2017 Ram 3500 HP/Torque ratings

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Thanks for all the responses, it is appreciated.

I thought it was the tranny as well but the confusion came when I was pulling up trucks, 2 Laramie models for example, both autos but one was rated at the manual HP/torque and the other was at 800 torque. Of course the salesman then said he had never heard of that and would check.....haven't heard back. Now, think of this though speaking of salesmen; when I was discussing why the one was rated at 660 lb. he was looking at the specs and said "hmmm, 660 lbs at 1800 rpm.....well, you know those things will scream. The rpm is just going to keep going up and so will the power"....?? He then looked at the one that put out 800 lb. at 1800 rpm as well (I think) and so I said "Man! 800 lbs. at 1800 rpm and those rpms will just keep climbing! Reckon it would make 1000 lbs at 4500 rpm??" He said "You know, it might....I bet it would!!) I was being facetious obviously and please don't think I don't understand engines, HP, torque, torque curves, rpm etc. because I've built, rebuilt, modified engines and vehicles for years....just have no experience with a diesel. He's also the guy that read the specs on one and said "it shows it has the optional 3.42 rear end but I thing the front is a 4.10...that will help pull a lot". Ok, enough of that.....yes, he had no clue.

I know all of the big 3 have great trucks and I'm not stuck on Dodge (although my last several have been Dodge/Ram) - I'm getting close to trying to make a decision on one (can't have a goofup on truck #3 or DW will probably.....well, you get the picture ) and you have to love those mirrors. I'm not really hung up on the power as long as it gets the job done but I have a hard time swallowing a 9k increase in price and just getting the 660 torque while the same premium will get the 800 lb.

Anyway, thanks for all the input. After driving the Ram I was extremely impressed with the diesel. It is nothing like the ones I used to drive years ago. Most impressive was the power it had (I didn't get to pull anything) at highway speeds and the acceleration without jumping up to 4000 + rpm. I've always hotrodded engines (gas-cars/bikes) and I associate ripping it up with "screaming/roaring" - high rpm....not so with the drive I made.


The search will continue, I suppose far and wide, because the 3500 Ram is proving hard to find around here. I then have to repeat the process for the other brands (or more likely run the searches concurrently). Thanks.

Since folks are making fun of the mirrors...

The Dodge is the best looking of the three, IMO. Even the wife thinks the Fords and Chevys have design issues. Dodge also has the best looking dually fenders. Some of the ones you see out there look like afterthoughts.

As far as power goes, these new computer diesels can be hot rodded with tuners that leave no evidence behind...kind of like how the factory does it. I do think the 6-speed of choice for robustness is the NV5600. The newer G56, with it's aluminum case, isn't quite as stout.

To each, his own, thankfully.

[kfxgreenie]

Originally Posted by Desert185

Since folks are making fun of the mirrors...

The Dodge is the best looking of the three, IMO. Even the wife thinks the Fords and Chevys have design issues. Dodge also has the best looking dually fenders. Some of the ones you see out there look like afterthoughts.

As far as power goes, these new computer diesels can be hot rodded with tuners that leave no evidence behind...kind of like how the factory does it. I do think the 6-speed of choice for robustness is the NV5600. The newer G56, with it's aluminum case, isn't quite as stout.

To each, his own, thankfully.

New Rams need to be "unlocked" to tune, also the ECM records every time it has been flashed. It would take no rocket scientist of a technician to see that a truck was "modified"

[larry337]

Knowing how much you value ride quality I'll place my bet on the Chevy. I have a hunch the independent front suspension vs Ford and Ram's solid front axle will win you over.

[Outback 325BH]

The Chevy's front end rides better no doubt.

Me personally, I like solid front axles on big trucks.


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[Desert185]

Originally Posted by kfxgreenie

New Rams need to be "unlocked" to tune, also the ECM records every time it has been flashed. It would take no rocket scientist of a technician to see that a truck was "modified"

Oops. 5.9's only.

[gearhead]

I don't remember if you're looking for a dually or SRW. If SRW, the only rear end ratio is 3.42. If I was getting a dually I think I would go 3.73. If you're spending $60,000 for a truck, consider spending $62,000 and get the Aisin transmission and the high torque engine.
Just load the wagon, don't worry about the mule.

[nellie1289]

My '14 limited has 68rfe. No issues. Pulls like a beast. I do get tired of passing Prius going up hills and broken down f350's on the side of the road. If you enjoy this too get the ram. My mirrors serve as a salute as I fly by!

