Built to master the most rigorous off-road trails, the 2014 Ram Power Wagon is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, but features off-road-specific engineering enhancements, including a unique suspension with more than two inches of lift, locking differentials and a 12,000-lb. winch.
The 2014 Ram Power Wagon begins with a new frame, suspension and top-of-segment off-road technology and equipment complemented by the new, 410 hp, 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine.
The engine calibration is unique to Power Wagon in order to enhance its off-road maneuverability and finesse. When driving in four-wheel-drive "Low," the throttle response softens and the idle speed increases by 100 rpm (from 650 to 750 rpm) — providing added control when ascending and descending off-road obstacles at slow speeds. The 6.4-liter HEMI is offered with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission and connects to a part-time, manual-engagement Borg Warner BW 44-47 transfer case.
The Power Wagon’s axles, built by American Axle Manufacturing, measure 9.25 in. in the front and 11.5 in. in the rear (increase from 10.5 in.), delivering power via a 4.10:1 ring and pinion ratio. Rear axle shafts are upgraded to 38 mm, providing rotating force directly to the 33-inch tire/wheel combination. Both axles include electronic locking differentials driven by electro-magnetic actuators. New for 2014, all Ram Heavy Duty trucks incorporate a segment-exclusive front axle disconnect system that can reduce parasitic loss and improve overall efficiency up to 1 mpg.
The Ram Power Wagon packages a unique-to-model design of the standard three-link front suspension system with Bilstein monotube shocks. The Ram Articulink design incorporates high movement joints at the control-arm-to-axle mount, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation.
Additional suspension flex is achieved via the class-exclusive electronic disconnecting sway bar, which allows the front axle to move more independently of the truck’s frame. The driver-actuated "Smart Bar" disengagement is possible in both four-wheel drive "High" or four-wheel drive "Low" at speeds below 18 mph. As a safety feature, the Smart Bar automatically re-engages at speeds above 18 mph, increasing roll stiffness.
The exclusive five-link coil design rear suspension provides better articulation over obstacles than a leaf spring system and the coil springs are up to the task of handling heavy payloads up 1,490 lbs. and towing capacity up to 10,810 lbs.
The rear suspension also includes Bilstein monotube shocks, and on some models, a Bilstein dampener links the top of the rear axle to the frame, providing additional control.
New to Power Wagon and providing optimal balance between on-road civility and off-road capability are 33-in. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires. Larger tires and a suspension lift contribute to the 14.5-in. ground clearance, compared to 12 in. on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. The truck’s approach angle is boosted to 34 degrees, the departure angle is increased to 23.5 degrees and the breakover angle is enhanced to 25.5 degrees. This gives the Ram Power Wagon significant clearance for navigating a variety of severe inclines and declines as well as providing up to 30-in. of water-fording capability.
Underneath the 2014 Ram Power Wagon are generous underbody protection components. Fore-aft bars bring together the transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, resulting in armor that minimizes underside damage and rock wedging.