A couple dumb questions from a prospective buyer

[J Rod]

Hi all. I'm looking into trading my '12 Chrysler 300 on a '14 1500 4x4 w/ Hemi & 8 spd. I have the ZF trans right now with the 3.6 and I love it. I've been sifting through autotrader but I can't tell which trucks have the 8 spd trans and which have the 6. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for in the pics or will I have to make a trip to the dealer? Were they only available on certain models? Also, I've noticed that some trucks have a "4WD auto" button. I'm assuming that's basically just an AWD option? What all does it entail? I won't be doing a lot of offroading but I do have a fairly long commute to work that can get somewhat treacherous in the winter months. That sounds like something I might want. Also, I am planning on a 4-6" lift w/ 35" tires as well so if there's anything else I should be concerned about, feel free to share your wisdom. It looks like I'll be stuck with 3.21 gears since that's about all I can find in my price range ($25k) so hopefully that won't be a problem. Thanks for your help!

 

[Ratket]

if u are gonna lift to 35"s, u are gonna want the 392"s. I believe the 8 speeds have the " turn dial " for the shifter..but I could be wrong, someone will chime in soon.

 

[cgeorgemo]

if u are gonna lift to 35"s, u are gonna want the 392"s. I believe the 8 speeds have the " turn dial " for the shifter..but I could be wrong, someone will chime in soon.

The shifter is on the dashboard for the 8 speeds and you won't necessarily need 3.92s if you get an 8 speed transmission.
Does Ram need lower axle ratios? • Allpar News

 

[J Rod]

I figured that was the case since my ZF has an electronic shifter as well. I read an article on the 2014 models stating the 8 spd wasn't an option in the Tradesman/Express but yet I was seeing them with rotary shifters so I wasn't sure. Apparently whomever wrote that article didn't do enough research.

Thanks for the link btw, great info!!

 

[clh1220]

You can get the 8 speed in the express. See if you can see the vin # an check it. If they show pics of the inside of it you can see the dial on the dash it's 8 speed. Column or floor shifter is 6 speed.

 

[Buddy]

The shifter is on the dashboard for the 8 speeds and you won't necessarily need 3.92s if you get an 8 speed transmission.
Does Ram need lower axle ratios? • Allpar News

Good link to that article!!

 

[14hemiexpress]

As they all stated the 8 speed shifter is the dial on the dash. The 8 speed is avilabe on the nicer 13 models but a rareity. The 8 speed becomes more common in the 14's in all models and is a standered on the 15's. With 35 in tires your going to want the 3.92 if you do any kind of towing other wise you should be fine the 8 speed seems to do a good job making up the difference according what I've read. There are two transfer cases avilable in the ram a part time or the auto case. The auto case comes in the nicer modles big horn sport larmie, the part time is in the tradesman, express, and outdoorsman. A lot of guys prefer the part time as its a heavier duty transfercase. The auto case requires slip before it engauges witch has given some members issues. I have herd even in 4wd lock it requires slip and I have herd it doesn't I don't have it so I'm not 100% sure. The auto case seems pretty handy if your cruising along and it's iffy just starting to ice up some it might save you on a corner or bridge. But when it's snowed up or iced over good the lock is very nice and works great in these trucks! Hope that helps and when you find one post up some pics!

 

[J Rod]

You guys rock, thanks for the info. Next order of business... find my new truck!

 

[HemiRoar]

funny, I sold my Ram and I am looking to buy a 2014 300S.

You'll love the truck though.