the furthest I went was a Sunday to browse. No test drive. Glad I didn't too because these Rams will be worthless with the all new Ram comming out.
Further, I work in the city and live in the suburbs. Seems to me, like Rams are more poular in the city and, Dodge in general. Especially the chargers and 3000s or whatever they are. That makes want to stay away from Dodge for that reason alone! Perhaps they get Federal susidies to by Dodge
However, I do like thier dual chrome exhaust pipes. I imagine that's what gets the city folk too - all that chrome. Put 24" chrome wheels on it and bing bang boom.
Further, I work in the city and live in the suburbs. Seems to me, like Rams are more poular in the city and, Dodge in general. Especially the chargers and 3000s or whatever they are. That makes want to stay away from Dodge for that reason alone! Perhaps they get Federal susidies to by Dodge
However, I do like thier dual chrome exhaust pipes. I imagine that's what gets the city folk too - all that chrome. Put 24" chrome wheels on it and bing bang boom.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,009
Likes: 1,517
From: Maine, Virginia
This is an interesting read. Although Ford did take a credit line and cash it apparently is repaying it's debt faster than the others.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...7kwW7yUOIApyFA
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...7kwW7yUOIApyFA
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 103
From: Martinsburg, WV
And they sucked too... I used to love watching them bounce around, it was funny at times.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
This is an interesting read. Although Ford did take a credit line and cash it apparently is repaying it's debt faster than the others.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ford's%20bailout%20loan&source=we b&cd=6&ved=0CGoQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetruth aboutcars.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fgovernment-loan-guarantees-help-ford-beat-the-debt%2F&ei=f4SDT6XDHaKC2AXW65HqBg&usg=AFQjCNHECq3b JOYRUpFV7kwW7yUOIApyFA
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ford's%20bailout%20loan&source=we b&cd=6&ved=0CGoQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetruth aboutcars.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fgovernment-loan-guarantees-help-ford-beat-the-debt%2F&ei=f4SDT6XDHaKC2AXW65HqBg&usg=AFQjCNHECq3b JOYRUpFV7kwW7yUOIApyFA
The GM coil spring trucks had a terrible trailing arm setup. The Ram has a modern 5-link system.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
The 09+ rams are better than the previous generations. A lot of companies use them for fleet vehicles in my area, probably because they are cheaper and have a longer warranty.
What does everyone think of the shifter ****?
What does everyone think of the shifter ****?
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,009
Likes: 1,517
From: Maine, Virginia
I think the shifter **** or some device other than the shifter stalk is a great idea. Eventually it'll all come to that I'm sure.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 34
From: Annandale, VA
I think the **** is great. Lotta guys will bash it, but if they had an Allison push button controller in their diesel, they'd creme themselves.
The **** is fine. Plenty of Allisons on the road with the push button controller and they tow great.
The **** is fine. Plenty of Allisons on the road with the push button controller and they tow great.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: PA
I think the new Dodge's have pretty good ideas. Chrysler has always been an innovator. I'll be curious to see how these new trucks are. I prob would have bought a ram instead of my superduty had the dealer salesmen not been total a-holes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,449
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
the engine shut off sucks, my cousin just bought a brand new 2012 1500 GMC, it shuts off to 4 cylinders at stop lights and crusing on the highway etc, and it only gets around 12 to 13 mpg around town! My 5.4 F350 super duty gets that!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: CT
I like these trucks. I'd be hard pressed to buy a ford over this. We do run a mopar (jeeps) and ford fleet here at home. Actually I'm the only one who has fords but, we've had others before. Nothing really major wrong with any off them. Like any vehicle stuff breaks. Vehicle longevity is more of a factor of the owner than the brand 
. The 5 link is no worries. They have been using that setup since the zj. Used on the zj, tj, jk. Its a fantastic setup.
. The 5 link is no worries. They have been using that setup since the zj. Used on the zj, tj, jk. Its a fantastic setup.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
Ford produces very good trucks. Dodge is coming on strong. Ford bet the ranch and put everything up as collateral for massive loans. But they're were minutes away from BK also. Their CEO gambled big time and won. Sometimes you win sometimes you don't. But I for one would w/o a doubt look at the new 2013' Ram. It looks and sounds very impressive. I always give credit where it’s do. And yes Chrysler paid off its US debt with interest.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
Relative's 2001 Ram does NOT have a fully boxed frame. It's boxed up front then becomes an open-C channel about mid-way back, just like most half-tons of the era.