Pedal height and position

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ffx2018

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Has anyone found their brake and gas pedal positions unusual?

My gas pedal feels like its 2" farther away than the brake pedal, and feels like its also higher.

When I'm switching between the gas and brake I can't just pivot on my heel, I almost have to lift my whole leg up and over to the brake pedal.

I have a basemodel truck so I imagine the positions are fixed; but I wanted to see if anyone else has this. All my other non Ram trucks weren't like this...
 

SitKneelBend

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Has anyone found their brake and gas pedal positions unusual?

My gas pedal feels like its 2" farther away than the brake pedal, and feels like its also higher.

When I'm switching between the gas and brake I can't just pivot on my heel, I almost have to lift my whole leg up and over to the brake pedal.

I have a basemodel truck so I imagine the positions are fixed; but I wanted to see if anyone else has this. All my other non Ram trucks weren't like this...
I would agree with this description...
 

BadHemi2014

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I agree also.
I've always thought it odd that brake pedals are positioned that way, it seems like in a panic stop you want the brake to be lower than the gas so your foot can quickly just slide onto it. But I think all of my vehicles have been like that, the Ram is just more extreme.

Mine doesn't have adjustable pedals which kinda stinks because I'm only 5 feet tall and I have the spacer kit to raise my seat up and now I'm even farther from the pedals I feel like a little kid playing in daddy's truck lol. But it actually makes it a little easier to hit the brake.
 

Dean2

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The brake pedal in most street vehicles are intentionally designed to be higher as well as a ways away, from the accelerator to prevent accidentally pushing the accelerator at the same time you are trying to brake. In sports cars designed for track use, they are often at the same height and closer together to facilitate heal and toe driving. Street cars that are track driven the drivers often resort to left foot braking, right foot accelerator to offset the width and height issues.

Since pickups tend to have more travel in their brake pedal to better modulate stopping with heavy weight or trailers, the pedal height distance is increased so at the bottom of the brake pedal stroke still leaves you just above accelerator pedal height. Pickups aren't designed to be track driven so if you use them like a sports car you may have to learn two foot driving.
 
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ffx2018

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I think you might be right that its a heavy vehicle thing. I just ordered a set of floormats that will raise my heel position a bit. I might even be able to add a pad on top of the heel location.

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LeoC4

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I just drove a 2023 1500 Classic I was considering to replace my 2006 Nissan Frontier (Manual Transmission). The brake pedal was uncomfortably high. I guess I've been spoiled with my previous truck and prior manual transmission vehicles. I'm gonna scratch the 1500 off my list.
 

markabby

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I love AI:

Ram trucks, like most vehicles, feature a higher brake pedal primarily for safety, ensuring the driver can clearly distinguish between the brake and accelerator to prevent accidental, simultaneous, or mistaken pedal presses. This design creates a physical, tactile boundary, allowing for quicker, more deliberate, and stronger, more forceful braking during emergencies.

Key reasons for this design include:
  • Safety & Pedals Separation: The elevated brake pedal acts as a safety measure, reducing the risk of pushing the gas pedal when intending to brake.
  • Optimal Braking Leverage: Lifting your foot to move from the gas to the higher brake pedal allows for stronger, more deliberate pressure application in emergencies.
  • Mechanical Requirements: The brake pedal is often designed with more travel, or higher off the floor, to ensure proper braking force and avoid it feeling too close to the floor.
  • Adjustable Features: Many Ram trucks are equipped with adjustable pedals to allow for better comfort and better positioning of both pedals.
  • Ergonomics: The design helps prevent "pedal entrapment," ensuring the driver's foot does not get stuck under the pedal.
 

SitKneelBend

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I just drove a 2023 1500 Classic I was considering to replace my 2006 Nissan Frontier (Manual Transmission). The brake pedal was uncomfortably high. I guess I've been spoiled with my previous truck and prior manual transmission vehicles. I'm gonna scratch the 1500 off my list.
While I agree it is high you get used to it. Likely you are just accustomed to your current setup.
 

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