New 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

New for 2005, the big, bad Dodge Ram Power Wagon is back for the first time in 25 years. The Dodge Ram Power Wagon returns to the Dodge lineup as a new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty model, and debuts as the most capable off-road pickup on the planet.

Built for the road less traveled, the Dodge Ram Power Wagon legend is reborn with legendary HEMI power, class-exclusive electric locking front and rear differentials, a class-exclusive electronic disconnecting front sway bar and a custom-built Warn 12,000-lb. winch. The Dodge Ram Power Wagon leaves the competition in its dust — on- and off-road — and follows a simple credo: talk loudly and carry a big stick.

"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 doesn't just beat the competition, it decimates them. There is simply no other pickup on the market that can touch the Dodge Ram Power Wagon's off-road prowess."

Based on the Dodge Ram 2500 and available in either Regular or Quad CabTM body styles, the new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon stands 80.6 inches tall and is distinguished by custom matte finish wheel flares, a large Power Wagon badge across the tailgate, custom 17 x 8-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires — the tallest standard tires offered on a production pickup.

The 345-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 is the only available engine.

The 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon boasts best-in-class wheel articulation with new suspension designs. The front suspension uses a solid front axle with coil spring design, while the rear features a new single stage leaf design and uses unique, softer spring settings.

For serious off-roading capability, the Dodge Ram Power Wagon features new 4.56 gearing and Bilstein monotube high-pressure gas shock absorbers.

"The Dodge Ram Power Wagon goes where other pickups cannot, but without deteriorating the Ram Heavy Duty's ride or towing capability," said Donoughe. "The Power Wagon was built by off-roaders for off-roaders. One look at it — and especially at the standard custom 12,000-lb. Warn winch — lets you know that Power Wagon means business."

I do realize that this is a TRUCK, not SUV. However, given it's hardcore off-roading equipment (similar to Rubicon), i think that it's a good alternative to SUVs.

Here are the specs:

http://scoop.daimlerchrysler.com/pdf...on05_specs.pdf

Cool stuff! However, i fear that this truck is just too big for general off-roading. It is much bigger than Hummer H2!

First Look at Dodge's New HEMI-powered Offroad Truck
Dodge is bringing a Power Wagon back into its lineup for 2005, after an absence of 25 years. It's based on the Dodge Ram 2500, and the manufacturer claims in press releases that the new truck is "the most capable off-road production pickup ever created." You can buy the truck with either a Regular or Quad Cab body and both versions are equipped with:

A 345-horsepower, 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8
Electric locking front and rear differentials
An electronic disconnecting front sway bar
A custom-built 12,000-lb. winch

More Features:
Custom matte finish, wheel flares
17 x 8-inch polished forged aluminum wheels
33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires
Suspension

The front suspension uses a solid front axle with coil spring design, while the rear features a new single stage leaf design with softer spring settings.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Body Styles: Regular Cab and Quad Cab™ Short Box

EPA Vehicle Class: Standard Pickup

ENGINE

5.7-LITER HEMI® MAGNUM V-8, Standard
Eight cylinders, 90° V-type, liquid-cooled
343 cu. in.
Bore x Stroke: 3.92 x 3.58
Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, hydraulic lifters with roller followers
Sequential fuel injection, multi-port, electronic, returnless
Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Power (SAE net): 345 bhp @ 5400 rpm
Torque (SAE Net): 375 lb.-ft.

Max. Engine Speed: 5800 rpm
Fuel Requirement: Unleaded mid-grade, 89 octane is recommended; Unleaded regular, 87 octane is acceptable
Oil Capacity: 7 qt.
Coolant Capacity: 18.7 qt.
Emission Control: Three-way catalytic converter, electronic EGR and internal engine features

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Alternator Rating: 160-amp

Battery: Group 65, maintenance-free, 750 CCA
TRANSMISSION: 5-45RFE—AUTOMATIC FIVE-SPEED

Availability: Optional

Description:
Three planetary gear sets, one overrunning clutch, full electronic control, electronically controlled converter clutch

