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2004.5 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins 600 Turbo Diesel
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| Big Truck, bigger plans |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:47:33 |
| Rating |
 2163 ( -94 -4.34% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2004 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
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2004 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Hemi. Dodge has fitted Rams with 13.9-in. front and rear disc brake rotors and standard ABS.
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 4X4 Quad. The Quad Cab uses a 60/40 split rear bench that can be folded up to increase cargo space, if needed.
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2004 Dodge Ram 3500 4X4 Quad. The 3500 series offers single- or dual rear wheels.
Torque is loosely understood as the quantity of force used during twisting or turning. In the heavy-duty truck segment, higher torque output is unquestionably good - the more you can get to the wheels, the better chance you have of towing or hauling a hefty load.
A turbo diesel engine is the most familiar method of achieving an astronomical torque rating. While Ford and Chevy each offer a V8 turbo diesel with respectable output, Dodge's newly-introduced Cummins inline-six-cylinder turbo diesel trumps them both in power output. The new Cummins "600" produces an astonishing 600-lb.-ft. of torque and an impressive 325-horsepower.
Although the class-leading power is new this year, the engine actually is not. The same 5.9-liter turbo diesel inline-6 that debuted last year has been updated to improve output. The previous version made 305-hp. at 2,900-rpm and 555-lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400-rpm, while the latest model musters 20 more horsepower at the same engine speed and 45 more lb.-ft. at 200 more rpm. In comparison, Ford's 6-liter Power Stroke Diesel V8 rates at 325-hp. and 560-lb.-ft., while Chevy's Duramax 6.6-liter V8 yields 300 horses and 520-lb.-ft. The Dodge also reaches its maximum torque output at a low 1,600-rpm, compared to the 1,800-rpm needed by Chevy and 2000-rpm by Ford.
Increased engine performance results from better temperature moderation and improved air flow. Dodge updated the fan shroud, air cleaner, air intake shroud, and fan assembly to facilitate better air movement. Also, a fender blocker system was installed to keep hot air created in the engine bay from re-entering the intake. Dodge claims the air temperature around the intake is 30-40 degrees cooler than it was previously.
Keeping durability in mind, Cummins has strengthened the exhaust valves and manifolds and employed gallery cooled aluminum pistons and an oil-bath turbocharger. In-cylinder emission controls are used in place of an exhaust gas recirculation system, allowing the Cummins "600" to meet emission requirements in all 50 states.
Two transmissions are available behind the Cummins - a 6-speed manual comes standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional. Both units are engineered with durability and tow/haul performance in mind. For example, zero-throttle launches are possible and allow smooth starts under heavy loads.
Customers can slip the Cummins engine, backed by either tranny, into a variety of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks. The 2500 Series Rams are available with a Regular or Quad Cab, short or long box, and a 2WD or 4WD drivetrain. In addition to these configurations, the 3500 series also offers single- or dual rear wheels.
Regular Cabs seat three in a 40/20/40 bench arrangement, while the Quad Cab expands to accommodate six. Four forward-swinging doors - the rears opening to 85 degrees - ease entry and exit in the Quad. All four windows power down completely, also enhancing flexibility. The Quad Cab uses a 60/40 split rear bench that can be folded up to increase cargo space, if needed. External cargo concerns are met with either the short (6' 3") or long (8') box.
Dodge reports that 70-percent of 2500/3500 series Rams sold are equipped with 4WD. A new beam front axle contributes to a high Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (12,200 lbs.), while the recirculating ball steering system translates driver input into directional change on 4WD Rams. A manual shift transfer case appears on ST and SLT models, while the upscale Laramie model gets a new electronic shift case. Under normal driving conditions, 45-percent of torque is directed up front, while 55-percent heads rear. The minority of customers choosing a 2WD Ram get independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. In the rear, leaf springs are designed for both towing and comfort, with 3500 models getting auxiliary towing springs. Both 2WD and 4WD trucks use the same rear suspension.
Heavy duty towing requires major stopping power, so Dodge has fitted Rams with 13.9-in. front and rear disc brake rotors and standard ABS. Additionally, Electronic Variable Brake Proportioning balances front and rear braking and maximizes rear brake use when the truck is not loaded. Standard 17-in. wheels and LT245/70R17E tires provide an impressive footprint - the largest standard one on a heavy duty pickup truck.
