RAM 3500 1st impressions

[gearhead]

I've got about 3500 miles on the new Ram. Since I came from a Ford I thought I would report what I think. The Ford was more of a hot rod. Higher rpm and a very responsive throttle. The Ram is a long stroke, lower rpm, and feels like it has more bottom end. Both rear end ratios about the same: 3.42 vs. 3.55. The Ram seems to be getting a little better mileage. I like the dashboard info system on the Ram....tire pressures, DEF tank gauge, oil life and fuel filter life remaining. Maybe I just haven't gotten used to the seats but I find myself sitting to the side of the seat and have to consciously "center myself" occasionally. Some folks say they don't like the mirrors as much. I like them better. I can definitely see down the curb side of the trailer better. That cargo bed camera and LED light is handy too. But man I sure do miss that tailgate step and the old man pole.

[dcg9381]

I drove the Ford before buying a Ram.
My impressions were the same as you:
The Ford felt stronger, definitely had a lot more RPM range.

Why did I buy the Ram?
I looked under the hood of the Ford - too many moving parts. The Ram redlines at about 3300 rpm, meaning that it's putting the motor through a lot fewer strokes per mile than the Ford.

Ford built the legendary 7.3L, but they also built the horrible 6.0L. The Cummins is just a workhorse, it's ultra common, I figured that was a good sign.

I'm sure that both trucks would do the job.

I think at some point, more power is good. My guess is that point is going to be grades when you're towing over 16k or so. Then again, mine isn't the 2016 with 900 ft/lbs...

[TAZ23]

I understand you missing the step as these new Rams sit so high. I had the dealer install a "old man step" on my 2015 ram 2500. It bolts to the frame with no drilling and unfolds by stepping down on it or pushing down with your hand, and it folds up right under the bumper by pushing up with your foot. there is no pole to hang onto, but its attached at the corner of the truck so I just use the side of the box as a handle to get up there.

[scuba0331]

Congrats on the truck!

For better throttle response look into the BD throttle sensitivity booster. I have one on my 2014 ram 3500. Takes most of the lag out of the throttle.

[Barbell]

Our new ride ('16 3500 CTD 2X4 dually) came with full length running boards but they don't reach far enough back for me to hitch/unhitch w/o a stool ( I am 6 ft) so I am looking to put on the AMP Bedstep 2 just ahead of the rear wheels. This is apparently a new item for this truck and is hard to find but Geno's Garage has it for less than Amazon. Drove a 4X4 version of this truck but it was really too tall and we don't have mud or snow in AZ and I'm not about to tow in such conditions elsewhere, so a 2 wheel drive is fine for us. This is a great truck IMO and likely will be the last one I own, but I said that about the last one too.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by dcg9381

I drove the Ford before buying a Ram.
My impressions were the same as you:
The Ford felt stronger, definitely had a lot more RPM range.

Why did I buy the Ram?
I looked under the hood of the Ford - too many moving parts. The Ram redlines at about 3300 rpm, meaning that it's putting the motor through a lot fewer strokes per mile than the Ford.

Ford built the legendary 7.3L, but they also built the horrible 6.0L. The Cummins is just a workhorse, it's ultra common, I figured that was a good sign.

I'm sure that both trucks would do the job.

I think at some point, more power is good. My guess is that point is going to be grades when you're towing over 16k or so. Then again, mine isn't the 2016 with 900 ft/lbs...

Good choice on the Ram, but just to correct you Ford didn't build the 7.3, 6.0 or the 6.4. They were all provided in Navastar AKA International Harvester.

Fords first diesel is the 6.7, just like The Duramax is a ISSU engine, Ram has always used the Cummins.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by gearhead

I've got about 3500 miles on the new Ram. Since I came from a Ford I thought I would report what I think. The Ford was more of a hot rod. Higher rpm and a very responsive throttle. The Ram is a long stroke, lower rpm, and feels like it has more bottom end. Both rear end ratios about the same: 3.42 vs. 3.55. The Ram seems to be getting a little better mileage. I like the dashboard info system on the Ram....tire pressures, DEF tank gauge, oil life and fuel filter life remaining. Maybe I just haven't gotten used to the seats but I find myself sitting to the side of the seat and have to consciously "center myself" occasionally. Some folks say they don't like the mirrors as much. I like them better. I can definitely see down the curb side of the trailer better. That cargo bed camera and LED light is handy too. But man I sure do miss that tailgate step and the old man pole.

