2002–2008 (DR/DH/D1/DC/DM)
| Production | 2002–2008 (1500) 2003–2009 (2500 & 3500) |
|---|---|
| Body style | 2-door Regular cab 4-door Quad cab 4-door Mega Cab Dually |
| Platform | Chrysler DR/DH/D1/DC/DM platform |
| Engine | 3.7 L PowerTech V6 4.7 L PowerTech V8 5.7 L Hemi V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Cummins diesel I6 6.7 L Cummins diesel I6 8.0 L Magnum V10 8.3 L Viper V10 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 45RFE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic 6-speed 68RFE automatic 6-speed AS68RC 6-speed NV5600 manual 5-speed NV3500 manual |
| Wheelbase | 204.3 in (5,189 mm) 192.3 in (4,884 mm) 188.3 in (4,783 mm) 168.3 in (4,275 mm) 144.3 in (3,665 mm) 164.3 in (4,173 mm) 120.5 in (3,061 mm) 140.5 in (3,569 mm) 160.5 in (4,077 mm) |
| Length | 295.1 in (7,496 mm) 283.1 in (7,191 mm) 279.1 in (7,089 mm) 259.1 in (6,581 mm) 255.1 in (6,480 mm) 235.1 in (5,972 mm) 207.7 in (5,276 mm) 229.7 in (5,834 mm) 249.7 in (6,342 mm) |
| Width | 79.5 in (2,019 mm) 96 in (2,438 mm) (Towing mirrors) |
| Height | 75.7-80.8 in (1923–2052 mm) |
The third-generation Ram debuted for 2002 on 1500 models and 2003 on 2500 and 3500 models. This was a major update including an all new frame, suspension, powertrains, interiors, and sheet metal. It included a larger grille, and special models kept interest up as most competitors had adopted the Ram's separate-fender look. The crew cab models for this generation were actually extended cab trucks that had conventional-opening rear doors. The four-wheel-drive light trucks (1500 series) lost their live axles in favor of an independent front suspension, but the 2500 and 3500 series retained the live axles for maximum longevity and durability. This body style draws heavily from the previous generation.
The redesigned trucks bolstered sales, with 400,000 sold in 2002 and nearly 450,000 sold in 2003, a new high point for the Ram name. At the same time, both Ford and GM trucks were increasing in sales from a 2001 peak over 850,000 to the 900,000 range. But the Ram's sales could not keep up with the eleventh-generation F-150 and the new Nissan Titan in 2004 and 2005, with 400,543 Rams sold that year. The primary reason was that Dodge did not manufacture a crew cab to compete with Ford and other manufacturers.
Read more about this topic: Dodge Ram