Companies that make the parts for the 2009 Ram
---------
Air bags Autoliv / TRW
Alternator Denso
Audio systems
– AM/FM/CD MP3 radios Siemens
– Satellite video receiver Delphi
– Navigation system Siemens
– Speakers Alpine
Badging Douglas Corporation
Bedliner Penda Corporation
Brake system
– Booster/master cylinder Varity Kelsey Hayes (TRW)
– Calipers/rotors Varity Kelsey Hayes (TRW)
Bumper Flex-N-Gate
Carpets HP Pelzer / IAC / JPS Automotive
Center console Visteon
Door module assemblies Hi-Lex
Door trim Visteon
Drive Shafts Spicer (Dana)
Electronic Stability Program Varity Kelsey Hayes (TRW)
Exhaust system Walker
Fascias Flex-N-Gate
Frame Metalsa
Front End Module (FEM) Decoma
Fuel Tanks Inergy Automotive
Glass – front, side, rear PPG, Magna Donnelly
Headlamps Decoma (Module)
Headliner Grupo Antolin
(Hood) Aluminum Novelis
Instrument cluster Siemens
Instrument panel assembly Visteon
Mirrors – exterior and interior Delbar / Magna Donnelly, Gentex
Paint Automotive Products / PPG
RamBox ABC Group / Advanced Accessory Systems
Rear entertainment (DVD) system Mitsubishi
Seats Johnson Controls (JCI)
Seat belts TRW
Steering wheel Key Safety Systems
Sun roof Inalfa
Suspension module – front Tokico
Taillamps Decofinmex SA DE CV
Thermal System Denso
Trailer Hitch Martinrea
Tires Goodyear
Weather Seals HSR&A / Cooper Standard
Wheels Prime (new) / Daewoo (carryover)
Wiper modules and blades Trico
Wiring Yazaki
YES® Essentials fabric Milliken

 

todays press release on the
5.7 Hemi Hybrid 2 mode system:
===
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC added to its list of fuel efficient powertrain offerings for the all-new Dodge Ram 1500 pickup today, announcing that the company's advanced two-mode hybrid will join the light-duty Dodge Ram powertrain lineup for 2010. The Dodge Ram HEMI(R) Hybrid joins the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango in the Chrysler hybrid vehicle lineup. Last year, the company also announced that it would introduce a Cummins turbodiesel engine after 2009 for the Dodge Ram 1500. The engine will meet 50- state emissions standards, and will deliver a 30-percent fuel economy improvement. "Dodge Ram is known for capability, utility and performance," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "The addition of hybrid and diesel powertrains to our all-new Dodge Ram 1500 lineup is sure to attract an array of new customers looking for the ultimate combination of full-size pickup fuel efficiency, performance and capability." The hybrid and diesel offerings for Dodge Ram are in addition to three gasoline powertrain options: -- An all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, that delivers a 4 percent increase in fuel economy for 2009 while producing 380 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque -- A new for 2008 4.7-liter flex-fuel V-8, that resulted in an increase in fuel economy while producing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque -- A 3.7-liter V-6 that generates 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque The renowned HEMI powerplant, in hybrid form, will continue to feature Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The two-mode hybrid system provides assistance from electric motors allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in four- cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving overall fuel economy. The Advanced Two-mode Hybrid System Chrysler's advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system - developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group - integrates proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid- electric drive system to deliver the world's first two-mode full hybrid. As a result of low- and high-speed electrically variable transmission (EVT) modes, the system is defined as a "two-mode hybrid." In addition, the sophisticated fuel-saving system incorporates four fixed-gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. During the two EVT modes, the system can use the electric motors to improve fuel economy, acceleration, and for regenerative braking to utilize energy that would normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in the batteries for later use. The system's two modes are optimized for city and highway driving. In the first mode - at low speed and with light loads - the vehicle can operate in three ways: -- Electric power only -- Engine power only -- Any combination of engine and electric power The two-mode hybrid provides all of the fuel-saving benefits of a full- hybrid system, including electric-only operation. In this mode, the engine is "shut off," with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic. The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full power from the 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade. Hybrid Development Center Located in Troy, Mich., the Hybrid Development Center (General Motors, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group) jointly developed the overall modular two-mode hybrid system and the individual components: electric motors, transmission, high-voltage battery, high-performance electronics, wiring, safety systems, energy management and hybrid-system control units. In addition, the Hybrid Development Center is responsible for system integration and project management. Chrysler Advanced Propulsion Technology Hybrid technology is one part of Chrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced clean- diesel technology, biofuel capable powertrain and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles. For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at http://www.media.chrysler.com/

 

Although I like the new inovations, I guess to get what I want I better buy an 06 to an 08. I like the space of the mega cab, but the length of at least a 6'3" bed. Now they are going to have a crew cab with a 5' bed. I hate that. That is one of the biggest reasons I went with dodge to begin with, becasue I they had the most room in a QC and still at least a 6' bed. so it looks like I better buy me a mega cab while I can. There is a little more info on this site. http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/auto...dge/page6.html

 

not a big fan either. The bed looks like the ford explorer pickup thingie.. The interior with the shifter in the center looks like the Honda pickup. Cheezie
I think I will stick with my 2008 until the gen 5 comes out..

