“The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty (2500 and 3500) is officially the first heavy-duty truck from the US' Big Three to reach 1,000 pound-feet of torque. That monster output comes as part of an optional 6.7-liter Cummins diesel I6, which also makes 400 horsepower. Yet, the engine weighs some 60 pounds less than its previous iteration, thanks to a new cast-iron cylinder head, lighter pistons, new connecting rods and bearings, in addition to an all-new exhaust manifold and tweaked variable-geometry turbocharger.
If you're after diesel, but not the full-bore kit, there's another Cummins on offer with 370 hp and 850 lb-ft.
In terms of transmissions, the big-boy Cummins mates to a six-speed Aisin automatic that's built specifically to handle all that torque. The other, less powerful Cummins variant uses a different six-speed automatic, while the gas V8 hooks up to an eight-speed automatic.“
I'm a truck guy. Have had trucks since I was 16 (48 now). As a contractor for the last 27 yrs, I've owned, & worked the hell out of lots of trucks. Roofing & carpentry are my main gigs. Although, I'm known as a Roofer. Bottom line, we USE our trucks, & have for many years. I've owned them all over time. My favorite Dodge was a 2002, 2500, 6 speed manual, Cummins. Great truck. Wished I'd have kept it in hindsight. I've owned V10, & multiple other Cummins trucks. 1 V10 was enough for me. Adequate power but, too thirsty at the pump.
The weak link in the Diesels has been the auto transmissions (at least in my experience). Had to replace multiple at less than 150,000 miles. My last Dodge was a 2004, 3500, Cummins, auto. Transmission started to go at 130,000 miles. I replaced that truck with a 2009 F350 6.4 Powerstroke. 10yrs & 270,000 miles later, this truck is still my daily driver. The engine purrs like it did new, & have had zero tranny problems. The only upgrade I did to the truck was delete the DPF, & CAT. The only money I've had to put in the truck is suspension parts on the front end. Started doing that at 210,000.
Another older powerstroke I had (99 6.0) is still on the road with over 300,000. I sold it to a buddy 7 yrs ago when downsizing my operation. I'm foaming at the mouth for a new truck. Not out of need, just cause I want one..lol. I'll definitely be going Ford again. I believe they make the best truck for those with a heavy workload. Dodge makes nice trucks. I really wanted to stay that route. They just weren't tough enough for my career, & lifestyle. The GM's are super comfortable. Again, just not tough enough for my applications.
I realize somebody out there probably has a Dodge with a million miles on it, towing 20,000 lbs regularly.... that just wasn't my experience. Trucks are huge investments these days. Anymore, I can't afford to buy new every few years. A good truck costs more than my first house nowadays. I'm gonna ride out my '09 6.4 until she dies. Hopefully I'll get another 150-200,000 out of her, & my next one will be my last.