Dodge Ram truck Second Generation

1994 to 2002
Overview
Production	July 21, 1993–2001 (Ram 1500) 1993–2002 (Ram 2500 and 3500)
Designer	Phillip E. Payne (1989)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door regular cab 2-door extended cab 4-door extended cab Dually
Platform	Chrysler BR/BE platform
Powertrain
Engine	3.9 L Magnum V6 5.2 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Cummins Turbo-diesel I6 8.0 L Magnum V10
Transmission	4-speed 42RH-RE automatic 4-speed 46RH-RE automatic 4-speed 47RH-RE automatic 5-speed NV3500 manual 5-speed NV4500 manual 6-speed NV5600 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	118.7 in (3,015 mm) (2-door, short bed)134.7 in (3,421 mm) (2-door, long bed)154.7 in (3,929 mm)
Length	204.1 in (5,184 mm) 224.1 in (5,692 mm) 244.1 in (6,200 mm)
Width	79.4 in (2,017 mm) 93.5 in (2,375 mm) (Towing mirrors)
Height	77.1 in (1,958 mm)

 The Ram line was redesigned for the 1994 model year. The exterior styling was the result of design concepts by chief designer Phillip E. Payne during 1988-1990, plus extensive customer research that revealed that full-sized pickup buyers were enamored of a strong exterior design that suggested the "look of a big rig truck". Dodge Truck Product Planners recognized that while some customers would not identify with the unique design, it would mandate instant recognition for the new Dodge full-sized pickup. It featured a big rig-looking front end and a large grille and was nothing like the current Ford or Chevy/GMC pickup in design. Development began in 1986, ending in late 1992, despite being originally scheduled for a 1991 production start.

1994 This was the year that Chrysler made the move to become once again a major player in the full-size truck market. After going 22 years without any major changes, Dodge launched a completely redesigned Ram pickup, When Dodge redesigned the Ram, they opted for a big and brawnier look that also was far more aerodynamic than the previous model. Not only was the styling distinctive, but the availability of a V-10 engine put Dodge back into a leadership role. Sales soared of the new Ram in 1994 to 232,000 a massive jump of more than 140 percent.

The redesigned 1994 Ram was a sales success, with sales rocketing from 100,000 units in 1993 to 240,000 in 1994, 280,000 in 1995, and nearly 400,000 in 1996. That year, it was prominently featured as the hero vehicle in the film Twister. 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 were below those of Ford and Chevy trucks.

A regular two-door cab was the only body style initially available.The nose retained the signature four- opening chrome grille, but the hood line was raised significantly and the front fenders were sculpted, so that they bulged. Yet flush-mounted wrap-around headlights, turn signals and side markers, combined with a heavily raked windshield and flush-mounted cab side glass gave the new Ram a very modern look.

The new truck was available in three load design 1500, 2500 and 3500, which were loosely classified as the industry standard half-ton, three- quarter-ton and one-ton payload capacities. The cargo bed was a smooth-sided design, with a slight bulge over the wheel wells. The bed was available in 78 and 96 in lengths, and cargo capacities ranged from 1,678 1b to 5,340 lb.

Engine offerings continued over from the first-generation Ram and were the 3.9 L V6 rated at 170 hp, 5.2 L V8, 5.9 L V8 (220 hp), and 5.9 L I6 Cummins Turbo diesel , the 5.9-liter turbocharged diesel six (170 hp), and the large 8-liter V-10, which developed
300.The new V10 and Cummins Turbo diesel could only be had in the 2500 and higher designation models. Models were now the 1500 half-ton, 2500 three-quarter-ton, and 3500 dual-rear-wheel one-ton in both 2- and 4-wheel drive. 1500 Rams offered both 6- and 8-foot (1.8 x 2.4 m) boxes. 2500 Rams offered 6-foot (1.8 m) boxes only with quad cabs. 3500 Rams were only made with 8-foot (2.4 m) boxes.

Added to the line up was a new 488 cubic inch 8.0L V10 engine designed as an alternative for those who wanted superior pulling power but didn't want a diesel.  the large 8-liter V-10, which developed 300 hp.The V-10 created quite a stir in part because it was related to the 400 hp V-10 used in the Dodge Vipercar. This used a cast-iron block and cylinder heads and was of conventional overhead-valve design. It had electronic fuel injection and produced a prodigious 450 foot-pounds of torque. It had a compression ratio of 8.6:1l and stil could run on regular pump unleaded gasoline. Equipped with
the optional eight-liter V-10, this truck has the highest towing or payload capacity in the industry. 

Available transmission choices ranged from five-speed manuals to four-speed automatics; gear ratios and sturdiness vary according to the engine size.Underneath the Ram body was a ladder-type frame chassis with a separate body. The front suspension was a torsion bar setup and out back there were conventional leaf springs. Brakes were vented discs in front and drums at the rear. The rear drums came standard with an anti-lock system and the entire system had vacuum assist. A four-wheel anti-lock system was standard. 

Dodge offered the 2500 series in two different gross-vehicle weight ratings for the first few years, but this was later dropped. The purpose of the light duty and heavy duty 2500 trucks was for the heavy duty 2500 to take 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 trucks were Full-floating.

