Dodge RAM 1500 Generation 1 (1996–2002)

Dodge RAM 1500 Generation 1 (1996–2002) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Dodge RAM 1500 — body generations

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the RAM 1500

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

About this generation

The second-generation Dodge Ram began development in 1986. The original concept, dubbed the "Louisville Slugger" by Chrysler's Advanced Packaging Studio, was to be a modular platform that would accommodate a full-size truck and full-size van, which would have provided a roomy cab and cargo bed. The modular design was scrapped in 1987 and was replaced with a more conventional truck design when the design was moved to the American Motors design studio.

The more conventional design, dubbed "Phoenix", was originally scheduled for a 1991 production; when Bob Lutz showed it to the new styling designers, chief designer Phillip E. Payne told him, "It looks like nothing more than a rehash of everybody else's truck." At that, Lutz told him he had six months to come up with something better. The exterior styling of the truck that was eventually released was the result of design concepts by Payne during 1988–1990.

A review by the Dodge pick-up truck studio designers felt that modern pick-ups looked "too flat and sedan-like", while the early 1950s Studebaker pick-up and the semi-trailer trucks had just the right "macho" look to them. The design included a big-rig style front end and a large grille that was deemed risky at its introduction, but ultimately proved popular with consumers. Debuted on January 5, 1993, at the North American International Auto Show and going on sale on October 1, 1993, the redesigned 1994 Ram was a sales success and was named "Truck of the Year" by Motor Trend in 1994.

Sales increased from 95,542 units in 1993 to 232,092 in 1994, 410,000 in 1995, and 411,000 by 1996. The latter third year, it was prominently shown as the hero vehicle in the film Twister, as well as the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger. Sales of this generation peaked at just over 400,000 in 1999 before declining against the redesigned Ford and GM trucks. By 2001, Ram sales figures trailed those of Ford and GM trucks.

The engine offerings were carried over from the last generation, which were the 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8, and 5.9L I6 Cummins turbo diesel options. Added to the lineup was a 8.0L gasoline V10 designed as an alternative for those who wanted superior pulling power, but did not want a diesel (similar to GM's 7.4L V8), thus making the former the first factory V10 truck. The V10 and diesel were available in 2500/3500 models above 8,500 pounds GVWR.

Models were now the 1500 half-ton, 2500 three-quarter-ton, and 3500 dual-rear-wheel only one-ton in both two- and four-wheel drive. Ram 1500s offered both short and long cargo beds on both regular and extended Club Cabs, Ram 2500s offered only long beds with regular cabs or a choice of beds on Club Cabs, and Ram 3500s only offered long beds on both cabs. Dodge offered the 2500 series in two different GVWRs (7,500 and 8,800 pounds) from 1994 to 1996.

The heavy-duty 2500 effectively took the place of the discontinued one-ton single-rear-wheel trucks. Rear axles for the light-duty 2500 trucks were semi-floating, while the heavy-duty 2500 rear axles were full-floating. Light-duty 2500 trucks shared the frame with the 1500, were only available in regular cabs in two- or four-wheel drive, and were equipped with either the 5.2L or 5.9L V8 engine. All Ram 2500s and 3500s had eight-lug wheels.

The front axle continued to use an independent coil-sprung double-wishbone suspension on 2WD pickups, but the leaf springs on 4WD models were replaced with coil springs. Ram 3500 chassis-cab models now used a solid, coil-sprung front axle and the same frame on 2WD and 4WD models. 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.

In 1998, Dodge introduced the 4-door Quad Cab, which used smaller clamshell doors directly behind the main doors. This was the first extended cab pickup to have four doors (the 2-door Club Cab remained available through 2002).

Source: Wikipedia — Ram pickup — Second generation (1994; BR/BE), CC BY-SA.