2005 Dodge Ram Review

Specifications

Worlds Most Capable Factory 4×4 Pickup?

How can one pickup truck model be the worlds fastest on the racetrack and also the best off-road? Dodge has the former claim recorded in the books, the Guinness Book of World Records that is. The domestic brand proved its point unequivocally during a speed test at its Chelsea Proving Grounds in February, by registering a 155 mph top speed in a Ram SRT-10.

And what about the second claim? While no third party statistics organization was on hand to verify Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche when he named the new Ram Power Wagon as “the most capable off-road pickup ever built,” a quick look at the 2005 models spec sheet should put to rest any rival disagreement; at least regarding production based pickup trucks.

Dusting off and buffing up a quarter century old badge once synonymous with off-road dominance, the domestic automakers new Power Wagon came charging out from “beneath” a makeshift pile of dirt, taking center stage with a shovel wielding Zetsche, standing within a few minutes walking distance of the same high-speed oval where the first record was set.

Like the trucks world debut, the brand that builds the Power Wagon never goes about anything halfheartedly, with Zetsche proclaiming this first entry of the day to be part of a “big, bad and incredibly powerful expansion of the Dodge Ram model lineup.”

Behind the bold chromed crosshair grille is nothing less than the automakers class-leading 345 horsepower HEMI V8 with 375 lb-ft of torque as standard equipment. While it doesnt feature MDS cylinder-deactivation (Multi-Displacement System), a fuel saving and emissions reducing technology featured on the new Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum models, the 5.7-liter engine is quite a bit cleaner and more fuel efficient than the previous 5.9-liter V8.

Adding to Zetsches most capable 4×4 pickup truck claim are a few unique standard features that separate the Power Wagon from any competitor. First on the list is a 12,000 pound custom-built, factory-installed Warn winch fully integrated into the front bumper, a feature Zetsche laughingly chided was for pulling the Power Wagons competitors out of the mud.

Next on the agenda are class-exclusive electric locking front and rear differentials supplied via a cooperative development program with American Axle, optimizing off-road capability. Such is followed closely by another class-exclusive 4×4 feature, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar. A what? Simply, the sway bar can separate near its mid-point to allow greater individual wheel travel, necessary for negotiating the really rough stuff. It automatically reengages at 18 mph, just in case the driver forgets to do so manually when leaving the trail - this is necessary as a front sway bar is important to maintain pickup truck stability at higher speeds.

The Power Wagon is based on Dodges 2500 HD (heavy-duty), and like the regular ¾ ton pickup is available in both Regular and Quad Cab configurations. Taller than the conventional 4×4, the new Power Wagon is 80.6 inches in height, visually accentuated by matte black wheel flares and meaty 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires surrounding 17 by 8-inch polished forged aluminum wheels.

Power Wagon badging is emblazoned on the front doors and tailgate, just to let 4×4 pretenders know this Ram is all about business.

Its wheel articulation is also top of category, featuring an upgraded suspension design that includes the solid front axle on coil spring setup of the regular 2500 HD 4×4, enhanced with a new single stage leaf spring design that incorporates softer spring settings. Not only does this make the Power Wagon more nimble off the beaten path, but it should simultaneously beat up driver and passengers a great deal less.

A specially-made transmission features a heavy-duty torque converter, while a two-piece driveshaft is also part of the package.

Also, a new 4.56 gear ratio for better off-the-line acceleration and pulling power - optimized to 7,500 pounds.

Last on the agenda are Bilstein high-pressure gas shock absorbers, again specially calibrated for off-road applications.

“The new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon lives up to its name,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President — Body-on-Frame Product Team. “Dodge Power Wagon doesnt just beat the competition, it decimates them. There is simply no other pickup on the market that can touch the Dodge Ram Power Wagons off-road prowess.”

While prices have yet to be announced for the new 2005 Ram Power Wagon, Dodge has a habit of being extremely competitive in this category. Exact pricing will be released before it goes on sale this fall.