Ram vs Dodge/Chrysler - how complete is the separation?

[WinterDeere]

Your right.

I guess Daimler did not allow Chrysler to use that transmission.

My 2005 Daimler Dodge had a Getrag manual 6-speed transmission. My 2015 Ram has a ZF HP8 8-speed auto. Both have been totally reliable, but I'll admit I'd rather have a manual, if available.

 

[sd455dan]

My 2005 Daimler Dodge had a Getrag manual 6-speed transmission. My 2015 Ram has a ZF HP8 8-speed auto. Both have been totally reliable, but I'll admit I'd rather have a manual, if available.

and the older HD's got the New Venture 4500 or 5600 manuals.

 

[ruffdog]

Dodge and Ram both are axing the v-8 engines.

Farewell To The V8 Kings, Dodge Demon 170 And Ram TRX

 

[ericm979]

I think they're keeping the 6.4L v8 as the gas engine in the HD RAM trucks. Turbo sixes have done really well in Ford's 1/2 ton line. The Hurricane six sounds pretty good on paper. And of course straight sixes have a long history in American trucks.

 

[WinterDeere]

Dodge and Ram both are axing the v-8 engines.

Farewell To The V8 Kings, Dodge Demon 170 And Ram TRX

Do note these new V6's, even the standard edition, make way more horsepower and torque than today's 5.7L V8 Hemi, as configured for pickups:

5.7L V8 Hemi: 395 HP / 410 lb-ft
Std. Hurricane 6-cyl: 420 HP / 468 lb-ft
HO Hurricane 6-cyl: 540 HP / 521 lb-ft

People will try to whine that higher horsepower from smaller displacement means higher component stress, and thus potentially shorter lifetime. But these are also often the same people lamenting 1960's technology, built when you were lucky to get more than 70k miles out of a car.

 

[ruffdog]

True...with any new engine design, only time will tell on its long term reliability.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I just like V8's, but what I like doesn't sell. It's not whining to lament the loss.

 

[WinterDeere]

I just like V8's, but what I like doesn't sell. It's not whining to lament the loss.

hah... I was probably being too harsh with my wording. I also like V8s, V10s, and V12's. The more the better, with everything but in-laws and taxes.

But I will admit the 5.7L Hemi configured for pickups is a total dog, and really Dodge should've had a HO version of this engine available for pickups all-along. Why can I put the 485hp 6.4L in my Charger or Challenger, but not my 1/2 ton pickup?

I'm not looking forward to replacing my 5.7L Hemi truck, but since I drive my trucks mostly in bad weather, rust will have me replacing that 2015 Ram by 2027... it's just the way it works here in the northeast ice and road salt region. When I do, I'm glad there's a 540hp HO option available.

We live in an age where engine HP is really not our biggest problem. Insane pricing, silly low-ratio rear-diffs, and too-soft suspension are all bigger problems than engine horsepower, when shopping new trucks. I also wish they still came with proper "LT" tires, and not stupid "P" type station wagon tires, as that's an immediate $1500 out the window on every new truck I buy.

 

[jyoutz]

I just like V8's, but what I like doesn't sell. It's not whining to lament the loss.

The high performing v6 engines are more than adequate and better than the v8s of 30 years ago for 1/2 ton trucks. And diesel engines are so much better for heavy duty trucks and towing. There really isn’t a need for v8s in trucks anymore.

 

[kozal01]

The high performing v6 engines are more than adequate and better than the v8s of 30 years ago for 1/2 ton trucks. And diesel engines are so much better for heavy duty trucks and towing. There really isn’t a need for v8s in trucks anymore.

Small displacement high HP/ TQ gas engines are here to stay and Im all for it. I was a "V8 or nothing" guy for years, until I drove the Ecoboost F-150's when they came out. Now I own one and it pulls my trailers far and away better than my older V8 F-150 could ever dream of and it hardly works while doing it plus it nets much better gas mileage. Not to mention around town unloaded its a rocket ship, especially with a tune. Ill never go back to an NA V8. That new inline 6 that Ram now has sounds impressive!