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The Ram (previously known as Dodge Ram) is a full-size pickup truck currently manufactured by Ram brand. Before 2009, Ram was part of the Dodge lineup of light trucks until it subsided into its own brand under Chrysler LLC's management, specialized in light truck production for specific customer needs. The name Ram 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 vehicles. The truck is in its fourth generation as of the 2009 model year. Dodge Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year three times: the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, and the third-generation Ram Heavy Duty won the award in 2003. The fourth-generation Dodge Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010. The Ram is currently built at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; Saint Louis Assembly North in Fenton, Missouri, United States; and Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan, United States.
[edit] 1981–1993 (D/W)
The first-generation Ram trucks, named for the Ram hood ornament that first graced Dodge cars in the 1930s, was introduced in 1981.[1] 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. Similar to Ford, Dodge used 150 to indicate a half-ton truck, 250 for a three-quarter-ton, and 350 for one-tons. Standard cab, "Club" extended cab, and crew cab versions were offered along with 6.5 ft (2.0 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) bed lengths and "Utiline" and "Sweptline" styled boxes. Externally, the first-generation Rams were facelifted versions of the previous generation Dodge D-Series pickups introduced in 1972. The new model introduced larger wraparound tail lamps, single rectangular headlamps, and squared-off body lines. The interior was updated and included a newer style bench seat, and a completely new dashboard and instrument cluster. Available engines for these trucks were the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant six, the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8, and the 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 with a variety of carburetors available for each engine. Among the other options offered on the Ram were front bumper guards, a sliding rear cab window, power locks & windows, and a plowing package for the 4-wheel drive version (referred to as the Sno Commander).   Base D100 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's Power Rams, and both the crew cab and Utiline flared bed were dropped for 1986, also the first year for a new crossbar grille and slight front end styling changes. Engines were updated for the 1988 model year. The Slant-6 was dropped in favor of a 3.9 L (~238 cu in) fuel injected V6 with 25% more power. The 5.2 L (318 cu in) engine also received electronic fuel injection in 1988. Because electronic fuel injection was added, a computer was used 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, a new "message center" contained the check-engine light, brake warning light, and the warning light for the ABS if the truck was so equipped. Diagnostic fault codes were stored in the computer's memory, and cycling the ignition key three times would allow the computer to flash the trouble codes through the check-engine light for diagnosis of some problems.[2] For 1989, the 5.9 L V8 also received throttle body fuel injection for 20 hp (15 kW) more power. Rear ABS also became standard equipment. Additionally, Dodge introduced a new overdrive automatic transmission for reduced fuel consumption. This light-duty transmission was designated the A500, and was offered with the 3.9 L V6 and 5.2 L V8. An "O/D Off" pushbutton switch to lock out the overdrive 4th gear was added to the message center. The A727 automatic saw continued use for heavy duty applications. A Cummins B Series engine was also added to the engine lineup and for the first time, Dodge saw sales go up. The Cummins could be manufactured with a heavier-duty version of the A727 automatic or a 5 speed manual transmission and was available on 250 and 350 pickups and chassis cabs. This diesel engine option was drastically different from Ford and GM diesel engines optioned at the time. The Cummins featured direct injection, where the Ford and GM diesels featured Indirect injection; this also meant the Cummins didn't have to rely on Glowplugs. The Cummins was a Straight-six engine where the GM and Ford Diesel engines were a V8 engine. Many owners considered these unique properties an advantage to the Cummins B Series engine. 