Need a step? Step on the tire and swing yourself over the side of the bed.

Love the Cummins, but those new ones are too quiet.

[gearhead]

I was referring to the Ford tailgate step that slides and folds out of the top of the tailgate. The "old man pole" is folded down on the interior of the tailgate.
Open the tailgate, pull the step out and down, unlock and pull the old man pole upright.
Step up and into the bed.
I've got the wheel to wheel side steps.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by gearhead

I was referring to the Ford tailgate step that slides and folds out of the top of the tailgate. The "old man pole" is folded down on the interior of the tailgate.
Open the tailgate, pull the step out and down, unlock and pull the old man pole upright.
Step up and into the bed.
I've got the wheel to wheel side steps.

Yep, I know. A friend has a Platinum with all the goodies. Guess I'm not into the fancy stuff. I do like my therapeutic seat heat, though.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by Desert185

Yep, I know. A friend has a Platinum with all the goodies. Guess I'm not into the fancy stuff. I do like my therapeutic seat heat, though.

My Ford Lariat didn't have seat heat. DW frequently reminded me of it too! The Ram was ordered with seat heat. I may be dumb, but I ain't stupid.
That heat feels good on my old wore out back too.

[Cabindweller]

I've been nothing but pleased with my Ram 3500!

[LittleJoe]

I use a mechanics step (just hooks over tire and folds up flat when not used.) Makes it real easy to reach 5th wheel or aux tank.

[Fordmanforever]

Just a clarification on a comment on the Ford's current 6.7 diesel engine. It is not an Isuzu engine like the Duramax. It is entirely built and designed by Ford in house. So far a excellent engine that may be destined to have reputation like the 7.3 had. Comments that the 7.3, 6.0, and 6.4 were Navistar are correct.

[dfb]

I had 3 ford 7.3s . My observation is they weren't that great. First. 2 had oil galley plugs behind the heads. Leaked. One had hpop leak into the valley of death. 3rd. Glow plugs and their relays..finally. After several oil changes, yhe washer at the oil pan would leak. The 02 I had woULD do the infamous ROMP AT START.
Today's Ram has a better interior, fit and finish, more comfort and more reliability. Just my observations....

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by dfb

I had 3 ford 7.3s . My observation is they weren't that great. First. 2 had oil galley plugs behind the heads. Leaked. One had hpop leak into the valley of death. 3rd. Glow plugs and their relays..finally. After several oil changes, yhe washer at the oil pan would leak. The 02 I had woULD do the infamous ROMP AT START.
Today's Ram has a better interior, fit and finish, more comfort and more reliability. Just my observations....

My buddy in Kalifornia reports that many of the Ford guys with working trucks, particularly with the "headache bars", are switching to Dodges. Since the Ford cab has to be pulled to work on certain engine items, the bed or bars also have to be pulled to allow the cab to be raised. Its getting a bit ridiculous...

Another Wyoming expat buddy here in NV is close to hugging his semi-working '01 7.3 F350 everyday out of gratitude. The new ones scare him because of the complication from technological sophistication.

[dcg9381]

Changing the oil on the Ram ain't easy.. But at least the cab can stay in place.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by dcg9381

Changing the oil on the Ram ain't easy.. But at least the cab can stay in place.

My 24 valve is pretty simple. Why is your's hard?

[dcg9381]

Originally Posted by Desert185

My 24 valve is pretty simple. Why is your's hard?

I think the access to the filter changed in the later ones. Mine is 2015. You need to remove air filter inlet to the turbo and pull it out from the top. It's in there upside down. The factory oil filter was installed by a gorilla. I bent one wrench trying to get it off. Took all I had (after buying an upgraded tool) to get that filter off with me climbing into the engine bay... :-)

The rest of it is a piece of cake...

[Dave & SUe]

If you need a hand into the bed,try this ladder--
http://www.amazon.com/Traxion-5-100-...ailgate+ladder

Bought one and put it on my Ram 3500.Easy in and out.

[nesparky]

Originally Posted by dcg9381

Changing the oil on the Ram ain't easy.. But at least the cab can stay in place.

It's not too bad, either go in thru the passenger side wheel well or remove the intake. The fuel filter is the one I think is a PITA to remove. Lol