Mopar Underground Dodge pickups at Moab

H

haven

Expedition Leader
Mopar Underground brought two modified Dodge RAM models to the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab this week.

The first is called the RAM Powerwagon, which started out as a Dodge 2500 Power Wagon. The frame was shortened, a standard cab and short box added, and a coil spring rear suspension based on the Dodge 1500 added. 40 inch tires are bolted on.

The second truck is called the RAM Runner. It's a RAM 1500 crew cab pickup with a prototype long travel suspension that will be available later this year through Mopar. The new suspension offers 15 inches of travel in front, 14 inches in the rear, Fox Racing reservoir shocks, high angle U-Joints, forged A-arms, and other suspension pieces. The truck rides on 35 inch tires.

Descriptions here:
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/03/three-tough-mopar-trucks-tackle-moab-easter-jeep-safari.html

Photos here:
http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/666094...ram-runner-image-vehicles-unveiled/index.html

and here
http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6655572/editorials/raptor-slayer/index.html
 
Regcabguy

Regcabguy

Oil eater.
Nice

I like the Ram Runner. I just wish they'd use the full width bed. Sounds like you'll be able to upfit your dealer purchased Dodge with factory warranteed components. Longbed regcab stock truck,Ram Runner upfit w/FWC anyone? Coming off the dealer's floor could circumvent some states laws on aftermarket lifts,tires,etc.
 
Metcalf

Metcalf

Expedition Leader
Isn't the Ram Runner based of the 1500 chassis?

I would like to see a combination of the two....

2500 regular cab long bed 4wd with the Cummins.
Body panels off the RamRunner ( longbed version ) for tire clearance
PowerWagon axles with the locking differentials
37x12.5 tires on the stock 8-lug 17x8 forged aluminum wheels from the 2500 trucks
Kore/Carli 2-3" suspension system with the rear airbag option for larger loads.

I'm going over to the vendor show on Friday....can't wait to see them in person!
 
Pskhaat

Pskhaat

2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
I think I saw these guys roll into town on Sunday and on the trailer on Monday in Moab. The rear coil would be interesting with a 2500+ platform, but I sure wish the had the larger double-cab, a smaller Cummins and manual tranny. Drool.

I guess what I don't get is these upfitted projects are SO CLOSE to being SO GOOD, but drop it on some very key items in favor of desert rats (which honestly is a larger volume sale than a "properly" fitted rig?)
 
Regcabguy

Regcabguy

Oil eater.
The 5.9 or 6.7 Cummins would be awfully heavy in a 1/2 ton. Dodge and Cummins have fired up negotiations again on a V-8 configured diesel. My Cummins buddy tested out a prototype V-8 Cummins Dodge 1500 years ago and was blown away by the performance and economy. From a mechanic's point of view though, it was the same view under the hood as Duramax and Ford techs see: a nightmare. Beyond snug. Dodge is onto a good thing here in dealer installed optional offroad components. They'll be warranted,similiar to the Rubicon.
 
Metcalf

Metcalf

Expedition Leader
Why won't they do something like the 3.9 or 4.5 4cyl cummins?....or even the new ISL 3.8 would be pretty good in a 1500/2500 chassis?

I want the beef of the 2500 chassis, and rear leaves don't bother me. Rear coils could be interesting. I like the solid front end.....at least in a truck. IFS hasn't swept me off my feet yet.
 
19psi

19psi

The Devil Made Me
Regcabguy said:
The 5.9 or 6.7 Cummins would be awfully heavy in a 1/2 ton. Dodge and Cummins have fired up negotiations again on a V-8 configured diesel. My Cummins buddy tested out a prototype V-8 Cummins Dodge 1500 years ago and was blown away by the performance and economy. From a mechanic's point of view though, it was the same view under the hood as Duramax and Ford techs see: a nightmare. Beyond snug. Dodge is onto a good thing here in dealer installed optional offroad components. They'll be warranted,similiar to the Rubicon.
Click to expand...

a friend of mineworks for GM in their R&D dept. and says that the prototype 1/2 ton diesels from all 3 brands were amazing. they just got nixed for economic reasons. (they'd steal sales from the 2500 and 3500 trucks because they are 90% as capable which is all most people need)

Metcalf said:
Why won't they do something like the 3.9 or 4.5 4cyl cummins?....or even the new ISL 3.8 would be pretty good in a 1500/2500 chassis?

I want the beef of the 2500 chassis, and rear leaves don't bother me. Rear coils could be interesting. I like the solid front end.....at least in a truck. IFS hasn't swept me off my feet yet.
Click to expand...

i agree.
 
Scott Brady

Scott Brady

Founder
Yes it is. . .

We had some time with that truck and pushed it in the dunes - these are the results.

Ram Runner: Fastest way to cross the Sahara?

ram_runner_jump_sm%203.jpg
 
0

06QuadRam

Observer
I've seen some video of it jumps and wasn't too impressed on the valving of the shocks. It landed like a load of bricks. Kore was happy with the way it ran.. but it look like it just needed someone who knows how to valve some shocks!
 
H

haven

Expedition Leader
The Mopar Performance catalog now has the pieces to let you build your own RAM Runner. Grand total for the parts is about $21,000, not including the labor to install on your RAM 1500 pickup. Maybe a Dodge dealer will give you a good price if you purchase the whole package.

I see two problems. First, the parts are from the Perfomance catalog, so there is no warranty. And if your vehicle has the performance parts installed, then other parts of the vehicle (engine, transmission, etc) may not be covered by the factory warranty if you have a problem.

Second, the cost of the RAM 1500 pickup plus the go-fast parts is more than a Ford Raptor costs.

The Raptor includes a 3 year, 36,000 mile bumper to bumper factory warranty, like any other F150.

Here are the Dodge parts, numbers and prices:

Suspension
Stage 2 Ram Runner Suspension Kit, Part Number (PN): P5155662, MSRP: $13,270 (production begins in March)

There's a Stage 1 Pre-Runner Suspension Kit, PN: P5155258, MSRP: $3,129 that won't let you jump the truck, but raises the truck so the other pieces will fit.

Exterior (production begins in March)
Front Ram Runner bumper, PN: P5155663, MSRP: $1,250
Tubular tire carrier, PN: P5155664, MSRP: $1,010
Front Ram Runner fenders, fiberglass, PN: P5155665), MSRP: $1,020
Rear Ram Runner fenders, fiberglass, PN: P5155666, MSRP: $1,350
Sport performance hood, fiberglass, PN: 82211065AD, MSRP: $978 (available now)
Cold-air intake system, PN: 77070023, MSRP: $466 (available now)
Cat-back exhaust system, PN: P5155280, MSRP: $1,135
 
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