I was thinking in terms of parts available. I have driven a M1028 on a farm, pulling logs and such, and while I hate GM, I had to admit it did a very good job and seemed to have adequate power though not a lot left on tap. I have also drive two of the Power Wagons when I worked at the dealership. One was bought by one of the salesmen and a good friend of mine. I have to say that I am less than impressed by the new Dodge trucks overall and I don't think slapping on lockers and a winch are going to make it that much capable considering the overall size of the truck and the design. It might be great for mud in a field but let me weld my rear 60 in my Ramcharger and I'll put it up against a Power Wagon in the woods any day. In the end, the total cost of my Ramcharger, the D60s and NP205 was about $2k, much, much less than the price of a PW. Also, my buddy traded the PW after owning it less than 6 months and bought a diesel and called the PW a "gutless pig".
How does parts available make the CUCV MORE capable stock than a Power Wagon? I was able to Drive a prototype Power Wagon at Moab when Mopar had a team testing them back in 04. I met the engineers and test drivers in the pool at the Gonzo Inn, and we went out wheeling the next day, Those Power Wagons Impressed me to say the least. We did Golden Spike and a few other trails, I actually swapped vehicles with one of the engineers for about an hour.
I'd like to see any other stock truck do what the Power Wagon is capable of. The CUCV please, talk about a gutless wonder, yeah it had good axles, but after that it had nothing, beyond the fact that it WAS NEVER AVALABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
With the sway bar disconnected the Power Wagon is VERY flexy. Why is an electronic disconnect? So the Chrysler engineers can make sure its connected on the highway, so some dipshit doesent drive around with it disconnected and Sue Chrysler when the wreck, bottom line.
The Engineers wanted to add the Cummins, but the winch Vs. Intercooler was a problem they could not address. If They wanted to move the winch out, they would have had to re crash test the truck with the new bumper etc.. it was not worth it, bottom line.
Comparing your Ramcharger to a new truck on a cost basis is assnine. I too will have less money in my 99 Ram 2500 V-10, After I Lock it front and rear, with lock out hubs, a non CAD 60 and D 80 rear with 4.56 gears and 37" tires on a Carli Suspension than the cost of a new Power Wagon
but it is comparing apples to oranges.
Don't get me wrong, I've owned 2 Ramchargers and a Trailduster, but I'd like to see a Ramcharger tow 10,000 Lbs, or cruise quietly all day at 80 MPH, and be able to wheel as well as a Power Wagon.
Especially a 318 Powered one :flipoff2: