Differences between Ram Classic and 2009-2018

[RobGalipeau]

Good day,

First post from a newby. Apologies if this has been discussed already and I just missed the post(s).

My 2022 4X4 Night edition came whitout front towing hook! I know, unbelievable, right? Shopping for those hooks I found that most hooks advertised on eBay, Amazon, Mopar site, etc. were fairly affordable up to the model year 2018 140 $ canadian for both https://store.mopar.ca/oem-parts/mopar-tow-front-hook-kit-82210967?c=bD0xNCZuPVNlYXJjaCBSZXN1bHRz, but after that the price skyrocket, right tow hook only at Mopar 425 $ canadian :https://store.mopar.ca/oem-parts/mopar-tow-hook-right-55398284aa?c=bD0zJm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM= . However, looking at whatever information and diagrams are available on the various sites, both type of hooks seem pretty much the same. I found this discrepency for other parts as well, sidesteps, for example.

So, what gives? What is the big difference(s) after 2019? I have an urge to order the least expensive ones and try to fit them. Is this possible? And, if so, would they still be safe to use occasionally?

BTW, I ordered side steps not "meant" for my 2022 and they work just fine with slightly longer bolts.

Thanks for your help!

Rob

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

The classic is a 4th gen produced after the 5th gen came out. The 09 to 18 Ram is not labeled a classic but in all practical applications the 09 to 18 plus the 19 to 24 classics are mostly identical from a product standpoint. There are some differences, (electronics is one area), but driveline and sheetmetal essentially the same.

Other designator you might see, DS and DT. DS is 4th gen, DT is 5th gen

Ram DS" refers to a Ram truck model, specifically the older generation Ram 1500, which is now often called the "Ram 1500 Classic";

"DS" stands for "current design" and indicates that it is the older design compared to the newer

"Ram DT" (current truck design) model.

Key points about Ram DS:
Older design: Compared to the newer Ram DT, the DS has a slightly older exterior design.

Classic designation: Most dealerships will refer to the Ram DS as the "Ram 1500 Classic".

Multiple cab options: Unlike the newer DT, the DS usually offers a wider range of cab configurations, including a single cab option.

The 5th gens are new bodystyle and don't share alot of components with 4th gens. Easiest way to tell them apart 5th gen has 6 lugs, 4th gens 5 lugs.

In buying tow hooks, if you have a classic then 4th gen will fit. If you have a 5th gen (6 lugs) then they might but probably not.

All information above is for the 1500 platform. 2500s are a different platform and transition timeline.

I hope this helps

 

[mikeru]

I think the OP is looking for a simpler answer.

Basically, Ram produced two different versions of the 1500 from 2019 thru 2024. They continued producing the 4th gens (DS) and renamed them the Ram 1500 Classic. 2019 was the first year for the All New Ram 1500 (DT). It was totally redesigned from the ground up, which means not a lot of parts from 4th gens will just bolt on. The easiest way for a novice to tell them apart is the number of lug nuts. DS has five and DT has six.

For your question about the tow hooks, they are not interchangeable. You didn't say what model your truck is, only that it's a Night Edition. That is an option on more than one of the Ram 1500 models. Assuming you have a 5th gen (DT), you'll need tow hooks for a 2019 thru 2024 5th gen. See pics below:

4th gen tow hook


5th gen tow hook

 

[RobGalipeau]

Hello,

Thanks for your replies Bigskyroadglide and Mikeru. I realsied that my intial question was not completely clear/complete, my Ram is a 2022 classic with 5 lugs. My concern lies with the differences between pre-2019 and the 2019-2024 offer in terms of parts, such as the BIG price difference for the front towing hooks. What I gather from Bigskyroadglide is that the sheetmetal beign essentially the same, the cheapest hooks would still work on my 2022. But then Why oh WHY are there two different set of hooks for the pre-2019 and the so called Classics? Enquiry minds (walllets) want to know.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Rob

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

If you are concerned about strength look at the 2018 model factory tow hook. If it went on the 2018, then it's probably adequate.

I cannot answer your other question i can only provide an example, I changed the non power fold tow mirrors on my 2024 warlock to color match power fold.The door switch for the mirrors and windows also had to be changed as I had non power tow mirrors.

The ram switch was non illuminated but the jeep grand cherokee switch is illuminated and less expensive. Both work.

Same company different brands.

 

[raggdoll]

Hello,

Thanks for your replies Bigskyroadglide and Mikeru. I realsied that my intial question was not completely clear/complete, my Ram is a 2022 classic with 5 lugs. My concern lies with the differences between pre-2019 and the 2019-2024 offer in terms of parts, such as the BIG price difference for the front towing hooks. What I gather from Bigskyroadglide is that the sheetmetal beign essentially the same, the cheapest hooks would still work on my 2022. But then Why oh WHY are there two different set of hooks for the pre-2019 and the so called Classics? Enquiry minds (walllets) want to know.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Rob

Please let me know what you do and where you get them, I'm in the exact same boat and was quoted those crazy prices too.

 

[sjhdu]

It appears that "55398284AA" is from the parts catalog while "82210967" is from the accessories catalog, based on my experience shopping online. Stellantis has been jacking up parts prices like crazy but it appears they for some unbeknown reason left the kit untouched. I'd think since they both show to fit '19 Classic you shouldn't have an issue with the kit.