2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks - Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, Axles
The manual transmission has been dropped, according to a Chrysler representative. Gas mileage with the Ram Hemi is said to be 23 mpg on the highway, a 10% increase — despite the 40-hp power boost.
The fastest 2009 Ram pickup will do 0-60 in a remarkable six seconds or less (2009 Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 with short bed and 4:10 gears — Motor Trend achieved 0-60 in 5.7 seconds with a 14.4 second quarter mile) - with a normal V8 available on most models. Gas mileage increased along with power (except on the V6). Still rumored is the Ram R/T which, according to Mr. Source, will have an upgraded 5.7 HEMI, beefed-up suspension and steering, and a 4.10:1 axle.
| Ram engines | 5.7 Hemi | 4.7 V8 | 3.7 V6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 390 bhp (291 kW) @ 5,600 rpm |
310 bhp (231 kW) @ 5,650 rpm |
215 bhp (160 kW) @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 407 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) @ 4,000 rpm |
330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) @ 3,950 rpm |
235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) @ 4,000 rpm |
| Redline | 5,800 rpm | 6,000 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Fuel | 89 octane recommended, 87 acceptable |
87 octane; E85 OK (FFV) |
87 octane |
| EPA mpg (2WD) | 13/19 | 13/19 | 14/20 (automatic) |
| EPA mpg (4WD) | 13/18 | 18/18 (misprint?) | |
| Emissions | SULEV 1 / Tier 2 Bin 10C | LEV 1 / Tier 2, Bin 10A |
A hybrid-electric version is expected by the 2010 model year.
2009 Dodge Ram pickup truck engines
A revised Powertrain Control Module (PCM) includes Smart Start control, which prevents starter operation if the engine is running, and automatically disengages the starter when the engine reaches operating speed to prevent excessive starter overrun. Engine choices are a V6 (rear drive only), 4.7 V8, Hemi V8, and, starting in 2010, a Cummins turbodiesel. All but the V6 come with a five-speed automatic transmission (the transmission for the diesel is not yet known).
Hemi engine updates: 390 hp / 407 lb-ft
40% of Ram buyers opt for the Hemi, which has gas mileage similar to the 4.7 liter V8 but much more power. For 2008, the Hemi was revised to improve engine breathing and gas mileage, with the addition of variable cam timing; a higher compression ratio; higher-flowing heads, intake, and exhaust; and an active intake manifold that switches from long runners to short runners, to optimize the engine for either better high-end horsepower or better low-end torque.
In addition, the MDS system has been updated so the engine will spend more time in four-cylinder mode, saving fuel. Numerous other hardware upgrades were implemented to build on the quality, reliability and durability reputation of the HEMI engine, including crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design, and oil pump capacity increase.
The results of all this work are a 10% boost in power to 390 hp (291 kW) and 407 lb-ft of torque (548 Nm), up from 345 hp and 375 lb-ft. At the same time, gas mileage increased by nearly 5%. The Dodge Ram R/T rear-wheel-drive model, with a short bed, regular cab, and 4.10:1 gears, can reach 60 mph in a mere 7 seconds, making it faster than the PT Cruiser GT or V6 Dodge Charger.
The variable cam timing (VCT) reduces the engine’s pumping work by closing the intake valve later, and increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. VCT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.
The MDS system, which shuts off or restores four cylinders in a small fraction of a second, has, according to Chrysler estimates, saved nearly 100 million gallons of gasoline since 2005, along with reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of close to a million metric tons. When MDS is operating, it is indicated by a “Fuel Saver” readout in the 2009 Dodge Ram’s Electronic Vehicle Information Center.
Other engines
The 4.7-liter V-8 has been boosted to a 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N·m) of torque with increased fuel economy; that puts it close to the outgoing Hemi's horsepower. It now has two spark plugs per cylinder, a higher compression ratio, better head port flow, and a new slant/squish combustion system. This engine is also compatible with E85 fuel.
Standard on 2009 Dodge Ram two-wheel-drive regular cab and Quad Cab® models is a 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine, generating 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N·m) of torque. Similar to the 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter V-8s, the 3.7-liter V-6 is equipped with Electronic Throttle Control, which provides engine torque control while compensating for changes in engine load caused by the air conditioning compressor, alternator and power steering pump. The 3.7 liter engine has best-in-class gas mileage.