[bsmith0404]

You all are funny with your Ram talk. I'll gladly run my Allison trans without worry for half a million miles while changing the $9 spin on filter every 20k miles and the TranSynd fluid every 150k miles. I'll run all of those miles in pure luxury and comfort. At that point, I may buy a new truck.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

You all are funny with your Ram talk. I'll gladly run my Allison trans without worry for half a million miles while changing the $9 spin on filter every 20k miles and the TranSynd fluid every 150k miles. I'll run all of those miles in pure luxury and comfort. At that point, I may buy a new truck.

That doesn't do me a lot of good when I change trucks every 2 years or so and 50k miles (I hate to have the expense of buying new tires!!)

[kfxgreenie]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

You all are funny with your Ram talk. I'll gladly run my Allison trans without worry for half a million miles while changing the $9 spin on filter every 20k miles and the TranSynd fluid every 150k miles. I'll run all of those miles in pure luxury and comfort. At that point, I may buy a new truck.

You can keep your square wheel wells, a long time ago cavemen figured out that round wheels are superior.

[nellie1289]

I can't blame him for liking his Chevy. Since it's a 2011 he doesn't have to worry about his def box scraping on the speed bumps.

[capnttom]

My Cummins pulls the Alpine 3401 like a beast, no doubt. But what pleases me most is the performance of the 68RFE and exhaust break combo. When in tow/haul mode the transmission downshifts smoothly while the exhaust break does its job. It's like a symphony.


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[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by nellie1289

I can't blame him for liking his Chevy. Since it's a 2011 he doesn't have to worry about his def box scraping on the speed bumps.

2011 has a DEF tank, and it doesn't hang down any further than the running boards. It's understandable that you wouldn't know that, some people forget that it took Dodge a couple years to catch up on the technology

Originally Posted by capnttom

My Cummins pulls the Alpine 3401 like a beast, no doubt. But what pleases me most is the performance of the 68RFE and exhaust break combo. When in tow/haul mode the transmission downshifts smoothly while the exhaust break does its job. It's like a symphony.


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The exhaust brake on the new trucks is one of the best towing features. It definitely makes a big difference, especially in the mountains. I've towed over several passes and seldom have a need to even touch the brakes. I'll admit I seldom use the tow/haul mode, my experience is that it just runs a higher RPM than is really needed. The torque numbers on these new trucks don't really need to run the higher RPMs to maintain speed. I just set my speed at 67 which is right at the peak torque band for the duramax.

[nellie1289]

[QUOTE=bsmith0404;230008]2011 has a DEF tank, and it doesn't hang down any further than the running boards. It's understandable that you wouldn't know that, some people forget that it took Dodge a couple years to catch up on the technology

HA, I have to honestly admit I didn't know that . In all seriousness I really like the GMC Denali . The 2017 with the hood scoop I really like!
I do think they should do something with that silly Def tank though. Having it on the same door as the fuel tank is really nice at the truck stops!

[Barbell]

What Gearhead says X 3. We have the '16 CTD 3500 dually w/Aisin and 3.73 rear. Can't imagine why I would need to "tune" this truck. All the power plus comfort and reliability anyone would want. Don't wish to fight GM over a blown Duramax at 101,000 miles like some of our friends have had to do.

[nellie1289]

Originally Posted by Barbell

What Gearhead says X 3. We have the '16 CTD 3500 dually w/Aisin and 3.73 rear. Can't imagine why I would need to "tune" this truck. All the power plus comfort and reliability anyone would want. Don't wish to fight GM over a blown Duramax at 101,000 miles like some of our friends have had to do.

I totally agree, why people think they need to tune these things is beyond me. They are just bored. Not sure why you want to cancel your warranty on a $60k+ truck?

[ctbruce]

I just covered my DEF tank up with side steps, so now I don't ever see it unless I look for it. I haven't had to add DEF yet, but I'm short so I need to add a step stool in my back seat to carry around with me. It would help with cleaning the bugs off the windshield too.

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Fuzion Impact 312
2017 3500HD Silverado LTZ

[PARAPTOR]

People considering a Ram, NO fear their are enough of us Chevy people to tow you out of any situation

[2014301ktmhauler]

I will only park Chevys in my driveway. But.....If you want win the big stick award get one of those 17 F450s. You will never have to wonder "Is my truck big enough?"

[chuckster57]

Running commentary at my house:

I love chevys, made a TON of money fixing 'em!!