Examining the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX Chassis and Suspension

The intimidating machine is powered by the 6.2-liter, twin-screw supercharged Hemi V8 Hellcat, which produces 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft of torque. This makes the TRX the most powerful pickup truck ever produced.

To get the most out of this power, the engineers had an incredibly challenging task of designing the right chassis and suspension system to take advantage of this power on both on-road and the most punishing off-road conditions.

The new rolling-chassis, which resembles the frames that we see at the base of tanks, is exclusively made from thicker, optimally shaped, high-strength steel, which increases rigidity, durability and supplies better handling.

The frame features fully boxed side rails and hydroformed sections for increased dimensional accuracy. This also cuts the need for welding, which increases the durability and rigidity of the chassis.

To support such a chassis and make sure the truck can clear obstacles with ease on any kind of surfaces, the suspension system had to be redesigned.

An all-new independent suspension system with active damping was chosen. Front upper and lower control arms are now made of high-strength aluminum, the front half shafts feature a new ball spline design, and overall front-wheel travel has been increased to more than 40% than the standard Ram 1500.

One feat that the engineering team focused on accomplishing was designing the rear suspension in a way that enables the truck to cope with the duties of carrying and towing demanding loads.

The result is an innovative design that uses the proven five-link coil suspension configuration and enables better articulation than a leaf spring system.

Proving that they are more than up to the task, the coils can handle a maximum payload of 1,310 pounds (595 kilograms) and give the truck a towing capability of 8,100 pounds (3674 kilograms).

At the center of this amazing suspension system are the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks. These are designed specifically for the TRX and use precision-machined, single-piece aluminum construction.

Using the Dual Electronic Proportional Valves system, which supplies independent control of both compression and rebound forces of each shock, they are connected to nitrogen-charged remote reservoirs trough stainless steel braided high-pressure hoses.

The internals of the shocks use a Jounce Cut Off system to create three zones for progressive bottom-out. All modes can reach peak compression damping for the most extreme events.

This supplies optimum balance and terrain isolation without sacrificing comfort. The front adaptive performance Bilstein shocks use three vibration and travel sensors at all four wheels.

Aided by these, the truck can adjust the suspension according to the terrain it has to tackle and the performance-tuned drive setting. The RAM 1500 TRX has five dynamic modes for road use: Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Custom and three distinct off-road choices: Mud/Sand, Rock, and Baja.

The TRX Launch Edition sold out in just 3 hours and we are beginning to understand why. This truck is epic in many ways, as it features so many performance parts and technologies that make even the most demanding pickup truck expert stand up and applaud.