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Bought a new Ram
I took the plunge after my '94 Dakota started showing its age, cosmetically. Still mechanically very good. I looked at Chevys, too, but they were considerably more expensive, though they had better engine specs. Plus I have a prejudice for Dodges; this is my 6th Chrysler product.
Anyway, 2003 2wd Ram short bed, regular cab, 4.7 V-8 with 5-speed transmission, SLT package with Sport appearance group, and the 20" (!) wheel and tire package; 3.91 rear gears with limited slip.
I had to tow my TC29 with backhoe attached the other day; the Ram is definitely geared too tall with the big tires for towing that much (about 4000 lbs). Those tires are 31-1/2" tall! But it should handle the Farmall A (1600 lbs) fine for towing to the tractor pulls this summer.
Otherwise, it is really sweet. Brakes are excellent. Despite its size, it handles well; and it is quiet and very comfortable inside. Acceleration is adequate; the 4.7 sounds good and is really smooth. I had gotten used to my 318 Dakota with 3.55 rear, 5-sp, performance computer, headers and performance exhaust. The Ram has slighly less HP and 1000 pounds more weight, so I expected less acceleration. The 5.7 Hemi (~340 HP) is to be availabe in the 1500 Rams soon, but I couldn't wait; plus I don't know what transmission Dodge will pair it with, and how much $ they'll want for it. Speculation is that the Hemi will only be available in 4wd, at least for a time.
I just hope it is as durable and dependable as my Dakota was.
Bill
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Bought a new Ram
Mark,
I noticed that my Dakota took quite a while to loosen up, too. But I'd forgotten about that. Well, to be fair, since the Ram only has about 1000 miles on it, I didn't really put the hammer down when towing with it. It was a "family emergency" that required my backhoe, so I went. Instead of letting it pull hard, I just geared down and went slower. I would have much preferred to get a few thousand miles on it before towing.
Maybe the engine will liven up a bit in a few months, and later I'll add a K&N air filter that may help a wee bit. Still, I'm far from disappointed.
Bill
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Bought a new Ram
I hope that my next truck will be a 3/4 ton. At some point, I hope to get both a Farmall Super C and my Farmall A going to the pulls. I'll have to have a bigger truck and trailer to do it. And a bigger garage to put it in.
I mean over the next 10 years.
In the meanti....oops- I hear my wife coming. Got to go.
Bill
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Bought a new Ram
I'd like to have a diesel, or at least investigate it more, but have 2 problems with it immediately. First, it is a $6000 option on the Dodges; next, my garage is directly under my bedroom. It is not uncommon for me to get up and go to work before my wife does, I think the racket from starting it up would be pretty bad. A quibble, yes, but part of life. I think for my relatively light towing needs, the Hemi 5.7 would be keen.
Bill
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Bought a new Ram
Thanks for the real-world opinions of the diesel Ram. Dr. Peters, as for my wife, rising early may or may not make her wealthy and wise, but is sure as heck doesn't make her happy!
Happy New Year to all.
Bill
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