redelk
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Posts: 3212
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posted November 28, 2002 05:03 PM
 Edited By: redelk on 1 Dec 2002 22:02
Why there hasn't been a Dallas Part IV yet
Yes, Mad Mike... I've been busy! As explained in Part I, our company was in the process of getting a new truck to replace our old '91 Chevy Silverado 4x4(shown below).
After 11 years and 170,000 miles, it had become time to put her out to pasture and replace her with something that will hopefully last as long, be equally dependable and do everything that we asked of the old truck (and more).
Though it's still a "work in progress" since we are waiting for a few other items to arrive, the new truck is here. Now If I can just figure out how to drive the damn thing. Hell, there's SIX damn buttons on the steering wheel just for the friggin' cruse control. Not to mention the two buttons and two rocker switches for the stereo.
With an overall length of almost 21' and a weight of over 3 tons, one would think the truck would be able to bearly get rolling, but it really doesn't seem to be much of a problem with this under the hood...
In it's stock trim, the Hemi puts out 345 HP & 375 ft/lbs. With the dealer installing the K&N as well as the FlowMaster exhaust before I received the truck, we're hoping it will be closer to 380 HP and over 400 ft/lbs (HEY! I can dream, can't I?). I though about getting the V-10 or one of the disels, but the Hemi's not that far off the V-10 (305 HP & 450 ft/lbs) and I go to way too many out of the way places where finding disel fuel could be a problem.
Even though it has a five speed, basically only 2 gears are really usable in town. First is almost a "granny gear" and I can easly start off in second. Third gear makes for "spirited" driving around and will pull from under 1000 RPMs. Except from starting from a dead stop, I can almost leave it in third gear all the time. Forth will have you violating most traffic laws except for the interstates. You'll be doing 75+ mph before you even realize it. I could probably "bark" the tires in forth too (way too easy in the first three), but I am trying to "break in" the engine first, ya know?
Fifth... well fifth gear is such a high overdrive, the truck almost sounds like it's not even running and accelleration is nothing to write home about, yet is still seems like it could pull a load. I don't think the truck will even realize my little Wells Cargo trailer is back there, even when the bike, rolling toolbox and all my other gear is in it. The Hemi puts out over 300 ft/lbs. at 1500 RPMs.
Since I have to "live with" this truck for at least 5 to 7 years (if not more) as my daily driver, having enough "creature comforts" was important to me. Still, being on a "budget", I had to be careful in choosing what I wanted while custom ordering this vehicle. There had to be some kind of "practical aspect" to just about everything, in order to satisfy our company "bean counters".
The rear doors actually open up a full 85 degrees and the rear seats have plenty of leg room.
The nice part is that when the rear seats are not in use, there's are fold out platforms that make for a perfectly flat storage area. Underneath the platforms are additional storage areas for tools, jumper cables and such.
The instruments are easy to read with their white faces/black numbers during the day and black faces/green lit numbers at night.
Fortunately, there's multi-mode audio controls on the steering wheel since I would have a hard time either reaching or figuring out the buttons on the stereo while I'm driving. Now if I could just figure out all the modes on the steering wheel buttons, I'd be all right.
The "Shift On The Fly" 4WD knob is a trip in itself. When changing to 4WD High or 4WD Low, it won't engage until certain conditions (speed, etc.) are met. Especially when shifting to 4WD Low. I guess that's to keep idiots like myself from shifting into 4WD Low at 70 mph.
Like I said earlier, it's still a "work in progress". The grille/brush guard and body side moldings won't be in for about a week and it's going to be about 3 weeks on the camper shell and 8' rubber bed mat. After those get in and installed, I'll be adding the additional lights and electric trailer brake controller.
The only reason I got the rubber mat is because it's too much of a pain crawling around on that hard plastic bed liner. We thought about getting a sprayed on Rhino liner, but decided not to after seeing how they would have had to sand off all the factory paint of the bed before they sprayed it on.
