Mopar Ram Runner Wins Truck Duel in the Desert

Mopar Ram Runner Wins Truck Duel in the Desert

I was not there but talking to the PR department at RAM we found out that the MOPAR outfitted RAM Runner was 33 seconds faster than Ford SVT Raptor on a punishing 4.73-mile loop.

The vehicles I was told by PR executive at RAM were 2010 and 2011.  So in reality these were customized vehicles like I have seen at MOPAR headquarters.  What Ford did I do not know.

GREAT PR for MOPAR. And let me tell you in the last event MOPAR had in Warren I was impressed. They have everything for the man or women that wants to produce more power, look great and travel the roads. By that I mean they have suspension systems that allow a big RAM to go on the highway, Desert, fire trails and rock climbing. What MOPAR has done is branding a new performance BRAND.

Teamed up with all the Chrysler/Dodge/RAM SRT vehicles they make it easy for a buyer to customize a vehicle that is perhaps one of a kind.

The Mopar Ram Runner and the Ford SVT Raptor  RAM stated met for a shoot-out at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), a state park in southeast California with 85,000 acres of nothing but dirt, dust and desert. When all was said and done, the Mopar Ram Runner was declared the winner. OK that was from RAM but I did not see the specs on the FORD.

PickupTrucks.com (powered by Cars.com) teamed with veteran SCORE International Off-Road
Racing Series Trophy Truck driver Chad Ragland to thoroughly evaluate both trucks on a challenging
4.73-mile evaluation loop.

“I was impressed with Ram Runner’s extreme off-road capability,” said Ragland. “We jumped,
slammed into mounds, cut through deep sand and it came out like a pro, rarely getting into the
bumpstops or touching the skid plates,” said Ragland. “Those front-end shocks are amazing. During
our first set of runs, I could feel myself tighten a bit as we headed toward the big rocks and ruts, but
then the front end just sucked it all up. Those big springs and shocks had no problems.”

“We like how the Ram Runner kit can be built in pieces and stages based on what the truck owner
wants and needs,” said Mark Williams, Editor, PickupTrucks.com. “You can go full throttle right away, or take it slower, building your perfect desert explorer at your own pace, factoring in your own
budget.”

“Our Mopar Ram Runner is the ultimate desert racer based on a production vehicle,” said Pietro
Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand.

“Mopar Ram Runner offers superior suspension travel to handle rough terrain and greater approach
and departure angles for better clearance.”

“We’re proud that – under the most punishing real-world test conditions possible – the Mopar Ram
Runner takes PickupTrucks.com’s top off-road honors over the Ford Raptor,” said Fred Diaz,
President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico.

 “Whether you’re into desert racing, rock crawling, hunting and fishing or just need a hard-working dependable work truck, there’s truly a Ram truck for everyone.”

The Mopar Ram Runner kit, developed with successful Baja off-roader Kent Kroeker, RAM told me includes the following: Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, off-road rear-tire carrier, sport performance hood and cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may be purchased separately. The kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership.

The Mopar Ram Runner kit is equal to or better than the competition on a number of fronts. The
heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front upper
and lower control arms, which are three inches longer than production arms, provide added width and
allow greater wheel travel over rough dirt trails.

Front lower control arms are constructed of plate steel in order to withstand off-road punishment.
Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. Both inner and outer tie rods are
substantially strengthened and contribute to the vehicle’s rugged, off-road steering characteristics
and capabilities. Outer tie rods, constructed of forged steel, measure 1 inch in diameter. Inner tie rods
also are nearly 20-percent beefier than production, increasing from .62 inches to .75 inches.
At the rear, a 5-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure
angle.

The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel, 14 inches both front and rear, which is
superior to the suspension travel on the Ford SVT Raptor. The Ram Runner kit, which includes Fox 3-
inch internal bypass shocks, offers performance on par with that of an off-road Baja race truck and
outperforms the 2.5-inch shocks of the competition.

Ground clearance is approximately 13 inches at the center of the front cross-member and 16 inches
at the rocker panels.

Body parts included in the Mopar Ram Runner kit, created with Trophy Truck inspiration, feature a
tough-yet-stylish look built to handle the rigors of the off-road while turning heads on the street. The
front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated skid plate. With a 41-degree approach angle,
ample clearance is assured over the deepest off-road obstacles.

Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells that allow
for tremendous suspension articulation with zero tire-to-body interference. The eight-inch wider track
also provides an imposing, aggressive look.

The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful
appearance of the Ram Runner Kit. The spare-tire carrier is located in the bed of the pickup and
enables easier access and provides the ability to transport a larger spare tire, contributing to the
overall appearance and “Baja truck feel.”

Following is additional information on the Mopar Ram Runner kit, which is available for owners of
2009 to 2011 model-year Ram 1500 models:
Mopar Ram Runner Kit (each part may be purchased separately)
Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit: 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, lower control arms, upper control
arms, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel, high-angle tie rods. Fourteen inches of
suspension travel in front and rear, three-inch internal bypass Fox shocks. (MSRP: $13,670, Part No.
P5155662)

Off-Road Front Bumper: Steel construction with integrated skid plate, high approach angle of 41
degrees provides greater clearance over off-road obstacles. (MSRP: $1,290, Part No. P5155663)
Off-Road Rear-Tire Carrier: Rear placement allows for easier access and ability to carry larger tires
needed for the off-road. (MSRP: $1,425, Part No. P5155664AB)

Off-Road Front Fenders: Tough, durable fenders feature wide wheel wells allowing for tremendous
suspension articulation, zero tire-to-body interference, and provide an imposing, aggressive look.
(MSRP: $1,055, Part No. P5155665)

Off-Road Rear Fenders (6-foot, 4-inch bed): Tough, durable fenders feature wide wheel wells
allowing for tremendous suspension articulation, zero tire-to-body interference, and provide an
imposing, aggressive appearance. (MSRP: $1,395, Part No. P5155666)

Sport Performance Hood: Stamped aluminum, dual-scooped hood with molded bezels adds to the
forceful appearance of the Ram Runner kit. (MSRP: $1,070, Part No. 82211065AE)

5.7L Cat-Back Exhaust: Dual exhaust with chromed tips for bumper with cut-outs. (MSRP: $1,175,
Part No. P5155280)

Mopar-First Features
Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new
channel of communication with consumers

Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief userguide
format

Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
Wireless charging: first to introduce in-vehicle wireless charging for portable devices

Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle
tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on preset
parameters

2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race
package car

Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers

Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers

WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf
personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network.

BRYAN Zvibleman stated to me yesterday that they have amazing equipment for the 2012 and 2013 RAM trucks for those that must customize. 

I am so impressed by MOPAR and the entire RAM team. Things are only getting better for Chrysler/DODGE/RAM.

Bruce Hubbard
Auto Advisor Group