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, the instrument cluster was slightly revised; the ammeter was replaced by a voltmeter while maintaining the 3-pod arrangement of the speedometer and gauges. The grille was redesigned for 1991 but kept the large rectangular headlamps and crossbar appearance. The engines were substantially upgraded for 1992 (3.9L and 5.2L) and 1993 (5.9) with multi-port fuel injection, new manifolds and higher compression cylinder heads for noticeably higher output. These newly-revised engines were marketed under the "Magnum" name. A heavy-duty overdrive Torqueflite automatic transmission called the A518 was offered with the 5.2 L and 5.9 L engines. As part of Chrysler's overhaul of corporate transmission nomenclature, the A500 and A518 were redesignated 42RH and 46RH, respectively, in 1992. The initial "4" signified a 4-speed transmission, the second digit identified the transmission's relative torque capacity, the letter "R" in the third position denoted a rear-wheel drive transmission, and the final letter "H" signified hydraulic shift control. The 3-speed automatic remained available; the A727 was redesignated 36RH, and the A904, A998, and A999 became the 30RH, 31RH, and 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 configuration. 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 had been in production since 1972. Additionally, the interior had been given few updates since 1981. [edit] Engines
[edit] 1994–2002 (BR/BE)
The Ram line was redesigned for 1994. The exterior styling was the result of design concepts by chief designer Phillip E. Payne, plus 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".[3] 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, General Motors, or Chevy pickup in design. Engine offerings continued over from the first-generation ram and were the 3.9 L V6, 5.2 L V8, 5.9 L V8, and 5.9 L I6 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. 1500 Rams offered both 6 and 8-foot (1.8 x 2.4 m) boxes. 2500 Rams offered 6-foot (1.8 m) boxes only with quad cabs. 3500 Rams were only made with 8-foot (2.4 m) boxes. Dodge offered the 2500 series in two different gross-vehicle weight ratings for the first few years but this was dropped in the late 90s. 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. 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 dashboard and instrument cluster was made in 1998 along with the introduction of the quad cab, and rounded black plastic side-view mirrors replaced the previous rectangular design. The 2000 models saw the introduction of heated leather seats. In 1998, Dodge introduced the "Quad Cab", which used smaller suicide doors in the back for a door opening. This was offered as an option on the ""Club Cab"" for the model year. In 1999 Dodge revised the front end for the Sport models with a restyled bumper, quad-beam clear-lens headlamps, and body-color grille. 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. That year, it was prominently featured as the hero vehicle in the film Twister. 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 third generation Ram took over Dodge's heavy duty truck market. Part of this delay was because of the new 5.7 L Hemi engine not being ready. The 5.9 L V8 was offered until the Hemi was ready for mass production. [edit] Drive-train[edit] TransmissionsTransmissions for the Ram were the lower geared A500/42RH-RE for light duty applications found behind the 3.9 L V6, the A518/46RH-RE for more heavy duty applications found behind the 5.2 L and 5.9 L V8 engines, and the A618/47RH-RE for heavy duty use behind the V10 gasoline and Cummins diesel engines. The 47RH was used in 1994 and 1995 model years, while the 47RE was used from 1996 through 2002. A NV3500 was offered in 1500 Rams and light duty 2500 Rams. A NV4500 was standard in 2500 and 3500 trucks (except the uncommon, light duty 2500 rams). A NV5600 was offered in 2000 Rams and was the only transmission offered behind the High Output diesel in 2001 and 2002. [edit] Transfer casesThere were a total of 5 Transfer cases for the four wheel drive Ram. All were part time and had a low range of 2.72:1. The 1500 featured a NV231 and NV231HD. The NV241 was standard on V8 2500 Rams. The 2500 and 3500 V10 and Diesel featured a NV241DLD from 1994-1997. In 1998,0 the NV241DHD became a option for all 2500 Rams and was standard on 3500 Rams from 1998-2002. [edit] AxlesThe Dodge Ram featured a wide variety of axles. For the front axle of 4x4 Rams, a Dana 44 was used on all 1500 Rams and some, early, light duty 2500 Rams, however most of the 2500 and all 3500 Rams used Dana 60 front axles. The 1500 Rams and some, early, light duty 2500 Rams used a 9.25 Chrysler axle in the rear. A Dana 60 rear axle was used on heavy duty 2500 V8 Rams. A Dana 70 rear axle was used in 2500 Rams with a V10 or a Diesel/Automatic transmission combination. A Dana 80 rear axle was used on 2500 Rams with a manual transmission and diesel engine combination and all 3500 Rams. The front solid axles in these rams were unique in the fact they didn't feature Locking hubs, but featured a Center axle disconnect. The 2002, 2500 and 3500 Rams saw the eventual phase out of the Center axle disconnect, in favor of front axles that were permanently locked in. Dodge continues to feature front axles like this for their 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks. [edit] EnginesA natural gas engine debuted for 1995 but was not popular and was only used in fleet vehicles on a very limited production run. The Cummins B Series engine was upgraded from the 12 Valve to the 24 Valve (ISB) in the 1998 model Dodge Rams. A little over half of the 1998 Cummins Diesel powered Dodge Rams got 24 Valves over the 12 valves.