 

USA Today article listing 42 cubbyholes in model 2009 Ram design:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...-cubbies_N.htm

 

I know this is an ancient post but I had to reply to this when I read it. There is nothing wrong with change. This truck rides better than the previous generation, the build quality overall is better, it is more fuel efficient, and has more power and torque, not to mention it rides better with the coil spring rear suspension. To call this Truck SUV like is both petty and ridiculous. You can get it in whatever trim you like. If you want something more utilitarian then order an ST with the Hemi, or get a base SLT with the Hemi. The fact of the matter is that the fourth gen trucks are by and far superior machines to all previous generation rams. Having more options and creature comforts hardly makes it less of a truck. I had a plain jane 2006 Dodge Dakota ST 4x2 CC with the 3.7L V6 and I can tell you right now I wouldn't go back to that truck from my new 2011 Ram if someone paid me money to do it.

I can tell you right now nothing about this truck reminds me anything of a Honda Ridgeline or the new F150 for that matter. It looks distinctly Dodge in my book and I am glad that they are finally cleaning up their act and working on the quality fit and finish overall. That was the one thing that GM and Ford had over Dodge with the previous generation trucks, especially the interiors. 2008Cummings calls the console shifter "cheezie" well I think the craptastic cheapo plastic interiors in the previous generations were cheezier. I couldn't believe the difference when I went from my 06 Dakota to a 4th Gen Ram. I can do so much more, and all I have is a base SLT with the Hemi and Four Wheel Drive. I can tow more, it gets better fuel economy than my Dakota, the interior is so much better it's insane, and in having driven it for awhile now it just seems much more solid built.

I honestly can't believe that Dodge owners of all people were so opposed to changing the previous generation Rams. I've driven Rams across the board except for a First Gen and I can honestly say that the new ones are better in each and every category.

 

They did nicen up the interior over my 08, but I don't need a luxury truck. I'm fine with the interior that I have. I have nothing against the new stuff, and if I didn't have my 08, I would buy a 4th gen. I just wouldn't go out and trade mine in because it is nicer than what I have.
I'm gonna keep my 08 until the body falls off or some jackass hits it and totals it. I like my lifetime powertrain warranty

Trucks seem to be evolving into SUV's with a bed because more and more people buy them and never really use them as a truck. I have a truck because I have a 20ft car trailer that I tow at times and it doubles as my daily driver. If I could tow 8K lbs with a SRT8/392 Challenger, by golly that would be what I have for sure!!

 

More people have trucks because I think they are more appealing than they were in the 70s 80s and 90s. I wouldnt compare them so much to an SUV because SUVs cant haul as much cargo as they can people. Trucks in my opinion are just so useful that I cant not own one.

 

I'm of the same feeling as you, Shibby, I had my first truck ('83 Jeep J10) before I even had a driver's license. In the 28 years I've been driving, I've owned seven full size 4x4 pickup trucks, all but about a total of 2 1/2 years have I had a pickup and those times were pure hell. Can't see myself ever being without one.

As far as the progressive generations though, I have to say that they all (be it Furd, Cheby or Dodge) have made their 1/2 tons less truck and more car-like. The second gen Ram halfs had a solid front axle (SFA), the 3rd Gens went to IFS for a more car-like ride and the 4th Gens continued the trend with the rear coils.
When the time comes for me to move up into a 4th Gen, it'll be a 2500 (hopefully a CTD) for those reasons, although I'm sure they have a TON of statistics to support the changes to a more car-like half ton.

I have a good friend with an '09 Ram 1500 Hemi 4x4 and I have pulled with it a number of times, I don't think it handles nearly as well as my 3rd Gen (and he readily agrees), although it's a bit skewed since I have 4.56 gears and he has factory 3.55s. It just wants to wander and really make focus more on driving when pulling any real weight, especially over bumpy terrain. I'll be honest here, have had two Furds and have a good hunting/fishing buddy with one, despite a huge HP disadvantage, I think the Furd F150 tows better than my truck and anyone who knows me, knows the disdain I have for Furds!

Not taking anything away from the 4th Gens, they are more comfortable, have much nicer interiors, the fit & finish is better and they have even more power, but they continued the trend for a more utilitarian vehicle than what I grew up knowing a "truck" to be...