While most attention devoted to Dodge trucks is being given to the all-new Dodge Ram 1500 light-duty pickup, the heavy-duty trucks are also getting a few upgrades for 2009.
Like the Ram 1500, the Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups receive the newly revised 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Power ratings are up from 345 horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque last year to 383 hp and 400 pounds-feet of torque for 2009 (see video, below). The six-speed manual transmission has been dropped for the Hemi. The five-speed 545RFE automatic gearbox is now standard equipment.
There are no changes to the HD Ram's 6.7-liter Cummins diesel. The six-cylinder oil burner is rated at 350 hp and 650 pounds-feet of torque.
The other
notable change for 2009 is improved front and rear wheel brakes. Chrysler
says they’ve
been re-engineered for additional stopping power, better wear and improved
fuel economy. Reduced passive brake drag boosts mileage up to 5 percent.
In the 4500 and 5500 commercial chassis-cab Rams, a new voltage-monitoring system has been added, as has an ambulance prep package.
New Dodge Ram heavy-duty and chassis-cab trucks are expected for the 2010 model year. They’ll have all-new exterior styling and will share most of the 2009 Ram 1500’s interior design and components. Our sources say the current chassis and running gear will be carried over.