Like I also said in the first Dallas post, I'm kind of a "Chevy guy", but with the amount of money this Dodge dealer spends with our company, combined with the fairly good deal the made on this truck, I really didn't have much of a choice. Not that I'm not happy with the truck. Quite the opposite. When compared on paper with a comparable Chevy, I believe this truck beats it hands down.
That is except in ground clearance, but I figure after the OEM tires wear out (which outta be soon seeing as spinning them in third gear is no problem), replacing the stock, tiny looking LT 265/70R17 with either LT305/70R17 (adding 1.1" of clearance) or 37X12.50R17LT (adding 2.4" of clearance), should solve that problem. I don't think the engine will have too much problem turning the additional weight either. That is as if this beast doesn't sit high enough as it is. I can bearly reach the drawer at the bank drive-thru as it is.
Here's the "full list" of our "new baby's" features...
2003 Dodge RAM 2500 Laramie Quad Cab 4X4 LWB
Weight & Dimensions Specs
- Wheelbase - 160.5"
- Overall Length - 249.7"
- Overall Width - 79.9"
- Overall Height - 78.4"
- Track F/R - 69.7"/68.2"
- Estimated Curb Weight - 6222 lbs. (wo/camper shell & other accessories)
- Curb Weight F/R - 3563/2659 lbs.
- Payload - 2580 lbs.
- GVWR - 8800 lbs.
- GAWR F/R - 5200/6000 lbs.
- GCWR - 15000 lbs.
- Steering Diameter - 52'
- Ground Clearance - 9.9"
- Min. Approach Angle - 24.3°
- Min. Departure Angle - 26.7°
Engine/Powertrain Features
- 5.7L V8 Hemi SMPI Engine - 345 HP & 375 ft/lbs. (stock)
- K&N Filter (dealer installed - can't get the cold air intake system for the Hemi yet)
- FlowMaster Cat-Back Exhaust System (dealer installed)
- Electronically-Controlled Throttle
- Five-Speed Manual Transmission
- 3.73 Axle Ratio
- Anti-Spin Differential Axle
- Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly Transfer Case
- 9.26 Front Axle Ratio
- 10.50 Rear Axle Ratio
- Four-Wheel 13.7" ABS Disc Brakes
- Front Heavy-Duty Shock Absorbers
- Rear Heavy-Duty Shock Absorbers
- Front Stabilizer Bar
- Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling
- Engine Block Heater
- 136-Ampere Alternator
- 750-Ampere Maintenance-Free Battery
- 35-Gallon Polyethylene Fuel Tank
Interior Features
- Driver & Passenger Front Air Bags
- Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags
- Remote Keyless Entry and Alarm
- Power Adjustable Pedals (real trick)
- Infinity 240W Six Speaker Sound System w/ AM/FM, Cassette and CD (I don't even own any CDs)
- Leather-Wrapped Tilt Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio and Cruise Controls
- Leather 40/20/40 Front Bench Seat w/ Fold Down Center Armrest/Storage
- Eight-Way Power w/Adjustable Lumbar Support Heated Driver and Front-Passenger Seats
- Leather 60/40 Split Rear Seat w/ Underseat Storage & Fold-Out Flat-Load Steel Floor
- Dual Zone Temperature Control Air Conditioning
- Overhead Console with Temp/Direction/Trip Computer and 3 Universal Garage Door Openers
- Rearview Mirror with Auto-Dimming Feature
- Full Instrument Cluster with Tachometer
- Woodgrain Instrument Panel Bezel
- Power Locks and Windows w/ Driver's One-Touch Down Feature
- Hands Free Cellular Phone System w/ Mike, Speaker and Charger (dealer installed)
- Two Auxiliary 12V Power Outlets
- Front (adjustable) and Rear Cup Holders
- Cigar Lighter and Ashtray (a "must have")
- Height-Adjustable Seat Belts
- Dash Liner and Floor Tunnel Insulation (almost too quite inside)
Exterior Features
- Sport Appearance Group
- Halogen Headlamps
- Fog Lamps
- Front Air Dam
- Power Heated Fold Out Trailer-Tow Mirrors
- 8' Pickup Box
- Transfer Case Skid Plate
- 17" x 8" Cast Aluminum Wheels
- LT265/70R17E OWL On/Off-Road Tires
- Removable Tailgate with Caliper Latches
- Full Size Spare with Security Lock
- Dark Tinted Glass Windows
- Sliding Rear Window
