$140,000 Ram sold out before they hit the dealers

"The most significant investments in the conversion process included the creation of a bespoke right-hand drive steering box that meant the steering wheel and rack could be swapped without making any changes to engine, transmission or driveline positioning. Another huge part of the engineering program was the creation of a bespoke dashboard by Melbourne based supplier Socobell, which also supplies the dashboard for the Australian-made Toyota Camry and Aurion."

RAM launches at $140K


"The RAM variants are equipped with a newly-manufactured steering box fitted to the outboard side of the right-hand chassis rail, replacing a mirrored (yet otherwise identical) unit fitted to the inboard side of the left-hand rail. The relocation of the 37kg steering box allows the engine’s ancillaries to remain in situ, reducing the need for the re-engineering of parts that include the air-conditioning compressor and hydraulic pump. Only the intercooler and radiator pipes are altered. ASV believes that the more components it can keep in their original location, the better the finished product will be, especially to those charged with maintaining the vehicle in its later life."

RAM conversion done right

Makes sense. It's full of huge rough spaces and there is a lot of towing to do. Most imported things are about double price there, so the cost is no surprise.

Spendy, but the conversion of the steering wheel from one side of the truck to the other is not trivial. It was never designed to be that way. Don't forget the column shifter, brakes, gas pedal and re-working of the AC ducts behind the dash, etc. etc. It's a complete re-design and rebuild from the firewall to the front seats, plus the steering linkage mods and what is ever in the way of the new steering shaft.

Adam

Mortimer Brewster wrote:
If they are paying $140,000 for a Ram truck, just think how much they would pay for a Ford or Chevy.

:B

Interesting article and also...the comments following the article are very interesting. Looks like there are a lot of people (Australian commenters ?) that are expressing a deep interest in these American trucks. Some indicate the exchange rate and extra costs associated with the modifications, etc...do put the cost quite high...but the interest in having an American truck seems quite high in Australia.

I have read over the years, many older road tests of American vehicles, by Australian magazines back in the 1950's/60's . Back then too, there was a lot of interest in American car quality.

At that time, many of the American vehicles were shipped over from Canada for sale in Australia.

In fact I believe many of the heavy duty transport trucks in Australia (road trains, etc.) are essentially American trucks.

I think if shipping costs (long way to ship), having to convert steering for Australia, etc...wasn't so exorbitant sales of US vehicles would be more significant.

Mortimer Brewster wrote:
If they are paying $140,000 for a Ram truck, just think how much they would pay for a Ford or Chevy.

That made me lol :B

RobertRyan wrote:

They have to literally rebuild and strengthen them. They also get updates on what has failed from the US and replace those parts.

False, but nice try with the passive aggressive backhanded anti-US post!

They only convert the steering and a few extra lights and decals for compliance on Australian roads. Nothing extra is done to "strengthen" the truck in comparison to the US model. The suspension and other towing/hauling components are identical to the US model per ASV(the company that converts them). Call or email them like I did if you don't believe me. Also, other than parts that may have been damaged during transport, there are no "failed from the US" parts being replaced.

If they are paying $140,000 for a Ram truck, just think how much they would pay for a Ford or Chevy.

troubledwaters wrote:
I don't get it, Am I missing something? Who would pay $140K for a regular ole truck?

My Mom used to call that "More money then brains". Or was that what this post was supposed to be about, people that have more money than brains?

Your not the only one. A Fool and his money are quickly parted. Still enough fools around to buy 200 examples and not use them for anything.

I don't get it, Am I missing something? Who would pay $140K for a regular ole truck?

My Mom used to call that "More money then brains". Or was that what this post was supposed to be about, people that have more money than brains?