Ram 3500 with 6.4L Hemi or not?

[sdwhip]

3500 is where it's at with the rear spring pack. the coils in the rear should have stayed with the 1500's

The coils are working out great for the 2500 Rams and have proven to handle their intended load with ease. Mostly the reason for everyone's recommendation and NorCalHawk's reason for going 3500 is due to him carrying a truck camper and leaving it in the truck at all times. The 3500 is more suited for that task regardless of spring type.

 

[sdwhip]

That is weird about the gear ratio issue. Hopefully they are not trying to get rid of the 4.10s in the gas trucks. I'm sure the 3.73 would be sufficient but for a truck that will be loaded all the time there is no reason not to get the 4.10s. The Tradesmans are optioned pretty well these days but the Bighorns are a nice package as well. I had an 11 ST and now a 14 Outdoorsman so I have experience with both models. Hopefully everything works out in your favor. I would recommend looking at the Outdoorsman since you are ordering but the Bighorns have the better rebates I believe. Maybe you are taking that into consideration or maybe you have other reasons as well. Keep us updated and get pictures posted when you get your truck.

 

[TwinStick]

They may be saying "it wont go through" because they would MUCH rather sell one that was already made vs making a new one. I call bs at the dealer/corporate level. Stand your ground.

 

[hudsonhawk]

More than likely one of the options he wanted removed the ability to get the 4:10 gears. If you go online and building it out, some of the luxury options are not available with the 4:10s.

 

[NorCalHawk]

Maybe I'll hear back from the dealer today. The options I added to my build are limited to: upgraded Cloth bench seat, snow chief, radio and a few other interior options. I haven't looked at the Outdoorsman, but will. My main objective is payload and decent torque to get the truck moving w/o stressing the transmission, etc...*4.10* or am I missing something here. I do not need the CTD for towing. The Ram 3500 with the 6.4L has a GVWR at 10,800#...and yes, my camper will nest in the back 24/7. I like being ready to go, LOL...

 

[plainjaneFJC]

Most tradesman have power windows and locks and the 5" touch screen. Mine even has the knob for 4wd. These new vinyl seats have came a long way. I couldn't imagine going back to cloth seats.

 

[Buliwyf]

A gas engine doesn't belong in an HD chassis no matter how much a dealer lies about it, the diesel will tow better, get better mpg, and better resale value. It's a no brainer.

Couldn't be more wrong. Go gas unless you absolutely need the power of the diesels. (also ignore fuel economy claims, they don't add up)

OP, if you're truck is less than 11,000 pounds total, the gas engine is perfect. At least it is with the Ford 6.2L's I'm flogging. If the Dodge 6.4 is close to as good as the Ford 6.2 you're good to go.

Don't forget about tire ratings. The dually 3500 might be a wise choice for a slide in camper. But SRW or DRW, the rear leaf springs are optimal, not the coiled 2500. You'll likely need custom springs made, or an add a leaf to be level loaded. And any spring shop can play with leafs. Airbag kits are a good idea as well. When Dodge offers coils with airbags floating INSIDE the coils, Ford and GM will take notice then.

Try to get at least 4.10's. They way we go after larger tires, 4.30 or 4.56 is better still. If you can't find a Dodge 3500, gas, 4.10+, then go to a Ford dealer. Ford spits out thousands of F350's with the gas engines and 4.30's.

 

[chet6.7]

Have you built the truck online at Ram's site,and that gear ratio was available?
As I remember it from reading another forum,people ordering trucks could not get the configuration they wanted,I think parts go on restriction when the factory is out of parts.That gear ratio may be available at another time.

 

[Buliwyf]

If you're adding lockers it's all educational anyways. You can regear to anything at that point.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

I think on the Ford you can get the e-locker on a low-optioned 4x4 truck right? That's something to consider.

 

[p nut]

I think on the Ford you can get the e-locker on a low-optioned 4x4 truck right? That's something to consider.

That was one minus when I looked at Ram's. Only LSD available. F150's have rear lockers standard or as an option, depending on the package.

 

[Buliwyf]

I think on the Ford you can get the e-locker on a low-optioned 4x4 truck right? That's something to consider.

Ford will make them anyway you want. But then you have to pay retail. The trick is finding them on the lot, because it's a ton cheaper. I'm not sure about the locker, because I never really looked out for it. My work truck is an XL with open diffs, but I'm pretty certain we would have called it an XLT years ago. It even has the good lights and chrome, not sure what package that was.

 

[NorCalHawk]

Thanks again for all your options and suggestions. That said, I was informed today by the local Ram dealer (general manager) that there is/was a glitch in their computer system preventing a few add-ons during the build process. One of which is the 4.10 gear ration option. Things should be back to normal Thursday morning and my order will proceed forward. As I said earlier, I was able to build the desired truck on my computer, but the dealers computer would not recognized this option, on the Big Horn anyway. Persistence pays off...glad I stopped the order and waited a few days before going to another trim or buying something on the lot that I might regret later on. Also, the Ram rebates are very attractive right now. Individual dealer rebates will vary.

Thanks again for everybody's impute....what a great site this is.

 

[Rax]

NorCalHawk - how did your new truck and camper work out? ( mileage - issues, etc?) I'm now considering a gas RAM 3500 or F350 - SRW in 2018 or 2019 , depending on when I pull the retirement PIN. The current high up front cost of diesel engine and EGR (blow back), DPF (clogging)and DEF (Regen issues, warning codes etc) don't seem worth the cost and aggravation since I'm not towing and will be using the truck with a camper and will be travelling around N/A as retirement "expedition vehicle". The "Delete" option isn't an option in my jurisdiction. Thanks

 

[Buliwyf]

Get the most gear you can get. 4.10, 4.30, even 4.56.

Get the gas truck. Nothing you listed says "diesel" to me. The need for a dually = diesel. 38" tires and 80mph = diesel. 11,000 pounds and mountains = diesel. All of our smaller Fleet trucks (under 11,000#) are gasoline. And far, far more reliable than the diesels.

If the weight you're pulling starts to get near where you'd want a diesel. But you don't haul that amount of weight enough to make a difference, I'd jump brands to the Ford. The F350 with the 6.2L and 4.30's, seems to have more power in our fleet trucks. You have to take it out of cruise and floor it to let that motor scream to get an adavantage, but the extra power is there.

The only time I recommend a dually and a gas engine, is for expo use and slide in campers. A great combo that makes no sense for work, or large travel trailers.