While the bulk of the excitement on the Ram stand at the 2016 Chicago auto show may have centered around the new-for-2017 Power Wagon, the truck maker also had a little news for 2500 HD buyers interested in improved off-road chops without going full gonzo for the Power Wagon. Called, somewhat obviously, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4×4 Off-Road Package, it groups together some of the most popular and useful off-road options to ensure the components have a sympatico relationship with each other and to simplify the ordering process.
Starting with the exterior, Firestone on/off-road tires (275/70 size with 18-inch wheels or 285/60 with 20-inch wheels, selection dependent on trim level and options) roll under larger fender flares in black or body color. Up front is a pair of large tow hooks, while big ?4X4 OFF ROAD? decals reside on the rear of the bedsides.
Off-road hardware upgrades include Bilstein monotube dampers and a rear ?anti-spin? differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied yet automatically unlocks for normal on-road driving. A skid plate protects the transfer case, which is the lowest-hanging midpoint of the truck.
The package also brings hill-decent control as standard. Essentially a speed governor for steep downhill terrain, it gives the driver?s feet a rest from finessing the brake and accelerator pedals. We tried a similar setup in the Ram Rebel 1500 and came away impressed.

Instrumented Test: 2014 Ram 2500 Power Wag...