CTDjoey

Well I've been out of the diesel game for a couple years now and my how things have changed. I am looking for a little info about modding the new stuff. If I buy I'd like to be able to up the performance at least a little but from what I'm reading those days are gone. Any help, advice or just thoughts on 2014 trucks. Thanks in advance.

Jim W

What is wrong with 370HP/800lb-ft of torque? This is what the 2014 2500 Cummins with the 68RFE auto and the 3:42 rear ends have available from the factory.
I have attached an article from Turbo Diesel Registry that covers what is new on the 2500 2014MY trucks.

WHAT IS NEW FOR 2014?
The answer to this question depends on whom you ask.

2014 Consumer Trucks

The short answer for the folks that are interested in the consumer marketplace and the 2500/3500 Heavy Duty trucks:

A new 6.4-liter Hemi gasoline engine was introduced for the 2500s and 3500s.The engine is 410 hp/429 ft-lb torque with variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation for light load fuel economy.

The 2500s are now are equipped with a link coil rear suspension that is approved for up to 17,940 pounds of towing.

The 2500 link suspension can be ordered with air bags to replace the coil springs. Load capacity is not sacrificed with the air bags. Automatic load leveling is a feature of the optional air bag system.

The higher tow ratings for the 2500s (and last year’s 3500s) necessitated changes to the front suspension. Two-wheel drive versions no longer have independent front suspension, but rather they adopt a three link front suspension (think four-wheel drive with the drive axle).This increases the roll stiffness of the truck.

For 2014, the Ram 2500 will offer a range of new 18” and 20” wheels.

The 2500 truck’s frame is now equipped with the gooseneck or fifth-wheel center positions in the bed.

The 3500s continue with a leaf-type spring system in the rear. However, there is a supplemental air suspension available for the rear on both the SRW and DRW trucks.

Dual amp alternator is available.

Three diesel engine options:

- 350 hp/660 torque with manual G56 six-speed

- 370 hp/800 torque with automatic Chrysler 68RFE six-speed

- For 3500 only – 385 hp/850 torque with automatic Aisin AS69RC six-speed

Hope this helps?

Jim W.

SOhappy

No performance mods or emission deletes yet on the '13x & '14s, but with 850 ft/lbs and DEF (instead of full-time EGR ) maybe you won't need 'em.

Busboy

I would like to chime in, I had posted my son was already getting exhaust codes on his 2013 3500 but has since had an update at the dealer and they have stopped, truck is running well and taking a beating, going to need tires before winter. One draw back is the oil still gets dirty and he's changing at 7500km.

Thanks for posting Jim, the dealer had told me that the springs were gone on the 2014 3500 and just air bags so good to know.

Mike Holmen

Dodge still only have the 3.42 gears available for the 3500 SRW? I will have to see how the urea DEF system will handle a -40deg's C winter day without plugin the truck.

Until then I'm just going to enjoy my nearly paid off 2010 truck. My oil is still clean at 7500 mile and get around 18-20mpg (14-15mpg towing).

Might buy a 2013-2014 2500 next year, not sure yet on what brand (no fords I promise). Been lending towards buying a duramax, just cause you can delete and are around 10-15k cheaper than the dodge for a similar truck.

Grit Dog

Empirical data.
The North Slope oilfields in AK used to be 100% diesel fired everything. Now all the contractors and rental outfits are switching to gas rigs after the 2011 introduction of DEF. You see very few diesel pickups for this reason alone. They started dropping diesels in 08 whenthe dpfs went into effect, now that combined with frozen def has the oil companies even starting to revise their policies of no gasoline powered equipment around the drill sites and wells (explosion hazard).

Crabjoe

I picked up a '14 3500 SRW, over this past weekend... And I can confirm, it's got leafs..

So far, I've got 800 miles on it.. I'm averaging 18.5mpg and that's about 80% hwy. The only thing I don't like about it is the lag. Off the line or passing/merging is a PITA! There's some major lag with this truck. And if you're wondering, I've got the Aisin, meaning 385hp - 850ft/lbs tq.

I did do some light pulling yesterday.. Pulled a 23ft boat, weighs in around 6000lbs. The truck pulls like a freight train. And when I pull, my driving style completely changes... With the change, I don't notice the lag. It's only driving empty, where I find the lag unbearable.

BTW, if I could have gotten 4.10s with this truck, I would have done it in a heart beat... After driving with the 3.42s, I know I'd rather have the 4.10s. I feel the 4.10s would help eliminate the lag....

SOhappy

Crabjoe, I noticed a huge difference in off-the-line performance between my 2003 (S.O.!) and my 2011. Felt like the 3rd gen would've spanked the 2011 in an 1/8 mile drag. But after that at 50mph the 2003 would tend to fall on its face, where the 4th gen kept pulling like a freight train. Just different tuning I guess. I'm sure Ram took a page from Chevy's book and they are de-tuning off the line to protect the drivetrain.

I really missed the low-end but got used to it. One minor advantage of the 4th gen is the throttle isn't nearly as touchy when doing technical off-roading in 4-low. My 3rd gen was downright scary when in 4-low in a tight spot. Any throttle movement seemed like too much.

CTDjoey

Crabjoe is that black or the grey? I'm trying to figure out what color I want.

jnovak

[QUOTE=Crabjoe;3207781]I picked up a '14 3500 SRW, over this past weekend... And I can confirm, it's got leafs..

So far, I've got 800 miles on it.. I'm averaging 18.5mpg and that's about 80% hwy. The only thing I don't like about it is the lag. Off the line or passing/merging is a PITA! There's some major lag with this truck. And if you're wondering, I've got the Aisin, meaning 385hp - 850ft/lbs tq.

Sweet truck Crabjoe. I'm also impressed with the mileage.

spider_1954

I have a 2013 2500 auto 4x4
and the lag time is horrible!!!!
I would like to have the 3.75 gears but I do like getting just over 20 mpg on the hiway.
I have pulled my 37' fifth wheel (14000lbs) and it pulls it great.

Crabjoe

It's Max Steel. It changes from black, charcoal, to a blue tinted charcoal, depending on lighting.

Crabjoe

I know what you mean about 4-low.. I almost never use 4-low, in any 4x4 I've have.

On this '14, once moving, it pulls like a freight train, but off the line and passing/merging situations, it's a dog. And because it's a dog in these situations, it's best not to be in a hurry, during rush hour traffic...

As for it being this way to help protect the transmission or driveline, I don't buy it. GM may do it, but a DMAX is a rocket, compared to the Ram. And with the Ram, it's not like it doesn't give you the power, it's more like a 3 count. What I mean is, if I stomp on the pedal, I can count to 3 before it takes off. It's like there's a delay, very similar to turbo lag.

With a 1000+ miles on it, off the line, I do feel it got quicker, but it could be just in my head. My driving style/expectations might have changed or the truck is adapting to my driving habits. Passing/merging is still a super slug! During rush hour, there's no way in heck, I'm going to try to change lanes, if I don't have a ton of space between the other vehicles.. It's added about 20 mins to my commute, which ain't fun!

CTDjoey

Are these truck DBW? If a tuner could change the drive by wire scaling it will be more enjoyable to drive. This is the case with Ecoboost trucks. Tuners changed factory scaling to show 10% pedal is 30% throttle ( or however sensitive you want it). What you are feeling cannot be turbo lag with a 6.7 liter engine in a truck. My current Ecoboost went from "laggy" to overly touchy with a tune. I have it setup in the middle right now.

Grand Geek

Very nice rig.. i do like the new rim design and the running board under the truck bed to reach in the box.