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2019+ Dodge 2500 6.5L w/ 8 speed trans, anyone running one?


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#1 pods8

pods8

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Posted 21 August 2020 - 01:22 AM

Looking ahead for 2021 I'll likely pursue a newer truck with a true crew cab (vs quad cab) to fit the growing kids.  I'm curious if anyone is running the newer 8 speed transmission dodge is pairing with the 6.4L hemi in the 2500, I believe this is 2019+ models.  

 

How's that combo run? 

Does the transmission keep that motor nicely in the power band at all speeds (the 5 speed jump between 2nd and 3rd SUCKS on freeway mountain passes)? 

Run smooth in general vs hunting? 

How's the mpg on the combo loaded and unloaded (and any trailer experience)?

How's the MDS run loaded/unloaded, etc?

Overall impressions/critiques? 

 

:)


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2003 Dodge 1500 quad cab 4x4 5.7L Hemi auto w/ ride rite air springs and 1999(2000?) Hawk

2007 Dodge 2500 quad cab 4x4 5.7L Hemi auto and slowly progressing build.

FYI: I've got a bunch of extra 14ga wire in red and black. Its a thick jacket 41strand wire (likely MTW wire) verse typical 19strand automotive wire. It has good flexibility but factor in the thick jacket. I'll ship out 100' coils for $18 (I can go 50' of ea for that too) if anyone is in need of wire.

#2 Tuff Guy 62

Tuff Guy 62

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Posted 21 August 2020 - 04:12 PM

I'm running a 2019 2500 with the 6.4, 8 speed and 4.10 rear end. Plenty of power and torque for a gasser.

 

We have an ATC Panther mounted in the back that stays on the rig full time since I purchased back in December 2019.

 

Combo runs great and stays within the power bands quite nicely. When the MDS is engaged, it does have a tendency to lug when light acceleration inputs are applied. When in tow/haul mode the MDS is disabled and the transmission shifts smoothly with changes in accelerator inputs. Have not experienced hunting for gears, but I suppose that depends a lot on how your drive.

 

I can't speak to driving impressions with respect to towing as we do not use the truck in that way. We went for the Hemi because we wanted payload (3,200 lbs.) over towing. If you are going to do a lot of towing it's a no brainer, go with the Cummins.

 

In regards to MPG I have been satisfied, given that this thing is a beast with a 6,800 lb curb weight. Empty on the highway at 1,800 rpm I was getting about 16.5 mpg. Loaded with the camper that's a different story due to substantive increase in wind resistance and coefficient of drag. With a tailwind I get about 15 mpg, headwind fuel efficiency plummets to about 10.5 mpg. In city driving you can expect about 8 mpg.

 

On flat ground the MDS performs well, when pulling grades you'll want to switch into tow/haul mode otherwise it will lug a bit before downshifting.

 

I only have about 5,700 miles on the truck at this time, so I really cant provide any long term impressions. This truck is not used as a daily driver and is only used for wandering boon-docking excursions into the field. For our use, we're quite happy with our purchase.

 

Hope this helps.


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2000 2WD Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3 liter V8

2019 Ram 2500 6.4 liter Hemi

2015 ATC Custom Panther Shell

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. Yogi Berra


#3 pods8

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Posted 21 August 2020 - 10:03 PM

Yes useful feedback, thanks.  Sounds like maybe 2-3mpg over my older 5.7L with better handling in terms of power.

 

I don't expect to tow heavy or a lot necessarily, but we may add a 19-20' lighter style camper (not the big / long campers) for casual family camping.  I love having a truck camper for run and gun trips but its not ideal for multiday stationary family camping.  I have 60' of paved side parking now, I can fit both. :)


  • 0
2003 Dodge 1500 quad cab 4x4 5.7L Hemi auto w/ ride rite air springs and 1999(2000?) Hawk

2007 Dodge 2500 quad cab 4x4 5.7L Hemi auto and slowly progressing build.

FYI: I've got a bunch of extra 14ga wire in red and black. Its a thick jacket 41strand wire (likely MTW wire) verse typical 19strand automotive wire. It has good flexibility but factor in the thick jacket. I'll ship out 100' coils for $18 (I can go 50' of ea for that too) if anyone is in need of wire.




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