- Cargo Lamp (probably useless after the shell is on)
- Class IV Hitch Receiver
- Seven-Pin Wiring Harness w/ Outlet In Bumper
Dealer & Aftermarket Add Ons
- 7 Year/70,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty (standard)
- 7 Year/70,000 Mile Maximum Care Extended Warranty
- Black Rubber Side Moldings (deleted by Sport Package and possible "door dings" scare the hell outta me - dealer installed)
- Vent Visors (dealer installed)
- Under the Rail Bed and Tailgate Liner (dealer installed)
- Rubber Bed Mat (dealer installed)
- Leer XQ 100 Camper Shell (dealer installed)
- Black Steel Tubular Side Step Bars (dealer installed)
- Black Steel Grill and Brush Guard (dealer installed)
- KC 6" Round Black Slimlite 130W Off Road Lights (mounted on grille guard - owner installed)
- KC Series 26 55W Driving Lights (mounted on trailer hitch as additional "back up" lights - owner installed)
- Tekonsha Prodigy Electric Trailer Brake Controller (owner installed)
- Tint Front Windows
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
   
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kawachan
Pro
Posts: 1031
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posted November 28, 2002 06:42 PM
Damn, Red!! I know there's got to be a hinge in the middle of that thing to get it to turn a curve for ya!!!!
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RED NINJAS RULE!!
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DaveInDaytona
Pro
Posts: 1696
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posted November 28, 2002 07:14 PM
I love those trucks. My 2000 Quad Cab w/Off Road package is greatly missed. The best truck I ever had by far.
As soon as they put the hemi with the off road I'm going to find a way to get one again. Excellent choice Red. Hope you and your new Hemi Mopar (man that sounds good) are very happy together.
Dave
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DaytonaSportbikes Forum
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Hells Dark Lord
Needs a life
living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
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posted November 28, 2002 07:30 PM
I want one ! ! ! ! ! !
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted November 28, 2002 08:36 PM
Edited By: redelk on 28 Nov 2002 20:51
Good news, Dave. The 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab CAN be ordered with both the Hemi AND the Off Road Package! There are a few catches though...
1. Only availabe with the LARAMIE or SLT packages
2. Automatic transmission only with the 1500 series
Here's a possible configuration from their website for a 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab Laramie 4X4 SWB:
- Hemi Magnum 5.7L, V8 SMPI Engine [ $795 ]
- 5-45RFE Five-Speed Automatic Transmission [ $975 ]
- Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
- Lock-Up Torque Converter
Off-Road Package [ $870 ]
- LT275/70R17 OWL All-Terrain Tires (standard is LT265/70R17)
- Off-Road Decal
- Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling**
- Anti-Spin Differential Axle*
- 3.92 Axle Ratio*
- Fog Lamps*
- Front Suspension Skid Plate*
- Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield*
- Tow Hooks*
- 17" x 8" Aluminum Wheels*
* - Comes standard on the Laramie
** - Comes standard on the 2500 series
The suspension is different on the 2500/3500 ("Live" vs. "Independent") and a front suspension skid plate is not even an option. Of course, neither is the O.R. Package offered for the 2500/3500. Also, you can't get the LT275/70R17 on the 2500/3500 either.
What's strange is that ordering a 2500 with everything but the tires and suspension skid plate is usually CHEAPER then ordering the 1500 with the O.R. Package. They also don't mention anything about upgrading the 1500's suspension with the O.R. package.
