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2026 Vs 2018 Early Observations

My truck gets around 13.5, but it spends most of it's life in WV, not the flat lands. Well, it did until I put 35's on it last week. :P I lost about 1/2 mpg on the 300 mile trip to WV this morning. Worth it to get rid of those Duracraps. No more sidewall roll. That's something you really notice on these roads.
 
I have to drive mountains all the time as well. But the Duracraps are brand new :( Sigh, soon I will replace them with HD terrains and get my White Knuckle sliders swapped over.
 
Well.....you ready for this? 2018 Radiator 1.5" thick....2026 3"! With more re-enforcement. Top hose? 2018 2", 2026 3"! That is a MAJOR jump in cooling. While I found the 2018 to do a fine job at not over heating, my guess this has to do with Lifter and Manifold failures, trying to keep things cooler, especially at the rear of the block. No question they know about exploding radiators as well. Old one looks scary weak compared to the new. Then the overall lay out of the bay is so much better, cleaner, things are easier to get to. It feels very refined. Sad to not get more power, but if this 6.4 is that updated...it could be a reliable beast.
 
Would be curious to know. I was blowing them up left and right at altitude. Ok, 2. :D I am just saying this cooling system is double the one in my 2018. Might be able to figure it out in Rock Auto. But my suspicion is 2026.
 
Looks like both 2018 and 2019-2025 have the same coolant capacity (16.6qt).
That’s not to say things, such as the radiator and overflow tank size haven’t changed, but it seems to coolant capacity hasn’t increased.

I would expect that the major changes happened in 2019.
 
Must have changed in 2019 then. Its crazy how many improvements I missed with my 2018. And its funny, when you see recent years of Ram trucks not to buy its 2011-2015 and 2018, how lucky was I?
 
SolidAxleorBust said:
Must have changed in 2019 then. Its crazy how many improvements I missed with my 2018. And its funny, when you see recent years of Ram trucks not to buy its 2011-2015 and 2018, how lucky was I?
Click to expand...


IDK about the radiators and I had a 2016, 2019 and now a 23 and never paid much attention to them.

I always steer anyone looking for a used one to look for a 19 or newer just to get a ZF.
 
Let’s see if Google Gemini is right…



To disable the Auto Park Brake on your 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon, you have two primary methods: using the Uconnect touchscreen settings or using a manual sequence with the parking brake switch.


Method 1: Via Uconnect Settings (Easiest)


This is the standard way to permanently toggle the feature off so it doesn't engage every time you shift into Park.


1. Start the vehicle or put the ignition in ON/RUN.


2. On your Uconnect touchscreen, tap the Settings icon (or go to Vehicle > Settings).


3. Scroll down and select Brakes.


4. Look for the Auto Park Brake option.


5. Uncheck the box or toggle it to Off.


Method 2: Manual Override Sequence


If you prefer not to use the screen, or if you need to quickly toggle it, you can use the physical parking brake switch (located to the left of the steering wheel).


1. Ensure your foot is off the brake pedal.


2. Make sure the parking brake is currently engaged (red light on).


3. Push and hold the parking brake switch down.


4. Wait for a chime/beep from the dashboard.


5. Release the switch and immediately push and hold it down again until you hear a second chime.


6. The "Auto Park Brake" should now be deactivated. To re-enable it, repeat this process (you will usually hear two beeps when it reactivates).


Important Safety Notes


• SafeHold Feature: Even if you disable the "Auto" setting, the truck may still automatically engage the parking brake if it detects a "SafeHold" condition (e.g., the driver’s door is opened while the seatbelt is unbuckled and the vehicle is not in Park).


• Manual Release: If you just need to move the truck once without it grabbing, you can manually release it by putting your foot on the brake pedal and pushing the parking brake switch down.


• Towing: It is highly recommended to disable this feature when towing or being towed to prevent the wheels from locking up unexpectedly.


Would you like me to look up the specific steps for entering "Brake Service Mode" if you're planning on changing your brake pads?
 
I agree about the OEM rock sliders. They are way too narrow to stand on. I feel like if I put my foot on it, there's a good chance I will slip off.
 
AND, heavy but not strong, not attached to the frame, don't cover the entire side of the vehicle. Glad I took them off, found a major wiring harness melting by the exhaust! Took it in today,
 
SolidAxleorBust said:
Oh for sure. That 68RFE was a pile. But the entire engine bay is completely different and so much better.
Click to expand...
Only if it’s abused or has more hp added to the diesel. Driven normally it is very reliable. Nothing will stand up to abuse.
 
LOL that POS is one of the worst transmissions in all of history! It is the feature of memes about Rams everywhere. The parts are so junky inside you cannot even get one rebuilt with out upgrades. Mine went into limp modes by 60K( and no they would not look at it under warranty). Then there is towing with that vat of lead and being stuck on hills with the wrong gears.
 
SolidAxleorBust said:
LOL that POS is one of the worst transmissions in all of history! It is the feature of memes about Rams everywhere. The parts are so junky inside you cannot even get one rebuilt with out upgrades. Mine went into limp modes by 60K( and no they would not look at it under warranty). Then there is towing with that vat of lead and being stuck on hills with the wrong gears.
Click to expand...
Never have been stuck on a mountain, towing 14k going the speed limit all the way to the top.
 
Ritchie_Rich said:
Only if it’s abused or has more hp added to the diesel. Driven normally it is very reliable. Nothing will stand up to abuse.
Click to expand...
SolidAxleorBust said:
Oh for sure. That 68RFE was a pile. But the entire engine bay is completely different and so much better.
Click to expand...

The Power Wagon never had the 68RFE, that was for diesels. 66RFE is what's in the 2012-2018 PW, then the ZF in '19. So you guys are talking about different transmissions.
 
Lordy, very close numbers. So the Diesel one they actually built better...interesting. I find it interesting the ZF went to the gassers first as well, the warranty work must have been crushing them.
 
SolidAxleorBust said:
Lordy, very close numbers. So the Diesel one they actually built better...interesting. I find it interesting the ZF went to the gassers first as well, the warranty work must have been crushing them.
Click to expand...

Close numbers because they are in the same family, but most of the guts are different. Same gear ratios, though, just beefed up to take the extra torque.

The ZFs are also different. ZF 8AP for diesels and 8HP for gas. Given that diesels are slightly more than double the torque specs of gas motors in these, they'll always require a beefed up transmission behind them.
 
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