Dodge finds flexibility
Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
Dodge has entered Class 4 and 5 of the commercial truck market with the 2008 Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs.
“It's an exciting new product and an exciting new time,” Dodge chassis cab product planning manager Brad Pugh said. “These trucks give us additional upfit flexibility of up to four cab/axle dimensions for regular cabs, going from 60" all the way up to 120". The 4500 has multiple GVWs that go all the way up to 16,500 pounds, and the 5500 goes up to 19,500.”
The new Ram chassis cabs will be offered as dual-rear-wheel modes with a choice of four cab-axle lengths — 60", 84", 108" and 120". The Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs will compete within the Class 4 and 5 segments with a gross vehicle weight range of 14,000 to 19,500 lb. Overall industry forecasts for this range of chassis cab vehicles were 140,000 units in 2006, with growth expectations to 156,000 units by 2012. The Class 4-5 chassis cab segment is expecting further growth to 18% by 2015.
The vehicles are equipped with: the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel, which generates 610 lb-ft of torque; six-speed automatic or manual transmission with power take-off capability; a 52-gallon fuel tank as standard equipment; 390 mm brake rotors; 66 mm caliper pistons; standard diesel exhaust brake system; a frame made of 50,000-psi steel, designed to maximize strength and reduce weight; flat, “clean” frame rails, with industry standard 34" spacing; all chassis components are below the frame surface for easy adaptability and versatility for virtually any upfit application.
The 6.7-liter engine has B5 biodiesel compatibility and reduction in particulates and nitrogen oxide that comply with the 50-state 2007 heavy-duty emission standards. It has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles.
Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models feature a recirculating ball system that provides precise response and an on-center steering feel through lower internal friction. Improved power steering lines contribute to the delivery of precise feel and response for better handling. Featuring solid-beam front and rear axles, and a five-link, coil-spring front suspension with beam axle, a front and rear link-type sway bar and heavy-duty tubular shock absorbers are standard.
The rear suspension on two- and four-wheel-drive models is equipped with leaf springs and includes standard two-stage springs as part of the spring design for greater load-carrying capability.
Maximum gross vehicle weight rating for 4500 models is 16,500. For 5500 models, the maximum GVWR is 19,500 lb. The GCWR for both 4500 and 5500 models is 26,000 lb.
Bolt-on and riveted-on exhaust hanger brackets provide increased upfitter flexibility, and riveted cross-members behind the cab allow for easier modification. The one-piece C-channel frame, shear plate or U-bolt access along the length of the frame, and shear plate mounting locations identified along the frame contribute to the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs' upfitter friendliness.
The fuel filler is routed through the frame, and an optional mid-ship fuel tank frees up more space behind the rear axle for special upfit applications. Fuel and brake lines are routed together on the frame's left side to make better use of space along the frame, which also has clearance for rear-exhaust routing.
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