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Ram issues recall on heavy-duty pickup transfer cases

UPDATE: A previous version of this story said the issue only occurred in four-wheel drive. This is incorrect – issues are only exhibited in two-wheel drive. The Basics: Ram is recalling 930 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy-duty pickups from model year 2016. The affected 3500s were built between July 24, 2015 and January 7, 2016, while the larger 4500/5500 trucks were screwed together between July 24, 2015 and October 8, 2015. The Problem: According to the official NHTSA bulletin, the "transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture." If this happens, the vehicle could lose power. The driver might not be able to select park, either. Injuries/Deaths: FCA isn't aware of any injuries or deaths related to the issue. The Fix: Dealerships will replace the transfer case on affected trucks. If you own one: You probably don't. According to FCA spokesman Eric Mayne, dealers haven't delivered the majority of the affected trucks to customers. But if you really do own one, Mayne added that the issue only occurs in two-wheel drive. We'd advise keeping it in four-wheel drive until you can report to your local dealer. FCA kicked the recall off on August 10, so expect a mailed notification soon. Related Video:

Electrified Ram pickup on the way, FCA CEO says

Ram will build an electrified pickup, FCA CEO Mike Manley confirmed during the company's third-quarter earnings call Wednesday. Manley provided no details, but confirmed that electrification is on the way for its truck brand. This also means that it's not clear whether this truck will be a full electric, or if it will be a conventional or plug-in hybrid. It's still significant, though, since this is the first time we've heard a clear message from FCA leadership that electrification will be a priority for Ram.  “I do see that there will be an electrified Ram pickup in the marketplace, and I would ask you just to stay tuned for a little while, and weÂ’ll tell you exactly when that will be," Manley said, according to the Detroit Free Press.  With concrete plans starting to emerge from both Ford and General Motors, FCA is now looking like the odd one out. Company representatives have been tough to nail down on the question of electrification. Without ruling it out entirely, Manley and other shot-callers have been somewhat dismissive of the notion in previous announcements and interviews.  "The reason we haven't spoken much about electric pickup trucks is not because we view that market as non-existent. We've always had a slightly different view of timing and adoption rates, particularly in North America in terms of full electrification. We are very committed to our electrification strategy — most of which we have revealed," Manley, said in August. Of course, what had been revealed at the time did not include a pickup. That hasn't exactly conclusive, either, as FCA's future product roadmap has been nebulous (to put it charitably) for essentially the past decade. The announcement of a merger with PSA resulted in yet another strategic reboot, and we've yet to see exactly how Stellantis will integrate existing PSA electrification plans with FCA's fast-and-loose approach to EVs.  Given the fact that PSA is not a player in the full-size pickup game, it stands to reason that Ram's development would likely come from this side of the pond. Whether FCA/Stellantis will keep the development in house or tap one of America's electric startups as a potential partner or supplier remains to be seen. Either route has potential, with a number of electric truck start-ups in the U.S., and extensive EV and hybrid experience within FCA and the soon-to-be-integrated PSA group.

2019 Ram 1500 truck Ram-o-rama: Many trims, options spotted on the road

We'll give Ram credit. It provided an impressive variety of 2019 Ram 1500 trucks to peruse at the Detroit Auto Show. There was a Big Horn Sport, Laramie, Limited and Rebel, with both the Quad Cab and Crew Cab on display as well. We even got to see both five- and six-passenger interiors. However, all that variety still only scratched the surface of the 2019 Ram. To help flesh things out a bit, spy photographers recently captured a bunch of 2019 Ram variations testing out on public roads. With the truck unveiled, camouflage was unnecessary, giving us unimpeded first looks at a number of trim levels, bed/cab combinations and options. Among these are the base level Ram Tradesman, which features blacked out plastic grille and other trim. There's also a single pic of the Ram Lone Star, which is really just what they call the Big Horn in Texas (look for the badge on the tailgate). We also got our first look both Big Horn and Laramie Quad Cabs with a long bed. In terms of options, there's a Big Horn with small, basic wheels and a Limited with the new bi-LED headlight option (have fun with those, oncoming traffic). There's also a Ram Rebel with a different hood that's missing the extra vents found on the truck at the auto show and in previously published pictures. Perhaps this is an option, perhaps its just the wrong hood placed on a test mule. We'll see. In any event, we'll know a lot more about all the different variants as the new Ram keeps inches closer to its on-sale date. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Ram 1500: Other trim levels spied View 14 Photos Spy Photos RAM Truck