This is a great time to be a truck enthusiast. A majority of full size truck builders has something worth looking at. These utilitarian vehicles have improved in many ways, including: power, mileage, quality and performance. With that said, there is something about the new Dodge Ram pickup trucks that stands out amongst its competition.
This new Dodge Ram is special.
The “Ram” name has been around for nearly 3 decades and every generation has spawned something new and special. Various advancements in cab architecture, unique body designs and class leading (gas and diesel) power-plants are but a few stand-out achievements the Dodge Ram has to its credit. Many of the advancements in engineering and styling have culminated in a sleek, unique truck, appealing to the individual rather than the fleet.
One of the most noteworthy advancements is the coil-spring rear suspension. It is not the first time this has been attempted; however, Dodge has made a logical, comfortable and rugged rear suspension that will point the way for others to follow. Payload and towing figures are still competitive (the 1500 payload maximum figures are 1,850 lbs with a towing maximum of 9,100 lbs when properly equipped). Dodge went to front coils a few years back as they were previously using a torsion spring suspension. Combined, this suspension system is one of the best available on any full size pickup truck. Whether on road or off, this is one of the most pleasant and responsive suspensions I have sampled on any truck.
Allow me to elaborate. Dodge loaned me a fully loaded 2009 Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 4X4, 5.7 liter HEMI for a week. I drove on every terrain available throughout Colorado, determined to inflict punishment in spades. Roads that were rough, rutted, pot-holed, washed out, snow covered, wet, icy and gravel covered were a mere laugh for this pickup. At one point, I had to make an emergency maneuver to avoid a stalled vehicle in the middle of a blind corner – at 60 mph. I was stunned at the steering feel, dexterous maneuver and ease of movement of the big Dodge. Its rear remained planted, secure and made the Dodge Ram feel like driving a big sedan.
The Dodge Ram 1500 was as stable as a rock.