Not to say that the 2500's HD "Live" suspension is geared for off road. I'd figure it's upgraded more for load capacity and the independent suspension of the 1500 would probably be better of off road use. Beats me, I wouldn't know.
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted November 28, 2002 09:04 PM
That "Live" vs. "Independent" suspension thing got me to wondering which was really better for off road use. So, I did some quick (but hardly conclusive) research on it.
This is from a site called "Driving Courses for Africa"
A 4wd vehicle with independent front suspension is more stable on a tarmac or good muram (dirt) road than one with a live axle beam. There in lies the only advantage.
Independent suspension is delicate compared to live axle and is therefore easily damaged when travelling on pot holed roads and bad muram roads. The repairs are usually expensive. It also has a limited ability when using it in an extreme off road situation.
Although the infrastructure in Uganda is improving, the majority of roads are still unsealed and poorly maintained. Some tarmac roads are still badly pot holed. Therefore the answer to the question is what are you planning to do in Uganda? If you are just going to be around Kampala and go off on the occasional safari to a game park; then a carefully driven independent front suspension 4wd will suffice. On the other hand, if you want to be more adventurous and visit the more remote parts of the region then it is worth the investment into having a vehicle with an axle beam suspension.
... and this is from a site called "Off Road Experience" and their "Guide to Off Road Driving"
On vehicles equipped with "live" axles (fixed), the minimum ground clearance is the lowest point of the axle housing, normally the differential. This minimum clearance always remains the same as the axle goes up/down with the wheels. To obtain your minimum clearance, measure from the differential housing (its lowest point) to the ground, there it is, your minimum ground clearance. The minimum won't change, though maximum can when a wheel climbs up.
On vehicles fitted with independent suspension however, the front wheels are attached to the A-arms which go up/down independently from each other, at the same time the center portion of the chassis/suspension goes up/down as well, though the exact opposite of the wheels. Type of terrain, as well as braking can effect your ground clearance dramatically; when the front wheels are bottomed on their suspension points (up in the fenders as far as they can go), your chassis and front suspension pivot points are now very vulnerable to damage as they come closer to the obstacle. It is a proven fact, that for heavy duty off-road work vehicles fitted with "live" axles are preferred.
Going on this info, Dave... I'd recommend you save some bucks, get a 2500 series and put the slightly bigger tires on it.
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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GreenGlenn
Expert Class
Ron Jeremy's Stunt Double
Posts: 370
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posted November 28, 2002 09:25 PM
Daaaaaaaaamn..... You dont have time for a trip report, but you do have time for a 14 page excuse of why you dont have time for a trip report. I am in awe of your ability to document stuff.
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If you love your bike, set it free. If it comes back to you....you probably highsided.
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted November 29, 2002 07:34 AM
GG, joys of cut and paste!
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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OZZY
Needs a job
need guberment cheese
Posts: 3172
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posted November 29, 2002 07:41 AM
OTD $$ ???
____________
"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses......HIT IT!"
Blues Bros.
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LUCKY12
Expert Class
Posts: 198
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posted November 29, 2002 12:05 PM
Hell Red, you lead me to believe you made all that money pimping, I'm surprised you didn't get a van to haul all those ho's around in. I reckon you'll use the trailor to haul them and you'll put a mattress in the fold down seats in the back. Who says crime don't pay, well it pays a little bit. Congrats though, it really looks good, and I hope you've get a northstar system installed in it too so you can get where you need to go "faster".
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harryzx-12
Needs a job
Posts: 3643
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posted November 29, 2002 03:44 PM
All Redelks Ho's Are...............
Inflatable!!!! 
Nice truck Red!
____________
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
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ZHooligan
Moderator
Post Whore Extraordinaire!
