Dodge Ram Generations
The American Dodge Ram full-size pickup has been in production since 1981, and four generations of vehicles have been produced since then:
1ST GENeration Dodge Ram D/W, 1981-1993
The first generation of Dodge Ram pickups was introduced in 1981. The manufacturer adhered to the designation "D" for rear-wheel drive and "W" for all-wheel drive versions of the vehicle. Similar to Ford pickups, the capacity index was determined by one of the numbers - 150 (1/2 ton), 250 (3/4 ton), and 350 (1 ton) in the name of a particular modification.
In terms of appearance, the first Ram was a facelift of the previous generation of Dodge pickups, which were designated as D-Series and were produced since 1972. The new model had larger taillights, single square headlights, and a classic angular design. In addition, the interior was completely redesigned, including the seats and dashboard.
The D/W Ram came with one of three possible engines: the 3.7-liter Slant-6, the 5.2-liter V8, and the 5.9-liter V8. Several different models of carburetors were fitted to each of the engines.
In 1984, a new truck index 100 version was added to the range. It was positioned as a vehicle for those who need to carry bulky loads, but not in the daily mode. Subsequently, in 1990, this model was removed from production due to the market launch and the beginning of successful sales of the Dodge Dakota pickup.
Specifications
| Model | 100 | 150 | 250 / 350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | 2-doors | 2-doors / 4-doors | 2-doors / 4-doors |
| Engines | (3.7 L) Slant-6 I6 95 hp (71 kW) 1981–1987 (3.9 L) LA V6 125 hp (93 kW) 1988–1991 (3.9 L) Magnum V6 175 hp (130 kW) 1992–1993 (5.2 L) LA V8 140 hp (104 kW) 1981–1987 (5.2 L) Magnum V8 230 hp (172 kW) 1992–1993 (5.9 L) LA V8 175 hp (130 kW) 1981–1988 (5.9 L) Magnum V8 230 hp (172 kW) 1993 (5.9 L) Cummins 6BT I6 160 hp (119 kW) 1989–1993 | ||
| Transmission | 3-speed, automatic | ||
| wheelbase, inches | 115 | 115 | 131 |
| length, inches | 190.8 | 190.8 | 210.8 |
| width, inches | 79.5 | 79.5 | 79.5 |
| height, inches | 73.3 | 73.3 | 73.2 |
| tank capacity, gal | 22 | 22 | 30 |
| Cargo bed Length, ft | 6.5 | 6.5 | 8.0 |
2ND GEN Dodge Ram BR/BE, 1994-2001
In 1994, the line of Dodge RAM pickups has undergone major changes, which concerned everything from the appearance, to the key technical units. Analysis of the buyers' wishes demonstrated their desire to make the car look like a real truck. As a result, the new model has got increased size, a huge grille, and its own image, no more similar to similar vehicles of brands Chevrolet and Ford.
The payload index was changed to four digits, and payloads are now numbered 1500, 2500, and 3500. The 3500 was available with dual wheels on the rear axle. The 2500 was available in Heavy Duty and Light Duty versions. The former also had dual wheels on the rear axle. Each version was offered in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions.
The new RAM was available with the following petrol engines: 3.9L V6, 5.2l V8, 5.9L V8, and a Cummins turbo diesel. In addition, the 8.0L V8 engine was soon added to the lineup, positioned as the choice for those who need high horsepower but want to mess with a diesel engine, which is still not too popular in the US. The V10 engine and Cummins diesel were fitted to pickups with a payload index of 2,500 and up.
The 1994 model showed successful sales over the years, peaking in 1999 with more than 400,000 vehicles sold. However, after the Chevrolet pickup lineup was updated in 1999, sales declined slightly.
In 2002, the new Dodge RAM 1500 was announced and even as production began, the 2500 and 3500 variants continued to be produced in the old body until the 2003 model year. This was because a new 5.7L V8 HEMI engine was expected to replace the popular 5.9L V8.
