So, everyone who has ever owned a truck has heard of a Dodge Power Wagon…haven’t they? The truck Dodge created in 1945 is legendary…there have been Power Wagon’s for a long as I have been alive but the legend is only growing with the latest version….heated seats, hemi powered with an auto, 4 doors, electric roll up windows, air conditioning even remote sway bar disconnects…I think my Grandfather and all those guys who drove them in the war and right after would be a little jealous of the creature comforts! The ability to “go anywhere” started with the first one, but it has carried it’s way along with every model since then.
There have been lapses in production since 1980, but being reintroduced in 2005 and then the redesign of the 2014 model year came around, Dodge changed to “Ram” and well, the new Power Wagon is one that would make the guys who drove the original jealous! The truck is “almost” perfect…while it is close to a regular 2500/3500 Ram it is different enough that we had to make it’s own kit…a kit unique to the 2014 – 2019 Power Wagon. 2005-2013 – use kit #605020 2014-present – use kit # 605039 ( 605038 if you don’t want shock brackets) The 2014 ( to current model year) Power Wagon uses different springs, so we created the simple fix to the only thing we found with the Power Wagon (OK, someone please tell me why would corporate delete the manual trans option in 2010) that made it not awesome.
We made a 1.5″ front lift and now the truck sits flat, all of the OEM suspension parts can be used as the factory intended and best of all, the computer works in all Off Road conditions (no sudden brake lock up from ABS) and the truck drives exactly as the factory intended. For reference, and just because like us, you are a truck “geek” – ( FYI – I copied this from Wikipedia) 2005–present For 2005, Dodge resurrected the Power Wagon name on a version of the Dodge Ram 2500. It was a special off-road version of the Ram 2500 with a 5.7L Hemi V8 as the only engine option.
As of 2014, the only engine available is the 6.4L Hemi. Interior configurations remain similar to standard production Ram. As of 2010, the Power Wagon is only available as a Crew Cab Short Bed model. Special features of the Power Wagon include: Electronically controlled locking differentials (front and rear) Electronically disconnecting front sway bar Integrated 12,000 lb electric Warn winch 17 inch diameter Alcoa forged wheels Large 33 inch diameter BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A 285/70R17 tires. Replaced by Goodyear Duratracs beginning with the 2014 model year. Bilstein Monotube Gas Charged Shocks Extensive skidplating: front stabilizer bar, transfer case, fuel tank, special skid plate crossmembers welded to the frame with open bars bolted to them across the midsection. 1.4″ factory lift in front, 1.0″ in rear (0.4″ front and rear due to larger tires). Softer rate springs. Strengthened torque converter 4.56:1 axle ratios (4.10 as of the 2014 model) Revised clutch fan Strengthened steering gear Low range 4×4 throttle mapping changed. Upgraded suspension and larger tires naturally give the truck a taller ride height. Clearance lights and tow hooks are standard equipment. Fender flares are standard equipment as well.
The fender flares assist with tire coverage due to the Power Wagon’s wider tires. Powertrain 6.4 L Hemi V8 (410 hp / 429 lbs.ft of torque) for 2014 to current model year 5.7 L Hemi V8 (345 hp / 375 lbs.ft of torque) for 2005 – 2009 model years 5.7 L Hemi V8 (383 hp / 400 lbs.ft of torque) for 2010 – 2013 model years Transmission A six speed G56 manual transmission was standard, with an automatic transmission optional. As of 2010 the manual transmission is no longer an option. 2012 models have the 66RFE 6 speed automatic transmission, instead of the 545RFE 5 speed automatic in the previous models. Transfer case The transfer case was a New Venture 271 and had a 2.72:1 low range gear ratio. A transfer case skid plate was and is standard equipment. A manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case is the only available, the electronic shift on-the-fly has never been an option. As of the 2012 model year, the transfer case has changed to a Borg-Warner 44-47 manual shift-on-the fly. Low range is now 2.64:1. Axles The axles are manufactured by American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
The front is an AAM 9.25 and the rear is a hybrid AAM 10.5 with the larger axle shafts from the AAM 11.5. Despite the fact the axles have locking differentials, the rear axle is also a helical-type limited slip differential when unlocked. The axles are only available with a 4.56:1 gear ratio. Non Power Wagon 2500 Ram trucks only have 3.42:1, 3.73:1, or 4.10:1 gear ratios. 2010 models (along with other Ram trucks) received larger universal joints. 2012 Weight ratings: GVWR – 8510 lbs GCWR – 17,000 lbs GAWR (front) – 4500 lbs GAWR (rear) – 6200 lbs Max payload – 1880 lbs Max towing – 10,250 lbs Curb weight – 6800 lbs 2013 updates The New Venture Gear transfer case is replaced by a Borg-Warner unit. Interior updated ala 1500 Rams. 2014 updates The RAM Power Wagon will have a 6.4 Hemi V8 as the standard engine; the 5.7 Hemi V8 goes away. The 6.4 has 410 horsepower and is also available in standard Rams. The transmission and transfer case remain unchanged (Borg Warner 44-47). The axle gears change from 4.56:1 gear ratios to 4:10 gear ratios. The rear axle is now a 11.5 AAM axle (with selectable locker). The rear suspension now has a 5-link coil spring arrangement instead of leaf springs. The front suspension has been changed to a radius arm arrangement (3-link) instead of the 5-link used since 2005. Tires are now Goodyear Duratracs.
