Ram History, Gen 3

Dodge Ram History, 2002 to 2005: The 'DR' Trucks

The third-generation Ram debuted for 2002. This represented a major update including all new frame, suspension, power teams, interiors, and sheetmetal. It included an even larger grille, and special models kept interest up as most competitors had adopted the Ram's separate-fender look. The Cummins ISB Diesel was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2004. The four wheel drive light duty trucks (1500 series) lost their live axles in trade for an independent front suspension, but the heavy duty (2500 and 3500 series) retained the live axles for maximum durability and load capacity.

Special Edition Rams:

SRT-10 This version is a regular or quad-cab body with the Dodge Viper's V10 engine, massive Pirelli 22" rimmed tires, custom lowered suspension, unique bucket seats, full body kit, and a spoiler. The 2004 version was available only in a single cab with a 6 speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. For 2005, Dodge debuted a Quad Cab version of the Viper V10 powered truck. It now has a 48RE four speed auto transmission that was taken from the Heavy Duty Rams with the Cummins engine. In 2004, the truck won the Guinness record of "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck" of 154.587 mph (247.3 km/h). This record stood until bettered by the Australian Holden Special Vehicles Maloo R8 in May 2006. SRT-10 production ended on June 30, 2006. It is rumored that the SRT-10 will eventually be replaced by an SRT-8 model featuring a larger displacement Hemi-powered V8. The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is said to overpower the Dodge Ram SRT-10 as stated in Car and Driver.com; it has 450 hp and 500 lb/ft of torque.
Power Wagon - Introduced for 2005, the Power Wagon is an off-road focused version of the Ram. This model takes its name from Dodge's Power Wagon line of work trucks made from 1946 until 1980. It comes with the 5.7L Hemi engine, locking differentials, disconnecting anti-roll bars, oversized off-road tires, winch, fender flares, and "Power Wagon" nameplates instead of the standard Ram badging.
Rumble Bee - The Rumble Bee is a limited edition sport-truck edition of the Hemi Ram. It was only available on regular cab/short-box pickups and included lower body cladding, 20in wheels, a hood scoop, upgraded exhaust and a specially-trimmed interior including a serialized number plate. On the rear of the box was a stripe with a "Rumble Bee" picture, meant to be reminiscent of the Super Bee. All Rumble Bees were either black with yellow trim or yellow with black trim.
HemiSport - The HemiSport Edition was the Quad Cab version of the Rumble Bee, and was introduced in 2004. It was available in black, red or silver, and with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It was equipped similarly to the Rumble Bee, but without the number plaque. The HemiSport was discontinued for 2006.
Daytona - Introduced for 2005, the Ram Daytona is a new sport-truck edition of the Hemi Ram. It is available in Regular or Quad-Cab styles and features lower body cladding, 20in chrome wheels, SRT-10 hood, Borla dual exhaust, serialized number plate, and a tall rear spoiler reminiscent of the famous Dodge Charger Daytona from the late 1960s. The Daytonas have a black body stripe to match the rear spoiler and come in Silver or "Go Mango" paint with matching interior trim.
GTX - In 2004-2005, L.A. West created a new GTX package. The GTX is not a Dodge name; it's a 3^rd party customization. This package was very similar to the Rumble Bee in that it shared the Hemi engine, unique 20" wheels, cowl hood scoop and specially-trimmed leather interior, but didn't have the lower body cladding and the stripes were different. These were available in Sublime Green, Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy Purple, and Banana Yellow, all with a soft black tonneau cover and unique black-accented stripes and decals. In 2004 this was available only in a standard cab but a Quad Cab version became available in 2005. It was discontinued for 2006.
Lone Star Edition
Thunder Road Edition
Big Horn Edition
Hemi Express
Hemi Express California
Orange County Choppers

Hybrid:

Dodge announced a mild 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 press currently reports that the hybrid Ram will be available only for fleet purchasers and will not enter mass production. It offered an AC electrical outlet panel for running an entire jobsite worth of power tools.

Engines:

2002-2005 3.7 L PowerTech V6, 215 hp (160 kW) at 5200 rpm and 235 ft·lbf (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm (Ram 1500)
2002-2005 4.7 L PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175.2 kW) at 4400 rpm and 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 3500 rpm (Ram 1500)
2002 only 5.9 L Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW) supplanted by the Hemi
2002-2005 5.9 L Cummins ISB Diesel I6, 325 hp (242 kW) at 2900 rpm and 610 ft·lbf (827 N·m) at 1600 rpm (Ram 2500/3500)
2003-2005 5.7 L (346 in³) Hemi V8, 345 hp (257 kW) at 5400 rpm and 375 ft·lbf (508 N·m) at 4200 rpm (Ram 1500/2500/3500)
2004-2005 8.3 L Viper V10 V10, 500 hp (373 kW) 525ftlb (SRT-10 Ram)

Chrome tubular side steps and grille protector

2006 to date: The 'DR/DH' Refresh

Another change that was instituted in the mid-2005 model year, was the replacement of the first version 5.7L 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.

The 2007.5 version of the Dodge Ram features a slightly different version of the Cummins B6.7 rated at 350 hp (261 kW) and 650 ft·lbf (881 N·m).

In 2007 Dodge introduced the 3500 Heavy Duty Chassis Cab, engineered for commercial upfit with stake, dump, wrecker, platform, service, and other aftermarket beds available, using a standard frame. Some changes over the 3500 pickup include a 53 gal fuel tank, a stronger flat rear frame in standard commercial sizing, and higher towing, payload, and a GVWR of 10,200 lb. It is available with the 5.7 L Hemi V8 and is the first Dodge truck available with the 6.7L Cummins B6.7 inline-6 diesel engine rated at 305 hp (227 kW) and 610 ft·lbf (827 N·m).

For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the 4500 and 5500. These are officially classified as medium-duty trucks with a GVWR of 16,500 and 19,500 for the 4500 and 5500, respectively. Both models come standard with the same Cummins 6.7L diesel used in the 3500 Chassis Cab. Sterling Truckss, who worked with Dodge in development, has their own version called Bullet with a unique grille.^[2] Sterling is a division of Freightliner LLC which, like Dodge, is owned by DaimlerChrysler.

Read about the features of the 2006 and 2007 models.