[edit] 2002–2008 (DR/DH/D1/DC/DM)
  The third-generation Ram debuted for 2002 on 1500 models and 2003 on 2500 & 3500 models. This was a major update including an all new frame, suspension, power trains, interiors, and sheet metal. It included a larger grille, and special models kept interest up as most competitors had adopted the Ram's separate-fender look. The four wheel drive light trucks (1500 series) lost their live axles in favor of an independent front suspension, but the 2500 and 3500 series retained the live axles for maximum longevity and durability. This body style draws heavily from the previous generation. The redesigned trucks bolstered 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 range. 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. With the introduction of the new 2007 Tundra, styled and engineered similarly to the Ram, Dodge was forced to significantly increase the incentives to keep demand up for their vehicle. [edit] 2006 Face-liftThe 2006 Dodge Ram is an updated version of the previous generation. One notable addition is the Mega Cab, featuring a 6-foot (2 m) cargo box and 20 inches (510 mm) 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 for the 2006 model year was the replacement of the first version 5.7 L (345 cu in) 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 delivers 345 hp (257 kW) and 375 lb·ft (508 N·m). Models built after January 1, 2007 offered a new 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel introduced as an option in 2500/3500 models replacing the 5.9L. It produces 350 hp (260 kW)||650 lb·ft (881 N·m). Unlike the 5.9L which was backed by the 4-speed 48RE Transmission, the 6.7L is equipped with the new 6-speed 68RFE transmission. [edit] Chassis CabIn 2007 a 3500 Chassis Cab model was introduced, with industry standard rear frame width and wiring to accommodate outfitters. In addition to the 5.7 L (345 cu in) HEMI V8, a Cummins 6.7 L (408 cu in) diesel rated at 305 hp (227 kW) and 610 lb·ft (827 N·m) was also available. Automatic Transmissions used were the 545RFE with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) the AS68RC with the 6.7 L (408 cu in) . The G56 transmission was the only manual transmission offered. For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the 4500 and 5500. These are class 4 and 5 trucks with a Gross Weight of 16,500 lb (7,500 kg) and 19,500 lb (8,800 kg), respectively. Both trucks come equipped with the same version of the Cummins 6.7 L (408 cu in) diesel as the 3500 chassis cab model. Sterling, who worked with Dodge in development, has their own version called the Sterling Bullet with a unique grille. Sterling is a division of Freightliner LLC which, like Dodge, was owned by the former Daimler Chrysler. [edit] Engines
[edit] 2009– (DS/DJ)
The fourth generation Dodge Ram was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.[7] This latest generation was sold as the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 starting in Fall 2008. A light-duty diesel version will be released for 2010 and a two-mode hybrid version will be released in the 2010 model year.[8] This latest version of the Ram features a number of major innovations and improvements as the timing of this full redesign puts Dodge against fresh versions of its main competitors in the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan and Lincoln Mark LT.[7] As such, Chrysler LLC is attempting to keep the Ram competitive in the market through various developments for the 2009 model, including a new four-door cab style offering, new suspension, a new hemi engine option, and the Rambox, a new storage system that allows secure storage inside the truck’s bed walls.[9] The 5.7 L HEMI V8's output has been increased by 45 hp (34 kW) to 390 bhp (290 kW) and 407 lb·ft (552 N·m), and fuel efficiency has been slightly increased by 4%. The 4.7 L (287 cu in) H.O. Magnum V8 produces 310 bhp (230 kW) and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m), and the 3.7 L (226 cu in) Magnum V6 continues with 215 bhp (160 kW) and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m).[10] [edit] Cab optionsThe Mega Cab option will be deleted, at least on the 1500 series, replaced by a true four door crew cab.