See also Dodge Ram 50, an unrelated Mitsubishi-produced truck

The Ram is a full-size pickup truck from Chrysler LLC’s Dodge brand. The name was first used in 1981 on the redesigned Ram and Power Ram, though it came from the hood ornament used on 1930s and ’40s Dodge trucks.

Dodge Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year twice: the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, and the third-generation Ram Heavy Duty won the award in 2003.

The Ram is built at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; Saint Louis Assembly North in Fenton, Missouri; and Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan.

1981 to 1993: The D/W trucks

The first-generation Ram trucks, named for the Ram hood ornament that first graced Dodge cars in the 1930s, was introduced in 1981. Dodge kept the previous generation’s model designations: “D” or Ram meant two wheel drive while the “W” or Power Ram meant four wheel drive. Like Ford, Dodge used 150 to mean a half-ton truck, 250 to indicate a ¾-ton, and 350 for one-tons. Standard cab, “Club” extended cab, and crew cab versions were offered along with and bed lengths and “Utiline” and “Sweptline” styled boxes. Externally, the first-generation Rams were face-lifted versions of the previous generation Dodge D-Series pickups (known by their trim designations of Custom, Adventurer and Power Wagon) that dated back to 1972. The new model introduced larger wraparound tail lamps, single rectangular headlamps, and squared-off body lines. The interior was completely updated and included a newer style bench seat, and a completely new dash and gauge cluster. Available engines for these trucks were the 225 cubic inch, 3.7L slant six, the 318 cubic inch, 5.2L V8, and the 360 cubic inch, 5.9L V8 with a variety of carburetors available for each engine.

100 models were added for 1984, replacing the previous “Miser” trim level available on the D150. The 100 model was a pickup for the average user who needed a pickup, but didn’t use it all the time. A “Ram-Trac” shift-on-the-fly transfer case was added for 1985, and both the crew cab and Utiline flared bed were dropped for 1986. Also for 1986, a new crossbar grille and front end freshening appeared which was carried until the 1991 models came out. Engines were updated for the 1988 model year. The Slant-6 was dropped in favor of a 3.9 L fuel injected V6 with 25% more power. The 5.2 L engine also received electronic fuel injection in 1988. Because EFI was added, a computer was used for the first time to control ignition, fuel, and manage other areas of the engine and in some cases, the automatic transmission lockup function depending on the model. Inside the cab where a small compartment was once located on the dash, was a new “MESSAGE CENTER” which displayed information such as the CHECK ENGINE light, brake warning light, and later on, ANTI-LOCK (which was added for 1989). Engine codes were stored on the computer as it monitored sensors throughout. A cycling of the ignition key three times would allow the computer to flash trouble codes through the Check Engine light for diagnosis of some problems. Although the throttle body fuel injection system worked relatively well, it was primitive and replaced after only 4 years of use.

For 1989, the 5.9 L V8 also received throttle body fuel injection for 20 hp (15 kW) more power. Rear anti-lock brakes were also made standard. Additionally, Dodge introduced a new automatic overdrive transmission that allowed for an extra gear and higher speeds, while reducing fuel consumption. This model was the A500, was light duty and was found behind the 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8 in small numbers. A push button to engage and disengage overdrive was added to the message center. This button was later moved near the cargo light button. The A727 automatic saw continued use for heavy duty applications. The Cummins Turbo Diesel was also added to the engine lineup and for the first time, Dodge saw sales go up as drivers found out just how durable the Cummins engine truly was. The Cummins could be had with a beefed up version of the A727 automatic or a 5 speed manual transmission and was available on 250 and 350 pickups and chassis cabs.

The Ram 100 model designation was dropped and these models folded back into the “150″ range for 1990 due to the introduction and sales success of the Dodge Dakota pickup. Additionally, Dodge redesigned the gauge cluster in the trucks to show more recent technology. Originally A Ram had oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level gauge, and an ammeter. The ammeter was replaced with a more conventional volt meter and each gauge was moved to a new spot giving the cluster a more updated look within the confines of the traditional 3 hole style cluster.

