Yeah, interior ergonomics for the 4th gens get two thumbs up from me!

 

I don't like the console layout, the 12V outlet placement, the steering wheel EVIC buttons, the placement of the tow/haul switch, the cruise control lever/switch, the rear sliding window switches, the exterior mirror R/L button switch, the side pockets on the console that catch everything that is dropped or slides of the seat and takes a grappling claw to retrieve.

But if you're happy with all that, it's ok with me.

 

Of all that you listed, the only thing that I would have agreed with early on, but don't now is the cruise control lever. I didn't like it at first, but now that I'm used to it I don't have a problem at all. I can use it intuitively without looking. As much as I liked my old ZJ's more obviously placed steering wheel mounted cruise control switches, I would almost always look down to use them. I like the fact that the lever is more intuitive once you learn to use it.

In regards to the side pockets on the center console, I have a bench seat so I don't have that problem. I love the AC outlet. What's wrong with where it is on the dash? WK grand cherokees have it in the rear seats. At least in the dodge ram its up front and by the passenger side, where it is most commonly used, but still within reach of the driver. Anyway, I stand by my 2 thumbs up rating of the interior ergonomics.

 

Im happy with the layout overall. I will say this is a LOT of truck for the money! After putting 1000 miles on it Im VERY happy over all. Im just a bit disappointed with the sheet metal. If I park my 06 and 10 ram on my drive way and open the driver door on each the 2010 wont hold, the 06 will. The reason for that is a weaker spring. The thinner the metal the less the spring rate will be.
I use to tell my buddies my truck was a real truck and not a tin can like theirs. I guess Ill be keeping my mouth shut from now on,lol

 

Your driveway test is not having anything to do with the sheet metal. There is a mechanical door detent feature that holds the door open at different intervals. Seeing as how the 3rd and 4th gen designs are completely different, you are comparing apples and oranges. Assuming they were the same, the door that weighed more would be the one to close first, so by following that logic you would have to assume that the 4th gen is a beefier door. That isn't the case though because as I said, the two are completely different.

As I said in my first post on this thread, Chrysler has been thinning the sheet metal specs over the years, just like every other automaker. Weight and steel prices are the driving factors. The sheet metal thickness on a door skin between an 08 3rd gen and an 09 4th gen are actually the same. I don't know what changes were made between 06 and 08 though.

 

Im not going to get into a pissing match with you but I do own a 06 and a 2010 Ive looked at the hinge on both. They are the same, They were set tyo the same notch. As a body paint guy I know that the metal is thinner, a lot thinner. Ive worked on cars all my life. This isnt my first ball game.

 

My 09 RAMs doors have that nice chunk sound front and back like a Lexus or Mercedes, well they got ya'll hook now you get the junk LOL J/K The metal has been this thin on even the Vans for several years and the Vans are gone. Ever look down the side of one...phew, it's not pretty. My doors have that stuff youput in fatmat or whatever but it looks like it is placed in certain areas behind the speaker and almost the whole thing but same pattern on other door. I had to look. I still think they did some things to the early build 09's that were possibly ones that were judged by Road and TRack, JDPowers, etc. I should check how do I tell what number mine was They start at 0 correct? I don't know how to read the VIN anymore its been 10 years since Ihave worked...or cared about working.
Forgot I wanted to put this is here my 2000 Dakota Quad was nice and solid and very good in the snow, 2003 Durango R/T same nice solid sounding doors accept the rear doors were so light that everyone slammed them, I was gonna put some cement in the bottom LOL.
98 Dakota had an overpowered V8 for it's size and it has posi so in 40000 km's not miles I was on third set of tires on the back and 2nds front...Ihad to match the style and type and they were wider but lower profile and the backs were the biggest T/A's that would fit. No matter I could not leave anywhere without leaving a little patch. This was the problem really, there were a group of us that left after the plant changed shifts since we were steady days. Well we all parked way out cuz that was all that was left since we started later. Anyway the street out front was perfect for drag racing or just whoever could get their car started and going first, I left so much rubber there on a cement street too very surprised my axles held LOL Only car that could come even close was a Crown Vic 95 maybe had the police special in it, had too that thing could smoke both tires just mine were wider and I cheated and left the sand bags n the back in summer but the just wore out the tires faster. So I got a 4x4 Dakota in 2000 which I talked about. Oh we had 2 neons, a 95 tin can and a 2001 which was actually a decent car.

 

well, hum.... Every truck made today, Ford gm and Dodge are ???? using the same metal from the same foundarys, when you want your 385 hp hemi to get 20 mpg and go like greased lightning, dodge is not going to add extra metal to the package.

If you want a truck, go back to the 1970's late 1980s and buy a all ready rusted and dented Gm, Ford, or a dodge, than its a case of how the hell cares if its dented.

With the 4rth gen Ram, Dodge did improve the fit and finish of the body and paint quality over the 3rd gen.

 

Hey I have a 72 Chevy pickup, its like getting into a tank the ride, handling, gas tank in the cab!!! I fatmatted the whole interior with the heavy stuff and doubled the floor plus put bedliner spray under the cab. Not a lot of road noise but mufflers are loud, gotta move them back. or get quieter ones untill you step on it. Even the after market metal for that truck is heavier. I bought the cowl induction hood...really thick and heavy. Cheated and put a fibreglass 88 box on the back so its lighter really moves for a stock old gal with fresh top end including cam, timing gears no chain. It gets 10 miles to the gallon city but I always kick it in the *** it looks better going fast LOL. I know this is wrong but I am posting a Chevy. Sorry but I dont want that pics or nothing so here

 

Your credentials don't negate the fact that you are comparing apples to oranges. They are two different doors, with two completely different designs and have different weights. I could give you my credentials too, but since you don't want to get into a pissing contest I'll leave it at that. I'm not sure why you are being so defensive here. You may be right that the 06 sheet metal is thicker than the 10, but re-read my post and you'll see that I said that 2008 3rd gens were the same as the 2009 4th gens for sheet metal thickness and that the sheet metal thinning has been gradual over the years.