Dodge Ram Chronology

2006 Model Year

• Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on 5.7-liter engine is a fully functioning cylinder deactivation system on a pickup truck (first for segment) and enables fuel economy improvements of up to 20 percent
• Variable Line Pressure (VLP) feature on four-speed automatic transmission (mated with 3.7-liter V-6 engine) results in improved fuel economy and smoother shifts
• Front-axle disconnect system (standard on 4x4 models) minimizes energy consumption and improves fuel economy
• NV244 full-time electric transfer case standard on all 4x4 models delivers 45/55 front/rear torque split when four-wheel drive is activated
• Optional all-wheel-drive electronic transfer case
• “Tow/haul” feature provides crisper shifts and reduces gear searching when towing
• Re-engineered hydroformed, fully boxed frame with increased torsional rigidity and bending stiffness for enhanced ride and handling capability and reduced transfer of noise Reduced drag brake calipers contributing to enhanced aerodynamics
• Coil-over shock, double wishbone front suspension on 4x4 models
• Specifically tuned monotube shock absorbers
• Re-tuned springs, jounce bumpers and suspension bushings for enhanced driving dynamics
• Re-engineered body mount design results in quieter cabin experience and more comfortable ride
• Re-engineered engine and transmission mounts for enhanced ride and handling characteristics

• 17-inch aluminum with unique finish (SLT, TRX and TRX4 package)
• 20-inch aluminum (optional on SLT)
• 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum (Laramie)
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum (standard on new Sport package, optional on SLT and Laramie)

2006 Model Year

• Thicker front door glass and re-engineered door seals for reduced wind noise contributes to interior cabin quietness
• Polymer constraint layer on front of dash panel for enhanced engine and road noise abatement
• Rear spoiler positioned on rear liftgate contributes to enhanced vehicle aerodynamics
• Redesigned headlamps, grille, front fascia and fender assemblies
• Enhanced headlamp performance
• Optional power sliding backlight
• Available in nine colors, including Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat and Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
• Redesigned instrument panel with four trim levels
• Optional full-screen navigation radio
• Optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system on Quad Cabs
• Optional front bucket seats with full center console available on SLT, Sport package and Laramie
• Rear-seat ladder-style headrests on Quad Cab
• Enhanced seat design features including optional bucket seats, enhanced leather offerings and French-stitched sew lines
• Upscale finishes, including Maple Pommele accents on instrument panel and doors and Satin Silver II accents on control knobs
• Interior color offerings: Khaki and Medium Slate Gray
• New hydroformed frame enables greater front crush zone for enhanced absorption and crash energy dissipation
• Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags and knee bolsters
• Weight-based Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlling front passenger air bag deployment (Quad Cabs)

2005 Model Year

• New sun roof available on Quad Cab Short Box
• New tailgate badging—Ram’s Head replaces “DODGE” nameplate
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® technology; optional on SLT and Laramie
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio optional on Quad Cab Short Box SLT and Laramie(a)
• New transmission mounts for manual transmissions improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
• 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine upgrade provides improved idle quality and fuel economy refinements. Engine upgrade includes a new camshaft profile, lash adjusters, low-tension piston rings and a 9.7:1 compression ratio
• 4.7-liter V-8 engine adds knock sensors and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for improved efficiency
• Getrag 238 six-speed manual transmission replaces the NV3500 five-speed manual on 3.7-liter and 4.7-liter Magnum engines
• Low Lockup Speed and turbine damper added to 545RFE with 4.7-liter engine. The turbine damper improves NVH performance allowing for torque converter lockup clutch application at lower speeds

2004 Model Year

• Full-time electric shift optional on Laramie and SLT
• Tow/haul mode offered on light-duty models with automatic transmission
• Flexible fuel version of 4.7-liter engine available to fleet customers
• Optional larger 34-gallon fuel tank on 1500 Quad Cab with standard bed
• The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 receives exhaust gas recirculation for improved efficiency
• New exterior color: Deep Molten Red replaces Garnet Red
• New adjustable rear seat outboard head restraints standard on Quad Cab
• Chrome bodyside moldings standard for Laramie
• Chrome surround grille with chrome billet inserts for Laramie standard
• Body-color side moldings now standard with Sport appearance group
• Chrome-clad wheels now standard on Laramie
• New available navigation radio with 4.9-inch full-color display, AM/FM stereo, CD player, 11 speakers, 240-watt amplifier and DVD-based navigation system
• Satin Silver door and instrument panel bezels for Laramie
• Laramie model features new seat appearance, with unique leather seat design with high-contrast color seat inserts
• Laramie J Package (includes ash receiver, cup holder, vanity mirror lamps for driver and passenger, glove box lighting, switchable dome lamp and electrochromic rearview mirror)