Specifications
| Model | 1500 | 2500 | 2500 (dual-rear-wheel) | 3500/3500 (dual-rear-wheel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body | 2-door regular cab 2-door Club Cab 4-door Quad Cab | |||
| Engines | 3.9 L Magnum V6 175 hp (130 kW) 1994–2001 5.2 L Magnum V8 230 hp (172 kW) 1994–2001 5.9 L Magnum V8 245 hp (183 kW) 1998–2002 5.9 L Cummins turbo-diesel I6 12V 215 hp (160 kW) 1994–1998 5.9 L Cummins turbo-diesel I6 24V 230 hp (172 kW) 1999–2002 8.0 L Magnum V10 300 hp (224 kW) 1994–2002 | |||
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic, 5 or 6-speed manual | |||
| wheelbase, inches | 134.7 | 134.7 | 154.7 | 134.7/154.7 |
| length, inches | 224.1 | 224.1 | 244.1 | 224.1/244.1 |
| width, inches | 79.3 | 79.3 | 79.4 | 93.5/93.5 |
| height, inches | 74.5 | 75.1 | 77.3 | 77.4/77.4 |
| tank capacity, gal | 26 | 34 | 35 | 35/35 |
| Cargo Bed Length, ft | 6.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
3RD GENeration Dodge Ram DR/DH, 2002-2008
SRT-10 - The most "charged" version of the pickup, which was equipped with both a three-seat and full-size cabin, as well as the legendary V10 engine similar to that installed on the Dodge Viper. It also featured 22-inch wheels, reduced ground clearance, and a sporty body kit.
PowerWagon - This version, which was introduced in 2005, was positioned as a pickup truck for heavy off-road use. It featured a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, electronic lockable differentials, 33-inch off-road tires, and other features necessary for off-road survival. The PowerWagon modification was based on the 2500 pickup version.
The Rumble Bee was a sporty, rear-wheel-drive version of the pickup with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine. This version was available only with a short three-man cab, reduced ground clearance, 20-inch wheels, and a tuned exhaust system. The rear body of the Rumble Bee had a strip with the company's image. All cars of this modification were available either in black or in bright yellow color.
The Daytona is a "sporty" pickup with a V8 5.7 HEMI engine, available with either a short or full-size cab. Its differences include 20-inch chrome wheels, lower ground clearance, SRT-10 hood, a dual-tube exhaust system, and a rear spoiler, similar to the one that was installed on the legendary Dodge Charger Daytona in the late '60s.
HemiSport was the name of the Rumble Bee with a full-size cab. In addition, this modification was available both in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. HemiSport trucks were available in black, silver, and red colors.
NightRunner - only 2,000 cars of this modification were produced from January to December 2006. The Dodge RAM NightRunner was equipped with 20-inch chrome wheels, a V8 5.7L HEMI engine tinted front lights, and distinctive NightRunner graphics.
specifications
| Model | 1500 | 2500 | 3500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | 2-door regular cab 4-door Quad Cab 4-door Mega Cab | ||
| Engines | 3.7 L Magnum V6 215 hp (160 kW) 2002–2008 4.7 L Magnum V8 310 hp (231 kW) 2008–2013 5.9 L Magnum V8 245 hp (183 kW) 2002–2003 5.9 L Cummins diesel I6 305 hp (227 kW) 2002-2007 5.7 L Hemi V8 345 hp (257 kW) 2008–2009 8.0 L Magnum V10 310 hp (231 kW) 2002–2003 8.3 L Viper V10 510 hp (380 kW) 2004–2006 | ||
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic (45RFE), 5-speed automatic (545RFE), 6-speed manual | ||
| wheelbase, inches | 120.5/140.5/160.5 | 140.5/160.3/160.5 | |
| length, inches | 207.7/229.7/249.7/227.7/247.7 | 229.7/249.7/227.7/247.7 | 229.7/249.7/227.7/247.7 |
| width, inches | 79.5/80 | 79.5/79.6/80 | 79.5/80/96 |
| height, inches | 75.3/75.5/75.9/78.7 | 78.1/78.5/78.6 | 78.7/79.1 |
| tank capacity, gal | 26 | 35 | |
| Cargo Bed Length, ft | 6.5 | 6.5 - 8.0 | 6.5 - 8.0 |
Facelift
In 2006, an updated version of the Dodge RAM was presented. In general, it can be characterized as a facelift of the previous one. The main feature of this model should be noted modification MegaCab, which combines a two-meter (6-foot) body and an additional 20 inches of cab length, which allow comfortable seating for three passengers on the rear sofa. A navigation system is now available as an option, and the front headlights have been redesigned for better efficiency.
In addition, the base V8 5.7 HEMI engine in the updated 1500 pickups have been replaced with a new version of its engine, with the cylinder deactivation system found on Chrysler/Dodge sedans. This engine allows a significant degree of fuel economy when driving, both in the city and on the highway.
In 2007, Chrysler announced the release of new modifications of heavy-duty pickups with cargo indexes of 4500 and 5500.
4TH GENeration Dodge Ram DS/DJ, 2009 - 2018
The DS/DJ generation has been in production since 2009 and underwent a major facelift in 2013, which completely transformed the interior, interior and comfort systems.
In 2012, at the New York Auto Show, an upgraded version of the "fourth" Ram was presented. The exterior of the new item was slightly transformed due to the new bumpers and other optics. The powertrain lineup has been upgraded. The main innovation is the optional eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission.