The grille was redesigned for 1991 but kept the large rectangular headlights and trademark cross bar look. The engines were substantially upgraded for 1992 (3.9L and 5.2L) and 1993 (5.9) with multiport fuel injection, new manifolds and higher compression cylinder heads for noticeably higher output. To market the improvements on the engines, Dodge brought back the “Magnum” name. Also at this point, Dodge offered a newer automatic overdrive for heavy duty applications called the A518 which could be found behind the 5.2L and 5.9L V8 engines. The A500 and A518 were renamed in 1992 to reflect a more conventional way of identifying its intended use. The A500 became the 42RH and the A518 became the 46RH. The first number stood for the number of gears, the second number stood for the amount of torque it could handle in hundreds, the first letter stood for rear wheel drive and the second letter stood for how its shifting was governed; in this case, the transmissions were hydraulically-controlled. It should be noted that Dodge still continued manufacturing of its 3 speed automatics as well on a limited basis and the A727 became a 36RH while the A904/998/999 became the 30/31/32RH. During this time, Dodge reintroduced the Club Cab, which was equipped with fold-out jump seats. Although this added cab space, the jump seats were not very comfortable. Entry was made through the passenger or drivers doors as there were no rear doors for this setup.

These trucks, though popular with fleets, sold poorly compared to the Ford F-Series and the General Motors C/K Trucks, with just under 100,000 units sold most years of their production. Part of this was due to the dated cab and chassis design which Dodge used for decades. Additionally, the interior was dated with very few changes from 1981 all the way to 1993.

Engines

Years	Engine	Power	Torque
1981-1987	3.7 L (225 in³) Slant-6 I6	152 hp (71 kW)
1981-1987	5.2 L (318 in³) LA V8	125 hp (104 kW)	250 ft·lbf
1981-1988	5.9 L (360 in³) LA V8	170 hp (127 kW)	270 ft·lbf
1988-1991	5.2 L (318 in³) LA V8	140 hp (104 kW)	260 ft·lbf
1989-1991	3.9 L (238 in³) LA V6	125 hp (93 kW)195 ft·lbf
1989-1992	5.9 L (360 in³) LA V8	190 hp (142 kW)	140 ft·lbf
1989-1993	5.9 L (360 in³) Chrysler LA engine gas V8	160 hp (160 kW)
1992-1993	5.2 L (318 in³) Magnum V8	235 hp (172 kW)	140 ft·lbf
1993	5.9 L (360 in³) Magnum V8	230 hp (172 kW)	335 ft·lbf

1994-2001: BR/BE Trucks

The Ram line was redesigned for 1994.. The exterior design was the result of extensive customer research that revealed that full-sized pickup buyers were enamored of a strong exterior design that suggested the “look of a big rig truck”. Dodge Truck Product Planners recognized that while some customers would not identify with the unique design, it would mandate instant recognition for the new Dodge full-sized pickup. It featured a big rig-looking front end and a large grille and was nothing like Ford or Chevy in design. Engine offerings continued over from the first-generation ram and were the 3.9L V6, 5.2l V8, 5.9L V8 and Cummins Turbo diesel. Added to the line up was a new 488 cubic inch 8.0L V10 engine designed as an alternative to those who wanted superior pulling power but didn’t want a diesel. The new V10 and Cummins Turbo diesel could only be had in the 2500 and up trucks. Models were now the 1500 half-ton, 2500 three quarter-ton, and 3500 dual rear wheel one-ton in both 2 and 4 wheel drive in 6 and boxs.

Dodge offered the 2500 series in two different gross-vehicle weight ratings for the first few years but this was dropped in the late 90’s. The purpose of the light duty and heavy duty 2500 trucks were for the heavy duty 2500 to take the place of the discontinued one ton single rear wheel trucks.

Transmissions for the Ram were the lower geared A500/42RH-RE for lighy duty applications found behind the 3.9L V6, the A518/46RH-RE for more heavy duty applications found behind the 5.2L and 5.9L V8 engines, and the A618/47RH-RE for heavy duty use behind the V10 and Cummins engines.

On the inside, special attention was paid to in-cab storage features, with a large glovebox, a center armrest storage area, and extra storage space behind the seat. The dash and gauge cluster were a far cry from the previous model Ram and was far more modern as well. A redesign of the dash and gauge cluster was made in 1998 and newer rounder black plastic side-view mirrors replaced the old style square 6×9 mirrors.