Gear Ratios:

1st, 3.0
2nd, upshift; 1.50—kick-down
3rd, 1.0
4th, 0.75
5th, 0.67
Overall Top Gear, 3.06 with 4.56 axle ratio
TRANSMISSION: G56-MANUAL, SIX-SPEED OVERDRIVE (late availability)

Availability:
Standard with 5.9L high-output diesel and 5.7L V-8 engines

Description: Synchronized in all gears

Gear Ratios:

1st, 6.29
2nd, 3.48
3rd, 2.10
4th, 1.38
5th, 1.00
6th, 0.79
Reverse, 5.74
TRANSFER CASES: NV271

Availability: Standard

Type: Part-time

Operating Modes: 2WD, 4WD High, Neutral, 4WD Low

Shift Mechanism: NV271—manual

Low-Range Ratio: 2.72

Center Differential: None

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Quad Cab
Wheelbase: 140.5
Track, Front: 69.5
Track, Rear: 68.5
Overall Length: 227.7
Overall Width: 79.8
Overall Height: 80.6
Tailgate Load Height: 36.3
Ground Clearance
Front axle: 8.4
Rear axle: 8.3
Approach Angle: 35°
Ramp Breakover Angle: 25.5°
Departure Angle: 26.5°
Frontal Area, sq. ft.: 35.4
Fuel Tank, gal: 34

Regular Cab
Wheelbase: 140.5
Track, Front: 69.5
Track, Rear: 68.5
Overall Length: 229.7
Overall Width: 79.5
Overall Height: 80.6
Tailgate Load Height: 36.3
Ground Clearance
Front axle: 8.4
Rear axle: 8.3
Approach Angle: 35°
Ramp Breakover Angle: 25.5°
Departure Angle: 26.5°
Frontal Area, sq. ft.: 35.4
Fuel Tank, gal: 35

CARGO BOX

Quad Cab
Nominal Box Size: 6 ft. 3 in.
Length at Floor Tailgate closed: 76.3
Cargo Width: 70.2
Distance Between Wheelhouses: 51.0
Depth: 20.2
Tailgate Opening Width: 60.6

Regular Cab
Nominal Box Size: 8 ft.
Length at Floor Tailgate closed: 98.3
Cargo Width: 66.4
Distance Between Wheelhouses: 51.0
Depth: 20.2
Tailgate Opening Width: 60.6
ACCOMMODATIONS
Quad Cab
Seating Capacity, F/R: 3/3

Front:
Head room: 40.8
Leg room: 41.0
Shoulder room: 67.0
Hip room: 64.9
Seat travel: 9.0
Recliner range: 45°
Rear:
Head room: 40.0
Leg room: 36.7
Shoulder room: 66.7
Hip room: 64.6
Knee clearance: 1.1
Interior Volume:
Front: 64.92 cu. ft.
Rear: 56.7 cu. ft.
Regular Cab

Seating Capacity, Front: 3

Front:
Head room: 40.9
Leg room: 41.0
Shoulder room: 67.1
Hip room: 64.9
Seat travel: 9.0
Recliner range: 45° [/ul
Interior Volume:
Front: 65.2 cu. ft.

BODY AND CHASSIS

Layout: Longitudinal, front engine; Hotchkiss drive, transfer case
Construction: Ladder-type frame, steel cab, double-wall steel pickup box

SUSPENSION

Front: Live axle, Quadra Link leading arms, track bar, coil springs, electric disconnecting stabilizer bar, gas-charged Bilstein monotube shock absorbers
Rear: Live axle, longitudinal leaf springs, gas-charged Bilstein monotube shock absorbers

STEERING

Quad Cab & Regular Cab:
Overall Ratio: 13.4:1
Steering Wheel Turns Lock to Lock: 2.75
Turning Diameter (Curb to Curb): 48.9 ft.

BRAKES

Front:
Size and Type: 13.9 x 1.26 vented disc with 2 x 2.20 twin-piston sliding caliper and ABS
Swept Area: 313.2 sq. in.

