Rusty like I stated above all this is a 2019 Ram 2500 frame assembly, and rear axle with design change's done to the frame assembly to accommodated the 2019 Ram 1500 cab/bed assembly with what appear's to be AEV Ram 2500 fender flares/ and 18 inch simulated beadlock wheels running BFG 35X12:50X18. So we are stating a 215mm front axle is running up from front with a 3/4 ton rear axle with 3:73 or 4:10 gear ratio's.This design in no way shape or form comes even close to the 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel TRX.I would hope that Jim Morrison speaks out about this cheap version of the Rebel TRX.With Fords 2019 F-150 Raptor at a price point of around 78,00-87,00 this is a cheap knock off to gain higher transitional price points for Ram in the 1/2 ton market, a goal that FCA set back in 2017. The Rebel TRX needs it's own body panels much like Ford does with it's design, Ford also does not run a Raptor on a 3/4 ton frame nor a 3/4 ton axle assemlies.FCA Ram is using the same motor mount dimemsion's for there 6.2 gas motor for the Hellcat 6.2L SC motor.I do not approve of this myself personally I find it a insult to the 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel TRX and the Ram engineer's who came up with a viable competitor against Ford's Raptor program. One only needs to look at Jim Morrison's interview at the 2016 Texas State fair when ask by Roman from TFL Truck when Jim stated "he hardly thought that the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor was any competition for the Rebel TRX".Also he also stated that he had instructed Ram engineering to come you with a pre-prduction ready 100 mph off road pre-runner.The press will have a field day with this if they bring this to market FCA will have that saying "cheap Italian knock off" not to mention a insult to the hard work put in for the development of the 6.2L Hellcat motor.Sorry guys just ain't feeling this design for a TRX,no way would I spend 80,000 dallors for it.
I don't think the TRX has to have a "2500 frame" nor have i read anything to indicate that it will. This could just as easily (and much more likely) be a 5th gen ram 1500 frame slightly modified to fit a 2500 8 lug axle, than a 2500 frame modified to fit 1500 front axle, bumper, cab, and bed... not to mention this wheelbase (crew cab 5-7" bed) is not available in the 2500. The 5th gen 1500 frame should be close to if not already is strong enough. Or they could just increase the section modulus of some of the rear frame sections where needed (like F150 does)
But differences between 1500 and 2500 frames probably aren't huge in some places anyway. At least they werent for 3rd gens. 2500 was just 1" or so taller in the rear than a 1500. Made it pretty easy to mount a gooseneck hitch from a 2500 and put it in a 1500.
Regarding the front axle it could well have larger components over a standard 1500. We dont know yet. Just because it has 6 lugs in front doesnt mean it cant have larger half shafts, more splines, or beefier carrier assembly. I'd put money on 4.10 being the only option but who knows just guesses at this point. I'd also bet money that it wont have cheap plastic components that will break like the raptor...
I see your point on the fender flares vs new front and rear fenders. As stated this is a test mule. Production TRX may well still get new fenders (as well as hood, front bumper, or grille) but testing without them makes it so they don't have to cover the entire truck with all the black crap. The RamRunner kit had fiberglass fenders. Ramrunners also destroyed the Raptor of the day, and that was still just a standard Ram 1500 frame with a suspension kit. That said it wouldn't surprise me one bit if they didn't go with all new fenders as the widebody challenger and upcoming charger just have fender flares. I'm not complaining because we get 700-800 HP for under 100K. Oh and it wont be a turbo V6
5thgenrams.com
