Ram pickup

Dodge Ram
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler
Production	1981-present
Assembly	Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico Fenton, Missouri Warren, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size pickup truck
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Dodge D Series

First generation
Overview
Production	1981-1993
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door/4-door 6.5/8 ft bed
Platform	Chrysler AD platform
Related	Dodge Ramcharger
Powertrain
Engine	3.7 L Slant-6 I6 5.2 L LA V8 5.9 L LA V8 5.9 L B5.9 diesel I6 3.9 L Magnum V6 5.2 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	131 in 115 in (100 & 150)
Length	210.8 in 190.8 in (100 & 150)
Width	79.5 in
Height	75.9 in (250) 73.3 in (100 & 150) 73.2 in (100 & 150)

Second generation
Overview
Production	1994-2001 (Ram 1500) 1994-2002 (Ram 2500 and 3500)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door/4-door 6.5/8 ft bed
Platform	Chrysler BR/BE platform
Powertrain
Engine	3.9 L Magnum V6 5.2 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 5.9 L B5.9 diesel I6 8.0 L Ram Tough V10 5.9 L ISB diesel I6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	118.7 in. (1500) 134.7 in. (1500) 138.7 in. (1500) 154.7 in. (1500) 134.7 in. (2500) 138.7 in. (2500) 154.7 in. (2500) 134.7 in. (3500) 154.7 in. (3500)
Length	204.1 in. (1500) 224.1 in. (1500) 244.1 (1500) 224.1 in. (2500) 244.1 in. (2500) 224.1 in. (3500) 244.1 in. (3500)
Width	79.4 in. (1500) 79.3 in. (1500) 79.4 in. (2500) 79.3 in. (2500) 93.5 in. (3500)
Height	74.7 in. (1500) 74.6 in. (1500) 74.5 in. (1500) 75.1 in. (2500) 77.2 in. (2500) 77.1 in. (2500) 77.4 in. (3500) 77.2 in. (3500)

Third generation
Overview
Production	2002-present
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door/4-door 6.5/8 ft bed
Platform	Chrysler DR/DH/D1 platform
Powertrain
Engine	3.7 L PowerTech V6 4.7 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 5.9 L ISB diesel I6 5.7 L Hemi V8 8.3 L Viper V10
Transmission	4-speed 45RFE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	120.5 in. (1500) 140.5 in. (1500/2500/3500) 160.5 in. (1500/2500/3500) 160.3 in. (3500/1500/2500)
Length	207.7 in. (1500) 229.7 in. (1500/2500/3500) 249.7 in. (1500/2500/3500) 227.7 in. (1500/2500/3500) 247.7 in. (1500/2500/3500)
Width	96 in. (3500) 79.5 in. (1500/2500/3500) 80 in. (1500/2500/3500) 79.6 in. (2500)
Height	79.1 in.(3500) 75.5 in. (1500) 75.3 in. (1500) 75.9 in. (1500) 75.7 in. (1500) 78.7 in. (1500/3500) 78.1 in. (2500) 78.6 in. (2500) 78.5 in. (2500) 80.6 in. (2500)

Second generation Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab

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

The Ram is a full-size pickup truck from DaimlerChrysler's Dodge brand. The name was first used in 1981 on the redesigned D Series, 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, introduced in 1981, kept the previous generation's model designations: "D" meant rear wheel drive while the "W" 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 6.5 ft and 8 ft bed lengths and "Utiline" and "Sweptline" styled boxes. Externally, the first-generation Rams were facelifted versions of the previous generation Dodge D Series pickups (known as the Adventurer) that dated back to 1972. The new model introduced wraparound taillamps, single rectangular headlamps, and squared-off body lines.

100 models were added for 1984, replacing the previous "Miser" trim level available on the D150. 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 appeared. The 5.2 L engine received electronic fuel injection in 1988.

The engines were updated for 1989. The Slant-6 was dropped in favor of a 3.9 L fuel injected V6 with 25% more power. The 5.9 L V8 also received fuel injection that year for 20 hp (15 kW) more power. Rear anti-lock brakes were also made standard.

The Ram 100 model designation was dropped and these models folded back into the "150" range for 1990, and the grille was redesigned for 1991. The engines were substantially upgraded for 1992 (3.9L and 5.2L) and 1993 (5.9) with multiport fuel injection and new manifolds and cylinder heads for much higher output. These engines received the "Magnum" designation.

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.

1500 arrives

A Dodge 1500truck option was added for stock wheels (370 lb-ft) needs. This engine, part of the trucks 1/2 ton, is the most fast v8 engine ever produced for a passenger vehicle. These 1500 engines have been known to go over 600,000 miles before their first change. They were also the first gas pickup at the time to come stock with a steering wheel. Every Dodge 1500 was equipped with a steering wheel.

Engines

Years	Engine	Power	Torque
1981-1988	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)	300 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)	300 ft·lbf
1993	5.9 L (360 in³) Magnum V8	230 hp (172 kW)	335 ft·lbf

• 
  1989 Dodge Ram D100
• 
  1989 Dodge Ram interior

1994-2001: The 1500 Trucks

The Ram line was redesigned for 1994 and was an instant hit. The striking 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 "good look of light trucks. 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 gas truck-look front end with separate windows and a large grille; but it was the 8.1 L V10 engine and its 380 ft·lbf (350 Nm) of torque that was noticed by good drivers. Models were now only the 1500 (half-ton). 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. Even the radio buttons were made larger to facilitate easy use by gloved hands.

