This is my 2nd post. I'm a 31 y/o dude from upstate NY. I have Been a dodge nut since i got my 1999 dakota 318 v8 4x4 in 1999 new. It's got 150,000 miles on it .. still purrs like a kitten. But since its getting older, I've decided to shop for a new truck. Being 6 foot 6 inches tall and 230 lbs, i need at least a mid size truck again. The newest dakota's are nice but it's time to upgrade. I'm on the market for a new Ram.

MY BIGGEST PROBLEM: dumb 3.55's in almost ALL the Rams with the sport package in black that im looking for. The only rams i seem to find on dodges search engine that have 3.92's are the TRX models with 2 tone paint which i hate.
I'm having a big problem finding the truck i want.

Engine: 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VCT (Discontinued) ... Whats this mean ?
What's up with that DISCONTINUED thing. I thought a new hemi was a new hemi. How many new hemi's are there ?

I found a truck with the 'discontinued' info on the sticker. It has EVERYTIHNG i want. EXCEPT it has the HORRIBLE 3.55's with 20's. Honestly i can't buy a truck like that without at least the 3.92's. Also no tail gate lock.
I have been paying attention to the threads about gear sizes and tire sizes. If i knew a GOOD rear end man and extra cash i would go RIGHT to 4.10's. Eventually i'll be goin to a 3 inch lift and 35's.

I think i should waite for a more recently built Ram. I am not in a rush but would prefer to have the new truck sooner than later.

I know if i order a truck there will be WAY less wiggle room to haggle on the price. I also know that if i find a truck on a lot ( considering this economy) I could REALLY haggle on price. But if i waite and find a truck more recently built, it will have the rear tailgate lock and everything else missing on the first builds. Also hopefully all the bugs and recalls worked out.
Any suggestions ? Idea's ?
thanks

 

First off the Hemi is not discontinued. I do believe that there was a part number level change with the introduction of the MDS light near the end of 2008. What you may be seeing as discontinued is the old level of the part number. That's the only rational explanation I can think of...

Second, what is so terrible about the 'horrible 3.55's?' Coming from a 99 Dakota, a Hemi with 3.55's should be able to out-tow, out-haul, and run laps around your current 4.7L. Especially with the additional HP and torque you get in the 09's. In addition, with ESP in every 09, it pretty much mitigates the added benefit you get with the limited slip that comes in the other optional rear end. All I'm saying is that the Hemi has some serious power and does just fine with the 3.55 gearing. It is far from 'horrible.' To each their own, but please make sure you drive it before you write it off.

As for deals, there is a good thread on this forum with some great examples of what people are getting their 09's for. Your best bet is to get two dealers pitted against eachother for your business. I hope you find what you are looking for and wish you good luck in your future purchase. You won't be disappointed if you get one of these bad boys, even if its two tone.

 

I have 3.55's, and am very happy with them and what I tow. But I don't think I'd want them with 20's and 33's. then again, I wouldn't want 20s anyways. If you plan on lifting and running 35's, probably on at least 20's anyway, you probably wouldn't be happy with the 3.92's with that setup anyways. Having 3.55's would just give you a perfect reason to swap when you lift, otherwise you'd probably still run the 3.92's and not be an ideal setup with them.

The locking tailgate could easily be done at the dealer; they'd just need to order the new handle and replace it. You could probably use it as a good deal maker.

 

The 3.92s are going to work fine with 35s, thats what I'm running and it drives great. Don't settle for a truck with 3.55s if you are planning on going to larger tires. It is much easier to spend the extra time looking for the right truck now than it will be spending up to $2000 to change gears after the fact.

Order a truck and lock in the fantastic incentives and zero percent interest now. With $10,000 in incentives there is very little haggle room left for the dealers anyway, which is great. Take the greedy dealership and their haggling out of the equation, and buy your truck straight from the manufacturer (in effect) by taking advantage of the incentives.

 

If you are in no hurry why not order and get exactly what you want??

And I agree, I would not get the 3.55s. Then again if you want bigger tires later in the trucks life why pay for the 3.92s and they will need replaced?

 

There are a few non-TRX trucks with 3.92's running around. Try looking at bigger dealers. You may have to travel a little.

But if you want 4.10s, just get the 3.55's and swap them out as soon as you get the truck.

 

My slt has 3.92's. I bet the availability of 3.92's on lot trucks depends on the mindset of the dealers in any given area. To me, they ought not make a single one of these trucks with less than 3.92's-there's just no upside. The mileage isn't even any better with 3.55's from what I've seen. All you get is less acceleration and pulling power.

 

I feel your pain dude; we are in a similar part of the country and I've searched quite hard for the exact package that I want and have gotten close, but not quite. My salesman at the dealership is frustrated as well, as a customer of his wants 3.92s in a certain color and he couldn't find a matching truck within 200 miles.

It is like all the beancounters who order the vehicles from all the dealerships go to the same sales conference and learn that they can save $375 off the price by not ordering the gear and limited-slip package and 98% of the customers won't notice it. To me, it is insane to have a 4WD truck with an open rear diff, but hey thats just me; I do a lot of winter travel in harsh conditions and lots of winter towing in the Adirondacks.

What exact package of truck are you looking for, as I constantly play with the vehicle search and have found a few trucks with 3.92s in Upstate, NY?

 

1. There are lots of trucks with 3.92s down here in TX. I had over 1500 Rams to choose from in a 100 miles radius. Have you considered buying out of state and having it shipped?

2. If you custom order the truck you'll get 10k off, but I got 15k off by finding one on a lot. That's a big difference in my mind.

3. If you're not going to be happy with 3.92s anyways, then you're going to need to swap them out. Have you driven a truck with 3.55 and then a truck with 3.92 side by side? Can you tell a difference?

 

Except for the fact that when you shift your truck into low range the ESP mode is deactivated. So when you really need the four wheel drive, you really need the limited slip differential.