Dodge Ram History, 1981 to 1993: The 'D' Trucks

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. Externally, the first-generation Rams were facelifted versions of the previous generation Dodge D-series pickups (known as the Adventurer) dating back to 1972 with wraparound taillights and square headlights.

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 received 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 received fuel injection that year for 20 hp (15 kW) more power. 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.

B-Series Cummins Arrives:

A Cummins turbodiesel 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. These early B Series engines have been know to go 350,000 miles before first overhaul.

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)