- 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 in the 1930s and 1940s trucks.
The Ram was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1994, and the Ram Heavy Duty won that award for 2003.
1981
- See also Dodge Ramcharger
The first-generation Ram trucks, introduced for 1981, kept the previous generation's model designations: "D" meant rear wheel drive while the "W" Power Ram meant four wheel drive. Like other domestic makers, 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.
100 models were added for 1984, replacing the previous "Miser" trim on low-output manual transmission Slant-6 trucks. 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. The 5.2 L engine recieved electronic fuel injection for 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 recieved fuel injection that year for 20 hp (15 kW) more power. Finally, a Cummins turbo-Diesel option was added for big (400 ft.lbf/542 Nm) torque needs. This engine, part of the Cummins B Series, is the largest straight-6 engine ever produced for passenger vehicles. Rear anti-lock brakes were also made standard.
The Ram 100 models were renamed "150S" for 1990, and the exterior was redesigned the next year, including Dodge's trademark crosshair grille. The engines wore the "Magnum" name for 1992 and 1993 with much higher output.
Engines:
- 1981-1988 3.7 L (225 in³) Slant-6 I6,95 hp (71 kW)
- 1981-1987 5.2 L (318 in³) LA V8, 140 hp (104 kW)
- 1981-1988 5.9 L (360 in³) LA V8, 170 hp (127 kW)
- 1988-1991 5.2 L (318 in³) LA V8, 140 hp (104 kW)
- 1989-1991 3.9 L (238 in³) LA V6, 125 hp (93 kW)
- 1989-1992 5.9 L (360 in³) LA V8, 190 hp (142 kW)
- 1989-1993 5.9 L (360 in³) Cummins B5.9 Diesel I6, 160 hp (119 kW)
- 1992-1993 5.2 L (318 in³) Magnum V8, 230 hp (172 kW)
- 1992-1993 3.9 L (238 in³) Magnum V6, 180 hp (134 kW)
- 1993 5.9 L (360 in³) Magnum V8, 230 hp (172 kW)
1994
The Ram line was redesigned for 1994 and was an instant hit. It featured a semi truck-look front end with separate fenders and an oversized grille. But it was the 8.0 L V10 engine and its 450 ft.lbf (610 Nm) of torque that was noticed by serious users. Models were now the 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (¾-ton), and 3500 (one-ton).
A natural gas version of the 5.2 L engine debuted for 1995. In 1998, Dodge introduced the "Quad-Cab", which used rear-hinged pillarless doors in the back for a wide cab opening. The new Cummins ISB engine, introduced in 1999, is an unusual multi-valve pushrod engine.
Engines:
2002
The third-generation Ram debuted for 2002. It included an even larger grille, and special models kept interest up as most competitors had adopted the Ram's separate-fender look. The Cummins ISB Diesel was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2004.
Special Rams:
-
Rumble Bee - The Rumble Bee edition was mainly a trim package on the Hemi Ram. It was only available on regular cab/short-box pickups and included lower body cladding, a hood scoop, and a specially-trimmed interior. On the rear of the box was a stripe with a "Rumble Bee" picture, meant to be reminiscent of the Super Bee.
-
SRT-10 - This version is a regular-cab body with the Dodge Viper's V10 engine, special tires, 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 transmission that was taken from the 2500 Ram model with the Cummins engine.
-
Power Wagon - Introduced for 2005, the Power Wagon comes with the 5.7 L new Hemi engine, locking differentials, disconnecting anti-roll bars, and a winch.
-
Daytona - Introduced for 2005, the Ram Daytona features 20 in chrome wheels, custom paint, and the Hemi engine.
Engines:
2006
The 2006 Dodge Ram is a substantially updated version of the previous generation. One notable version is the Mega Cab, featuring a 6-foot cargo box and 20 inches of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners.
References
Last updated: 10-20-2005 10:28:38
