RAM 3500 now 800lb.ft and 30,000lb GVWR!

[Ryan03]

This was my 95 rust bucket in 2008 when I sold it, after 13 years of contracting work.

Are those GM tow hooks I see poking out from under the front bumper ?

 

[JB4310]

Are those GM tow hooks I see poking out from under the front bumper ?

I did install them but can't remember, I thought they were just stock Dodge.

 

[kenmac]

Well since this has become a Dodge rust thread.

This was my 95 rust bucket in 2008 when I sold it, after 13 years of contracting work.

Dodges and all the RUST problems ,,,Gotta love it:laughing:

 

[Diamondpilot]

I did install them but can't remember, I thought they were just stock Dodge.

Good eye Ryan. They sure do look like older GM tow hooks. I have a set in my shop now for a future project.

Chris

 

[Duffster]

I find it funny how you stayed strong to your beliefs that big GVWR's and GCWR's and high power numbers were crazy when Dodge was sucking hind tit but now you are right on the band wagon.

:laughing:

 

[Dmace]

Who knew Indiana was southern state.

Who said Indiana was the "southern state" I was talking about...?

Anyway, I find it funny how you stayed strong to your beliefs that big GVWR's and GCWR's and high power numbers were crazy when Dodge was sucking hind tit but now you are right on the band wagon. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

No band wagon here, I said right from the start "I was hoping Dodge wouldn't need to jump on the HP wars of the Heavy Duty segment" and I still think it's dumb they are but if that's what sells then might as well. As long as they are not the company that needs to start the HP wars just to sell trucks...

By the way, 10,400# tow rating for a Hemi powered 3/4 ton is pathetic. Ford does 15,700# and GM does 14,700# in gas 3/4 tons. Heck, a Ford F-150 will do 11,300#. 1/2 ton Ford beats a 3/4 ton Dodge, news flash.

By the way, that 10,400lb tow capacity is for the new (HALF-TON) RAM 1500 Tradesman version that comes in reg cab, long bed V8 producing almost 400hp, 20 mpg and around $22k. That is not the tow capacity of the 3/4 ton truck. News Flash, the "entry level" Ford base work truck tow capacity is 5,500lbs unless you pay the $4500 premium ($27k total) for the new unproven twin turbo V6 which bumps it up to 11,300 lbs.

 

[Dargo]

I did install them but can't remember, I thought they were just stock Dodge.

Yup, stock Dodge part. I installed a set on my '96 4X4 dually I had for 10 years. They really need a better bolt on setup though. I 'moved' mine a few times yanking with them.

 

[davygp38]

Well since this has become a Dodge rust thread.

This was my 95 rust bucket in 2008 when I sold it, after 13 years of contracting work.

I would hire you on the spot just based on the condition of that truck:thumbsup:

 

[Ford850]

The folks in Alberta know better than to buy a Dodge. Seriously, conditions in the prairie provinces are much different than the rust belt of the states. Less rainfall, lower humidity, salt would be less effective with the colder winter temperatures and lower population densities, so fewer vehicles.



1) The "grain of salt" comment, pun intended? I have to admit that I usually am pretty much in agreement with what DP says, except that some of our tastes differ. With you two going at each other all the time, I have to think you're brothers or at least cousins.

2) I kind of doubt that. Indiana has far more people and roads than New Hampshire. And with their warmer temperatures, the salt is more corrosive. Let's not forget that Indiana also has higher summer humidity.

You're right. Rust forms faster in warmer temps than cold. More highways (more salt) also increases rust. Freeze/thaw cycles and lots of slush with salt are the best for fast rust. So the worst rust areas are through the regions that have many freeze/thaw cycles through the winter that also get heavy snowfalls and have the highest populations. The region south of that is close behind. The farther north you go, the less rust you see since is stays colder throughout the winter.
With all the salt brine they spray on the dry roads now, and the calcium chloride and lime grit they add to the salt it's surprising we don't have more rust problems.

 

[slowzuki]

I do have to add, our neighbours 2000ish ram was a nightmare, and the box and bumpers did rust very quick. They spent a fortune on front axle parts, over and over, and replaced that track bar more times than I can count. The transmission was only rebuilt once. They had great luck with the motor.

My father in law drives a 1998 with 400k on the broken odometer. They are on the 2nd transmission, 2nd full body job due to missing rockers, doors rusted through, bed rusted through. Engine has not had any work done on it, 2 wheel drive so no chassis problems.

The newer ones seem a lot better in many areas and don't rot like these ones. I can't say Ford is any better as all the superduties from 1999 to about 2003 have the wheel arches rotted out on them in the bed.