Cummins Crate?
Q - Mopar sells crate engines, but how about a crate diesel like the Cummins or Jeep Liberty diesel?
A Dodge: You can by the Cummins 6.7L from Mopar. If you're looking for a turnkey engine, there's a lot happening with the Mopar gang and the performance parts division. Look for more information coming your way soon.
4WOR: Hmm, more Cummins swap project trucks? We're ready when you are!
IFS ver$u$ Solid Axle
Q - Is it cheaper to build an IFS 4x4 truck or a solid-axle 4x4 truck?
A Dodge: In general, it's more expensive to build an IFS system. The counterpoint is that IFS is the dominant direction of the industry, and more volume equals lower costs. At this point it's a negligible difference. The motivation for IFS versus a live axle is consumer demand, not cost. The ride quality, stability characteristics, and integration of new technologies all play a role, but the consumer must enjoy the feel of the vehicle
4WOR: Keep asking for solid-axle trucks if you want automakers to keep making them!
Trivia questions
Q - Where are the following trucks built: Ram, Ram HD, Durango, Dakota?
A Dodge: The Ram HD is built in Saltillo, Mexico while the Ram 1500 is built in both Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan. The Durango was sourced from Newark, Delaware but is now out of production. The Dakota is produced in Warren.
Two-Legged Trucks?
Q - What Dodge 4x4 vehicles are available with a manual transmission?
A Dodge: Ram Heavy Duty
4WOR: Ugh! Why is our country getting so soft! We could eliminate the problem of texting and cell phone use while driving if vehicles were required to have a manual transmission! Off the soapbox.
Coulda had a V-10
Q - What happened to the V-10 that used to be an option in the HD trucks? For those who needed a little more than the 5.7L Hemi but not quite the power of a Cummins, it was a cool option. Where did it go?
A Dodge: When the 5.7L Hemi became an option in the Ram Heavy Duty lineup in 2003, it had 345 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. The 8.0L V-10 at that time had 305 hp and 440 lb-ft. The Hemi was more fuel-efficient and lighter. The take rate on the V-10 plummeted that year. Due to a lack of consumer demand the V-10 was dropped as an option in the Ram Heavy Duty in 2004.
Mopars Missing from Action
Q - What happens to all the old concept vehicles? Is there a museum where they all go?
A Dodge: If a concept vehicle is well received by the public and media, it is destined for a long, busy life. Many concepts spend years on the auto show circuit, visiting various smaller auto shows around the world. After that, they end up in storage at Chrysler while making periodic appearances at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum and various enthusiast events. Unfortunately, some concept vehicles do get recycled or crushed altogether after not making the cut in popularity or for legal/insurance reasons.
I Need More!
Q - My '09 Dodge Ram 1500 rides awesome! But what can I do to help it haul more weight?
A Dodge: Nothing. We recommend that if you need to haul more weight, step up to a Heavy-Duty Dodge truck.
However, for 2010 the Ram 1500 has been recertified, up to 10,450 pounds in towing capacity.
4WOR: '10 HD Mega Cab. Nuff said.
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