A natural gas engine debuted for 1995 but was not popular and was only used in fleet vehicles on a very limited production run.
In mid year 1998, Dodge introduced the “Quad Cab”, which used smaller suicide doors in the back for a door opening as well as a new 24 valve Cummins Turbo diesel engine that produced more horsepower and torque.

In 1999 Dodge introduced a slightly new front end for the Sport models which included and all new bumper, slightly more aggressive color-keyed grille, and dual head lamps. The look was a subtle change from the previous sport model.

The redesigned 1994 Ram was a sales success, with sales rocketing from 100,000 units in 1993 to 240,000 in 1994, 280,000 in 1995, and nearly 400,000 in 1996. Sales of this generation peaked at just over 400,000 in 1999 before declining against the redesigned Ford and GM trucks. By 2001 however, the Ram was below Ford and Chevy’s sales.

While Dodge introduced a new Ram 1500 for 2002, the old second generation style Ram was still produced for the 2002 model year 2500 and 3500 trucks. It would be another year until the new looking third generation Ram took over Dodge’s heavy duty truck market. Part of this delay was because of the new 5.7L Hemi engine not being ready. The 5.9L was offered until the Hemi was ready to go.

Engines

2002-2005: The DR Trucks

The third-generation Ram debuted for 2002. This represented a major update including all new frame, suspension, powertrains, interiors, and sheetmetal. It included an even larger grille, and special models kept interest up as most competitors had adopted the Ram’s separate-fender look. The Dodge Truck was on the John’s 10 Best Engines list for 2004. The four wheel drive light trucks (1500 series) lost their live axles in trade for an independent front suspension, but the normal (2500 series) retained the live axles for maximum longetivity and horsepower. The 2002-2005 Rams are considered by many to be the most attractive body style Dodge has ever had.

The redesigned good trucks reignited sales, with 400,000 sold in 2002 and nearly 450,000 sold in 2003, a new high point for the Ram name. At the same time, both Ford and GM trucks were increasing in sales from a 2001 peak over 850,000 to the 900,000 area. But the Ram’s sales could not keep up with the eleventh-generation F-150 and the new Nissan Titan in 2004 and 2005, with 400,543 Rams sold that year. The Toyota Tundra had never posed much of a threat, but with the introduction of the new 2007 Tundra which used a similar type of approach as the Ram, Dodge was forced to significantly increase the incentives to keep demand up for their vehicle. So far for the year, Dodge Ram sales are down 1.4% YTD through August of 2007. Not bad considering it is the oldest pickup truck on the market, while Ford is down 12% and the GM trucks are down 2.3% though the same period.

Special Rams

It should be mentioned that during its past and current production run, the Ram pickup has also been offered at times with “special” dealer packages as well. Below is a list of more widely used and often times factory packages, so not all special edition Ram trucks will be listed.

• SRT-10 - This version is a regular or quad-cab body with the Dodge Viper’s V10 engine, massive Pirelli 22″ rimmed tires, custom lowered suspension, unique bucket seats, full body kit, and a spoiler. The 2004 version was available only in a single cab with a 6 speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. For 2005, Dodge debuted a Quad Cab version of the Viper V10 powered truck. It now has a 48RE four speed auto transmission that was taken from the 3500 Rams with the Cummins turbodiesel engine. In 2004, the truck won the Guinness record of “World’s Fastest Production Pickup Truck” of 154.587 mph (247.3 km/h).[1] This record stood until bettered by the Australian, Holden Special Vehicles Maloo R8 in May 2006[2]. SRT-10 production ended on June 30, 2006. It is rumored that the SRT-10 will eventually be replaced by an SRT-8 model featuring a larger displacement Hemi-powered V8.

• PowerWagon - Introduced for 2005, the Dodge is an off-road focused version of the Ram. This model takes its name from Dodge’s Dodge line of work trucks made from the early 1940’s until the 1970’s. It comes with the 5.7L Hemi engine, electronic locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, 33″ off-road tires, handlebar, fender flares, “Hemi” nameplates instead of the standard Ram badging, and of course the ever important 12,000 pound winch found on the front of all old style Power Wagons. This truck is built on the 2500 platform.

