Ram 3500 is Being Called the Most Powerful in the Market

The Quest to be The Best

GM, Ford, and Dodge have been hotly contesting the muscle car market where horsepower has become king. But these three manufacturers have also been hard at work on their heavy-duty truck models in an attempt to produce the most capable and usable pick-up in America. With a newly refreshed lineup for the 2019 model year, the Ram 3500 has now become America's most powerful pick-up truck.

Photos Courtesy of FCA Ram Trucks and Car and Driver

Cummins Get It!

While the big three's heavy-duty trucks have been producing torque figures in the high triple digits, Ram is the first to break into the 1,000 lb-ft category thanks to a new High-Output 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. As such, Dodge can officially call the new Ram 3500 the "Most Powerful Truck on the Market" as it beats out the Chevy Silverado HD (910 lb-ft) and Ford Super Duty (935 lb-ft) with its extra dose of stump-pulling torque.

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Engine Enhancements

The High-Output Cummins 6.7L Turbodiesel option produces its 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque thanks to a redesigned cast-iron cylinder head that features new rocker arms and exhaust valves, lightened and strengthened pistons attached to forged connecting rods, and an improved variable geometry turbocharger fitted to a newly designed exhaust manifold. Further, the engine is 60 pounds lighter than the standard Cummins 6.7L, which also remains as an engine option.

>>Join the conversation about the RAM 3500 right here in Dodge Forums.

Powertrain Perk-Up

With a huge amount of power on tap, Dodge turned to Aisin and their AS69RC electronically-controlled six-speed automatic transmission (with associated cooling enhancements) which reportedly shifts smoother and faster under all conditions. Those who opt for four-wheel-drive will receive a stout BorgWarner BW 44-48 transfer case designed specifically to harness the 3500's towing capacity.

>>Join the conversation about the RAM 3500 right here in Dodge Forums.

Colossal Capabilites

Speaking of capacities, a fully-equipped Regular Cab Ram 3500 dually is capable of towing 35,100 pounds and can carry 6,570 pounds of cargo. Interestingly, the maximum payload capacity (7,680lbs) of the entire Ram lineup is achieved by the Regular Cab dually fitted with a 6.4L Hemi engine simply because of the legal gross vehicle weight ratings. If push came to shove, however,  the Cummins will out-work the Hemi every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

>>Join the conversation about the RAM 3500 right here in Dodge Forums.

New from the Ground Up

While the headlining news story is obviously about the powerful diesel engine, much of the Ram truck is also new. Engineers claim they started from the ground up with new hydroformed main frame rails, fully boxed rear frame rails, and six crossmembers. All of this is made of 98.5% high-strength steel that is not only durable, but also lighter in weight.

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Improvements Throughtout

Sitting on the improved frame is a revamped body that also uses high-strength steel and an aluminum hood to achieve a body structure that weighs 143 pounds less than the outgoing body. Interior noise has been reduced by nearly 10 decibels as a result of the new body profile, new engine & body mounts and noise canceling technology. The 3500 uses leaf spring rear suspension aided by airbags that automatically detect payload weight and adjust the ride accordingly.

>>Join the conversation about the RAM 3500 right here in Dodge Forums.

A Tech Marvel

The new HD Rams also feature various new technology throughout. The HVAC system has been improved to flow 30% more air while also improving heater warmup time thanks to in-duct electric heating elements. A 360-degree camera and cargo camera will help with trailer hookup and payload monitoring. USB ports and 115V/400w outlets are located throughout the vehicle (including bed-side storage bins) to keep modern gadgetry fully charged. A massive 12" optional Uconnect touchscreen and four audio package options (including a 17 speaker/750w Harman Kardon system) round out the interior tech.

>>Join the conversation about the RAM 3500 right here in Dodge Forums.

Powerful Power Wagon

Ram will also offer its new HD truck in the 2500 Power Wagon trim package that exudes an incredible off-road prowess. A factory suspension lift paired with locking front and rear axles (4.10 gears), detachable sway bars, and a heavy-duty winch make for a ride that can go virtually anywhere.

>>Join the conversation about the RAM 3500 right here in Dodge Forums.

Most Powerful on the Market

The bar has been set and Ram now stands tall above its competitors in the Heavy-Duty truck market. Progress will continue forward and innovations will be made in the coming years, but being the first to hit the 1,000 ft-lb of torque figure is an incredible achievement that will be the benchmark for all manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks to beat if they want to call themselves the best.

>>Join the conversation about the RAM 3500 right here in Dodge Forums.

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