'13 RAM 8-speed first AS pull

[westernjeep401]

I can't seem to get the "sailor" out of me, post Navy 😝

[Tomy]

Originally Posted by Rawn77

I have a '14 1500 EcoDiesel 3.55 with air suspension. It's my 3rd Ram 1500 and definitely the best so far. I pull a 30' FC with loads of upgrades (read heavy).
People of course will disagree but you can take the payload figures/worries/limits/arguments and throw them into the trash.
This truck pulls incredibly, handles awesomely with the 4 corner air ride and I get 16 mpg at 65 mph PULLING!

Thanks for sharing this. I've been eyeing the EcoDiesel, but was concerned that the towing capacity for my level of trim is only 8500. I'm interesting in the 27FB EB and it is listed at 7800. I was wondering if that was cutting it close, but it sounds like you're not having any trouble pulling more. I didn't really want to step up to the 2500.

Which cab/bed length do you have?

[westernjeep401]

I know you directed the question to the EcoDiesel owner.

As far as the transmission goes, it makes a significant difference in load-pulling and carrying performance. Since the Motori (as well as all modern electronically-managed diesel powertrains) is heavily boost-dependent...like the Ford DI gas engine...the 8-speed tranny makes it very capable.

[rostam]

Originally Posted by Rawn77

I have a '14 1500 EcoDiesel 3.55 with air suspension. It's my 3rd Ram 1500 and definitely the best so far. I pull a 30' FC with loads of upgrades (read heavy).
People of course will disagree but you can take the payload figures/worries/limits/arguments and throw them into the trash.
This truck pulls incredibly, handles awesomely with the 4 corner air ride and I get 16 mpg at 65 mph PULLING!

I am happy things are working for you. I would advise that people not throw that number in a trash (it would be wishful thinking to assume those numbers are garbage). I would also like to see your truck in 5 years and compare the list of issues/repairs with a truck that was NOT overloaded.


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[westernjeep401]

Overloaded...like the 78'Cougar Villager 302 2bbl in Mercury literature same year.

[Rawn77]

Trash!

[westernjeep401]

Lol...Back in the day, when my folks and friends pulled Mobile Scouts, Vaqueros, and Holiday Ramblers with Valiants, Monacos, and Ford Elites, we COULD only dream of a puller 1/2 as capable of a 3.7 V-6 Dodge.

[Tomy]

Originally Posted by lgwaldrop

I know you directed the question to the EcoDiesel owner.

As far as the transmission goes, it makes a significant difference in load-pulling and carrying performance. Since the Motori (as well as all modern electronically-managed diesel powertrains) is heavily boost-dependent...like the Ford DI gas engine...the 8-speed tranny makes it very capable.

Thanks. I know everything is a compromise. I'm trying to walk that thin line between daily driver and safely adequate for a 27FB. This is good info.

[westernjeep401]

You're approach is practical.

I can share my thoughts on the DD driveabilty of the 1500-series truck; it is a large, bulky rig in the Crew Cab form. I STRONGLY recommend park sense, front and rear cameras, and power folding mirrors. It makes driving the Queen Mary a lot less harrying.

The stock dampers on my 1500, like so many other pickups I've owned, are marginal, and will overheat on bad pavement after awhile.

Consider the axle ratio carefully, and leverage that against what your overall expectations are.

Multiply what people on various forums tell you what mpg they are obtaining and reduce by 35%. My diesel Wrangler conversions average 25 in normal suburban driving.

The current ZF 8-speed is a license-built by Chrysler unit manufactured in the Kokomo, IN facility.

As of 13 my, the rear axle and optional tru-trac style limited slip differential assembly are ZF sourced.

13 my and newer trucks have a dedicated, fully-networked CAN backbone that integrates every system. I avoid all new software pushes, and so far are doing fine on my factory load out.

Hope this helps.

[jcl]

Originally Posted by lgwaldrop

The current ZF 8-speed is a license-built by Chrysler unit manufactured in the Kokomo, IN facility.

The are (at least) two different ZF 8HP transmissions in these trucks. The 3.6 V6 would use the 845RE version, which is limited to 450 nm torque for gasoline engines, 500 nm torque for diesel engines, and is built in Indiana by Chrysler.

My understanding is that Chrysler is not building the 8HP70 variant (700 nm torque) required for the diesel's torque.

But I could be wrong.

Jeff

[westernjeep401]

I had read that, too, via forum. I can only go on a generalized statement from RAM that states that Kokomo will be the vendor for the units. If memory serves, the gent from Warren that I spoke with affirmed the lighter version was being tooled up (1q 14), with others to follow. I guess an easy way to know is....any Motori RAM owners want to pull their window sticker and let us know from whence the Tranny country of origin is?

[Lance M]

Germany

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by rostam

I am happy things are working for you. I would advise that people not throw that number in a trash (it would be wishful thinking to assume those numbers are garbage). I would also like to see your truck in 5 years and compare the list of issues/repairs with a truck that was NOT overloaded.


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I love these vague statements about whats going to wear faster based on one variable factor.

[Tomy]

8HP70 is a $500 option in the build tool on the Ram website for the cheapest trim level (Tradesman), but only with the HEMI. The EcoDiesel is not offered at the Tradesman trim level. The Outdoorsman has the EcoDiesel option, and the 8HP70 is $500.

It appears to be standard at the highest level of trim (Laramie Limited). At this level with the towing package and crew cab, it lists maximum towing capacity as 9750, and standard capacity at 8200. Suggest retail is $53200. This a cheaper than stepping up to the 2500 with the Cummins and moderate trim level.

This article compares the 1500 EcoDiesel to the 2500 Cummins. Of course I take magazine articles with a grain of salt:

Trailer Towing - 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vs. 2014 Ram 2500 - Sibling Rivalry - Diesel Power Magazine Page 2