Lary Ellis (Top)

DTR Has teamed up with Chrysler, "Ram Brand" and Cummins to host a LIVE Q&A session here discussing the "Proven Power" Ram truck and Cummins engine.

The date we have set is tentatively the evening of June 29, 2010 Time thought at this time to be 6:30 -8:00 PM Eastern. (This may change so keep an eye on this notice for any time changes)

Here is your chance to talk to the people that design the best pickup/engine combo on the planet so start preparing your questions and comments now.

I am starting this Thread so that you can begin asking some questions now, then I can shoot them off to the Engineers prior to the event allowing them to answer some of the more generic questions up front, leaving the live session to cover other things.

Please post any important question you want covered here and what they don't answer in the first post we can cover LIVE

This should be a GREAT Thing folks!

cdennyb

Q-1 Simple and seemingly meaningless... Why didn't they put the automatic windown switches in ALL positions on the drivers panel? You know, the switch for the drivers side window that you flip and release and it takes the window all the way down without holding it.

GhettoVaquero

Glad to see Ram embracing social engineering. They know we are the "truck guys" and their biggest source of brand support. Well done!

CoastalDav

Why won't you build a NON COMMERCIAL version of the 4500?

Ford F450 is the only option other than a Freightlinner or a coverted Class 6 Single Screw Tractor, with its rating of 34,000lbs Gross Combined Weight.

Set up for towing, a 3500 can tow within a 1000lbs, what the 4500 can do, because of its much heavier weight which goes against it Gross Combined ability. The new 3500's can exceed the 4500's towing ability in GCWR, being lighter in weight with more hp and torque. Why buy a 4500??????? Non CDL drivers can drive it as well with its rating under 26,000lbs.

I understand your NON CDL Driver thing for the 4500/5500, but that don't help us out here that wants to tow a 19,000lbs fifth wheel or other load of that size or larger, and don't want a common Ford with its V8 Junk.

Be Advised if a inline 6 every goes into a Ford, such as John Deere, Volvo or Mann, Dodge will suffer greatly in sales without the GCWR.

Lary Ellis (Top)

Great question!

Brookster

I have three ignition switch assemblies fail due to the weld points on the switch assembly. I have had these issues on my 2004 2500 Crew Cab 4X4. My father in-law has had the same issue twice on his 2003 1500 Crew Cab. I finally repaired it by properly hot spot welding the contact bar in the original factory locations myself (No problems in well over 2 yrs.).

Crew Cabs, Is there a factory solution for the wind noise buffering around the doors to body seals more notably noticed driving at speed in slight crosswind conditions, this drives me crazy... While my truck was in it's warranty period 3 different dodge dealers could not adjust the doors or replace the door seals to resolve the issue. I have noticed this issue in many of the dodge Crew Cab trucks 2002 + models.

What are your thoughts on Bypass oil filters and fuel filtering systems?

What are your thoughts on preventive maintenance, i.e. fuel injector cleaners, fuel additives, etc.?

soulezoo

In addressing these issues and in the interest of keen competition while keeping costs down, I offer the following as items that make me look at Ford or Chevy instead of the RAM:

Locking front hubs

Selective locking differentials

The 4500 non-commercial option as described elsewhere

The Aisin transmission as an option in non C&C trucks

A premium interior package that competes with Ford's King Ranch (Sorry, but even as RAM has improved over the years, RAM's best is still no comparison to the KR and frankly, next to price, that is my biggest draw; quality and comfort and relative luxury within the cab)

#1-- better fuel mileage

The question I have is: can we get the above?

05 dodge

If the ram truck can be tuned aftermarket to run better and get better fuel economy, why isn't it done from the factory to begin with.

whitebuffalo

specifically fuel filtering. there has been internet talk (fwiw) that bosch requires 2 micron filtration for the cp3, but my truck came with a 10 micron, and later a 7 was available. is 2 micron required?

dieselJon

05dodge, 1 word. EPA

Here is something I here a lot.

I want the Megacab but it only has the 6ft bed. If they would only build...

Q2~ Can there be a Work truck package for the megacab?

Q3~ Can there be automatic UP electric windows? Audi has them.

Q4~ For the 2wd trucks, optional front air bags?

twichit

Here is mine , Could they design and build a Cummins powered Power Wagon with solid axels,5 or 6 speed stick,heavy duty clutch,reg cab no frills truck,leaf springs,again,lock out hubs. With the ablity to take the pounding snow plowing gives out. Basicly an actual Power Wagon rough sevice one ton or ton an a half with an old Power Wagon look, that I is what I would like to know

Crobar

Why put a clutch in these trucks that is marginal even at stock hp/TQ?
And what about that fuel pump? Same deal...as stated earlier should'nt the factory filter be 2 micron?

cLAYH

Why is the factory rear hitch so under rated as compared to the truck? Why not install a rear 2"(or 2.5" like the Chevs) that is matched the capacity of the truck?

My 2001 3500 dually came from the factory with the exact same hitch as my sister's 1500 did.

1slo_MM

First off, thanks for taking the time to help us understand and answer our questions!!


Q1 Why is the overhead "Average Mileage" so far off and different on most all trucks?? (other than the obivous)

Q2 Why no lockouts? (like alreday stated)

Q3 Any reason why, for the 06+ models, only a 3yr/36,000 mile warranty was offered, unlike the previous years?

Q4 Non-greasable balljoints?????? Really...

Q5 Why is the intake on the head designed so poorly? #1 and #6 are very restricted compared to the other 4...

AH64ID

Some of these are repeats, but I want to emphasize the importance.

Q1: Can we get locking hubs back?

Q2: Can we get balljoints that can be greased?

Q3: I have heard of a 7-speed manual being developed with 2 OD's, a towing and and empty ratio (similar to the auto), is this true?

Q4: Whats with the grill not lifting with the hood on the 2010's? That is one of the best thing about the older dodges, under-hood access on the 2010's is greatly reduced.

Q5: Will the 2010 body mounts fit older trucks?