So about the new 1/2 Ton Diesel Ram

Thoughts?

At a Chrysler event today, the folks at Ram revealed that the 3.0L diesel V6 will cost $2,850 more than the 5.7L Hemi engine on select trim levels. Pickuptrucks.com reports that final power figures are 240 horsepower and 420 lb/ft of torque, with as much as 28 mpg expected on the highway cycle.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/6a00d83451b3c669e2017ee87f24f8970d-800wi.jpg

Personally I think a <$3K premium is pretty reasonable, although that's over a fairly stellar V8 already (not the base motor). Regardless, diesel premiums seem to carry over to the resale side anyways. We'll see how this new V6 fares from a reliability standpoint. I'd think Dodge (ahem... Ram) knows it has to be good, given the reputation of the Cummins drivetrains it has to walk in the shadow of.

I'm glad someone is doing this in a 1/2 ton truck though.

If I were buying a new truck now, I'd take a good look at it. I didn't look at 1/2 ton trucks because diesels weren't available when I bought mine. Can't say I regret the big boy though.

And I bought a stick

put it in a jeep, and people will be lined up down the street yelling "shut up and take my money!"

Strizzo wrote: put it in a jeep, and people will be lined up down the street yelling "shut up and take my money!"

Everybody said the same thing about putting a diesel in a half ton. It will be interesting to see if they vote with their wallets.

Put it in a Dakota.

Keep in mind that the up-charge for the diesel is $3k over the Hemi, which itself costs more than the standard engine, so the actual cost of the diesel is higher.

bravenrace wrote: Keep in mind that the up-charge for the diesel is $3k over the Hemi, which itself costs more than the standard engine, so the actual cost of the diesel is higher.

A 28 mpg half ton kinda makes up for it though.

I fear this will make "coal rollin" brodozers cheaper in a few years.

Considering you can get a 5.7 Hemi Ram for under $23K already (MSRP, no rebates), that's still only $26K for a 1/2 ton diesel.

Color me intrigued.

210 hp, 485 torque 34000 pounds.... That little Tonka toy should really move out by comparison!

Another musing of mine, make it a crate engine, so that I can put one in my old 150.

Grizz wrote:

bravenrace wrote: Keep in mind that the up-charge for the diesel is $3k over the Hemi, which itself costs more than the standard engine, so the actual cost of the diesel is higher.

A 28 mpg half ton kinda makes up for it though.

Just pointing it out for clarity, not saying it is or isn't a good value.

Grizz wrote: Another musing of mine, make it a crate engine, so that I can put one in my Sierra CC.

FTFY

Bobzilla wrote:

Grizz wrote: Another musing of mine, make it a crate engine, so that I can put one in my Grand Wagoneer.

FTFY

FTFY

Grizz wrote: Another musing of mine, make it a crate engine, so that I can put one in my Motorhome.

ftfy

Dodge has always had the best diesel engine. But it's strapped into a Ram. That's what holds me back. Same here.

logdog wrote:

Strizzo wrote: put it in a jeep, and people will be lined up down the street yelling "shut up and take my money!"

Everybody said the same thing about putting a diesel in a half ton. It will be interesting to see if they vote with their wallets.

what will keep me from even considering this is the fact that its a dodge, err, RAM and i've not known anyone that has had a good experience with one in 1/2 ton in the last two decades.

I've known lots of people who enjoy their rams. Like any make, you have your issues and some lemons. Bettr than a newer chey imo, and I've worked for both companies.

No manual, no care.

Tom Suddard wrote: No manual, no care.

Nah, for towing I want an auto.

Tom Suddard wrote: No manual, no care.

For something I would likely use as a workhorse, that's a good thing.

In reply to bearmtnmartin:

You know, I went out and checked, and I don't have any of the things mentioned in those fixes. Strange.

Bobzilla wrote: Dodge has always had the best diesel engine. But it's strapped into a Ram. That's what holds me back. Same here.

Nah, I don't even think the cummins is a particularly good engine, let alone the "best"

I can't wait to see more brodozers losing wheels and blowing up their engines this weekend though. Yay truck pulls, FWIW, I go to watch the old school gassers.

I THINK this is a VM Motori engine.

They also made the ill-advised 2.8l four for the Liberty. Most of that engine's problems were related to being a large four cylinder.

I had a 1/2 ton ram. Smelled like manure when I bought it. Served me very well. Had it for about 5 years, plowed and towed with it. Not perfect, but I have no complaints. I might have kept it, if it had more seats.

Knurled wrote: I THINK this is a VM Motori engine. They also made the ill-advised 2.8l four for the Liberty. Most of that engine's problems were related to being a large four cylinder.

Yes it is a VM Motori engine. No idea if it's already in other applications or if it's all new.