To be fair part of the credit for its athletic manners has to go to the new heavy-duty Ram's redesigned steering geometry and suspension system. While an independent front suspension and beefy rack-and-pinion steering system is used in two-wheel drive models the heavy-duty beam front and rear axles in the four-wheel drive model I used to haul the weight made the big truck feel relatively nimble. It benefits from an upgraded recirculating ball steering system with reduced internal friction and a quicker turning ratio set to 13.4:1 and 2.75 turns lock to lock, resulting in improved on-center feel and added responsiveness. The rear suspension architecture is common to 2WD and 4WD models, incorporating longitudinal leaf springs, 76 mm (3 in) longer than last year's heavy duty trucks. The added length improves ride quality while reducing spring stresses. The rear box section was widened to fit a longer lateral rear spring span for a better ride and less cornering lean. The system is so efficient that no rear stabilizer bar is needed. One-ton models get a secondary set of leaf springs employed when extra weight is added. Overall both the 2500 and 3500 Rams ride smoothly and corner with uncommon agility.
While I didn't have the opportunity to thoroughly test its off-road capability, a short light-duty course provided positive 4x4 results. Its 196 mm (7.7 in) to 251 mm (9.9 in) front and 178 mm (7.0 in) to 216 mm (8.5 in) rear ground clearance, depending on which 4WD model chosen, combined with part-time four-wheel drive comprising 2WD, 4WD High, (High) Locked, Neutral, 4WD Low and (Low) Locked operating modes, actuated by either a manual shift lever in standard 4WD trim or an electric dash-mounted button standard in the top-model Laramie and optional in the SLT, should make for above average off-road talents.