Alexei Volkov
Ram Trucks have been a standalone brand since 2011 and are known for their durability, technology, and efficiency. However, a recent viral video has sparked a debate about the use of plastic in the control arms of some Ram trucks, specifically the 2019 Ram 1500. The video, which has garnered over 250,000 views on TikTok, highlights the upper control arms, which appear to be made of plastic. This has raised concerns about the durability and reliability of the trucks, especially when towing heavy loads. In this paragraph, we will explore the topic of plastic control arms in Ram trucks and discuss the reasons behind the use of plastic in their construction, as well as the potential implications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2019 |
| Model | Ram 1500 |
| Upper Control Arm | Plastic-coated steel |
| Lower Control Arm | Aluminum |
| Tailgate | Aluminum |
| D-pillar | Advanced high-strength steel |
| Chassis | High-strength steel |
| Body | High-strength steel |
| Front suspension | Composite upper control arms, aluminum lowers |
| Fuel mileage with Hemi V8 | 15/22, city/highway |
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What You'll Learn
- The 2019 Ram 1500's upper control arm is made of stamped steel over-molded with structural plastic
- The lower control arms are made of aluminum
- The Ram 1500's frame is 98% high-strength steel
- The chassis lost 120 pounds, 100 pounds from the frame, and the body structure lost 100 pounds
- The 2019 Ram 1500 has an aluminum tailgate
The 2019 Ram 1500's upper control arm is made of stamped steel over-molded with structural plastic
The 2019 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck and the fifth generation of Chrysler pickup trucks. The 2019 model features a range of improvements, including a new front independent suspension system, Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks, and a new tailgate spoiler. However, one of the most notable features of the 2019 Ram 1500 is its use of lightweight, high-strength steel. According to Ram 1500 chief engineer Mike Raymond, the truck's "D-pillar" is a single, continuous hydroformed piece of advanced high-strength steel, which saves 9 pounds compared to the previous structure.
The upper control arm is an essential component of the suspension system, connecting the chassis to the wheel hub and controlling the wheel's vertical movement. By using stamped steel over-molded with structural plastic, the 2019 Ram 1500 achieves a balance between strength and weight reduction. Steel provides the necessary strength and durability for the control arm, while the structural plastic helps to reduce the overall weight of the component.
Additionally, the use of composite materials in the upper control arm can offer other benefits such as corrosion resistance and improved impact absorption. The structural plastic may also provide some degree of flexibility, allowing for a smoother ride and potentially reducing the transfer of vibrations to the chassis. This combination of steel and structural plastic showcases the innovative engineering and design choices made by Ram for the 2019 Ram 1500, contributing to its overall performance, efficiency, and safety.
It's important to note that while the upper control arm is made of composite materials, the 2019 Ram 1500 also incorporates aluminum in various components, including the lower control arms, tailgate, and other parts of the suspension system. This mix of materials, including high-strength steel, structural plastic, and aluminum, contributes to the overall weight reduction, durability, and performance of the vehicle.
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The lower control arms are made of aluminum
The 2019 Ram 1500 has lower control arms made of aluminum. This is a continuation of the metal choice from the 2018 model. The upper control arms, on the other hand, are made of stamped steel over-molded with structural plastic.
Aluminum is a popular choice for vehicle suspension systems due to its lightweight and performance-enhancing properties. Aluminum control arms can improve suspension responsiveness and reduce body roll, resulting in better handling and cornering capabilities. The metal is also malleable, making it easier to shape and customize for specific performance requirements. Furthermore, aluminum has a natural resistance to corrosion due to its ability to form a protective oxide layer.
However, aluminum control arms are not as strong as steel ones. They are more prone to bending or breaking under extreme stress. Steel is generally the more durable option and is better suited for off-road or heavy-duty applications. It is also more cost-effective, which is why it is often used in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) control arms.
The choice between aluminum and steel control arms depends on the user's priorities and intended use of the vehicle. Aluminum control arms are ideal for those seeking improved performance, better handling, and reduced weight. Steel control arms, on the other hand, are preferable when durability, strength, and cost are higher priorities.
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The Ram 1500's frame is 98% high-strength steel
The 2019 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck and the fifth generation of Chrysler pickup trucks. The Ram 1500's frame is 98% high-strength steel, with 54% of the body made from the same material. This high-strength steel is used to improve durability, reduce weight, and increase rigidity for better handling. The use of steel in the frame improves torsional stiffness, making the vehicle less prone to twisting. The high-strength steel frame also enhances safety in the event of a collision. For example, the splayed and tapered frame rail technology in the 2019 model creates a highly efficient energy-absorbing front frame rail structure for all impact modes.