On the inside, the Ram offered a variety of features and trim levels. The base truck was called the LT, although a Work Special model, devoid of all but the most basic interior trim, was available. Next up was the ST model, with full carpeting, door trim and a split bench seat that had a large storage tray 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 was a storage tray with tie-downs behind the bench seat. The top-of-the-line model was the Laramie SLT, which had cruise control, a leather- wrapped tilt steering wheel, and power windows, together with an AM-FM stereo radio with cassette player and four speakers. The dash and gauge cluster were a far cry from the previous model Ram and was far more modern as well. A redesign of the dashboard and instrument cluster was introduced in 1998 along with the introduction of the quad cab, and rounded black plastic side-view mirrors replaced the previous rectangular design.

By 1995 a Club Cab body style that was available in two and four-wheel-drive models.1996 the Cummins turbo diesel six was revised and given a significant increase in power, When combined with the five-speed manual.

1997/1998 updates

In 1998, Dodge introduced the "Quad Cab", which used smaller suicide doors in the back for a door opening. This was offered as an option on the "Club Cab" for the model year. Other changes for 1998 included rounded mirrors replacing the classic square ones, a revised interior, dual airbags, a chime replacing the buzzer for seat belts/door ajar/headlights/ and a digital odometer. The OBD II System was also standard, with a computer port near the driver's-side footwell and a code-checking system via the new digital odometer readout.

In 1999 Dodge introduced a revised front end for the Sport models with a restyled bumper, quad-beam clear-lens headlamps, and body-color grille. A 6 speed manual transmission was optioned for the diesel trucks in 2001.

The 2000 models began optioning heated leather seats. The braking system was upgraded with 2 piston calipers in the front. An Offroad Edition was offered as a package with a 2 inch lift accomplished with stiffer front springs and rear lift blocks, unique 17x8 rims, 275/70/17 all terrain tires, 4.10 gears, trussed Dana 44 in the front, limited slip differential, and skid plates. Offroad Edition models are also distinguishable with an additional decal on the tailgate under the 4x4 decal that says "Offroad."

Although Dodge introduced a new Ram 1500 for 2002, the old second generation style Ram was carried over for the 2002 model year heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 trucks. The new third generation Ram would not appear in the 2500/3500 variants until 2002 as 2003 models. Part of this delay was due to the then new 5.7 L Hemi engine not being ready for production.

Drive-train

Transmissions

Transmissions for the Ram

• A500/42RH-RE lower geared light duty applications found behind the 3.9 L V6,
• A518/46RH-RE for more heavy duty applications found behind the 5.2 L and 5.9 L V8 engines.
• A618/47RH-RE for heavy duty use behind the V10 gasoline and Cummins diesel engines. The 47RH was used in 1994 and 1995 model years, while the 47RE was used from 1996 through 2002.

NV3500 was offered in 1500 Rams and light duty 2500 Rams. NV4500 was standard in 2500 and 3500 trucks The NV4500HD for V10 and diesel models(except the uncommon, light duty 2500 rams). A NV5600 was offered in 1999 and 2000 Rams and was the only transmission offered behind the High Output diesel in 2001 and 2002.

Transfer cases

There were a total of 5 transfer cases for the four-wheel-drive Ram. All were part-time and had a low range of 2.72:1. The 1500 featured a NP231 and NP231HD. The NP241 was standard on V8 2500 Rams. The 2500 and 3500 V10 and Diesel featured a NP241DLD from 1994 to 1997. In 1997 the NP241DHD became an option for 2500 Rams and was standard on 3500 Rams from 1998 to 2002.

Axles

The Dodge Ram featured a wide variety of axles. For the front axle of 4x4 Rams, a Dana 44 was used on all 1500 Rams and some, early, light duty 2500 Rams. However, most of the 2500 and all 3500 Rams used Dana 60 front axles. The 1500 Rams and some early light duty 2500 Rams used a 9.25 Chrysler ( Spicer )axle in the rear. A Dana 60 rear axle was used on heavy duty 2500 V8 Rams. A Dana 70 rear axle was used in 2500 Rams with a V10 or a Diesel/Automatic transmission combination. A Dana 80 rear axle was used on 2500 Rams with a manual transmission and V10/diesel engine combination. Every 3500 Ram was made with a Dana 80. The front drive axles in these Rams were unique in the fact they didn't feature Locking hubs, but featured a Center axle disconnect. The 2002 2500 and 3500 Rams saw the eventual phase out of the Center axle disconnect, in favor of front axles that were permanently locked in. Dodge continued to feature front axles like this for their 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks until 2013 models.

Engines

A natural gas engine debuted for 1995 but was not popular and was only used in fleet vehicles on a very limited production run. The Cummins B Series engine was switched from the 12-Valve to the 24-Valve (ISB) in the middle of the 1998 model year Dodge Rams due to emissions regulations. The ISB featured a new computer-controlled injection pump, 24-valve head design and an electric fuel transfer pump.

1995 Dodge Ram in Twister, Movie from 1996