Had a chance to digest the styling of Ram’s new pickup? Good, because we’re about to take you through the stuff you really care about – its off-road chops.

Customers won’t have to break the bank for a Rebel in order to get some nifty off-road gear this time around. The 2019 Ram 1500 4×4 Off-Road Package now stands alone and includes a one-inch suspension lift, with or without the available air suspension. An electronic-locking rear differential and 32-inch on/off-road tires on 18- or available 20-inch wheels provide the grip. Hill-descent control is along for the ride too, just like in its big brother Power Wagon.

An off-road-biased rear suspension geometry and unique off-road-calibrated shocks are said to bolster trail capability, although Ram is short on specifics here. The package also includes skid plate protection on the transfer case, steering, engine and gas tank along with a couple of tow hooks. Natty rear-fender decals will be slapped on trucks equipped with the 4×4 Off-road Package. This package will be available on nearly every trim so get used to the sight of SLTs, Laramies, and maybe even Longhorns out on the trail.

Also new for 2019, the Ram 1500 Rebel is now available in a Quad Cab configuration. This will no doubt lower the price of entry and broaden the trim’s appeal. New 18-inch wheels reminiscent of those on the Power Wagon are wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac rubber and driven by an electronic-locking rear diff.

The old Rebel came standard with Ram’s active-level four-corner air suspension and a one-inch suspension lift. While air suspension is still available, the new Rebel comes standard with coil spring suspension and a one-inch factory lift. This change will likely also lower the sticker price a few bucks.

Newly designed Bilstein shocks feature snazzy remote reservoirs to keep the shocks cool and work with unique rear suspension geometry to keep the wheels turning. The new Rebel also includes Hill-descent Control for more off-road prowess. Hefty tow hooks feature wide bumper openings to ease use and the underbody protection features skid plates on the transfer case, steering system, oil pan and gas tank.

It sounds then, that a lot of off-road gear is shared with the Rebel and the Off-road Package that is available on nearly any trim. This is great news for ‘wheelers, as those who never did cotton to the Rebel’s angry mustache grille now have the freedom to get their off-road fix on the trim of their choice.

The transfer cases are upgraded internally for more robust performance in conjunction with the increased payload and towing capabilities of the new truck. Changes include a larger-diameter main shaft, relocation of the chain and sprocket for improved bearing support, and improved lubrication. Also, the on-demand system is enhanced for quicker response and higher front output torque capacity.

The 48-12 part-time transfer case provides 2Hi, 4Hi, and 4Lo. The low-range reduction ratio (crawl ratio) for 4Lo is 2.64:1. An on-demand transfer case which pops up on snazzier trims offers the same plus a 4Auto setting which automatically kicks the system into gear to provide maximum traction in tough road conditions. Rear ends can be stuffed with either 3.21, 3.55, or 3.92 gears which are familiar options to the Ram faithful.

Note that towing capacities are diminished anywhere from 90lbs to 140lbs if one selects a 5.7 with the eTorque mild hybrid system. For example, a HEMI short box 4×4 Crew Cab with 3.92 gears is tow rated or 11,290lbs. The same configuration with eTorque is 11,190. Spec wisely, my friends.