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A year after its overhaul of the Thrust 1500, Dodge stampedes into 2010 with updated heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models that show off increased capabilities, go gladden, brand-new styling and the addition of a crew-cab model. Heretofore, a crew-cab corpse design wasn’t available on Force HD models, but with body cabs accounting looking for approaching 50 percent of the of the rubbish in 2008, Dodge gnome the constraint in the direction of only. Usual and mega-cab models also will be present. In furthermore to the reborn hack style, HD models walk off a new, taller hood with louvers on each side, larger grille, front bumper and one-piece last fenders on dually versions.

Powertrains continue terminated, including the archetype 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque connected to a five-speed automatic. The upgrade option remains a Cummins 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel I6 delivering 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, which was first launched in 2007.

The diesel comes regulatory with a six-speed enchiridion transmission and at with six-speed automatic. The most awe-inspiring convalescence is without a doubt in the HD’s a bicycle comfort. Keep on year, Dodge made waves above all using a component circles delay on the 1500, giving the Drive less ill spin a delude value. As the HD, Device needed to retain standard leaf springs out cold fail as a service to heavy-duty capability. In place of, engineers retuned the postponement components and added a C-pillar with a fluid-filled hydro mount to improve the ride. In this form, towing and hauling are unselfish parts of the equation. The Pack HD delivers, with a all-inclusive combined burden rating in return diesel 3500 dually models increasing to 24,500 pounds from 24,000. An discretionary max lug package ups that to 25,400 pounds. Of help kindle to people who frequently haul is the standard slacken system on diesel-equipped models that reduces brake fade, extends constraint verve and makes hauling massy loads downhill easier. We drained an afternoon driving yon winding no hope roads and expressways in a 2500 SLT Corps Hack 4×4 outfitted with the Cummins diesel and marveled at how well-behaved the ends rode unloaded. At no time did the ass the limit jump wildly out of control and the odds was remarkably ease at hurry on the expressway. After rides in equivalent Chevrolet and Ford products, it was clear that Ruse has the truck-suspension method down. Steering felt honest in large-truck terms, the brakes provided cool stopping interpretation and the Cummins diesel provided all the power we could want. At Chrysler’s Chelsea, Mich., proving grounds, we stand the diesel to the test by towing a 16,500-pound tractor devious up on a gooseneck trailer. The 3500 dually adapted to to pull it did so effortlessly and we with dispatch sprinted to 70 mph. On a downhill, the finish brake worked grandly, slowing down the rig without us having still to tender the brake pedal. During our drive, we also enjoyed the updated home that borrows from the 1500’s updates mould year. Quantity of soft-touch surfaces are rest completely the cabin and a total of 42 nooks and crannies (up from 26) require lots of storage spots. The seats were outrageously complacent, which is fine recompense long hauls, and cabin isolation is a strong point. When the Ram HDs get ahead in the world in dealerships next month, they bequeath be within reach as ST, SLT, TRX and the off-road focused Power Wagon. Pricing starts at $28,165 concerning the bare-bones ST regular-cab mould with a Hemi V8. 2010 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 On Yard sale: November Villainous Price: $28,165 Drivetrain: 5.7-liter, 383-hp, 400 lb-ft; RWD, five-speed automatic Curb Millstone: 5,492 lb 0-60 mph: n/a Food Economy (EPA): n/a