2014 Ram Powerwagon

[LimaMikeMike]

Just read this article;


http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/129-1307-sneak-peek-2014-ram-power-wagon/

Looks pretty exciting with the suspension changes and the 6.4.

But the exciting bit for guys like me who scour junkyards and parts bins is that the rear axle is now a an 11.5 aam with a electronic selectable locker, this is the same axle that most Ram diesels from 2003-2012 we're equipped with.

This means ram diesel guys will have a second selectable locking diff (with limited slip when unlocked) to upgrade to.

Too cool.

 

[3 DOGS]

More power+
Better ride+
Increased gas mileage+
Great towing ability+
Price increase??????????
I've always wanted a PW but couldn't find one without getting raped on the price. The new improvements are great but at what cost?

 

[ckupq]

Wow. What a step back. CAD came back. And why are there 3 shocks on a rear 4 link? Are they trying to make up for poor designs?

 

[Buliwyf]

CAD is easy to overcome. Just use a solid aftermarket axle, like we did to the Dana 30 in YJ's right? Dodge should just buy their axles setup like Fords w/manual hubs. They all come from the same factory? But if I can rig a reliable cable setup like some of our YJ's had, the CAD was kinda neat.
It's awesome that Dodge owners have another rear diff option now. But even when Ford came out with their Locker, I never looked at adding it to my ride. Fullsize=Detroit Locker rear for me!
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I'll bet the extra shock is for axle hop. Same reason Mustangs had 4 rear shocks for a while. Higher quality suspension components solved that problem on Mustangs and I'm back down to just 2 rear shocks.
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I'm not cool about the 4-link coil rear suspension until someone comes out with an airspring that'll fit inside that coil. I wonder what the GVWR will be for that truck?

 

[Flys Lo]

I'm not cool about the 4-link coil rear suspension until someone comes out with an airspring that'll fit inside that coil. I wonder what the GVWR will be for that truck?

On the new 2500, Airsprings are an option from RAM.
Not sure if its an option with the Powerwagon, or not.

Either way, the 2500 now (IMHO) has the benchmark chassis/suspension setup with coils&bags in the rear.

 

[Buliwyf]

Nope no airsprings available for the powerwagon. Not yet at least.
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A coil 4 link could be the future of pickups, hopefully Dodge doesn't screw it up like GM did with the 350 diesel.

 

[docb14]

Anyone know what the towing capacity will be on the new power wagon with the 6.4? The earlier PWs with the 5.7 gasser were a good bet less than the non PW 2500 with the 5.7 gasser (if my memory is correct). I would hope it would be at least 12K given that GMC will have a half ton that can pull 12K with their new 6.2.
Is the PW towing lessened due to its suspension or other factors?

 

[stioc]

Glad to see they're improving the beasts, I would've liked to see the PW option in the 1500 chassis. I love PowerWagons...but I still lust after the Raptors.

 

[87GMCJimmy]

Honestly, I'm not too enamored with the "improvements" to the 2014. I like my 2012's interior and exterior better than the 2013+ and I hate the central axle disconnect on the front axle of the 2014. I am neutral on the radius arm frontend (I think maybe I'd prefer just a longer armed version of the current four link), and I don't really like the short-armed rear coil setup- it's going to be expensive and complicated to modify compared to leaves. The only things I really like (and am completely jealous of) are the 6.4L and the 11.5" rearend (11.5" means the availability of lower gears than 4.56!)!!!!! i really wish I had that engine and rearend in my 2012!!!

All that said:
If they'd make the 2014 as a regular cab with a six speed manual, I'd trade my 2012 in in a heartbeat!!! (really doubt it's gonna happen though)

The towing and payload are reduced due to the flexier suspension and the fact that the Power Wagons are intended for rougher offroad use.

The Raptor-esque Ram would be the Ramrunner. It's available-ish, it's a whole bunch of $$$$ Mopar accessories on a 1500. You can finance them! $$$$! LOL!

 

[LimaMikeMike]

Sounds like CAD will not be on any manual transfercase HD Rams. So no CAD on the 14 powerwagon. Besides its not the crappy old vacuum system anyway.

 

[RoyJ]

Before people criticize the rear coils too much, you may want to feel the truck at a dealer / autoshow.

I too, was skeptical based on the soft 1500 coils, but a 2014 2500 is STIFF. I'd say it's as stiff, if not stiffer than a leaf sprung 3500 SRW. Both my buddy and I were hanging off the tailgate and the suspension barely budged.

Just because it's coil sprung doesn't mean it's soft or weak - up-armored Humvees gross nearly 15k lbs...

 

[crawler#976]

As a PW owner, I'm not enamoured with the change in the rear diff. Good luck with it off road - you loose over an inch of clearance. The 10.5 is a rock anchor with tires aired down, even with 35's. On stock 33's it will be right about 4 to 5" clearance when at 20 PSI. You'll need 37's on the truck to have the same clearance I do on 35's. That will require regearing and a minimum of a 4" lift too boot.

As far as the coils go, it should eliminate the biggest problem a PW has in soft terrain; axle hop due to spring wrap. Wait until Carli, Icon, and AEV tune a set specifically for the truck - it will be awesome.

Sent via gigawatt laser...

 

[crawler#976]

Guess this should settle whether it's a go or not...

 

[Littlehouse]

Hmm I may have to bump up the budget. I can't wait till they get it tested by 3rd parties

 

[Larry]

Oh! Me want! Not feeling the new decal package or the red grill though. Everything else looks outstanding

Glad I haven’t pulled the trigger on a ’10-’13 PW. The ‘14’s really look like they received a ton of upgrades. That truck really needed more power badly as the 5.7L felt pretty feeble in a heavy truck. Glad to see the 6.4L seems to deliver it.

I’ve been seriously considering a ’14 or '15 Silverado 1500 WT crew cab but with the ’14 PW upgrades, the PW is back on my wish list. I just hate to sell my 2001 8.1L HD truck though. Can’t keep them all I guess.