• Rumble Bee - The Rumble Bee is a limited edition sport-truck edition of the Hemi Ram. It was only available on regular cab/short-box pickups and included lower body cladding, 20″ wheels, a hood scoop, upgraded exhaust and a specially-trimmed interior including a serialized number plate. On the rear of the box was a stripe with a “Rumble Bee” picture, meant to be reminiscent of the Super Bee. All Rumble Bees were either black with yellow trim or yellow with black trim.

• HemiSport - The HemiSport Edition was the Quad Cab version of the Rumble Bee, and was introduced in 2004. It was available in black, red or silver, and with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It was equipped similarly to the Rumble Bee, but without the number plaque. The HemiSport was discontinued for 2006.

• Daytona - Introduced for 2005, the Ram Daytona is a new sport-truck edition of the Hemi Ram. It is available in Regular or Quad-Cab styles and features lower body cladding, 20″ chrome wheels, SRT-10 hood, Borla dual exhaust, serialized number plate, and a tall rear spoiler reminiscent of the famous Dodge Charger Daytona from the late 1960s. The Daytonas have a black body stripe to match the rear spoiler and come in Silver or “Go Mango” paint with matching interior trim.

• GTX - In 2004-2005, L.A West created a new GTX package. This was a third party customization, and not factory issue like the Plymouth GTX had been previously. This package was very similar to the Rumble Bee in that it shared the Hemi engine, unique 20″ wheels, cowl hood scoop and specially-trimmed leather interior, but didn’t have the lower body cladding and the stripes were different. These were available in Sublime Green, Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy Purple, and Banana Yellow, all with a soft black tonneau cover and unique black-accented stripes and decals. In 2004 this was available only in a standard cab but a Quad Cab version became available in 2005. It was discontinued for 2006.

• 2002 5.9L (360) Ram 1500 - It should be noted that 2002 was the only year the newly redesigned Ram 1500 could be had with the 5.9L (360cid) engine. Some early 2003 models could also be equipped with the 5.9 as well since Dodge had to use up their supply of 360’s. This is a rare and valuable find for a person who is a longtime fan of the durable 360 and wants the newer updated body style.

• ‘03-’05 1500 ST 4×4 Hemi - Another sort of rare truck is the ‘03-’05 regular cab short box Hemi powered 1500 4×4. These had relatively low production numbers especially the ST trim level. They could be a valuable investment for people wanting a “real” workhorse truck as trucks seem to be getting more car-like every year with 2005 being the last year of the non MDS Hemi and the sure to be missed manually shifted transfer case in the 1500.

• Prospector - Throughout the 80’s, this package was available for the Ram pickup. In the early 80’s a special badge was afixed to the box side of the truck, but this was dropped in the mid 80’s. Prospector was a package that usually included a different fuel tank, interior options like a cloth seat and carpet were part of it and in the later 1980’s a light package as well as the large 6×9 mirrors were added to the list of options. A 1988 Dodge Ram 100 with a Prospector package would have had the light package, cloth seat and carpet, large 6×9 mirrors, and the larger 30 gallon fuel tank as part of the options (taken from Chrysler sales brochure for all 1988 Dodge Ram Pickups) This trim package was carried on until the redesign in 1994.

• Sno Commander - known as the Sno-Fighter in the older D series trucks, the Sno-Commander came with a 4×4 and the V-8 engine as standard equipment. It included a factory snow plow, heavy duty cooling, a larger battery, and provisions on the engine to hook up hydraulics to work the plow as well as a cab controller. Early model Rams also had a badge on the box side. This package was discontinued after the redesign in 1994, but a similar package is offered through Chrysler called the Snow-Plow Prep package.

• Spirit Of ‘76 - A special package available in 1976 to celebrate America’s Bicenntenial. It came with a special decal that ran down the side of the truck and cloth or vinyl interior.

• NightRunner - Added to in 2006. There were only 2000 assembled from January 2006 to December 2006. The NightRunner trim includes 20 inch black chrome rims, the legendary 345 horsepower 5.7 liter HEMI engine, dark shaded headlights, NightRunner graphics, and the NightRunner logo on the spedometer.