The big news will be a new turbodiesel from Cummins, showing up in 2010; it will greatly increase low-end torque while slashing gas usage by nearly a third and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20%, compared to a similar gas engine. The Cummins diesel will meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010.
The Ram Hybrid is on the way, with gas mileage rivalling mid-size sedans.
Transmissions
The 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission is standard on 2009 Dodge Ram pickups equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI and optional on Ram pickups equipped with the 4.7-liter V-8. It is a fully electronically controlled transmission containing three planetary gear sets that provide a wide ratio capability for optimum performance. It has a tow-haul mode that balances engine speed and load conditions which improves performance and fuel economy.
The 545RFE five-speed automatic includes a new Electronic Range Select (ERS), which enables the driver to manually limit the highest available transmission gear, allowing manual upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine speed. Also new is an optional floor-mounted automatic shifter – available in the Dodge Ram for the first time.
2009 Dodge Ram models with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine (two-wheel drive only) get the 42RLE four-speed, a multi-range, electronically controlled transmission with an electronically modulated converter clutch that increases fuel economy by engaging the torque converter clutch at a lower engine speed. ERS is also included in the four-speed automatic, as is tow-haul mode.
Dropped from 2009 Ram plans is the Getrag 238 six-speed manual, which was to be encased in a two-piece, die-cast aluminum housing; it featured hard-finished gears and shift rails supported with ball bearings and Teflon bushings.
2009 Dodge Ram transfer cases
Two transfer cases are available: the NVG 243, which enables part-time four-wheel drive operation with a two-speed gear system; and the NVG 246, which enables an on-demand four-wheel drive system, also with a two-speed gear system. Both transfer cases are engaged with a dash-mounted switch.
The part-time transfer case provides three operating ranges – 2HI (two-wheel drive), 4HI (four-wheel drive) and 4LO (low-range reduction four-wheel drive) – plus a neutral position. 2HI is designed for any road surface at any time. 4HI and 4LO are for off-road use. Operating mode may be switched between 2HI and 4HI while the vehicle is in motion, but the vehicle’s transmission must be in neutral to engage 4LO. The low-range reduction ratio for 4LO is 2.72:1, which provides increased low-speed torque capability for pulling power in off-road conditions.
The on-demand transfer case provides four operating ranges: auto, 2HI, 4HI and 4LO. The auto range provides optimum versatility by engaging two- or four-wheel drive depending on road conditions. 2HI, 4HI and 4LO function the same as in the part-time transfer case.
Driveshafts are upgraded for increased quality, durability and reliability. The 2009 Dodge Ram’s driveshafts now incorporate 1350 series universal joints, two-piece thrust washers with triple-lip seals, and improved journal cross strength.
Axles
Four-wheel drive 2009 Dodge Ram pickups use a front axle incorporating half-shafts that drive front hubs. The axle has a disconnect system that automatically disengages the axle when four-wheel drive mode is disengaged, for increased fuel economy. 3.55 and 3.92 gear ratios are available.
The rear axle uses a new multi-link mounting design to facilitate a new coil-spring setup, with forward-facing shock absorber brackets. (The previous Dodge Ram incorporated a Hotchkiss leaf-spring design and staggered shock brackets.) Four gear ratios are available: 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10. Standard on all 2009 Dodge Ram rear axles are an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which helps drivers maintain directional stability by applying selective braking and engine control to keep the vehicle on course.
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all 2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks. Front rotors measure 13.2 inches (336 mm) in diameter and are clamped with dual-piston calipers, while rear rotors are 13.8 inches (352 mm) and utilize single-piston calipers.
An optional helical-gear limited-slip rear axle instantly divides torque between the rear wheels in proportion to the traction available to each wheel. It’s consistently smooth when turning corners because it responds only to variations in traction.
The rear axle is constructed of stronger materials for added durability, yet weighs only 15 pounds more.
We have more details on the development and features of the 2009 Dodge Ram in our Industria Show page.
