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Dodge Ram T-Rex 6X6     1997 Ram Concept truck USA 6X6, similar to the T-Rex is now under construction. See the details in gallery 12
At this time Chrysler does not plan to put the T-Rex into production.

Leong C. Dong, manager of Chassis/Drivetrain for Chrysler's Advanced Vehicle Engineering Truck group, said of the T-REX: "This is the definitive example of what 'Dodge Ram Tough' is all about. Our intention was to develop a personal vehicle that could out-tow, out-off-road, out-maneuver, out-haul and out-run anything in its class -- or even close to its class -- and with a lot more driver and passenger comfort."

   The novel drivetrain for T-Rex, Chrysler's first-of-a-kind 6x6 sport truck, was made possible with the development of an innovative approach to powering the two rear axles. "Delivering power to tandem rear axles in a light truck with limited packaging space was probably the biggest challenge confronting us in developing the T-Rex," said Leong C. Dong, manager of Chassis/Drivetrain for Chrysler's Advanced Vehicle Engineering Truck group.

The answer was a unique externally mounted transfer case mated to a pair of off-the-shelf heavy-duty light truck axles. Until now, the only non-military-style vehicles with high-output engine and tandem rear drive axles were commercial heavy trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 30,000 pounds or more. The size of commercially available axles and differentials would have posed very difficult packaging problems, and their mass would have boosted the weight of T-Rex to unacceptable levels.

By using an extra rear transfer case, T-Rex designers were able to use currently available production axles. The rear case, based on a new design, delivers available torque equally to the two axles -- an output shaft powers the second axle and a chain-driven over-the-shoulder prop shaft delivers power to the third. A new front transfer case incorporates a differential lock-up feature, a 2.72:1 low range, and electric shift. When in six-wheel drive, power is delivered to the wheels from the front transfer case which sends 48 percent of the engine torque output to the front axle and 52 percent to the rear case.

 T-Rex Features:

• high-output 8-liter Magnum V-10 engine:
• almost 500 hp / 600 foot pounds
• high-compression pistons
• billet crank
• ported and polished heads
• modified camshaft
• tubular headers
• four-speed automatic
• computer-controlled adaptive air-suspension system
• six-wheel drive tandem axle design
• 8 1/2' cargo box
• inter-axle differentials providing full-time capability
• Heavy-duty front transfer case with high torque capability
• External rear transfer case mounted on the second axle to divert power to the third axle
• five-position electric shift system:
• full-time four-wheel drive on the rear axles
• full- or part-time six-wheel drive with front axle engaged

• Improved maneuverability with a narrower track than dual-wheel vehicles
• Tighter turning circle (2 feet less) than dual-wheel vehicles with comparable wheel base.
• Greater capacity payload (5,000 pounds with the potential to be increased).
• High tire flotation, due to increased tire contact patch.
• Improved handling on wet surfaces with less potential for hydroplaning.
• Better cornering stability on all surfaces.
• Improved ride and handling on highways.