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 vehicles.
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 2009 Dodge Ram will be the fourth-generation of this light-duty truck.
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.
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 2009 Dodge Ram will be the fourth-generation of this light-duty truck.
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.
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 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 cubic inch, 3.7 L 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. 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).
D100 models were added for 1984, replacing the previous "Miser" trim level available on the D150. The D100 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 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[1].
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. The Cummins Turbo Diesel was also added to the engine lineup and for the first time, Dodge saw sales go up. The Cummins could be had 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.
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 multiport fuel injection, new manifolds and higher compression cylinder heads for noticeably higher output. These newly-revised engines were marketed under the "Magnum" name. A heavier-duty overdrive 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.
D100 models were added for 1984, replacing the previous "Miser" trim level available on the D150. The D100 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 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[1].
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. The Cummins Turbo Diesel was also added to the engine lineup and for the first time, Dodge saw sales go up. The Cummins could be had 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.
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 multiport fuel injection, new manifolds and higher compression cylinder heads for noticeably higher output. These newly-revised engines were marketed under the "Magnum" name. A heavier-duty overdrive 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.
The fourth generation Dodge Ram was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.[3] This latest generation will be sold as the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 starting in Fall 2008. A light-duty diesel version will be released after 2009 and a two-mode hybrid version will be released in the 2010 model year. [4]
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, Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra [5]. As such, Chrysler LLC is attempting to keep the Ram competitive in the market through various innovations with its latest model, developing a new four-door cab style offering, an entirely new rear-suspension system, a new top engine offering dubbed the HEMI Eagle 5.7L V8 and the "RamBox" storage system, which allows secure storage inside the truck’s bed walls. [6]
The 5.7 L HEMI V8's output has been increased by 35 hp (26 kW) to 390 hp (291 kW) and 404 lb·ft (548 N·m), and fuel efficiency has been slightly increased by 4%. The 4.7 L H.O PowerTech V8 produces 310 hp (231 kW) and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m), and the 3.7 L PowerTech V6 continues with 215 hp (160 kW) and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m).[4] A 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. The Mega Cab option will be deleted, at least on the 1500 series, replaced by a true four door cab.[5]
A photo of the new model was leaked through Dodge's own Mopar website in 2007[6].
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, Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra [5]. As such, Chrysler LLC is attempting to keep the Ram competitive in the market through various innovations with its latest model, developing a new four-door cab style offering, an entirely new rear-suspension system, a new top engine offering dubbed the HEMI Eagle 5.7L V8 and the "RamBox" storage system, which allows secure storage inside the truck’s bed walls. [6]
The 5.7 L HEMI V8's output has been increased by 35 hp (26 kW) to 390 hp (291 kW) and 404 lb·ft (548 N·m), and fuel efficiency has been slightly increased by 4%. The 4.7 L H.O PowerTech V8 produces 310 hp (231 kW) and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m), and the 3.7 L PowerTech V6 continues with 215 hp (160 kW) and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m).[4] A 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. The Mega Cab option will be deleted, at least on the 1500 series, replaced by a true four door cab.[5]
A photo of the new model was leaked through Dodge's own Mopar website in 2007[6].
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