Disappointed with 2022 Ram purchase

[CdnHO]

Strange, I have had standards exclusively over the years, two 2500’s and three 3500 chassis cabs, never had the issue you describe. When clutch replacement time came I would upgrade to a heavy duty double disc which did put more power to the ground and I would notice an improvement. I tend to disagree a lot because I haul about 12,400 lbs. of hay through mountainous terrain quite often to my place, no issues especially with the exhaust brake as an aide. I also haul cattle in a 32’ foot trailer, no issues. The stock clutch I would replace at about 100,000 miles. It weathered my storm well. Also, give me a standard anyday on downhill grades with those loads. To each his own.

I had a 97 with a five speed manual and owned a 2003 dually with the six speed manual for 19 years towing good sized fifth wheels and never a clutch issue. I did replace the clutch in the 2003 just before selling it but only because the pilot shaft bearing went out on it. Figured might as well replace the clutch while it was apart. Put in a slightly heavier clutch as recommended by South Bend. The original clutch still had lots of friction material left on it after 100K on it, about 50 percent towing the fifth wheel.

 

[CdnHO]

I had a 97 with a five speed manual and owned a 2003 dually with the six speed manual for 19 years towing good sized fifth wheels and never a clutch issue. I did replace the clutch in the 2003 just before selling it but only because the pilot shaft bearing went out on it. Figured might as well replace the clutch while it was apart. Put in a slightly heavier clutch as recommended by South Bend. The original clutch still had lots of friction material left on it after 100K on it, about 50 percent towing the fifth wheel.

That said, clutch life depends a LOT on the driver. Back in the day when manual transmissions were common in cars, I could predict the clutch life just be listening to the customer drive away.

 

[jebruns]

Strange, I have had standards exclusively over the years, two 2500’s and three 3500 chassis cabs, never had the issue you describe.

Were they tuned or stock? Stock with the derated motors, I don't think there were any big clutch issues.

 

[jebruns]

We had very few transmission issues with 7.3 powered ambulances. We turned them over every five years with a lot of hard miles.

The 7.3 owners I knew that had quite a bit of tranny issues with them pulled stuff regularly. And/or had them tuned for more power.

 

[AH64ID]

Were they tuned or stock? Stock with the derated motors, I don't think there were any big clutch issues.

The 5.9 manuals had more power than the auto’s, but then the 6.7’s didn’t get the power upgrades the autos did.

There were plenty of stock clutch issues with the DMF thou, sure they reduced NVH when they worked but they didn’t last like a SMF. I firmly believe clutches are the main reason that manuals had less torque and were eventually discontinued.

 

[Dave01]

I think the last standard pickup I drove was a nearly new 1983 or 84 GM rack body with 6.2 diesel, was a truck where I worked. I'm glad that's the last one, wouldn't consider a standard in a pickup unless it was a classic old truck. Standard shifts in sports cars, automatics in trucks for me.

 

[Dave01]

I want to see this press release:

"Stellantis announces that the 2025 Ram diesels will have a 3-on-the-tree manual shift option. The auto maker feels there is a vast market yearning for a diesel with 850 lb.-ft. and a column mounted 3 speed shift standard transmission."

Just kidding guys ....

 

[Blythkd1]

I want to see this press release:

"Stellantis announces that the 2025 Ram diesels will have a 3-on-the-tree manual shift option. The auto maker feels there is a vast market yearning for a diesel with 850 lb.-ft. and a column mounted 3 speed shift standard transmission."

Just kidding guys ....

If they'd come out with an RTO-910, I'd be a serious looker. Of course, that transmission option would probably cost more than the CTD engine option.

 

[batman900]

Avoid the Tundra. I got rid of my 23 after less than a month and less than 1k miles. Parts were literally falling off of it on the inside and outside. Worst vehicle I have ever owned. By contrast, my 21 Tundra was the best vehicle I've ever owned and should have never gotten rid of it. Now have a 24 RAM 6.7 not because I need a 2500 but because there isn't a 1500 being made right now that I trust. My dad has a 6 month old 2023 that he has worked hard without an issue so fingers crossed on this one.