For 2014, the Ram 1500 half-ton truck will be available with a new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel engine, which joins the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline engines in the lineup. The EcoDiesel, developed and manufactured by VM Motor, is a turbocharged 60-degree, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 that produces 240 HP and 420 lb./ft. of torque. A TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with EcoDiesel and Pentastar engines and is an option with the HEMI.
Beginning in model year 2014, the Ram 1500 will be offered with a front park assist system that uses four sensors on the front bumper to objects as far away as 47.2 in. Readouts located in the cluster display (and audible chimes) notify the driver of front/rear object proximity.
Pulse-width modulation (PWM) for the Ram 1500, another new technology according to the manufacturer, reduces parasitic electrical load to save fuel. Also designed to cut load on electrical systems and save fuel is a Variable displacement compressor (VDC) that automatically varies its pumping capacity to meet air conditioning demands and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) blower that controls fan speeds. Beginning in 2014, the Ram 1500 will use F1234yf refrigerant.
Ram’s 2014 chassis cab lineup includes the 3500 with a GCWR up to 30,000 lbs., the 4500 with a GCWR up to 32,500 lbs., and the 37,500-lb. GCWR Ram 5500. Industry standard frame lengths of 60, 84, 108 and 120 inches are available with 50,000-PSI steel, eight-cross-member construction frames.
Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs for 2014 are available with gasoline or diesel powertrains, including a 6.7-liter Cummins rated at 325 HP and 750 lb./ft. of torque. The 2014 Ram Chassis Cab 3500, 4500 and 5500 models have a standard 6.4-HEMI V8 gasoline engine while the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 is available on the 3500. The new 6.4-liter HEMI is available with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission or the AS66RC six-speed automatic transmission with left- or right-side PTO capability. The 3500 Chassis Cab’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is mated to the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission,
Two Borg-Warner part-time transfer cases are available on the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty. The BW 44-46 is an electric shifting part-time transfer case with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low and Neutral. BW 44-47 is a manual shifting transfer case with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low and Neutral. Both options feature a low-range ratio of 2.64 and locking differential from front to rear.
2014 Ram heavy-duty trucks feature a new five-link coil rear suspension and air suspension systems. In addition, the Ram 2500 offers gooseneck (center-positioned ball in the bed) or fifth wheel capability. Ram heavy-duty models can be equipped with two different dual alternator systems to provide additional power for higher electrical loads from commercial vehicle upfits and accessories. Models equipped with the Cummins 6.7-liter diesel engine will offer dual 220-amp alternators and units powered by the gasoline engines can be fitted a combination of 220- and 160-amp units.