Dodge Ram 1500 with Optional HEMI Power
Dodge Ram 2002 to 2007: 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.
The redesigned DR trucks reignited 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 declining from a 2001 peak over 900,000 to the 850,000 area. But the Ram's sales could not keep up with the eleventh-generation F-150 and the strong Nissan Titan in 2004 and 2005, with 400,543 Rams sold that year. The Toyota Tundra had never posed much of a threat, but a much larger 2007 model may erode Dodge sales further.
Special 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 154.587mph (247,3 km/h).[1] This record stood until bettered by the Australian, El Camino-inspired, Holden Special Vehicles Maloo R8 in May 2006[citation needed]. 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.
Power Wagon - Introduced for 2005, the Power Wagon is an off-road focused version of the Ram. 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 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 Rumblebees were 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 reminescent of the famous Dodge Charger Daytona from the late 1960s. The Daytona's have a black body stripe to match the rear spoiler and come in Silver or "Go Mango" paint with matching interior trim.
Dodge Ram 2002 to 2007: 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.
The redesigned DR trucks reignited 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 declining from a 2001 peak over 900,000 to the 850,000 area. But the Ram's sales could not keep up with the eleventh-generation F-150 and the strong Nissan Titan in 2004 and 2005, with 400,543 Rams sold that year. The Toyota Tundra had never posed much of a threat, but a much larger 2007 model may erode Dodge sales further.
Special 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 154.587mph (247,3 km/h).[1] This record stood until bettered by the Australian, El Camino-inspired, Holden Special Vehicles Maloo R8 in May 2006[citation needed]. 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.
Power Wagon - Introduced for 2005, the Power Wagon is an off-road focused version of the Ram. 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 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 Rumblebees were 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 reminescent of the famous Dodge Charger Daytona from the late 1960s. The Daytona's have a black body stripe to match the rear spoiler and come in Silver or "Go Mango" paint with matching interior trim.