ATLANTA. March 1. Today at NTEA’s Work Truck Show, Dodge rolled out its new Ram 3500 chassis cab. The 2007-model Class 3 carries a single-rear-wheel GVWR of 10,200 lb., while maximum GVWR for dual-rear-wheel models is 12,500 lb. When equipped with optional diesel power, the truck has a GCWR of 23,000 lb.
Standard power is a Chrysler V8 330-hp. Hemi engine; a new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel is also available. The Ram 3500 is offered in single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel models and two cab-axle lengths (60 and 84 in.) are available.
Other key features include:
- All-new commercial-grade chassis
- Exclusive flat "clean" frame rails with industry-standard 34-in. frame rail spacing
- 50-ksi steel one-piece C-channel frame 52-gal. standard fuel tank
- "Best in class" interior room: 121.6 cu. ft. for Quad Cab models and 65.2 cu. ft. for regular cab models.
- All chassis components are below frame surface, assuring versatility for virtually any up-fit application.
- 15,000-mi. oil change intervals
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- Optional exhaust brake
- Extensive safety and security enhancements
The new Cummins High Output turbodiesel produces 305 hp. and 610 lb.-ft. torque and the Hemi V8 develops 330 hp. and 375 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Ram 3500 offers a 6-sp. automatic transmission (diesel only) with PTO capability or a 6-sp. manual with PTO capability. An electronic-shift transfer case is offered as well as the factory-installed exhaust brake option. The truck also comes with the Ram's heavy- suspension system but "beefed up even more for commercial applications."
Both 2WD and 4WD models feature a recirculating ball system that Chrysler said provides precise response and on-center steering feel through lower internal friction. In addition, new power steering lines "contribute to the delivery of precise feel and response for improved handling."
The truck also has solid-beam front and rear axles and a five-link, coil-spring front suspension with beam axle. A front and rear link-type sway bar and heavy-duty tubular shock absorbers are standard.
The rear suspension, common to both 2WD and 4WD models, is equipped with leaf springs. The rear suspension on all Ram 3500 trucks includes standard two-stage springs with three leaves, and separate auxiliary leaves as part of the spring design for even greater load-carrying capability, said Chrysler.
Versus standard Dodge Ram 3500 models, other suspension enhancements include new front shocks, a new track bar and jounce bumpers; rear suspension improvements include new springs, shocks, a narrower track, sway bar and jounce bumper. New diesel engine mounts reduce vibrations through the steering wheel and floor and contribute to enhanced occupant comfort.
Meeting all cab-axle and industry upfitter specifications while ensuring commercial reliability and durability, bolt-on exhaust hanger brackets provide increased upfitter flexibility, and riveted cross-members behind the cab allow for easier modification.
The fuel filler is routed through the frame and an optional mid-ship fuel tank frees up more space behind the rear axle for special upfit applications. Fuel and brake lines are routed together on the frame's left side to make better use of space along the frame, which also has clearance for rear-exhaust routing.
Electrical connections are user-friendly thanks to three-fused battery feeds routed into the cab and onto the rear of the chassis. A high-current 50-amp ground stud is located at the rear of the frame. Upfitter wire circuits and electrical schematics will be identified in the body builder guide.
According to the manufacturer, these unique upfit-friendly enhancements provide a streamline assembly process that reduces costs for upfitters, second-stage manufacturers and customers.
Over a dozen advanced safety technologies as well as security features are available, including:
- Belt Alert enhanced seat-belt reminder system
- Constant force retractors "force-limit" the belt system
- Three-point belts with pretensioners
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Security alarm
- Sentry Key engine immobilizer theft-deterrent system
The 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab will be built at Chrysler Group's Saltillo assembly plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
For more information, go to www.dodge.com.