2003 Model Year

• All-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 replaces 5.9-liter
• 5-45RFE multi-speed automatic transmission available with 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter engines
• Optional rear window defogger (mid-year introduction)
• SLT Plus is rebadged as Laramie on regular and Quad Cab models with an extensive list of standard features
• New tow hooks standard on Laramie four-wheel drive, optional in Protection Group for four-wheel drive ST and SLT and optional with two-wheel drive ST, SLT and Laramie
• Adjustable pedals with manual transmission—Optional
• AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD—Optional
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are packaged with AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CD player or an AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and six-disc in-dash CD changer—SLT; both equipped with 11-speaker Infinity® system
• Electronic throttle control on 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 engine
• Automatic locking retractor added to front passenger seat belt
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system added to regular and Quad Cab models

2002 Model Year

• Two- and four-wheel-drive models with regular and Quad Cab bodies
• Three equipment levels—ST, SLT and SLT Plus
• Sport Appearance Group and Sport Appearance Group with 20-inch wheels and tires—Optional SLT and SLT Plus
• Next-generation 3.7-liter Magnum SOHC, SMPI V-6 engine with balance shaft
• Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum SOHC, SMPI V-8 engine
• 45RFE multi-speed automatic transmission
• Available electric-shift four-wheel-drive transfer case
• Refined manual four-wheel-drive transfer case
• All-new frames with fully boxed side rails
• Independent front suspension on four-wheel-drive models
• Refined two-wheel-drive suspension systems
• Rack and pinion steering
• P245/70R17 standard tires
• P275/55R20 on two-wheel-drive models and P275/60R20 on four-wheel-drive models
• Standard four-wheel disc brakes—Largest in the industry
• Truck-industry first dual-rate power brake booster
• All-new, roomier, stiffer body structure
• Bed length of short-box models reduced to provide increased cab interior roominess
• Industry-exclusive wide-opening forward-hinged rear door with outside door handles and full roll-down windows
• Trailer Tow outside mirrors with rotating heads for improved rearward visibility
• Structural rear bumper—Class III trailer towing capability without added equipment
• Class IV trailer hitch platform—Integrated with rear bumper structure
• Extended regular and Quad Cab interiors—Roomiest in the industry
• Power adjustable pedals with automatic transmission—Optional SLT, in SLT Plus
• All-new, customer-oriented interior with added storage
• All-new seats for increased passenger comfort
• 60/40 split/folding rear seat—Available on SLT and SLT Plus Quad Cab models
• Improved storage compartments under rear seats on Quad Cab models
• Steel fold-flat load floor—Available on SLT and SLT Plus Quad Cab models
• Larger, more versatile cab-back storage systems on regular cab models
• Pickup truck-first Dual-Zone Climate Control—SLT Plus
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with customer-programmable features—SLT Plus
• Best-in-class optional Infinity premium speaker system—11 premium speakers in seven locations and a 240-watt digital amplifier
• Truck-industry first side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) for front and rear seat outboard occupants—Optional
  Adjustable front seat head restraints—Standard
• Outboard front seat belt pretensioners—Standard
• Enhanced interior head impact protection—Standard
• Extension of Quad Cab body allows use of rearward-facing child seats in back seat

2001 Model Year

• July 2000 Production
• Club Cab body style discontinued
• User-ready child seat upper anchors on cab back panels
• January 2000 Production
• High Output Cummins turbo diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission only (245 horsepower and 505 lb.-ft. torque)

2000 Model Year

• Eight-foot box with 1500 Club Cab body discontinued
• New front suspension and steering systems on all models
• All-new brake system with dual-piston front disc brake calipers and quick-response vacuum booster

1999 Model Year

• Upgraded Sport Appearance Group — Front bumper and fascia, grille, quad headlamps

1998 Model Year

• Quad Cab body style introduced
• Next-generation driver and front-passenger air bags (running change) (a)
• Passenger air bag cutoff switch (regular cab and Quad Cab only) (running change) (b)
• Removable storage module under rear seats of Quad Cab (mid-year introduction)

1995 Model Year

• Club Cab model added

1994 Model Year

• All-new regular cab models introduced
• Model designations changed to 1500, 2500 and 3500

(b) Important—Always remove key and replace cover. Rearward-facing child seats may be used in the front seat only with the passenger air bag turned off.