The
all-new 2003 Dodge Ram 2500s and 3500s feature a completely
new and unique heavy-duty frame. The new frame, the stiffest
ever on a heavy-duty Ram, uses extensively hydroformed and
boxed sections tough enough to deliver a segment-leading Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 12,000 lbs.
"The
new Heavy Duty Ram frames are a quantum leap in the technology
of truck chassis design," said Rich Schaum, Executive
Vice President, Product Development and Quality. "Not
only do they create an incredibly stiff platform that allows
us to tune the suspension and steering to new levels, but they
also simplify the manufacturing process. We have been able to
reduce the overall number of welds needed in the chassis
construction, which limits variations in the manufacturing
process and improves dimensional integrity and overall
durability."
The
stiffness of the frame, and the consistent dynamics afforded
through the hydroformimg process, contribute to the best
steering and handling of any heavy-duty pickup. The 2003 Dodge
Ram Heavy Duty pickups also feature an all-new rack and pinion
steering system and independent front suspension for two-wheel
drive models, and heavy-duty beam front and rear axles for
four-wheel drive models. The 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
delivers a chassis that can cover ground smoothly, both on-
and off-road, and can take the abuse of hard-working Ram
customers.
Stiffest
Frame Ever on a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Pickup
The
frames for the 2500 and 3500 Dodge Rams are completely new and
unique to Ram 2500/3500. The design follows a formula similar
to the frame design of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, utilizing
hydroformed "box" sections that are far stiffer than
on the previous-generation Ram, and contribute to reduced
noise, vibration, and harshness, (NVH), while improving
steering and handling precision. Because Ram Heavy Duty
pickups carry much heavier loads than their light-duty
siblings, their frames are even more robust and feature
thicker gauge steel construction.
New
Levels of Ride and Handling
Designed
as a package, Ram's hydroformed frame and standard 17-inch
wheels and tires-the largest offered on a heavy-duty
pickup-combine to provide excellent ride and handling and
reduced NVH characteristics without diminishing durability and
load ratings.
While
two- and four-wheel drive versions of the all-new 2003 Dodge
Ram Heavy Duty use different steering systems, each suspension
system was designed to provide excellent feedback and
precision.
"We
went to great lengths to ensure that the steering feel on
these Heavy Duty Rams was second to none without diminishing
the levels of towing, hauling or durability that the Ram Heavy
Duty is known for," said Frank Klegon, Vice President,
Truck Product Team.
Two-wheel
drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature a new rack and
pinion-type steering system that delivers a combination of
effort, feel and response tuned to give the driver precise
control and positive feedback.
Four-wheel
drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks have a redesigned
recirculating ball system made to more exacting tolerances
than their predecessors. The new system improves on-center
steering feel through lower internal friction, with
responsiveness enhanced by a quicker ratio. The 13.4:1 overall
steering ratio and 2.75 turns lock-to-lock are especially
effective when making tight turns or maneuvering a trailer in
close quarters. The system also provides a steady helm for
highway cruising, with little of the wander and imprecision
normally associated with heavy-duty truck steering.
New
Suspensions Ride Smooth but Work Hard
The
2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups feature new suspension
systems designed to provide smooth ride and handling, without
diminishing Ram's tough work ethic. Since the majority of
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups are ordered with four-wheel
drive, Ram's off-road performance is a key selling point. To
improve off-road performance, the 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
trucks feature new transfer cases and new front and rear beam
axles. The beam axle system can sustain the types of off-road
load forces the truck will endure, while providing improved
load ratings.
Dodge
Ram 2500s and 3500s provide a new suspension system for
four-wheel drive versions. Front suspension on
four-wheel-drives is a refined version of the five-link,
coil-spring suspension used on the previous-generation Dodge
Ram Heavy Duty, with a new front beam axle. The front beam
axle has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and is rated at 5,200
pounds Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
No
Rear Stabilizer Needed
Rear
suspension architecture is common to both two- and four-wheel
drive models. The 2003 Ram Heavy Duty uses longitudinal leaf
springs at the rear, but the springs are three inches longer
than 2002 models to improve ride quality. The added length
reduces spring stresses. The standard two-stage springs used
on 2500 series have three leaves to carry normal loads while
providing a comfortable ride and an additional leaf to support
heavy loads. The rear box section of the Ram Heavy Duty was
widened to create a wider lateral rear spring span that
improves the ride and reduces cornering lean. In fact, the new
design eliminated the need for a rear stabilizer bar.
Dodge
Ram 3500 series pickups feature reduced spring rates for
unloaded and lightly loaded conditions to improve ride
quality. To support the heavier payloads and towing demands of
a 3500, an auxiliary leaf spring setup was created. The
auxiliary springs are only employed when the truck is heavily
laden, providing improved unladen ride comfort.
All-new
rear axles (10.5 inch ring gears on 2500 models and 11.5 inch
ring gears on 3500 and 2500 diesel/manual models) contribute
to increased gross vehicle weight ratings, with a
best-in-class rating of 12,000 pounds on the 3500 Diesel/4x4.
The standard rear axle ratio is a 3.73 with a 4.10 ratio
available as an option and provides an additional 2,000 pounds
of towing capability. Dodge Ram 3500 rear axles have a GAWR of
9,350 pounds.
A
new limited slip differential is available on Ram Heavy Duty.
The helical gear design provides torque biasing and eliminates
the "chatter" found in friction plate designs. The
system requires no lubricating additives.
On
two-wheel drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups, new front
suspension geometry delivers caster, camber and toe patterns
that remain consistent throughout the full range of travel.
Standard
ABS and Largest Brakes in Heavy-Duty Class
Dodge
Ram Heavy Duty pickups are equipped with standard anti-lock
braking and a four-wheel disc system that features the largest
rotors in the heavy-duty segment. At 13.9 inches (353 mm)
front and rear, these rotors deliver swept area increases of
42 percent (front) and 45 percent (rear) over the
previous-generation Ram Heavy Duty. The larger rotors are made
possible by the change to 17-inch wheels and more voluminous
linings, which increase braking power, extend lining life, and
increase heat dissipation. Overall, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's
brake system gives the driver a sense of confidence that it
can handle any situation.
New
Transfer Case Choices
Two
new transfer cases, a conventional manual shift and new
electric shift, are available on 2500 and 3500 four-wheel
drive models and provide quieter operation. The manual-shift
unit is standard on ST and SLT models. The electric-shift unit
is standard on Laramie models.
Dodge@Off-Road.com
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