2022 Ram 2500 Big Horn on 2040-cars

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2014 Ram ProMaster 2500

Front-wheel drive is what sets the all-new Ram ProMaster full-size commercial van apart from its competition. In a segment still choked with thirsty, rear-wheel-drive, ladder frame, pickup truck-based cargo vans, the American automaker is introducing something entirely new - well, new to our domestic market, as Europeans will recognize Ram's fresh entrant as a made-for-USA Fiat Ducato.
While the big ProMaster doesn't have a traditional body-on-frame chassis, it isn't a pure unibody either. Consider it a hybrid of both, with a unibody cab up front and a reinforced high-strength steel subframe in the rear. The platform employs double A-arms and MacPherson struts on the front axle, while the rear uses a simple tubular beam axle. Tires are 225/75R16 at all four corners. The steering is hydraulic rack-and-pinion (allowing an impressive 36-foot turning radius) and there are disc brakes with two-piston calipers all around. It is a solid, if unsophisticated, setup.
This game-changing van, which has already arrived in showrooms with a starting price of $28,630, is propelled by either a gasoline-powered 3.6-liter Pentastar six-cylinder (280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque) or a new turbocharged 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel (174 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque). Ram will offer a traditional six-speed automatic or a new six-speed automated single-clutch manual transmission that drops the hydraulic linkage to improve fuel economy - details are still emerging on this unique gearbox.

2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman shows off its simple lights

Each time a spy photographer has caught the 2019 Ram 1500 pickup running around, it's always had the same style of lights and grilles. This time, one of our photographers caught two Rams that have noticeably different versions of those body parts. The first one shown above has the same grille we've already seen. The difference is that the flashy LED-accented headlights are gone. Instead, it uses much simpler, more conventional reflector-style headlights. That doesn't mean Ram hasn't taken the time to give them a little flair, though. The lamps are divided such that the upper element lines up with the upper portion of the grille, and the lower portion with the grille bars and lower opening. The taillights are much simpler, too, also using a reflector setup and very clear lenses. These plain headlights lead us to believe that this is a base-model 1500 Tradesman. The second Ram shown has its lights well-covered, but the grille is exposed, and it's also different from past prototypes. It has a wavy mesh pattern in the grille openings rather than slats. The crossbar design remains, though. This different grille also confirms that Ram will offer appearance variations to distinguish models. We're not sure if this is a higher-level or lower-level trim, though. We would have a better idea if we could see the lights. All our questions should be answered soon, since the new Ram 1500 will be fully revealed next week at the Detroit Auto Show. Then we'll see all the grilles and headlights and their associated trims as they were meant to be. Related Video:

444,000 Cummins diesel Ram trucks recalled for water-pump fire risk

NHTSA recently acknowledged a recall for nearly 444,000 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks built between 2013 and 2017 with Cummins 6.7-liter diesel engines. The issue is that the water pump might do the exact opposite of keeping the engine cool. According to documents from Fiat-Chrysler and NHTSA, Concentric-brand water pumps without vent holes could suffer bearing failure, as well as start leaking coolant. This exposes coolant to hot parts of the engine, and the pump itself can become a hot part. Not all Cummins-equipped Ram trucks will be affected. If your Ram has a water pump from a different brand, or it uses a Concentric pump with some kind of vent holes, you shouldn't have any issues. In fact, the fix will be to replace the non-vented pump with a vented version. Owners with affected vehicles will be able to bring their trucks into a Chrysler dealer, where the water pump will be replaced at no charge. FCA will begin notifying owners of the issue starting on Nov. 1. Owners can also get in touch with Chrysler's customer service department at 1-800-853-1403 and should ask about recall "T51." Related Video: Featured Gallery 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty View 22 Photos News Source: NHTSA Recalls RAM Auto Repair Truck Diesel Vehicles