2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Dodge is known for bucking conventional pickup-truck wisdom. The '94 model polarized everyone with its brazen big-rig styling. For 2009, the Dodge Ram gets perhaps its most significant breakthrough yet: rear coil springs. That's big news, as is the 390 horsepower rating of the revised 5.7-liter Hemi.

But is class-leading power and a new suspension enough to lure more half-ton shoppers to Dodge's lots? With Ford and GM well entrenched in the pickup game and Tundra and Titan nipping at Detroit's heels, Dodge has to do better than good enough. And that's especially true in these, the hardest times yet for the full size pickup market. The verdict from down south? Dodge has created the smoothest riding full size pickup yet.

The most-popular Ram 1500 engine should continue to be the Hemi. The 5.7-liter V8 gets "next-generation" massaging which results in 390 hp, a 13 percent increase over 2008's 345 hp rating. The big V8 now delivers 407 lb.-ft. of torque too, an 8 percent jump. Dodge says variable valve timing, a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio, re-ported heads, less-restrictive breathing and an active intake system, account for the gains.

The active intake system feeds filtered air to long intake runners when low-end torque is needed and automatically switches to short runners as the revs climb. The Hemi exhales though a free flowing, slightly louder exhaust. The large 4-inch exhaust tips are frenched into the rear bumper for a cleaner look. And all Hemis are backed by a five speed automatic.
The two Magnum engines are also refined for better power and economy and can run E85 fuel. Like the Hemi, the 4.7-liter V8 gets two spark plugs per cylinder and higher compression to deliver 310 hp and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. The base 3.7-liter V6 is rated at 215 hp and 235 lb.-ft. of torque and returns 20 mpg on the highway.

Four-wheel drive Rams come standard with a part-time transfer case but can be optioned with the automatic "on-demand" system. Both have 2.72:1 low-range gearing and are electronically actuated with a dash switch. In the rear, Dodge engineers chose a five-link system to keep the solid rear axle and coil springs centered under the truck. Compared to leaf springs, coils are more tunable and Dodge offers 12 different spring rates. The new suspension maintains payload and tow ratings (a maximum of 9,100 pounds) while shedding 40 pounds of rear suspension weight.

There are three cab configurations distributed over two wheelbase lengths. But the new Crew Cab model with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed is the biggest news. The Crew Cab increases Regular Cab legroom by six inches and adds in-floor storage compartments too.

Want more secure room in your Ram? The new RamBox storage system fills in the wheelwell areas along the inside of the bed with lockable storage. The RamBox runs the full length of the 5-foot 7-inch bed on both sides and can hold 7.4 cu.-ft. of stuff. That translates to about 250 12-ounce cans with ice. And yes, drain plugs are included. This slick system also includes a bed-divider and extender that collapses into the tailgate as well as cargo-rail tie-downs with adjustable cleats.

© Source: popularmechanics
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