Might make the switch this week

[bach]

Hey guys. Never had a Ram before but I decided to test drive a 16 crew yesterday. I currently have a 14 Silverado 5.3. Its a nice enough truck but its left me feeling, well, a bit bored. I test drove a new f150 also. I liked it, but for what you get the prices are way outta line. I have a few concerns before dealing the numbers with the dealer tomorrow. I have been reading on here for a week or so and I have become worried about the 4 wheel drive system in the Rams. Seems like the front doesn't lock until the back slips? And also, I've read the lsd isn't the greatest either. This truck has the 3.21. Idk if its worth passin up for the 3.9's but with the 8 speed it should scoot faster then my 6 speed Silverado with 3.42s yeah? I love the looks, the interior comfort, and the ride of the ram. The cab is much noisier in the Ram though. And the rotary shifter, meh, looks neat though. Anyways I wanna ask the guys who know everything ram if there is something I should get or should not get when buying mechanical wise. I just need it to pull about 6k once in awhile and get me through lots of snow. I'm trying to get the window sticker uploaded to this post, idk if its working or not. Thanks!

 

[bach]

THIS MODEL INCLUDING DEALER PREPARATION
Base Price: $ 44,735
RAM 1500 LARAMIE CREW CAB 4X4
Exterior Color:Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
Exterior Paint
Interior Color:Black Interior Color
Interior:Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
Engine:5.7-Liter V8 HEMI® MDS VVT Engine
Transmission:8-Speed Automatic 8HP70 Transmission
STANDARD EQUIPMENT (UNLESS REPLACED BY
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT)
FUNCTIONAL/SAFETY FEATURES
3.21 Rear Axle Ratio
Electric Shift-On-Demand Transfer Case
Class IV Receiver Hitch
26-Gallon Fuel Tank
Remote Keyless Entry with All-Secure
Locking Tailgate
Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
Supplemental Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags
Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
ParkView™ Rear Back-Up Camera
Speed Control
Sentry Key® Theft Deterrent System
INTERIOR FEATURES
A/C Auto Temperature Control with Dual Zone Control
Uconnect® 8.4
Uconnect® Access 6-Mo Trial (Registration Req'd)
For Details, Visit Uconnect® Access for Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT , Jeep & Ram
Integrated Voice Command with Bluetooth®
SiriusXM® Sat Radio w/ 1-Yr Radio Subscription
For More Information, Call 800-643-2112
9 Alpine® Speakers with Subwoofer
Media Hub (SD, USB, Aux)
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
Heated Steering Wheel
Tilt Steering Column
Power Adjustable Pedals with Memory
Bright Rotary Shifter
7-Inch Multi-View Cluster
Overhead Console with Garage Door Opener
Sun Visors with Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Rear Power Sliding Window
Pwr 10-Way Driver Seat w/Memory&Pwr 6-Way Pass
Seat
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Power Lumbar Adjust
Second-Row In-Floor Storage Bins
Folding Flat Load Floor Storage
EXTERIOR FEATURES
20-Inch x 9.0-Inch Aluminum Chrome Clad Wheels
PRICE INFORMATION (contd.)
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats $ 500
Full Length Upgraded Floor Console
Heated Second-Row Seats
Laramie Package 26H
Protection Group $ 150
Tow Hooks
Transfer Case Skid Plate
Front Suspension Skid Plate
Convenience Group $ 495
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control
Keyless Enter 'n Go™
Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
8-Speed Automatic 8HP70 Transmission $ 500
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle $ 325
5.7-Liter V8 HEMI® MDS VVT Engine $ 1,150
Dual Rear Exhaust with Bright Tips
LED Bed Lighting $ 100
Chrome Body Side Molding $ 200
32-Gallon Fuel Tank $ 75
ParkSense® Front / Rear Park Assist
System
$ 395
Remote Start System (N/A Manual
Transmission)
$ 200
Trailer Brake Control $ 230
DESTINATION CHARGE $ 1,195
TOTAL PRICE:* $ 50,250

 

[bigfoot2219]

Drive 3.92 before you buy 3.21

Many are happy either way, but there is a real difference in capability. 3.92 comes off the line like Godzilla, 3.21 accelerates well but will not put you in the back of your seat the same way. Also towing 6k is easier with 3.92 (some may object to that statement). I have owned several fords and Chevys (3) with 5.3L. My last was an avalanche. I won't be buying Chevys anymore. I have hemi,crew cab, 8 speed, 3.92, 4x4. No issues and no complaints in a year of ownership.

 

[Hootbro]

Just wondering, what is making you "bored" with the Silverado?

 

[bach]

Throttle response lacking, too sensitive Trac control, tranny doesn't seem to make up its mind. I guess it just doesn't put a smile on my face whenever I'm driving. Feels like an old man puttin around truck.

 

[Hootbro]

Throttle response lacking, too sensitive Trac control, tranny doesn't seem to make up its mind. I guess it just doesn't put a smile on my face whenever I'm driving. Feels like an old man puttin around truck.

