Dodge Ram Pickup’s Redesigned Suspension Will Spring Into Action Later This Year 02/06/2008
As the only full-size pickup to come with a solid rear axle mated to coil springs, Ram 1500, available this fall, will be selling a modern, comfortable ride. But Chrysler LLC engineers are promising that performance won’t sag. The package is 40 lb lighter and, according to Jim Press, vice chairman and president, has posted less road hop in laboratory tests than the Silverado, F-150 and Tundra, Ram’s main light-duty competitors.
Maximum towing capacity stays the usual 9,100 lb, which lags behind the others, but a lighter chassis, combined with sleeker styling and powertrain upgrades, makes the new Ram at least 4% more fuel efficient than the 2008 model. Engineers say more savings are on the way.