Ram 2500/3500 Info

[Explorerinil]

The 6.4 is more appealing to me

2500 or 3500 won't matter to me

I want a manual lever tcase on the floor

I agree I prefer the lever as well, on my current truck I got the dial on the dash. I ordered the truck spec’d out how I want it, including duel alternators, the dealer called me the next day and told me they have located the exact truck I want minus the lever, I went with it. My friend had 300k on his truck with the dial 4x4 shifter when he sold it, never had a single problem with it.

 

[TrailWhalePowerwagon]

theres something about banging that range selector and knowing damn well you either engaged 4LO or snapped the linkage and are for sure, not in 4LO.

 

[Ghetto Fab.]

I really disliked the t-case lever in my old chevy truck. When I bought my 14 ram 2500 I was happy to convert to the dial shifter for the t-case. The problem is that all the american trucks use some variant of NP chain drive t-case and shifting them can be hard. While slowly rolling forward, shift trans to neutral and without stopping slam t-case lever into low range, try doing that on an uphill dirt road while towing a trailer! The dial makes shifting substantially easier for tow rig, nothing beats the older toyota gear t-cases.

I've been pretty happy with my 14 ram cummins tradesman. I only wished it had heated seats from the factory. If you can afford a power wagon go for it, at times I wish I had bought one. Mine is a daily driver/tow rig/family camper/occasional exploration platform. I have other rigs to go rockcrawling in. If your serious into overlanding with a ram I would suggest a gas engine over the diesel, less weight and at least in the standard 2500 way more payload capacity for campers and gear. The rear suspension works well, although soft springs combined with the rear track bar can cause some funny handling. I had to do a 3" rear track bar raise on mine after installing 1" lift rear soft ride springs. Power wagon front radius arms bolt to non-power wagon trucks just fine and increase front flex substantially, also tire clearance when turned.

Really nice trucks, I just wish I could get out more.

Kevin

 

[D45]

What perks does a PW have over a normal 2500/3500?

Electric front and rear diff lockers, front winch and able to disconnect the sway bar? Anything else?

 

[Oilbrnr]

What perks does a PW have over a normal 2500/3500?

Electric front and rear diff lockers, front winch and able to disconnect the sway bar? Anything else?

Factory lift and greater suspension articulation.

And the attitude that, "Power Wagon don't care."

 

[Oilbrnr]

I really disliked the t-case lever in my old chevy truck. When I bought my 14 ram 2500 I was happy to convert to the dial shifter for the t-case. The problem is that all the american trucks use some variant of NP chain drive t-case and shifting them can be hard. While slowly rolling forward, shift trans to neutral and without stopping slam t-case lever into low range, try doing that on an uphill dirt road while towing a trailer! The dial makes shifting substantially easier for tow rig, nothing beats the older toyota gear t-cases.

Kevin

The transfer case (Borg-Warner 44-47) on my '16 PW is easily an equal to my 80 series Lexus if not better. If coming to a complete stop to engage 4lo is an issue for you then, well hmm. I've never had any balking either putting it in Lo or taking it out. 4Hi is a two finger operation and you know it's in. Now, the bigger question, though I've not come across it in a negative way, nor have I spent any time looking, is the CAD. But that would be the case for any new RAM.

 

[vintageracer]

The greatest problem with the electric transfer case shifter's I have seen is the fact that most folks rarely if every put their truck into 4WD. The none use of the the electric transfer case shifter mechanism causes most of the issues with these electric wonders. The same can be said for the "Mexican" (Manuel) transfer case shifter's however far less often.

It's a good thing to put your truck in 4WD every now and then so as not to have a transfer case shifter mechanism issue.

 

[Regcabguy]

My neighbor's F-250's electronic transfer case failed on his first trip to the desert here. Dash 4x4 light was on. He got pulled out and the dealer fixed the issue.
No issues since.

 

[D45]

I had the manual tcase lever in my old 2004 3500 Ram......easy to use and I knew it was engaged

 

[Bayou Boy]

I had the manual tcase lever in my old 2004 3500 Ram......easy to use and I knew it was engaged

I can hear the electric shifter engage on my Ram...very different from the old vacuum GM 4wd system where you hit the switch and prayed...haha.

I would not give up my center console for a manual shift lever. Just like millions of other people putting their money down.

 

[hemifoot]

i never had a problem with my dial shift.i put in 4 hi when it's raining and i'm climbing hills just to exercise the front drive .(yes,i know) the 5.7 is a strong motor.i carry a camper and pull my boat with a 5.7 2500.never had a lack of power and i cross over 4 different mountain ranges in british columbia on a very regular basis.the manifold stud issue is a pita but i've replaced them with longer studs and new manifolds.no more hemi tick.at least once every summer trip i get asked about the 5.7 because i'm so loaded up.

 

[D45]

6.4L Hemi
410 HP @ 5600
429 TQ @ 4000

5.7 L Hemi (10-13)
383 HP @ 5600
400 TQ @ 4000

So 345 cid vs 392?

Would anyone notice the 27 HP and 29 TQ difference??

Same rpm curve?

 

[hemifoot]

putting a cai on a 5.7 would bump you right up to near the 6.4.so probably not.different tune? i think the 5.7 truck/car are tuned different.i drive mostly with the tow/haul engaged because my camper is on the truck more than it isn't and the revs stay higher.

 

[Oilbrnr]

Would anyone notice the 27 HP and 29 TQ difference??

Same rpm curve?

Simply put, yes.

There are other considerations that should probably also factor in, the design of the engines and the extent that FCA went to make the 6.4 suitable for truck use. Additionally, think about how you may be loading your potential truck up for whatever your ultimate build will be.

As my Power Wagon sits now, semi-dry, i.e. not fully loaded for an extended off-road adventure, she sits at 9,125lb on a Cat Scale. Personally I'am happy that I have the 6.4. Also I'm pleased at the way it tows my 6,600lb. boat here in AZ. So given the choice, there is no doubt in my mind. Additionally, a friend of mine has a '06 PW with the 5.7, has voiced his desire to have the 6.4 in his after multiple experiences riding in mine. I know that is anecdotal.

Mileage is going to be a wash IMHO. Around town here in Phoenix, I consistently get 13.3 indicated which, pencil vs. computer estimate is real close, hedging towards underestimation. Highway, 14.2 - 14.4 if not exceeding 75 mph.

Reliablity, I've had two warrenty issues (53k on the clock currently). Passenger side center air director for HVAC was broken on delivery and at 28k a solenoid failed in the EVAP system. Overall, extremely pleased both on and off-road, it's an equal match to my 80 series other than perhaps width.

Hope this helps.

 

[D45]

6.4L
Bore: 4.09"
Stroke: 3.72"

5.7L
Bore: 3.92"
Stroke: 3.58"