To introduce the fourth-generation pickup at the Detroit Auto Show, a huge show with a herd of cattle was staged.
Especially for the state of Texas, the Ram 1500 Lone Star 10th Anniversary Edition has been released. The new truck differs from its fellows with extended equipment, big 20-inch wheels, and perforated Katzkin leather trim inside. Under the hood of the flagship 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine with an output of 390 hp. Six-speed automatic transmission.
specifications
| Model | 1500 | 2500 | 3500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | 2-door regular cab 4-door Quad Cab (1500-only) 4-door crew cab 4-door Mega Cab (HD-only) | ||
| Engines | 3.7 L PowerTech V6 215 hp (160 kW) 2009–2012 3.6 L Chrysler Pentastar V6 305 hp (227 kW) 2013–2018 4.7 L V8 310 hp (231 kW) 2009–2013 3.0 L Eco-Diesel V6 240 hp (179 kW) 2014–2018 5.7 L HEMI V8 383 hp (286 kW) 2010–2018 6.4 L HEMI V8 410 hp (306 kW) 2014–n.d. 6.7 L Cummins Turbo-Diesel I6 350 hp (261 kW) 2010-2018 | ||
| Transmission | 4-speed 45RFE automatic[41] 5-speed 545RFE automatic 6-speed 66RFE automatic 6-speed 68RFE automatic 6-speed G56 manual 8-speed 845RE automatic (2013–)[42] 8-speed ZF 8HP75-LCV automatic (2019 –) 6-speed Aisin AS68RC automatic | ||
| wheelbase, inches | Regular Cab, Short Bed: 120 Regular Cab, Long Bed & Quad Cab: 140 | 2500 Crew Cab, Short Wheel base 2WD/4WD: 149.4/148.9 2500 Crew Cab Long wheel base 2WD/4WD: 169.4/168.9 2500 Regular Cab: 140.5 | 3500 Regular Chassis Cab: 143.4 3500 Regular Cab long wheel base: 167.4 3500 Crew Cab: 172.3 |
| length, inches | Extended Cab: 226.9 Quad Cab: 229.0 Crew Cab: 227.5 | 2500 Crew Cab short wheelbase: 237.4 2500 Crew Cab long wheelbase: 259.4 2500 Regular Cab long wheelbase: 209.0 2500 Regular Cab: 231.0 | 3500 Chassis Cab: 234.1 3500 Regular Cab long wheelbase: 258.1 3500 Crew Cab: 259.4 |
| width, inches | 78.9/79.4 | ||
| height, inches | 73.3–80.6 | ||
| tank capacity, gal | 26 | 34 | 35/35 |
| Cargo Bed Length, ft | Crew cab: 5.7 / 6.4 Quad cab 6.4 Regular cab 6.4/8 | ||
5TH GENeration Dodge Ram DT, 2019 –N.D.
In January 2018, at the International Auto Show in Detroit, FIAT-Chrysler presented the new generation of the Ram 1500 pickup truck. The new model is designed from scratch and, according to the manufacturer, it is better than its predecessor in literally every way. The new Ram 1500 is lighter, safer, and has a higher payload. Sales of the new Ram 1500 in North America started in the first quarter of 2018.
The new Ram 1500's curb weight is about 90 kg less than the outgoing model. The widespread use of high-strength steel in the frame saved 45 kg, another 45 kg were "dropped" due to aluminum panels in the cab and body construction. On the version with a twin-cab (5 places), it was possible to achieve a weight reduction of 100 kg. Another achievement of the engineers is to reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient by 9%, to 0,357. To improve aerodynamics the engineers used active grille shutters, a special reinforcement in the rear of the cab, higher body sides, and a folding spoiler in the lower part of the front bumper. In addition, a small contribution to improved aerodynamics is made by air suspension, which "squats" at high speeds by 1.5 cm, but a such suspension is an option.
Only hybrid powertrains are available for the new Ram 1500. Two engines are available - V6 3.6 and V8 5.7. They are assisted by the E-Torque system, which uses a 48-volt starter-generator for faster acceleration. The E-Torque provides an extra 122 Nm of torque on the V6 and 176 Nm on the V8. The V8 also has a deactivation system for part of the cylinders, which saves some fuel. The standard Ram 1500 engine makes 305 hp and 365 Nm of torque, while the 5.7-liter engine produces 395 hp and 555 Nm. The engines are combined only with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is the same as its predecessor but has received 40 different improvements. In the future, a modification with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel will be available.
The design of the Ram 1500 has remained true to tradition but has become more modern.