2019 Ram 3500
Ram gave its class-leading 3500 heavy-duty truck an extensive redesign for 2019. The previously optional 6.4-liter gasoline V8 engine is the biggest news, which now comes standard across the board. Pumping out 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, the 6.4-liter V8 has more power and twist than the old 5.7-liter V8. But if maximum pulling strength is a top priority, the 2019 Ram 3500’s optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline-six is ready for duty. It churns out 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. Ram has a high-output version of the diesel mill with 400 horsepower and a mind-blowing 1,000 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine has an eight-speed automatic, while the diesel makes do with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Ram 3500 is available in a two-door regular cab, a four-door crew cab, and a four-door mega cab body style. The regular cab has an eight-foot bed, while the crew cab can have either a 6.4-foot bed or the standard eight-foot long bed.
Steady Anchors
Sure, your 2019 Ram 3500 has more than enough power and torque to haul some serious ass, but does it stop on a dime? Ram’s redesign included some critical weight-saving measures like using more high-strength steel and aluminum to reduce weight. However, the Ram 3500 has a base curb weight of around 6,400 pounds on average, so we’re still talking about a heavy piece of machinery. The Ram 3500 has four-wheel disk brakes from the factory with 14.2-inch and 14.1-inch front and rear rotors. But if you need steady anchors for some heavy-duty hauling and towing over changing inclined roads, the stock brakes can take a beating. Upgrading to an extreme-duty brake kit is a surefire way to avoid brake fade when the going gets rough. When it comes to truck brakes, heat is an enemy and a friend. Too much heat will lead to fading, while too little diminishes the stopping power of your Ram truck. Aftermarket brake kits could improve stopping power by up to 20-percent better than stock, and you get premium zinc-coated, drilled, and slotted rotors to prevent corrosion and brake fade.
Unleash the Beast
If you’re searching for the best engine upgrades for your 2019 Ram 3500, two things come to mind: airflow and heat soak. No matter if you have a gas or diesel, the engine in your Ram truck is essentially a giant air pump. More air means more power, so why restrict your truck’s performance with the stock air intake and air filter? Upgrading to a performance cold air intake ensures a steady flow of colder air, resulting in more power, better low-end torque, and sharper throttle response, and you can get all that without requiring an engine tune. The best part? Most high-quality cold air intake kits come standard with a washable and reusable non-restrictive air filter to keep your engine clean for its entire service life.
Heat Management
On the other end of the spectrum is heat soak, particularly from the turbocharger. The turbo has two sides: hot and cold. Manufacturers design the turbo placement to ensure the cold part stays cool and the hot part stays hot without having too much of either. But when towing heavy trailers or carrying burdensome cargo, it’s easy for the hot region to intrude into the colder side of the equation, especially when hauling or pulling in the excruciating summer heat. And when it comes to improving engine performance, you want the cold part to remain cool. Installing a high-performance turbo blanket is an effortless way to improve engine performance and efficiency without extensive modifications. A turbo blanket wraps around the hot side of the turbo piping to dramatically reduce underhood temperatures while improving performance. Turbo blankets protect the cold side of the turbo to improve engine performance, but they also keep the heat contained in the turbine to increase velocity for faster spool ups. When you think about it, turbo blankets are a win-win for your 2019 Ram 3500.