[11] Other cab options are regular cab and quad cab. The mega cab option remains on the 2500/3500 models. The 2009 Dodge Ram has also received a 5-star U.S government crash test rating, the highest rating in the program.[citation needed] [edit] HandlingA coil spring rear suspension replaces the leaf-springs, a move to improve ride quality and handling. The payload capacities have not been negatively affected despite the massive change in suspension, but still trail those of the newer Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. [edit] Payload capacitiesThe 2009 model's towing capacity was originally rated 9,100 lb (4,100 kg) for 2WD Ram 1500 with regular cab, long-bed, 5.7L HEMI engine, 3.92 differential and 17-inch wheels; but the rating increased to 10,450 lb (4,740 kg) without changing the setup, via the new SAE testing standard.[12] For 2010 model, payload was increased by 50 lb (23 kg) to 1,900 lb (860 kg) for regular cab 2WD model with 3.7L V-6 engine.[13] Towing capacity for the regular cab Ram 1500 with 3.21 differential is rated at 6,100 lb (2,800 kg) with 17-inch wheels (5,900 lb (2,700 kg) with 19-inch wheels). Crew Cab and Quad Cab models are rated at 5,700 lb (2,600 kg) and 5,800 lb (2,600 kg) respectively. Gross Combined Weight Ratings is 11,000 lb (5,000 kg) for all Ram 1500s with 3.21 axles; max 15,500 lb (7,000 kg) for 2WD Ram 1500 with long bed, 5.7L HEMI engine, and 3.92 differential. [edit] Heavy Duty Chassis Cabs (2010-)Chassis Cab versions were made for Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 models. Engine choices include 5.7L HEMI V-8 rated 383 bhp (286 kW)@5600 rpm and 542 N·m (400 lb·ft)@4000 rpm for Ram 3500, 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel rated 350 bhp (260 kW)@3013 rpm and 880 N·m (650 lb·ft)@1500 rpm for Ram 3500 (optional), 4500, 5500. Transmission choices include standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed Aisin automatic. Both transmissions support Power Take Off. Each model has regular or crew cab, single-rear-wheel (3500 only) or dual-rear-wheel, 4 cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) for 4500/5500 or 2 cab-axle lengths (60 and 84 inches) for 3500, and three trim levels (ST, SLT and Laramie). The Ram 3500 includes 2 axles with 3 axle ratios (3.42, 3.73 and 4.10) and 17-inch wheels, while Ram 4500/5500 have 1 axle with 3 axle ratios (4.10, 4.44 and 4.88) and 19.5-inch wheels. The 4500/5500 Rams rear axle is a Dana S 110. The front axle on 4x4 models is manufactured by Magna, while 2 wheel drives models just have a solid, non-drive axle. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.[14] [edit] SafetyThe Ram comes standard with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, and electronic stability program or ESP. In IIHS crash tests the Ram received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test, and a Marginal score in the side impact test.[15] It received a 5 star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA.[16] [edit] ProductionThe Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 are built in Chrysler's Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico, and the Dodge Ram 1500 is built in the St. Louis Assembly plant in St. Louis, Missouri, and at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan. [edit] Special Rams
In addition to factory equipment and appearance packages, the Ram pickup has also been offered at times with dealer-installed packages. 
How to tell a real Pace truck is a metal plate on the driver's side frame rail, with a raised number 19 on it. However, the SS/Ts do not have this.
Dodge announced a 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 job site worth of power tools, but the through-the-road method of balancing the gas engine and electric motor reportedly did not work as desired. Dodge has announced that it will use a hybrid transmission developed jointly with General Motors and BMW.[20] [edit] Chrysler bankruptcy and sale to FiatThe St. Louis North plant which makes Ram pickups will not be included in the sale of the company to Fiat. It will be leased by what is being called the "New Chrysler" until the end of 2010, at which time the plant will close.[21] [edit] Total American sales
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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