The 2019 Ram 1500 also features an upper control arm made out of stamped steel over-molded with structural plastic. This design choice is a weight save over the traditional control arm. The lower control arms are made of aluminum. The Ram 1500's D-pillar, or the U-shaped area behind the tailgate, is a single, continuous hydroformed piece of advanced high-strength steel, which saves 9 pounds compared to the previous structure.
The 2019 Ram 1500's chassis is also notable for its weight reduction. It lost 120 pounds, with 100 pounds saved from the frame and an additional 100 pounds from the body structure. The new model also has the most spacious cab in its segment, with three longer frame lengths offering increased headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room.
The 2025 Ram 1500 will continue to feature a 98% steel frame, building upon the strength and capabilities of the 2019 model.
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The chassis lost 120 pounds, 100 pounds from the frame, and the body structure lost 100 pounds
Ram trucks have been in production since 1972, and the 2019 Ram 1500 model saw significant improvements in terms of weight reduction and overall efficiency. The chassis of the 2019 Ram 1500 lost 120 pounds, with 100 pounds lost from the frame alone. This weight reduction was achieved through the use of high-strength steel and some aluminium components.
The 2019 Ram 1500's frame is made from 98% high-strength steel, with only 2% consisting of other materials. This high-strength steel construction improves torsional stiffness, making the chassis less prone to twisting. The use of steel also enhances safety, as it absorbs energy during crash impact. This is further improved by the "front splayed frame rail" technology, which forces the wheels outward in the event of a crash, helping to protect the driver and passengers.
In addition to the weight savings in the chassis, the body structure of the 2019 Ram 1500 also lost 100 pounds. This was achieved through the use of lightweight materials such as aluminium in the tailgate and hood. The aluminium tailgate, in particular, contributed to a 9-pound weight reduction compared to the previous model.
The weight reduction in the 2019 Ram 1500 also extended to the suspension system. The upper control arms are made of stamped steel overmoulded with structural plastic, while the lower control arms are made of aluminium. This combination of materials provides a weight save over traditional control arms without sacrificing strength.
The 2019 Ram 1500 also introduced Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks, improving the suspension setup and responsiveness. These improvements, along with weight savings in various components, contributed to a more efficient and capable truck, with increased payload and towing capacity.
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The 2019 Ram 1500 has an aluminum tailgate
The 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck is the fifth generation of Chrysler pickup trucks. It was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show on January 15, 2018, and boasts improvements in smart technology, toughness, and efficiency. The 2019 model has an aluminum tailgate and a frame made from 98% high-strength steel. The chassis is also tough, with Ram claiming it is the strongest frame ever produced for the 1500, improving torsional stiffness. The truck has a spacious cab, with three longer frame lengths offering more headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room.
The 2019 Ram 1500's upper control arm is made out of stamped steel overmolded with structural plastic. The lower control arms are aluminum. This is a unique design, as described by Larry Sak, the head of materials, fasteners, and engineering standards. Sak also noted that the use of plastic and steel is a weight save compared to the traditional control arm.
The 2019 model also features Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks, which have been used in race cars for years. The suspension setup includes composite upper control arms, aluminum lowers, and a retuned geometry for more responsiveness. The truck also features a front active air dam that lowers by 2.5 inches when the truck approaches 35 mph. This system includes a clutch release that allows the dam to retract if it hits anything on the road.
The 2019 Ram 1500 has a range of aftermarket parts available, including tailgates. These parts are designed to fit the 2019-2023/24/25 models and are popular among car enthusiasts who want to upgrade the appearance and utility of their vehicle. Aftermarket tailgates are known for their strength, durability, and functionality, and are available in both steel and aluminum construction.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ram trucks have plastic control arms. The 2019 Ram 1500 features a thin layer of hollow stamped steel over-molded with structural plastic.
Manufacturers use plastic in control arms to enhance performance, reduce weight, and avoid corrosion.
Plastic control arms, especially those made from high-grade composite, have raised concerns about long-term reliability under heavy loads, especially when towing and hauling.
Traditionally, control arms are made of strong steel or aluminium. However, newer models of the Ram 1500 feature a combination of stamped steel and structural plastic.