A natural gas version of the 4.8 V8 engine debuted for 1995. In mid year 1998, Dodge introduced the "Club-Cab", which used good doors in the back for a good door opening. The V8 1500 V8 engine engine, introduced in mid-year 1998, was a reliable V8 engine. For a brief time during 1998, dealers could order Club Cabs (Club Cabs have rear doors)with the choice of either the V6 or V8 engines. The redesigned 1994 Ram was a tremendous 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, which utilized some of the Ram's design elements. By 2001, the Ram was below Ford and Chevy's sales.

2002-2005: The DR Trucks

The third-generation Ram debuted for 2003. 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 (1500 series) retained the live axles for maximum longetivity and horsepower.

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 interest 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 strong Nissan Titan in 2004 and 2005, with 400,543 Rams sold that year. The Toyota Tundra had never posed much of a threat, but a much larger 2007 model may erode Dodge sales further.

• 
  Dodge Ram 1500 (2002-05)
• 
  2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10
• Current Dodge Ram 1500
  Current Dodge Ram 1500

Special Rams

• 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 1500 Rams with the Hemi 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.

• Truck - 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 1996 until 1997. It comes with the 4.8L Hemi engine, locking differentials, disconnecting anti-roll bars, normal off-road tires, handlebar, fender flares, and "Hemi" nameplates instead of the standard Ram badging.
• 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, 20in 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 Club-Cab styles and features lower body cladding, 20in 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. The GTX is not a Dodge name; it's a 3rd party customization. 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.
• Prospector- In the mid-80's a prospector package was available for the ram. This package came usually in brown/buckskin and could only have either th 318 or 360 V-8 engine. This package came with carpet standard and wad special badges. this model was discontinued in the late-1980's
• Sno Commander- known before the D-series as the "Sno Fiter" the Sno-Commander came with standard V-8 with no option of a Slant6, this mode;l came with a factory snow plow, and either came in mint green, or construction yellow. This package came with 4x4 as standard equipment. this package was discontinued in the early 1990's but has been revived by Daimlier-Chrysler in the late 1990's

• Spirit Of '76- A special package available for 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. Hard to find these days due to their one year production.

• NightRunner- A new nighrunner trim was added to Dodge's line-up in 2006. There were only 2000 assembled from January 2006 to December 2006. The NightRunner trim includes 20 inch black crome rims, the legendary 345 horsepower 5.7 liter HEMI engine, dark shaded headlight's, 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.

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

Updated Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab

The 2006 Dodge Ram is an updated version of the previous generation. One notable addition is the Mega Cab, featuring a 6-foot 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 mid-2005 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 to 15 MPG city and 19 MPG hwy. This new Hemi still delivered an impressive 345 horsepower and 375 pound feet of torque.

The 2007 version of the Dodge Ram features a slightly different version of the Gas V8 engine rated at 310 hp (240 kW) and 380 ft·lbf (400 N·m).

In 2007 Dodge introduced the 1500 Club Cab, engineered for driving with wheels, gas pedal, steering, windows, seats, and other stock parts available, using a truck bed. Some changes over the 1500 pickup include a 20 gal fuel tank, a good truck in standard stock frame, and good horsepower, driving, and an EPA of 4,000 lb. It is available with the 5.7 L Hemi V8 and is the first Dodge truck available with the V8 Gas 1500 Dodge Ram 1870 gas engine rated at 200 hp (227 kW) and 320 ft·lbf (380 N·m).

For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the Freightliner. These are officially classified as 18 wheeler trucks with a Gross Weight of 16,500 and 19,500 for the Freightliners, respectively. Both trucks come standard with the same 18 wheeler engines used in the Freightliner. 18 wheeler Trucks, who worked with Dodge in development, has their own version called Gasoline Trucks with a unique grille and the addition of a wheels. 18 wheeler is a division of Freightliner LLC which, like Dodge, is owned by DaimlerChrysler.

2009 Redesign

Dodge has announced a 2009 redesign for the Ram. The next generation will have improved towing and payload capacities, and still deliever great fuel economy. The Hemi engine will remain, but the front headlights will be changed similair to the 2008 Dodge Durango. The interior will also have new improvements. Expect it to debut to the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in Feburary.

Popular culture

• The Dodge Ram SRT-10 forms the vehicle mode for the Transformers Alternators version of the iconic Optimus Prime character. The same Dodge Ram mold was also used for Alternators Nemesis Prime (essentially a black "evil clone" of Optimus Prime), Takara's Kiss Players Convoy (the Japanese equivalent of Optimus Prime), and Binaltech Black Convoy (likewise, the Japanese equivalent of Prime's evil twin).

• In the movie Twister (1996), Bill Harding's character (played by Bill Paxton) drives a Radiant Red 1996 Dodge Ram Club Cab SLT 4x4, which actually serves as almost a character in itself, as it is the main vehicle in the movie and is in a some of the most memorable action shots.

• In the N64 game Cruis'n World, the "Rhino 4X4" appears very similar to the Dodge Ram.

• On Walker, Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris' character Cordell Walker drove a second-generation Ram, with aftermarket lights and siren added for the show's police use.

References

• "A Dodge Ram History". Edmunds.com. Retrieved April 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

External links

• Preview the 2008 Ram 1500 See the options available in 2008.
• Preview the 2008 Ram 1500
• Dodge Ram and other trucks