Front wheel drive necessitates the electric fans. Your Dodge Rams still use the engine-driven fan setup. They are hassle-free. No electrostatic switches to go bad or fan motors. Same with the water pump. Simple is good. O:) Plus the MP viscous fan is touted to have virtually no parasitic power loss. I think it's a great idea to start cheap with the thermostat and maybe pressure check the cooling system too. Good Luck!