Hey, anyone have a Dodge Ram 2500 with the Hemi/6-speed manual combo? I'm looking for a new Truck, and I'll be pulling a 4000 pound TT. If you've got that combo, let me know! I'd like to find out about gas mileage, quality of gearbox/clutch/hemi, fun-to-drive, etc.

Thanx, Lance

 

what year???

you can expect to see around 10 depending on rear axel gearing, (depending on year) and what kind of grades.

besides, 4K is nothing. my little toyota can pull that, but I wouldnt go far since I have by big boy


edit: if you fear the hemi wont get good mileage, check out the cummins, even with 8K behind mine I was still getting better that 16 and I was getting on it and it felt like there wasnt anything behind me. my combo of truck is rated by DC for just under 20K GCVWR thats only about 12K since my truck wieghs in at 7500 pounds. but that doesnt hold some guys back from pulling into the 23-25K range with their 2500's and I know some 3500's that venture into the 30K range.

04.5 4x4 '600' NV5600 (6spd) 4.10 axels

 

To be clearer: I'm looking at buying an '06 2500, and I'm interested in your non-towing gas mileage average. Also, what is redline with the Hemi/6-speed? Is there any sort of fun-to-drive factor with the hemi/6-speed?

Thanx, Lance

 

I have the diesel so I dont know what the redline is for the hemi. there is a guy on the board that does have a hemi 2500, but I think his is an auto.

my cummins will hit nearly 20 banging through the gears unloaded and yes it is a blast to drive[sm=gears.gif]

 

If you need the mileage and since you don't seem to be towing much weight, consider the '06 1500 as it has MDS. I have seen people get 18mpg with the MDS '06, and that's with an automatic. You may get better yet with a 6spd.

 

There's no 6-speed manual available with the Hemi in the 1500 truck; only the 2500.

 

He doesnt want torque management [sm=badbadbad.gif]

 

Hi Lance,
I have the set-up you are looking for 2005 3/4 ton quadcab hemi 6speed manual. To answer your q's :
Yes, I do enjoy the 6 speed it is fun to drive. It makes the truck have a sports car feel. I also don't trust dodges auto-trannies....they have never had good luck finding a strong enough tranny to last. The gas mileage....I get 13.5 with a mix of city and hwy driving and 14.5 on the hwy but that is because I do 80-85 on the hwy. I would get better if I did the speed limit 65-70. On a side note you mentioned that you wanted the 2006......I would recommmend the 2005 if you can find one still on the lots?
The 2005 will still come with the 7/70,000 policy the 2006 only comes with the 3/36,000 policy. The 2005 also has the standard Hemi and the 2006 comes with the MSD Hemi which will give better gas milage but it is alot more electronics.....which means it will be alot more that may break later and cost a lot more to maintain. It is a new system that has not been tested long term? I look for long lasting parts in a trucks since I keep my trucks for 10-12 years. If you have any more q's just PM me,
JOE

 

Hi Lance,

I also have the package you're talking about. I currently get 14-15 mpg on the highway using 87 octane fuel, 800 lbs weight plus a fiberglass cap on mine. The 6 speed is a definite plus. I'm not sure I agree with the sportscar feel, but it does get rid of the torque management, and it fuel cuts at 5500rpm. The tranny is a g-56 Mercedes tranny with the dual mass flywheel. This thing is a beast in the snow!!! The tranny also is close ratio--great street feel and fairly narrow gated. Reverse is a bitch at first until you get used to it. The suspension is definitly stiffer, but it mellows out after a few thousand miles.It also helps to lower the factory inflation of 80 psi on the tires to the recommended 40 psi empty. I can't comment on the 06's but as mentioned above, a lot more electronic control. Plus if you find an 05 now, they'll be looking to deal.

 

TENNISMAN, I have the combo you are talking about, 05 2500, 6 spd manual with a hemi and 3:73' . I pull a 24 ft toy hauler that I load out to around 8,200 lbs plus my bed is normally full of fire wood with 4 people in the cab and it handles like a champ. I pull 2 steep grades on my way out of town and I can run them at 60 if I wanted to. Of course that takes me to about 4000 RPM's and drops my mpg. Since switching to Mobil 1 syn oil and installing a homemade CAI I get about 9 when towing if I stay at 55. The truck will easily handle 4400.