2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab Left Rear
We all can probably remember the first time we saw the
’06 Dodge Ram Mega Cab. It’s one of those experiences we’ll never forget. The
first time we saw the huge Mega Cab was when it was unveiled at the Chicago
Auto Show, and we loved it at first sight. Developed by Dodge to make pickup
cabs “more spacious, more comfortable, and more practical,” the Mega Cab was
based on a ¾-ton 8-foot long box truck that engineers fit with a 6-foot, 3-inch
box. This provided an additional 20 inches for the cab. The Mega Cab offered
room for six adults as well as lots of gear. Additionally, the rear seats
reclined, which was a first for a pickup truck. The Mega Cab had the largest
rear door opening at the time as well as the largest rear door open angle and
flat-floor load area. The Mega Cab was available in 1500, 2500, and 3500
models, and even the 1500 was equipped with a solid front axle. For 2014, the
Mega Cab is available on 2500 and 3500 Ram trucks.
2005
Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra with Quadrasteer
2005 GMC Sierra Denali
It’s amazing how just one option can revolutionize a
truck, but that’s exactly the case with the Quadrasteer system on the ’05 Chevy
Silverado and GMC Sierra. The Quadrasteer system utilized an electric steering
system on the rear Dana 60 axle. At low speeds, the rear tires would angle up
to 12 degrees in the opposite direction of the front tires. At high speeds, the
rear tires would angle slightly in the same direction of the front tires. The
overall result was vastly improved tracking and a significant decrease in
turning diameter. We tested a Quadrasteer-equipped ’03 Sierra (shown here) and loved
the easy maneuverability that Quadrasteer provided. The system significantly
enhanced the Sierra’s overall drivability both on-road and off. Sadly, GM
priced Quadrasteer too high (over five grand, initially) and the take rate was
low. This prompted some price reductions as time went on, but the buying public
wasn’t buying. Quadrasteer was initially offered on some GM vehicles in 2002
and it was killed after 2005. It’s easy to spot Quadrasteer-equipped vehicles.
Just look for the wider bedsides with marker lights that were specific to these
vehicles due to the wider rear track.
