2021 Dodge Ram Classic
- Thread starter millerbl00
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Dealer Tech here, that combo is very reliable.
Something like this?
https://www.elkgrovedodge.net/new/Ram/2021-Ram-1500+Classic-4983d1600a0e0adf7df31f1c9c8527a1.htm
No offense intended, but it is a new 2009 truck.
Pretty much all rams are rare right now. If you want one and see one might as well buy it our lot is getting more and more barren by the day. We get 3 trucks those are gone in 2-4 days. We have a handful but the inventory is really down
While I can’t speak to the truck with a V6, I can say I have no issues that are out of the ordinary with my two Rams.
Mine are both Hemis, but I’ve driven many Chrysler vehicles with the Pentastar and it has very good power. I don’t have the bias from the old days, when a “V6” was the poverty spec version.
. The humble V6 had come up in the world and the V8 might soon be a bygone relic, like the V10 thru V16s in the old days.
I’d think a Ram with that engine combined with the 8 speed will be as reliable as anything. Will it be as boring and trouble free as a Toyota? No, but it’s still a good truck. The old image I’ve had of Dodge has changed since my first experience owning a Mopar (1987 Plymouth Gran Fury - fast and thirsty, but the littlest thing could sideline it easily).
On a different note: I’d like to find a regular cab short bed 4wd of any of the 3 US trucks.. I like that look, even though in practice it would be a glorified El Camino. But that’s the fun .
Mine are both Hemis, but I’ve driven many Chrysler vehicles with the Pentastar and it has very good power. I don’t have the bias from the old days, when a “V6” was the poverty spec version.
. The humble V6 had come up in the world and the V8 might soon be a bygone relic, like the V10 thru V16s in the old days.I’d think a Ram with that engine combined with the 8 speed will be as reliable as anything. Will it be as boring and trouble free as a Toyota? No, but it’s still a good truck. The old image I’ve had of Dodge has changed since my first experience owning a Mopar (1987 Plymouth Gran Fury - fast and thirsty, but the littlest thing could sideline it easily).
On a different note: I’d like to find a regular cab short bed 4wd of any of the 3 US trucks.. I like that look, even though in practice it would be a glorified El Camino. But that’s the fun .
Well .......not really. There have been MANY updates/changes and improvements since 09. Different front diff with disconnect/electric power steering/upgraded rear diff/upgraded Tcase/completely different electrical architecture and bus system/safety system improvements and increased crash protection/improved tech/added 8 speed/better lighting....etc etc
I have a 2019 Crew Cab Shortbed 4x4 Tradesman and love it. My only options are the V8, anti spin rear diff, and the chrome plus package, and 2nd row in floor storage bins. Perfect combo for someone who just wants a livable daily driver without going crazy.
I don’t believe the 1500 classic has the Pentastar upgrade engine which has stop start. The “older” Pentastar has been around since 2011 and has proven itself to be very reliable. The plastic oil filter housing is known to crack if a gorilla overtightens it, but 72k on our 2018 van (same engine) and it’s been fine. The 8 speed is also very good.
I don’t believe the 1500 classic has the Pentastar upgrade engine which has stop start. The “older” Pentastar has been around since 2011 and has proven itself to be very reliable. The plastic oil filter housing is known to crack if a gorilla overtightens it, but 72k on our 2018 van (same engine) and it’s been fine. The 8 speed is also very good.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
All the new style 5th gens w/ pentastars come with E-Torque. You can't get the V6 w/out it.
The 4th gens started with the Pentastar and 8spd in 2013.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Pentastar v6 has always been IMO an excellent engine. There are a few folks who’ve had sour experiences, but every mfr sells a few defective units, no matter how good. It was imo a rather revolutionary v6 when it came out, and the fact that it still competes years later shows that. They really engineered the VVT right on this one, and they’ve sold enough of them to work the few kinks out. Ive only driven one in a rental, and was floored with the combination of power and economy. As a v6 truck owner, I’d have no issue with it unless I knew I’d be distance-towing a trailer with specifically high frontal area... ie, a camper. The frontal area is what makes those so thirsty on the interestate. Boat or pop-up or utility trailer, v6 no problem. Full height travel trailer, 8 or eco.
im also a fan of eTorque, BUT it seems if you get one with eTorque problems that some dealers have a hard time getting it right; like they don’t understand how to repair it. buying new would provide the warranty just in case. my BIL has eTorque on his Ram and I find the 3mpg increase believable, and it provides arguably the best start/stop of the bunch. They also use it to enhance shifting and to supplement low speed torque, where the engine will be weaker.
im also a fan of eTorque, BUT it seems if you get one with eTorque problems that some dealers have a hard time getting it right; like they don’t understand how to repair it. buying new would provide the warranty just in case. my BIL has eTorque on his Ram and I find the 3mpg increase believable, and it provides arguably the best start/stop of the bunch. They also use it to enhance shifting and to supplement low speed torque, where the engine will be weaker.
I love the fact that Ram still sells the Classic. I just priced one out for fun, here's my idea of a good time:
2021 Ram Classic Tradesman, 5.7 with 2wd. Regular cab, 6'4" box. Add 3.92 gears, limited slip diff, the electronics group (which includes the power and remote entry group). That's it. Leave it white, leave it with stock steel wheels. At $31,615 all in, that's a heck of a deal. I'd immediately throw an exhaust and a supercharger on it and have a 560+ horse modern-day SRT-10 for $40k.
2021 Ram Classic Tradesman, 5.7 with 2wd. Regular cab, 6'4" box. Add 3.92 gears, limited slip diff, the electronics group (which includes the power and remote entry group). That's it. Leave it white, leave it with stock steel wheels. At $31,615 all in, that's a heck of a deal. I'd immediately throw an exhaust and a supercharger on it and have a 560+ horse modern-day SRT-10 for $40k.
But from an interior, chassis and driveability standpoint, minimal improvements.
No.....a lot of improvements and changes. I realize to stand and look at one, they are the "same" or close to. As someone that has been a dealer tech since 1985 and works on them daily. .....there are a ton of changes. Drive a clean low mile 2011 and then a 19. Large difference in feel/ power/mileage etc.
Fair enough. What are your overall thoughts on the DT chassis vs the classic?
From a drivability standpoint they’re totally different trucks. I’m a dealer tech and believe me they are constantly being tweaked.
I didn’t drive my buddies 2012 quad cab, but it totally felt different just riding in it than my 2019 feels. There were a few things that were tweaked on the interior, but just sitting there I do not miss that awful 545RFE/65RFE transmission one bit.
Very nice truck. Much quieter and smoother to drive. Better brakes. More Tech, 12in available screen.....BUT! More money too.
Interesting. I drove a Classic and while it was decent, it feels dated compared to my 2020 DT.
Sorta feel the same way. I have driven a classic before and found it to be dated compared to my 2020 DT. Now I am curious how a 09-10 era DS drives.
Absolutely.....the DT is a universe ahead of the DS in every aspect. I totally agree with you there, but the DS is still a competitive platform just because it was that good in 09.
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