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350 Hemi, High Output Cummins - READ ONLY

28 messages,  Last post on Jul 11, 2003 at 7:50 AM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, Fuel System, Engine, Diesel, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 28 by markbuck

May 21, 2002 (9:13 am)

Looks like some neat stuff from Dodge for 2003 in their HD pickup line.
 
I read about it last night in Trailer Life.
 
Hope they get a better auto tranny for 2003.

#2 of 28 Mark.................. by dustyk

May 21, 2002 (6:05 pm)

Actually, I think its a 353 cid Hemi rated at 345 HP. I also heard that there may be a 300 HP version released in 2004 as well as a 375 HP version for Chrysler's return to a rear-wheel drive car platform with intentions of re-entering the police car market.
 
The auto transmissions that Dodge uses today have their basic mechanicals based on the A904 and A727 designs of the '60s and '70s. Those transmissions had a reputation for extremely reliable service, and in the case of the A727, exceptional durability in heavy duty applications. These are the predecessors to the 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47REs today.
 
The "RE" series utilizes electronic shift controls and contains an overdrive unit not found on the older 904s and 727s. This is the two areas that have produced the major trouble spots in the RE series. However, Ford and GM have had similar problems with there electronic overdrives as well.
 
The 45RFE is a different transmission in most respects and doesn't share that much lineage with the old 904 & 727 units and these models have so far proven to be very reliable.
 
It is rumored that Dodge will introduce new variants of the RFE series, including a beefier 459RFE for the RAM 1500 series. Also rumored are extreme-duty 48RE and 49REs for the RAM 2500-3500 models. As most know Dodge elected to not take the Allison transmission despite previously having part ownership in that company and will build its own heavy duty unit for medium trucks and diesels. So far, judging from early reports from GM truck owners, it looks like Dodge may have made a good decision.
 
Dusty

#3 of 28 Dusty by ryanbab

May 21, 2002 (6:07 pm)

The local police here have dodge intrepids as their new police cars. The look kinda funny

#4 of 28 5.7 hemi by hersbird

May 21, 2002 (8:42 pm)

I've read at www.allpar.com that the 5.7 hemi's manufacturing costs are lower then the OHC 4.7's! I bet they still charge more for it! I would kill to see this motor in the current style Dakota. Now that they cancelled the redesign (of the Dakota) I think it's a possibility, but not likely. Man I'd trade my 2000 R/T in on a 2004 or 2005 5.7 Dakota in a minute, especially if they finish that Mercedes designed 5-speed for it (the nv-3500 can't take the torque output of the current 360 let alone the 5.7, and the Rams nv-4500 won't fit the Dakota without a redesign.) Otherwise they are supposed to beef up the 45rfe to handle the 5.7 but judging from problems with it on the 99 Grand Cherokees when first introduced, I wouldn't want to be a test pilot.
 
That new Intrepid police package is supposed to be pretty awesome. They only will sell it to law inforcement, it's like a heavy duty, poor man's 300M.
 
The new cummings will be the top class of pickup diesels (heck, the current Cummings still is, and they have redesigned it!). It is supposed to have a bunch more power and yet be as quite as a gas motor. I think Dodge will be picking up some market share in the 2500, and 3500 series trucks in 2003 with these two new motors and the new style.

#5 of 28 hersbird by catam

May 21, 2002 (9:26 pm)

Don't believe everything you read/hear.
GM tried to promote the Duramax diesel as being as quiet as a gasser, and no diesel smell.
While it is clearly the most quiet of the big diesels, it is also not anywhere near a gasser.
I am sure the new Cummins will likely provide many improvements over the current model, but will it be as quiet as a gasser, I'll believe it when I hear it.
Also, I know there has been discussion about the auto trannies, but the last I read anything official, D/C still is going to detune the new Cummins when it is mated to an Auto tranny. This is going to hurt their sales as the vast majority of HD trucks sold are sold with auto trannies. Both Ford and GM put full power in place with the auto units, which will leave the Cummins still in 3rd place in the power war.
I agree the new Cummins will likely be the best available diesel with a manual tranny. But I would definitely wait 2 years or so to allow them to work the bugs out.
That seems to be the trend based on Ford and GM redesigns.

#6 of 28 Allison and GM by jaijay

May 22, 2002 (3:19 am)

I believe Allison Transmission is a subdivision of GM and has been in the GM family since 1929.

#7 of 28 So,... by markbuck

May 22, 2002 (9:22 am)

Will Dodge make a 'real' crewcab in their new lineup?
 
I like the Cummins best in diesels, but my buddies have had all kinda problems on older dodge trucks with their auto trannys and poor brake designs.
 
I bought a 2500hd CC last year, with the 6.0L and a 5 speed manual. If I coulda got a cummins in that 2500HD I woulda bought it! Noway do I want one of those Isuzu Duramax things....
 
The new Ford 600 diesel looks good too.
 
But I agree, we'll have to look at them a coupla years out.

#8 of 28 Markbuck by kg11

May 22, 2002 (5:38 pm)

What's wrong with Isuzus Duramax? Our '98 Isuzu NPR has almost 300k with no engine or trans (Allison) problems.
 
kip

#9 of 28 Isuzu Turbo DieselTrooper - 1986 by markbuck

May 23, 2002 (9:16 am)

Broken Rod, Damaged Crank at 40k miles. I did all the oil changes, vehicle towed a three rail motorcycle trailer, but other than that, no harsh use.
 
Catastrophic engine failure. Isuzu finally offered parts only, after dealing with their zone rep.
 
I won't ever buy another Isuzu or Isuzu derived product.....
 
BTW, had a blown head gasket on the previous vehicle, a Mazda PU at 40k miles, Mazda picked the whole thing up.
 
Both companies later had recalls for those problems, when I contacted Isuzu, they refused to compensate me for the $1500 labor bill, as I had sold the vehicle.
 
My Ford 7.3L diesel went 185,000 with nary a problem.......
 
Now my 6.0L GMC has light (annoying) piston slap in the 30s to 2 minute period post start.....

#10 of 28 Allison and GM............ by dustyk

May 23, 2002 (6:38 pm)

I stand corrected. And I knew that, too since I was a GM employee.
 
I was thinking of New Process Gear, which was at one time wholly owned by Chrysler, and is now (I think) a joint venture between Chrysler & GM.
 
Dusty

Messages Page 1 of 3

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