The Dodge Ram SRT-10
Quad Cab was developed to fill the void created by the standard-cab Ram
SRT’s main pure truck shortcoming—its lack of towing capacity. The Quad
Cab is a mite kinder and gentler than its racier sibling.
Besides the obvious cab difference between the two SRTs, the biggest
change for the Quad Cab mechanically is the mating of a four-speed
automatic transmission to the Viper block.
Dodge engineers say getting the transmission (adapted from Ram diesel
applications) to work right was the trickiest part of building the
truck. It had to handle the beastly 525 lb-ft of maximum torque and be
able to tow 7500 pounds. In went a beefed-up torque converter and a
two-piece driveshaft. Engineers included a custom tranny calibration,
and gave its live rear axle a 4.56 ratio. The goal: improve launch feel,
low-end acceleration and tow capacity. From behind the wheel, you’ll
think it is transmission accomplished. |