I'd like anyone's comments on the 2008 variety of Ram 1500 Quad vs 2010. I know that Dodge is claiming 45 more HP with the 5.7 Hemi but what about the other important stuff like going to coil springs on a pick up? What other major manufacture has done this and what do you guys think on this and any other subject regarding the two.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy new or used.

Thanks in advance.

 

I believe they will hold the weight Dodge says they will on the door jam sticker, GVWR. But that is the lightest GVWR in the class, but I don't believe there was any less payload on 2009 vs. 2008. So the GVWR has not changed. They can hold a decent about of weight with airbags, not saying it would be a good idea to put the weight of a 2500 trucks payload. With bags you can haiul what most of the other "1/2 tons" run for GVWR, like 7100. Not exceeding the 3900 pound axle weights, but over the GVWR, so they can get you. I really think they need to consider factory bags on a "heavy half" Big rigs use air bags, dependable there. Then they can raise the GVWR to about 7000 to maybe even 7200, where most others are..Forget about Ford and their 7300 pound GVWR. Atleast the Dodge has bigger brakes, and tho the wheel bolt pattern has less bolts on the Ram, they are bigger! I think it real easy to go over 6700 pounds though.

 

I owned a 2008 TRX4 and now a 2009 SLT. I would take the 2009 hands down. I haven't run any tests or track times or anything but it does feel more powerful. I also love the coils. Much nicer ride when just driving around town. I have had full loads of crushed gravel, topsoil, wood etc. in the bed without any issues whatsoever.

For me it came down to the fact that I liked the interior better (on the same trim package 08 SLT vs. 09 SLT) and I very much prefer the exterior styling of the 4th Gen. Also, it didn't hurt that loan interest on a used was almost 3% higher here than the rate on a new Ram.

 

I had an '06 I traded on my 2010 Crew Cab and the difference is like night and day. I mean this in all different aspecs of the truck. The move to rear coils was the way to go. My truck rides alot smoother, no wheel hop if you want to stand on it either. The extra HP was really nice when I was towing my enclosed trailer fully loaded. No strain on the motor like my old '06 had.

Too sum it up, just bite the bullitt and go new. You will be glad you did.

 

I've owned a 2004 with the 4.7, traded it for an 08 5.7 2wd quadcab. Got used to driving the 08 for a bit, and then decided to up to my current 2010 5.7 crew cab 4x4 (all 1500's).

As far as i can tell, and this just being my personal experience, the extra 45hp translated well into towing responsiveness. On the speed side of the house, i can say my 2010, despite being heavier, all stock was outrunning my 08 in 0-60 by a solid second or more. Both my 08 and 10 had/have K&N intake, and aftermarket exhaust.

As another poster pointed out, the interior is SO much better on the 09/10's. I got my 10 with the center console shifter, and it feels more like sailing a ship than driving a vehicle. The ride is so smooth and easy, you really forget all about having 400hp under the hood.

I had to trade both my 08 1500 and my 07 Jeep Grand Cherokee to afford this 2010 though. :P

 

All I can say is that the 2010 is one great truck.

 

I have not been in a 2011 F150, but I've been in recent GMs, Titans and Tundras. All trucks nowadays are light years ahead of older designs, and have come to be almost comparable to a car in most respects.

I can say quite objectively that I have not been in a better riding or handling full-size pickup. The amazing thing is the level of quietness in the 4th generation Rams. When I first got the truck I thought the speedometer was way. Driving 60 MPH feels more like 40 in other trucks. Following others from behind I've noticed that newer Fords and Tundras seem to display noticeable box jitter. I've had others say they cannot see it on mine, so I'm assuming the frame is pretty stiff.

The 390 HP version of the 5.7 is a sweet motor. Based on others I've talked to they are getting better gas mileage. As someone else commented, the 4th gen interiors are night-and-day improvements over the previous generation Rams, and in my opinion much nicer that the new GMs.

Regards,
Dusty

2010 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 545RFE, 3.92 LSD, dual exhaust.

 

I'm looking at a 2008 or 2010 Dodge 1500 5.7L truck. Are there noticeable differences between the model years? I'm moving up from a 1997 1500 5.2L so life will be better no matter what

Thanks,

Chris

 

ok did you read ANY rules before posting? One this is an old thread, two your basically asking the SAME question the OP asked and 3 this is something you can EASILY search for.

 

2010 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Initially, the Ram was not even on my option list. But after driving F150 and Silverado, I could not have been more surprised by what I experienced. This truck is so far superior, I can't believe it - and at first, I didn't want to believe it. If you are in the market, drive them all and you'll see for yourself - Dodge has grabbed the truck market by the horns. I am completely converted!
Ride is quiet, smooth, and responsive. Hemi 5.7 is amazing - punched it once and it felt like I was in a muscle car (seriously, prepare yourself before trying this yourself). I have been impressed with how often the eco mode is in effect and my mileage on new engine is about 15-16 at 90% city. As engine breaks in, this will increase slightly. Love the towing features, especially hill assist. Without doubt the best truck I have ever driven. All this and it fits in the garage! If they keep this up, Dodge will pass Silverado to be sure and will nip at F150's heels in no time.

You can use carsabi to search for a good deal.
This is one example:
http://carsabi.com/car-search/listin...01500_3208320/

Regards,
John