No doubt you’ve all heard and many have seen the new 2013 RAM 3500 trucks where RAM has made big changes to its frame, suspension, powertrain options and interior. This may look like the same truck with a few cosmetic updates on the outside, but underneath, it’s had quite a makeover.
A properly equipped RAM 3500 dually has a maximum towing capacity of 30,000 pounds, a class-leading first for the industry. In order to beef up the numbers, RAM started by beefing up the frame with a 50-KSI fully boxed steel frame that is wider and stronger than its predecessor.
The 2013 3500—and 2500 and 3500 models in 2014—have upgraded front ends that feature a three-link suspension instead of its previous five-link suspension. The 3500 rear end has a redesigned leaf spring set from Hotchkiss and the new suspension on the front and rear enhance stability in all conditions, especially when loaded or towing.
The ride and driving characteristics of this new truck are excellent. As you drive this truck, you forget you’re driving a one-ton. We picked ours up with a Laramie trim package and it’s so good that we find ourselves with little desire to drive anything else in the car or truck category.
On The Level
We took our new truck to Jack-it in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they installed a 2-inch leveling kit so we could run larger wheels and tires. At the same time, we had them install a set of Bilstein shocks on the front and rear of the truck to improve the ride on and off road. These shocks also have longer travel than the stock shocks, which isn’t absolutely necessary when installing a leveling kit; however, the level kit does add 2 inches of additional travel to the axle. When off-road or in situations where the axle extends to the full length of travel, the longer shocks will not limit the travel, but rather the stock shock absorber will.
Easy Rider
You may find it hard to believe, but it’s true. The ride of this truck has improved with the level kit, Bilsteins, 20-inch diameter wheels from Method Race Wheels, and 35.5-inch Nitto tires. The steering feel with RAM’s new front end setup is rock solid, even with bigger tires. There are no signs of wheel wobble or “death wobble” whatsoever.
While we had the truck on the lift at Jack-it, suspension expert Kyle Boddy gave us a tour of RAM’s new suspension setup.