American Axle & Manufacturing reports it has increased the scope of driveline systems it is producing for Ram Heavy Duty trucks, now including both front and rear axles as well as driveshafts for the 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty, Ram 3500 Heavy Duty, Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Ram 4500 Chassis Cab, and Ram 5500 Chassis Cab trucks.
The Ram Heavy Duty series of full-size pick-ups are produced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC, and recently earned Motor Trend magazine's 2019 Truck of the Year Award.
American Axle designs and manufactures driveline and drivetrain systems for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars and crossover vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles. It also produces driveline/drivetrain components and modules, chassis systems, and other formed products. It has plants in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, providing provide engineering and manufacturing services to automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers.
“In addition to continuing our long-term partnership with Ram as the supplier of front and rear axles for the 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks, AAM is now honored to be the new supplier of front and rear axles for the Ram Chassis Cab 4500 and 5500 trucks, as well our latest and most efficient driveshaft technology for the new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck series,” stated David C. Dauch, AAM chairman and CEO.
The new, larger 12-in. rear axle and either a 9.25-in. or 10.5-in. front axle are designed to support higher gross combined axle weight and payload ratings up to a 35,100 lbs. of towing capacity and 7,680 lbs. of payload, according to American Axle.
The developer further noted that for the current model year Ram trucks, AAM engineers worked with FCA to improve durability, handle payload, and towing capabilities, and to minimize noise, vibration, and "harshness," as well as to optimize driveline efficiency and reduce the weight of the system.