I had a 2014 Silverado also. Drive train was fine in mine but the overall build quality was lacking. Interior rattles and squeaks galore in it. The wax coating of the frame also was pretty cheap and flaking off in chunks.

 

[bach]

I've read through a lot of frame rust threads. I got lucky on mine, not a spot of rust. I forgot to mention, I can feel everytime afm kicks in and the truck vibrates slightly in v4. I bought a range afm delete to keep it in 8 cylinders all the time but it threw codes. The whole drive train just seems like it's always a step behind.

 

[Ratket]

10k back of msrp is what you need to expect to pay. That's what Rams can be had for on a average basis.. some times a little less sometimes a little more.

 

[bach]

My salesman said we should be in the 35k range for trade on my truck which would be awesome. So if I got 10k off then I would pay a diff of 5k and the ram has a 5k higher msrp then the chevy. Soooo that would be a no brainer correct?

 

[Desert Dude]

FWIW, I have been a Chevy only guy since I was 16 (mid 40's now). Of course I test drove a Chevy rcsb 5.3 and it just felt weird. Couldn't make up its 6spd mind. I went to look at the Ram and that is what is in my driveway.

My Note 3

 

[EagleChief]

If you feel like your Chevy is a "putting around old man truck", then I'd say you need to get the 3.92 gears on the Ram. The 3.21's aren't bad (I test drove one), but having the 3.92's are a much better choice, in my opinion. I'm afraid you'll become "bored" with the 3.21's.

I haven't had to use the 4x4 much at all, maybe a handful of times last winter, but I never noticed any vibrations or issues with it during highway speeds. It's been an AWESOME truck for the 11 months that I've owned it. Hope that helps...

 

[GreenClassic]

Like others have said, if you are bored with the Chevy due to lack of throttle response, then I would recommend getting a Ram with the 3.92 gears. My crew cab with 3.92 is definitely not boring, lol.

I rented a '14 Chevy Silverado LTZ crew cab with 5.3 a little over a year ago, and I know exactly what you're saying. You hit the gas pedal in the Chevy, and it hesitates for a second, then gradually starts speeding up. Now in my Ram, I hit the gas and the truck is very eager to go.

 

[WaterBoy1]

Been mostly a GM truck guy for years, but I too became extremely disappointed in the lack of performance and build quality.

I had known that Ram had some issues with previous generations, but that their build quality had really stepped up so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Went in and test drove my 2014 Laramie 2500 4x4 6.4 after Christmas last year. I was sold instantly. I can honestly say this is the nicest truck I have ever owned (I've owned a LOT of different trucks - I'm 50 years old now) and I don't regret my choice at all. Haven't looked back once.

You'll be very happy with the Ram!

 

[baum]

My salesman said we should be in the 35k range for trade on my truck which would be awesome. So if I got 10k off then I would pay a diff of 5k and the ram has a 5k higher msrp then the chevy. Soooo that would be a no brainer correct?

dont believe the 35k for your trade until you see it in paper. salesmen dont make the say as to how much they will give you.

also nothing changed from '15-'16 so if you can find a '15 still you may get a better deal on it.

 

[MyOhFive]

I agree with what others have said on getting the 3.92... but if this truck is on the lot and has everything else you want, I would say buy it and put the 3.92 in later on.

 

[CMil527]

welcome... good luck!

 

[CF_Smith]

No one has touched on the 4-wheel drive "issue" you brought up. Yes on these trucks the rear tires do need to spin a bit before the the front ones do (in 4 auto and less so in 4 lock). In 4 auto they need to spin quite a bit and in my experience I barely notice it in 4 lock. Its not like your rear tires are going to do anything close to a full rotation in 4 lock before the front engages.

Personally, I think that if you NEED all four tires to spin at the exact same time, its time for low range anyway. I LOVE the 4 auto on these trucks, not because I cannot properly operate a transfer case, but it nice to know that if the gf needs to take the truck somewhere in the winter, that it won't get abused. Also, driving on some icy roads its nice to be able to put it in 4 auto without being worried about crunching the front end on a "surprise dry pavement corner."

I think that the RAM's have the best looking interior and exterior. I had a Chevy rental (2015) and HATED it. I mean its a "all new interior" but they use the damned steering wheel out of a cobalt. I think you'll love the RAM, not much reason not to. Good luck with the decision!

 

[OutLore]

I agree with what others have said on getting the 3.92... but if this truck is on the lot and has everything else you want, I would say buy it and put the 3.92 in later on.

That's a ton of work and $$$$ on a 4x4

 

[arod412]

Personally, hold on to the Chevy until you get the truck you want, or you will lose your ass on what you owe on your truck. It's at 14 so I can't imagine you paid it down enough to break even.

2012 Ram 1500 quadcab
**Sent from the *********

 

[bach]

Dealer came at me with a 15k diff. I told them uhh no, thats more then i owe on mine. My truck only has 16k on it so I should be keeping it for awhile yet. But they are searching for 15s with 3.92s now for me. Maybe I can get into a 15 laramie for the $5-6 grand range. Now to wait. Thanks for all the replies.