Posts: 3829
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posted November 29, 2002 04:54 PM
So why did you cheap out and buy the stripper. You could have sprung for a few options at least!! That is a hell nice truck Elk. I am a Dodge guy have owned a number of them. I am personally fond of the cummins because of the fuel economy and I pull some serious loads at time. That said you have picked up one sweet ride.
____________
To those who do not count their life in years, but in how life
has touched them in the past and how much it can hold in the
future; -- Youth is forever.
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted November 29, 2002 06:37 PM
OZZY, from what I can tell, this is how it broke down.
MSRP - $43,348.00
Sale Price - $38,719.00 (-$4,629.00)
Dealer Cost - $37,737.00 (+$982.00)
Above prices include all dealer rebates, business discount, destination charges,installed accessories and extended warranty.
Above prices DO NOT include trade-ins or any additional cash paid.
Dealer Cost Break Down vs. MSRP
Truck* - $33,368.00 ($37,195.00)
Accessories** - $2,869.00 ($3,853.00)
Extended Warranty - $1,500.00 ($2,300.00)
TOTAL - $37,737.00 ($43,348.00)
* - Salesman and I "hacked" the Chrysler Dealer Direct vehicle ordering website
** - I viewed all dealer internal OEM parts requests and Dealer P.O. to aftermarket vendors/installers.
Trade Ins and Cash Payments
1997 Eagle Talon (43K miles - some body damage) - $6,000.00
1991 Chevy Silverado (170K miles - "worn" condition) - $3,600.00
Toal Trade In Value - $9,600.00
Payoff on Talon - $8,300.00
Total Trade In Value - $1,300.00
Cash Down Pament - $4,800.00
Camper Shell Upgrade - $469.00 (Leer XL to XQ)
Total Down Payment - $6,569.00
Financing Information
Amount Financed - $32,150.00
APR - 5.75% for 60 months
Monthly Payment - $617.82
Total Interest Paid - $4919.15
Total Costs For The Truck
Total Down Payment - $6,569.00
Amount Financed - $32,150.00
Total Interest Paid - $4919.15
TOTAL Overall Cost - $43,638.15
Items Not Included
OEM Body Side Moldings (4 doors) - $60.00
KC 6" 130w Slimlite Off Road Lights -$150
Pilot 55w Trailer Hitch lights - $25.00
Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller - $125.00
Tint Front Side Windows - $50.00
15,000 lbs. 25' Tow Strap - $30.00
4" Drop Hitch w/2" Ball - $25.00
Replacement Cell Phone - $90.00
Additional Camper Shell 12v lighting - $30.00
Total - $585.00
GRAND TOTAL - $44,223.15
NOTES:
1. The grille/brush guard has been installed, but I'm not real keen on how the light tabs are mounted (Self tapping screws instead of welded). I might have to get some additional mounting hardware for the KC Slimlites.
2. I swithed from the KC Series 26 lights to a cheaper version on back.
3. Two additional 12V interior lights will be added to the inside of the camper shell.
4. A new cell phone to use the truck's hands free system, will have to be purchased to replace the 17 year old analog phone that was in the old truck. I'll miss it's 3 watts of power, but the handset is shot and I can't get parts for it. It will be fairly basic with limited features (never use them).
5. Can't get new mud/snow tires until the OEM (31.8" OD) ones are worn out. With 8" rims I might be limited to LT305/70R17 (34" OD). Specs on 35 (34.8" OD) or 37X12.50R17LT (36.7" OD) say the minimum wheel width is 8.5". I can't talk the company into paying for new wheels and at around $1000, I can't afford them
6. The company will pay for the above items, but I'll have to shell out for a radar detector. I'd use the Valentine One off my bike, but since it's sits where the city light would normally be, getting it out and putting it back in would be a big hassle.
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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OZZY
Needs a job
need guberment cheese
Posts: 3172
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posted December 01, 2002 04:09 PM
Jealous!
____________
"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses......HIT IT!"
Blues Bros.
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