3rd Gen Ram comparrison over 2nd Gen
Hi Bluethunder,
Recognise you from Pistonheads, I'm ZZR on there.
I own a 3rd gen UK spec model and love it.
To answer you questions:
The 1500's have independant front suspension the 2500/3500 are a solid front axle, but they are all rear leaf spring, the 4th gen has coil springs.
The ride is fairly supple but with a seperate chassis you always get a bit of shudder over really bad roads, more so when pushing hard, although speed bumps are no problem.
Mines a 5.7 and I usually get 17-19UK mpg but over 20 on a long run.
It's the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned and wouldn't swap it for anything else.
Recognise you from Pistonheads, I'm ZZR on there.
I own a 3rd gen UK spec model and love it.
To answer you questions:
The 1500's have independant front suspension the 2500/3500 are a solid front axle, but they are all rear leaf spring, the 4th gen has coil springs.
The ride is fairly supple but with a seperate chassis you always get a bit of shudder over really bad roads, more so when pushing hard, although speed bumps are no problem.
Mines a 5.7 and I usually get 17-19UK mpg but over 20 on a long run.
It's the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned and wouldn't swap it for anything else.
Yeah, the 3rd gen Rams have independent front suspensions on both the 2wd and 4wd.
diesel vs gas? Quite a bit of difference...A LOT more torque, more HP, better economy (generally), better towing, and easier HP gain with mods...
Your new 1500 will have the IFS like everyone said, but a newer diesel will have a solid axle. About the same ride or worse than your 2gen. They are also more expensive, heavier, and of course the price of fuel!
If you have a dodge dealer there, why don't you go drive a 09 Ram? More HP, more room available, and the RIDE...now I love my 07 ram but the ride on a new 09 with that 5pt. suspension is heaven...I'm not crazy about the look but it makes the truck drive like a luxury sedan haha....
Now I know that your roads are different, on my trip there I was east of London and on half paved/half gravel-ish roads. The IFS will help with those bumps out there and sharper turns when you get back in town!
Your new 1500 will have the IFS like everyone said, but a newer diesel will have a solid axle. About the same ride or worse than your 2gen. They are also more expensive, heavier, and of course the price of fuel!
If you have a dodge dealer there, why don't you go drive a 09 Ram? More HP, more room available, and the RIDE...now I love my 07 ram but the ride on a new 09 with that 5pt. suspension is heaven...I'm not crazy about the look but it makes the truck drive like a luxury sedan haha....
Now I know that your roads are different, on my trip there I was east of London and on half paved/half gravel-ish roads. The IFS will help with those bumps out there and sharper turns when you get back in town!
I will be honset with you. I really dont like the look of the 09 Rams. Now your one above fits the bill of what i am looking for. That is a nice looking truck.
Well my one looks like it has been sold,so its off to look at a 3rd gen with all the tips you fella,s have given. Thanks guys for all your help.
Well my one looks like it has been sold,so its off to look at a 3rd gen with all the tips you fella,s have given. Thanks guys for all your help.
Mine came through Newport Imports(it wouldn't fit into the local Dodge dealership!), speak to Charles he's really helpful.
Getting a 4.7 over a hemi for fuel economy is a fallacy! The hemi is as good or better on fuel and has a lot more power. And yes, all 3rd Gen 1500s have IFS. And for as much as people bang on about the factory LSD, I have 112k miles on my factory LSD and have had no problems with it.
What's the price, spec, mileage etc?
Sounds about the right price, but depends on condition, add-ons and condition of wheels/tyres, service history etc, which can be used to haggle the price down. Is it a private sale or dealer?
Trouble is these trucks are rare in the UK and you have to pay what you think is right and hope you haven't overpaid.
Trouble is these trucks are rare in the UK and you have to pay what you think is right and hope you haven't overpaid.



