If you're a dyed-in-the-wool Mopar lover, but have been a bit jealous of Ford's brilliant Raptor, you're no longer out in the cold: the Ram Runner package is now officially detailed and will be on sale soon. Chrysler even claims it's superior to the Raptor in terms of suspension.

That's quite a statement, as the Raptor comes with Fox offroad shocks from the factory. Chrysler says its suspension and shocks are better, though, because it's bigger and tougher, made of 4130 chromoly steel to take abuse. Fourteen inches of suspension travel are soaked up by, yes, Fox shocks, but in a larger 3-inch diameter than the 2.5-inchers found on the Raptor--an upgrade Chrysler says puts the Ram Runner on par with a Baja race truck.

Thirteen inches of ground clearance at the front crossmember and 16 inches at the rocker panels mean even large undulations in terrain are easily surmounted. A 41-degree approach angle and 30-degree departure angle mean all but the most wall-like of hills can be cleared, too.

Of course, the Ram Runner won't look like a normal Ram: bumpers, fenders, and hood are all unique. The front and rear fenders are fiberglass for weight savings, and are flared to make room for the larger wheels and tires through their arc of articulation. A three-inch wider track also separates the Ram Runner from the standard truck. The hood is aluminum, again to save weight, and gets dual scoops for cooling and looks.

Perhaps best of all for those that already own a newer Ram, the Ram Runner kit will be available for all 2009-2011 Ram 1500 models.

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