The 2010 heavy duty Ram truck has undergone a major redesign, akin (though not identical) to that visited upon the half-ton model a couple years back. One of the most welcome changes is the replacement of the somewhat cramped Quad cab with a competitively sized Crew Cab; the ginormous Mega Cab remains as an option. Inside, the layout and class-leading quality mirror the Ram 1500, with supportive seats, logical control layouts, and a raft of enticing available options.

Though the 3500 eschews the radical (for a pickup) coil sprung rear axle of the ½-ton, it too has gone to the suspension doctor. The result is much more precise steering and better control in corners, though a dually is still a lot of rig to herd. The Ram rides better unladen now, too—but still not as well as the Ford F350 or GM 3500s.

But those two don’t have the venerated Cummins diesel, which has a reputation for train-like torque and reliability, and great fuel economy. It is now the only HD diesel that doesn’t have to use urea to clean up its exhaust in order to meet federal regs, meaning no expensive refills of what’s essential synthetic cow pee every time you change the oil. This latest 6.7-liter version’s numbers are 350hp and a robust 650lb-ft of twist. While less than the latest from Ford, it’s time-to-overhaul is 100,000 miles longer, and oil change intervals are 7500 miles. It’s mated to the 68RFE six-speed auto, which serves up smooth and quick shifts, and has a +/- toggle on the selector for manual overrides. The result is that this Ram can tow up to 17,600 pounds, and can handle over 5000 in its bed.

So nothing controversial here—except dropping the Dodge brand name—just a thorough makeover of an already strong contender, dealing with its biggest weaknesses, of cab size and interior quality. What will seal the deal for many is that the Ram 3500 rings in $5000 or so less than the other players, and should have lower running costs (due to the Cummins) and a lifetime powertrain warranty (the best-selling Ford’s is only on the engine).

Price as tested: $53,735

What the manufacturer has to say is here.

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