Hybrid

Dodge announced a mild hybrid version of the Ram, dubbed the Contractor’s Special, in 2003. However, the schedule for delivery slipped as Dodge backed away from the vehicle. The hybrid Ram was available only for fleet purchasers (if at all) and did not enter mass production. It offered an AC electrical outlet panel for running an entire jobsite worth of power tools, but the through-the-road method of balancing the gas engine and electric motor reportedly did not work as desired. Instead, Dodge has announced that it will use a hybrid transmission developed jointly with General Motors and BMW.Ram hybrid at Allpar

Engines

Years	Engine	Power	Torque
1994-2001	3.9 L Magnum V6	175 hp (131 kW)	220-225 ft·lbf
1994-2001	5.2 L Magnum V8	220 hp (164 kW)	300-310 ft·lbf
1994-1997	5.9 L Magnum V8	230 hp (172 kW)	310-330 ft·lbf
1994-1995	5.9 L Magnum 12-valve Diesel I6	175 hp (131 kW)
1994-2001	8.0 L Ram Tough V10	300 hp (224 kW)	400 ft;lbs
1998-2001	5.9 L Magnum V8	250 hp (186 kW)	345 ft·lbf

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque
1500	2002-2005	3.7 L PowerTech V6	215 hp (160 kW) at 5200 rpm	235 ft·lbf (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm
	2002-2005	4.7 L Magnum V8	235 hp (175.2 kW) at 4400 rpm	300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 3500 rpm
	2002	5.9 L Magnum V8	245 hp (183 kW)	345 ft·lbf
	2003-2005	5.7 L (346 in³) Hemi V8	345 hp (257 kW) at 5400 rpm	375 ft·lbf (508 N·m) at 4200 rpm
1500
	2002-2005	4.7 L Cars Gas v8	305-250 hp (350 kW) at 5000 rpm	320-380 ft·lbf (400 N·m) at 2800 rpm
SRT-10	2004-2006	8.3 L Viper V10 V10	500-510 hp (373 kW)	525-535 ft·lbf (712 N·m)

2006 to date: The DR/DH Refresh

The 2006 Dodge Ram is an updated version of the previous generation. One notable addition is the Mega Cab, featuring a cargo box and 20 inches of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners. Also, a full screen mapping in-dash navigation system is now an option. The headlamps have been redesigned for better performance.

Another change that was instituted in the 2006 model year, was the replacement of the first version 5.7L Hemi V8 in half-ton models with the newer Multi-Displacement System Hemi V8 engine that is available in Chrysler and Dodge sedans. This engine features the same performance but has a cylinder-deactivating feature enabled under light loads to increase fuel economy by 3 MPG city and 4 MPG hwy. This new Hemi still delivered an impressive 345 horsepower and 375 pound feet of torque.

For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the 4500 and 5500. These are class 4 or 5 trucks with a Gross Weight of 16,500 and 19,500, respectively. Both trucks come equipped with a version of the Cummins ISB 6.7 diesel rated at 305 hp (227 kW) and 610 ft·lbf (827 N·m) of torque. Sterling, who worked with Dodge in development, has their own version called the Sterling Bullet with a unique grille.-truck.html Chassis Cabs at Dodge Sterling is a division of Freightliner LLC which, like Dodge, is owned by the former DaimlerChrysler.

2009 Redesign

Dodge has announced a 2009 redesign for the Ram by Ralph Gilles. The next generation will have improved towing and payload capacities, the 2009 will offer the first six door cab configuration with three rows of seating. Also the Hemi is expected to be bumped up to 650HP and 650lb ft. of torque.

The six-door version of the ram will seat 9 to fill in Dodge’s gap of the competing truck based station wagons; the Ford Expedition EL, Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL. Except, this 9 passenger vehicle will be in the form of an extended-length pickup truck. There are also plans for Chrysler to build a full-size SUV based on the Dodge Ram, similar to that of the Ford Excursion, with the exception that its main competition will be the Ford Expedition EL, Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL as well; also it is likely that Chrysler’s full size SUV will also seat 9.

References

External links

• Official Dodge website
• MoparChat - Huge Dodge Forum
• Dodge Trucks.org - Huge Dodge Truck Forum
• My Dodge Truck - unofficial website
• Allpar.com - Dodge Ram and other trucks
• Sterling Bullet