Rear:
Size and Type: 13.9 x 1.18 sliding caliper and ABS
Swept Area: 309.6 sq. in.
Power Assist Type: Tandem diaphragm vacuum

2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon Preview
by Trevor Hofmann , Canadian Auto Press

World's Most Capable Factory 4x4 Pickup?

How can one pickup truck model be the world's 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 250 km/h (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 model's 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 automaker's 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 truck's 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 automaker's class-leading 345 horsepower HEMI V8 with 375 lb-ft of torque as standard equipment. While it doesn't 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 Zetsche's most capable 4x4 pickup truck claim are a few unique standard features that separate the Power Wagon from any competitor. First on the list is a 5,443 kg (12,000 lb) custom-built, factory-installed Warn winch fully integrated into the front bumper, a feature Zetsche laughingly chided was for pulling the Power Wagon's 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 4x4 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 29 km/h (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.

An electronic disconnecting front sway bar is just one of the class-exclusive features included on the Power Wagon. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The Power Wagon is based on Dodge's 2500 HD (heavy-duty), and like the regular ¾ ton pickup is available in both Regular and Quad Cab configurations. Taller than the conventional 4x4, the new Power Wagon is 2,047 mm (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 4x4 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 4x4, 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 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs).

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 doesn't just beat the competition, it decimates them. There is simply no other pickup on the market that can touch the Dodge Ram Power Wagon's 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.

Specifications:

Price Range (estimated MSRP): $40,000 - $45,000
Body Type: 4-door pick-up truck
Layout: front engine, 4WD
Base Engine: 345 hp, 375 lb-ft of torque, 5.7-L, 16-valve, OHV, HEMI V8
Transmission: 5-spd man, O/D (opt 4-spd auto, O/D)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Bed Length (tailgate closed): 1,928 mm (75.9)
Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 21.4 / 14.7 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 86/115,000 powertrain
Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Silverado HD, Ford F-Series Super Duty, GMC Sierra HD

2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Pricing

For reference, following are prices for 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 models, including the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon. All prices include $850 for destination.

Manual Automatic

Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x4 regular cab $30,325 $31,495

Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab $32,790 $33,960

Dodge Ram Power Wagon regular cab $36,660* $37,830

Dodge Ram Power Wagon Quad Cab $39,125* $40,295

*The six-speed manual transmission will be available in early 2005 on the Dodge Ram Power Wagon.

I am considering trading in both my 2003 4Runner and my 93 RAM for this truck. It seems to have everything I could want and eliminates the need for 2 vehicles in the driveway.

Not that I don't really like the 4th gen Runner, but it is just not as tough as I had hoped it would be. Though the Toy is super plush, it is a bit too much plastic and lacking for offroad.

Dodge Ram quality has *greatly* improved over the last few years. Solid, smooth and powerful. We'll see what happens after the Powerwagon hits the dealerships...

UD

In what way is the 4runner not off-road or tough enough??

Reliability and durability are the main drawbacks to Dodge products.

Dodge has a history of sub-par reliability, but I think that is changing.

With that said, my 4Runner has not been trouble free by any stretch of the imagination. It has been in out of the dealer more times than I care to count. Vibrations and rattles, etc. I bought a Toyota to be free of this sort of hassle.

It is my opinion that Ram 2500 based Power Wagon will be more far more rugged than the 4Runner offroad.

Sorry to hear about your problems.

We will see about Dodge's reliability...at least on paper, the Power Wagon looks great! The ONLY thing is the size...it's much longer than the Hummer H2 (nearly matches it in width)...so this will limit the size of the trails that you can drive on.

Yeah, that is a good point. In terms of shear SIZE the Power Wagon is a bit much. As you said, reliability is yet to be seen on this particular model.

I think in the end what you drive is should suit your needs and your desires. I enjoy the hell out of my 4Runner, but still have that nagging feeling that it is not quite "enough". I used to feel that way about my motorcyle until I upgraded to the Hayabusa, now I have no desire to upgrade...

We'll see what the press has to say after the Power Wagon launches.