I figured I'd join this forum and find out some info. before purchasing a new ram 1500 which I plan on doing before the end of the year. My plan is to go with an 06 Ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 sport in mineral gray metallic. I've never drove a new hemi yet and don't know what to expect. How is the power compared to ford's 5.4 and chevy's 5.3? Is there any problems that I should know about before purchasing? I plan on getting an exhaust system first thing. I was wanting to go with dual straight pipes off the cat. with 4" tips exiting out behind the rear tires. Does that sound like a good idea? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Well congrats first off. The difference between the two engines and the Hemi is like comparing a V6 to a V8 in which the Hemi is the V8, but I'm biased. The exhaust makes the truck sound sweet, but I'm not a big fan of pipes exiting behind the tires due to mud, tar, etc... getting flung up on the tips. I have them straight out the back and I think this is also louder.

 

The 5.4L Triton has good torque down low, but quickly runs out of steam. It will last, but is a pig. The 5.3L is a good motor and can be significantly modded, but doesn't match the power output of the Hemi. It will also last. The Hemi is a good motor and likes to rev. Since it is a new motor, longevity has not been well established, however, it seems to be a really durable motor. I know they did a lot of testing on it before they released it. More than any motor prior, if I am right.

As far as the exhaust, make sure it doesn't interfere with the operation of the MDS system. I'm not saying it will, however, you might want to contact a knowledgable DC mechanic that is familiar with the system.

Good luck and welcome to the forum. The Ram is an awesome truck.

 

My 2004 was my first dodge truck as well. I'm extremely happy with it, I use it for work mostly all off highway in northern Alberta , Canada. We are developing a new oilsands project so the roads are non existant right now. you couldn't ask for a more extreme environment to test a truck in, from minus 50 celcius to plus 35 celcius, mud bumper deep, sugar sand you name it. I've had a few problems but for what i've put the truck through it's held up amazingly well. As far as the hemi goes it's the toughest engine I've ever seen, repeatedly redlined, starting in 50 below weather without being pluged in, running in high temp's under extreme loads. If you can dish it out it can take it. As far as the power goes there is no comparison to the fords hampster wheel. My 2006 Ram 1500 will be here in January, I'll never buy anything but a dodge now.

 

Don't forget the piston slap problem in the 5.3 that Chevy says is normal. [&o]

 

Beware of the straight pipes ive hear stories from the dealer about people havethem and the check engine light coming on because of lack of backpressure and lack of backpressure= lack of lowend torque get dual magnaflow setup sounds sweeeeeeeet... real loud to http://www.hottexhaust.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=15863

 

I went from a 01 Ford Super Crew to a 04 Ram 2500 HEMI and havent regretted it yet. I got the 5 speed also and she has a ton of power and hauled 15,000 lbs from Alamogordo New Mexico to Goldsboro North Carolina and didnt hesitate one bit....[sm=gears.gif]