Dodge supplements its impressive list of drivetrain and body configurations with several impressive interior features. For example, power adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, heated 6-way power leather seats, and a navigation system are some of the many options available. Safety is also considered, with dual frontal airbags, with passenger deactivation arriving standard and side-curtain airbags as options.
Many Ram Heavy Duty buyers should opt for the Trailer Tow Group, which includes a receiver hitch, 7-circuit wiring harness, 750-amp battery, and heavy duty engine and transmission cooling systems. This package allows the customer to utilize the 16,400-lb. maximum towing capacity and 5,220-lb. payload capacity, both class-leading. And if latitude demands it, a Snow Plow Prep Group on 4WD models is optional. With the Cummins "600" Ram Heavy Duty debuting in February of 2004, it might be worth having the dealer install one of each.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new engine go on sale and starting at what price?
Dodge reports that the new Cummins Diesel engine will be available in Dodge trucks starting in February. The price range for the new engine upgrade is $29,165-$42,740 (plus $795 destination charge)
How does it handle?
We drove the new Heavy Duty Diesel in all of its offering styles over the course of a day in southern California. Our route took us from heavily-populated and traffic-congested Santa Barbara eastward to the foothills of the Sierras. Our trucks were huge, considering the size of most of the roads that we navigated, getting to a trailer tow and haul site that Dodge folks had set up with a number of exercises for towing heavy bed weights and trailering gargantuan loads of construction equipment. First, we were thoroughly impressed with the "tossability" of such a large truck. Power modulation was excellent and its brakes are heavy duty and bring this heavy truck to a halt with ease. Most impressive was the suspension modulation and steering response, and its tow/haul transmission mode that eases it down steep grades under complete control and even with relative quietness, when under maximum load both up and down hills-and its "zero-throttle start", even under heavy load of an uphill grade. We were also able to compare it to its competitors from Chevy and Ford. All agreed-Dodge has moved far ahead with its newest technologies!
What is its best feature?
By far, its most appealing feature is the quietness of the engine. I partnered on my day-long drive with the same auto writer testing this year's new model that I had partnered with during last year's introduction of the new series of Dodge Rams, including a Cummins diesel version. Last year, we were told that engine quietness had improved. We disagreed! It was noisy, particularly under hard throttle and interfered with normal conversation in the cab. This year, we were told that there had been a significant reduction in engine noise. We heartily agreed! In fact, we drove the new model for nearly 30 minutes chatting at normal conversational levels before we remembered we were in the diesel!
What makes its stopping power so competent?
Heavy duty towing requires major stopping power, so Dodge has fitted Rams with 13.9-in. front and rear disc brake rotors and standard ABS. Additionally, Electronic Variable Brake Proportioning balances front and rear braking and maximizes rear brake use when the truck is not loaded. Additionally, standard 17-in. wheels and LT245/70R17E tires provide an impressive footprint - the largest standard one on a heavy duty pickup truck.
What configurations does it come in?
Customers can slip the Cummins engine, backed by either tranny, into a variety of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks. The 2500 Series Rams are available with a Regular or Quad Cab, short or long box, and a 2WD or 4WD drivetrain. In addition to these configurations, the 3500 series also offers single- or dual rear wheels.
2004.5 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins 600 Turbo Diesel Reviewer's Notes
Base price: $29,165-$42,740 (plus $795 destination charge)
Engine: 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel High Output inline-6 (325 hp @2,900 rpm, 600 lb.-ft. torque @1,600 rpm)
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 140.5 in. (short box); 160.5 in. (long box)
Length: 227.7 in. (short box); 249.7 in. (long box)
Width: 79.9 in. (single rear wheels); 96 in. (dual rear wheels)
Height: 73.8-75 in. (2WD models); 78-79.2 in. (4WD models)
Head/hip/legroom:
Regular Cab: 40.9/65.1/41 in. (front)
Quad Cab: 40.8/65.1/41 in. (front); 40/64.6/36.4 in. (rear)
Curb weight, lbs.: 6,235 (Regular Cab, 2500, 2WD, auto transmission) - 7,549 (Quad Cab, 3500, 4WD dualie, manual transmission)
Safety equipment: Driver and passenger frontal airbags with passenger deactivation (standard); side-curtain airbags (optional); 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioning (standard); four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (standard)
---Story by Sue Mead
---Photos courtesy of Dodge
© 2003, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved. |
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