Friday, January 21, 2011

The Ram brand display from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

Chrysler’s Ram brand

Chrysler’s Ram brand

Chrysler’s Ram brand (formerly Dodge trucks) is the most consistent of the companies under the automakers umbrella and at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Ram showed off their luxury side with the new Laramie Longhorn alongside their sporty side – the Mopar Ram Runner. 

I am a Ram owner and I’m a big fan of the current Ram lineup but I also love the Ford SVT Raptor. Like many Mopar enthusiasts, I am always hoping for a Chrysler-built equivalent to the super-capable, race ready Raptor and the Mopar Ram Runner (shown on the left) is the closest thing that I have seen thus far. The Ram Runner is not available directly from your neighborhood dealership but every component of this trophy truck inspired Ram is available through the Mopar catalog and with the exception of the fiberglass bedsides; the items that turn your 2010 Quad Cab into the Ram Runner are simply bolt-on goodies.

Used Dodge Ram Trucks in Tyler Available for Under $20K

Dodge Ram
Dodge Ram

Texas Dodge dealer Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep knows that a good, reliable truck doesn’t have to be expensive.  In fact, a quality used truck can be affordable.  The Texas dealer is proud to offer models of the used Dodge Ram in Tyler for under $20,000.

Used trucks shoppers can find some of the most capable pick-up trucks around at Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep. With an extensive inventory of used trucks, the needs of all shoppers are met.  Truck shoppers can’t stop talking about the quality and versatility of the used Dodge Ram in Tyler.  With different models to choose from at under $20,000, truck shoppers can find the Dodge Ram that they’re looking for at an affordable price.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon
2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

I think it’s easier to describe what the Power Wagon isn’t. This is not your everyday, city-slicker pickup truck. Dodge took their 2500 series heavy duty truck and brought it up another notch. The 2500 HD is already a stout truck, but Dodge improved the off-road capabilities significantly. They lifted the truck 2 inches, gave it 36” tires and changed a significant number of suspension components including new Bilstein dampers, locking differentials and even a front stabilizer bar that is electronically deactivated. Why would you want to deactivate your stabilizer bar you ask? It gives you even more capability to go over large rocks and boulders.
As you can see from the pictures, this truck is quite large. It’s especially big when you are trying to park somewhere. The interior room and full 6’ 4” bed is appreciated, though, and provides more room than you’ll probably ever need. The interior cabin is so large that when I reached over from the driver seat, my arm fell not even to the midway point of the passenger seat. I tend to keep my cell phone in one of the cup holders in the center console, and it is quite the extended reach down there.

Dodge Ram trucks recalled for brake-light problem

Dodge Ram
Dodge Ram

Only 2010 and 2011 Dodge Rams with diesel engines are affected. The trucks were built from March 2009 through October 2010.
The recall is expected to begin in February. Ram owners will be asked to bring their trucks in to a dealer for inspection. "If there is an issue, we replace the cap for nothing," Mr. Muniga says.
Owners with questions can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403. They can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236 or at www.safecar.gov.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Dodge Ram recall: Chrysler / Dodge recalls almost 150,000 trucks and SUVs

http://www.csmonitor.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/1231-dodge-ram/9269485-1-eng-US/1231-dodge-ram_full_380.jpg
Dodge Ram

The front of a Dodge Ram may resemble a snarling cougar, but the truck shouldn't actually growl.

When customers reported a growling or grinding sound in their brand new trucks, engineers investigated and found a faulty rear axle, which prompted the recall of almost 57,000 of the popular trucks.

That recall joins two others that Chrysler, Dodge’s parent company, announced about the same time, for a total of over 144,000 recalled trucks and SUVs.
RELATED: What were the Top 10 recalls in 2010?

Over 65,000 Dodge Journeys from model year 2009 are being recalled for an electrical problem with the side airbags, while Dodge Rams are facing two different recalls:

* Over 22,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks from model years 2008-11 are being recalled for a faulty left ball stud on the tie rod, which may result in a loss of steering control.

* Ram 1500 trucks from model year 2011, which have been manufactured since September 2009, have a growl-y rear axle bearing which might seize, possibly causing the truck to stall.

If you own a Ram or Journey, you should call your dealer for an appointment. Your dealer will replace the faulty part at no cost to you.

Chrysler will send the official recall letters to affected SUV and truck owners in February. Chrysler representatives did not respond to repeated attempts to make contact.

If you have questions, call Chrysler toll-free at 800-853-1403 or go to their website. (Recall information is well buried, but you can look for information about your car here.) You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 800-424-9153)