Forum Discussion

Cajun_Bill's avatar
Cajun_Bill
Explorer
Jun 29, 2014

New Ram

Been thinking hard about upgrading my "ride"/TV next year. Presently own a '07 GMC Duramax/Allison and have been fairly happy with it except for having to replace the front spindles early on when the bearings prematurely failed, one about 3 years ago and one last year. While it does not have an exhaust brake, the "double tap" on the brakes does quite well, especially on last years trip thru the Rockies.

Now, having said all that, I'm looking for a truck with all the "eye candy" to satisfy my "inner child" desire for all the bells and whistles. For that reason, two features, that apparently are only available on the Ram as far as I know, especially are enticing me to part with some bucks on my next purchase even though I swore off Chrysler products after owning a Ramcharger years ago. Ram, as I said as far as I know, is the only truck that offers the Rambox, i.e. tool boxes built into the fenders, and the fifth wheel hitch prep package which allows for a smooth bottom on the bed when the hitch is removed. For that reason, I made a stop at our local Ram dealer yesterday and took a look at the Laramie 2500 Cummins combo and was very impressed. Small thing, but when I slammed the driver's door, it sounded and felt like I was closing the door on an armored truck (or maybe a Humvee). Not a tinny sound, more like a "thud" if you know what I mean.

But having said that, two problems I can see initially are that the bed rails on the Ram appear to be much higher than on my Duramax, probably due to the suspension, so I'll have to make a measurement because I don't want to have to flip my axles on the fiver. Also, the bed is narrower so I'll have to make sure that my pinbox doesn't contact the rails in a sharp turn.

Anyone have any experience with this and could maybe offer some advice? Other than that, there ain't much to dislike on the Ram except that the blindspot sensor is not available on the tow side view mirrors, only on the regular mirrors.
  • gmw photos wrote:
    according to their website, Philippines.

    http://www.asian-transmission.com.ph/Map/LM.php?Page=Map


    Wrong transmissions. Previous poster was just cracking a joke since someone incorrectly called it an "Asian" transmissions. Truth be told, it's an "Aisin" transmission. Very common mistake on the RAMs amongst non-owners, but the company building the RAM's transmission is Aisin-Seiki. They've been building transmissions for all the big auto manufacturers similar to ZF. I believe the RAM units are built in the US, as the Aisin transmission is used in Medium-duty trucks as well.
  • pitch wrote:
    Yep I was wrong. Japanese built


    I wish I could remember where I read it but they are a Japanese Company but I believe they moved the manufacturing plant to the USA for the RAM transmission.
  • pitch wrote:
    Not made in China. Made in the Philippines by a subsidiary of Mitsubishi.


    I can't find the answer right now but I am sure you are both incorrect. They are either made in Japan or USA.

    Someone prove me right or wrong please!
  • Not made in China. Made in the Philippines by a subsidiary of Mitsubishi.
  • jmtandem wrote:
    with the Asian medium duty truck transmission
    Made in China.
  • If you really want all the bells and whistles get the 850 Cummins with the Asian medium duty truck transmission and the wonderful exhaust brake. You will not be disappointed. The Cummins engine pulls like a tractor.
  • That door sound might be a good thing, could represent a solid built truck.