I dont have sound at work but how any can possibly "show off" how great a leaf spring set up is, is an idiot. I like how they try to make it look like its something new and modern. They've used the same set up since 04, and its basically the same setup as the 97+ just changed shock mount location and spring rates. I like Ramss new 4link and the Ram has always towed less then Ford and had less payload and I don't think they get into the whole most weight numbers game that Chevy and Ford play. They are still the only 5 lug truck too I think. I wouldnt doubt very soon all brands go 4 link in the rear with adjustable air shocks.

 

My grandpa has a 2012 ram longhorn edition. It's a nice truck, the interior is pretty nice I'll admit it. The storage under the seats and the fridge uner the back floor mat is pretty neat too, but I'd rather drive a ford :-)

 

Obviously you can't hear what he said without sound. He didn't say leaf springs are new. He said conventional wisdom says to use leaf springs instead of coil springs on a truck. This is what is generally accepted as true by experts in the field.

The 09+ leaf springs are different because they are 6" longer for ride handling and load control. The springs are also farther forward from the axle, like Ford did similarly updating the 2008 Super Duty.

 

X2,I went to the Autoshow in Cleveland,Ohio.I opened and closed the doors on the F-150's,Dodge and Chevy trucks and IMO the Chevy and Dodge felt chinsy compared to the F-150.

Later Mark.

 

GM used to have coil springs in the rear of their pickups back in the 60's. They changed to leaf springs. I had to wonder what Dodge/Ram was up to when they thought they would roll that idea back out.

I do believe that Ram has decided to tone down the 1500 model to meet the needs of a lot of city type drivers that don't need the increased capacity that most of the 1/2-tons had been able to provide up to this point. If you are looking at buying a Ram truck, and the 1500 won't do what you need it to do, you will likely step up to the 2500 to get more capacity and not look at Ford/GM.

 

The new rams are actually a 5 link setup (4 trailing arms, and a panhard bar)

 

Makes me think about the European cars I owned back in the 70's.

They all had 'strut' front suspensions.

Everyone said they'd never last!!

I believe all passenger cars now have 'strut' front suspension, but I could be wrong.

I know a majority do.

 

I would kill for a touchpad trans selector in my truck. The army is using this system on the FMTV series, why not everyone else? Besides, that damn shift lever covers up the 4x4 selector **** when in D now.

 

Gee - Chrysler had pushbutton tranny selectors back in the 50's and 60's - so why not bring back the concept, modernized for today's electronics?

 

Ah my mistake, 5 link. Also Ford did revamp the leaf setup but you can only do so much with the technology. Like it was also said the ram is for people that need a truck but don't need the most towing capacity or payload. I bet the next f150 gets a 5 link setup too, be it will probably be like 2015 model but I wouldn't be surprised if the 2020 has an IRS too

 

I heard this about 15 years ago,
"Like putting Perfume on a Pig, its still a Pig"

 

This all sounds great and wonderful but will the dash still break into a million pieces and fall apart like the other models have done....?

 

Good one! My 99 Ram puked the trans at 54K

 

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/20...r-rust-damage/

This is the kinda stuff I'm talkin about. Oh, we forgot there would be salt on the roads that would cause rust.

 

Should I post some links to the ford/Firestone mishaps?