Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 Specifications 2003

Preliminary Specifications

All dimensions are in inches (millimetres) unless otherwise
noted.
All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires and
wheels.

Dimensions and Capacities

• The new Dodge Ram 2500/3500-just as tough under the skin

What goes into a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty chassis? First, the
stiffest frame available, extensively hydroformed and tough
enough to deliver a segment-leading payload rating of 12,000
lbs. (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Next, enough innovation to
provide the best steering and handling heavy-duty pickup on
the market with the introduction of a rack and pinion steering
system on 4×2 models. And finally, an independent front
suspension for two-wheel drive models and heavy-duty beam
front and rear axles for four-wheel drive models, all adding
up to a Ram Heavy Duty chassis that can cover ground smoothly
both on- and off-road, and take the abuse of hard-working Ram
customers.

New Levels of Ride and Handling
Designed as a package, Ram’s hydro formed frame, outstanding
frame stiffness and standard 17-inch wheels and tires-the
largest offered on a heavy-duty pickup-combine to provide
excellent ride and handling and reduced noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH) characteristics without diminishing durability
and load ratings. At 13.9 inches front and rear, Dodge Ram
Heavy Duty’s standard brake rotors are the largest offered on
a heavy-duty pickup. Incorporating standard four-wheel ABS
brakes, they deliver best-in-class stopping distances.

Stiffest Frame Ever on a Dodge Ram pickup
The frames for the 2500 and 3500 Dodge Rams follow the same
formula as the all-new 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, utilizing
hydroformed “box” sections that are far stiffer than on the
previous-generation Ram, and contribute to reduced NVH and
improved steering and handling precision.

The extensive use of hydroformed and boxed sections also
simplify the frame manufacturing process and reduce the number
of welds, contributing to improvements in dimensional
integrity and durability by limiting variations in the
manufacturing process. Because 2500 and 3500 series carry much
heavier loads than their light-duty siblings, the frames are
noticeably more robust.

New Steering Systems Aid Handling and Safety
While two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions of the all-new
2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty use different steering systems, each
designed to provide excellent feedback and precision.

“We went to great lengths to ensure that the steering feel
on these Heavy Duty Rams was second to none,” said Frank
Klegon, Vice President, Truck Product Team.

Two-wheel drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature a new
rack and pinion-type steering system that delivers precision
effort, feel and response tuned to give the driver precise
control and positive feedback.

Four-wheel drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks have a redesigned
recirculating ball system made to more exacting tolerances
than their predecessors. The new system improves on-center
steering feel through lower internal friction and responds
more precisely, with responsiveness enhanced by a quicker
ratio. In fact, at 13.4:1 and 2.75 turns lock-to-lock,
heavy-duty four-wheel drive Dodge Rams have the quickest
steering ratio in the industry. The faster ratio is especially
effective in a heavy-duty truck when turning sharp corners, or
maneuvering a trailer in tight quarters.

New Suspensions Provide Smooth and Durable Hauling
Ability
The 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups feature new suspension
systems designed to provide better ride and handling, without
diminishing Ram’s tough work ethic.

Since the majority of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups are
ordered with four-wheel drive, Ram’s off-road performance is a
key selling point. To improve off-road performance, the 2003
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature new transfer cases and new
beam axles.
The beam axle system can sustain the types of off-road load
forces the truck will endure, while providing improved load
ratings.

Dodge Ram 2500s and 3500s provide a new suspension system
for four-wheel drive units. Front suspension on
four-wheel-drives is a refined version of the five-link,
coil-spring suspension used on the previous-generation Dodge
Ram Heavy Duty, with a new front beam axle. The system
furnishes an outstanding combination of ride, handling and
off-road operating characteristics.

Rear suspension architecture is common to both two-wheel
and four-wheel drive models. It continues to use longitudinal
leaf springs, but the springs are three inches longer than
2002 models. The added length reduces spring stresses. The
standard two-stage springs used on 2500 series have three
leaves to carry normal loads while providing a comfortable
ride and an additional leaf to support heavy loads.

All 3500 series feature reduced spring rates for unloaded
and lightly loaded conditions to improve ride quality. To
support the full-rated load, all 3500 series include separate
auxiliary leaf springs.

On two-wheel drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups, a new
front suspension geometry delivers caster, camber and toe
patterns that remain consistent throughout the full range of
travel. A wider lateral rear spring span than on the prior
model creates less cornering lean without compromising ride
quality. Longer, flatter rear leaf springs and stiffer frames
are also found on all new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty.

Biggest Brakes in Heavy-Duty Class
Internal competitive tests show that the Dodge Ram Heavy
Duty’s four-wheel ABS disc brake system provides best-in-class
stopping distance. At 13.9 inches (353 mm) front and rear, Ram
pickup’s brake rotors are the largest in the heavy-duty
segment. These larger rotors, with swept area increases of 42
percent front and 45 percent rear, are made possible by the
change to 17 inch wheels and more voluminous linings, which
increase braking power, extend lining life, and increase heat
dissipation.

A dual-rate vacuum booster, first introduced to the
industry in 2002 on the 1500 Dodge Ram, gives the 2500 and
3500 series more stopping ability at high brake pedal loads
than single-rate boosters used by competitors. Overall, the
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty’s brake system gives the driver a sense
of confidence that it can handle any situation.

New Transfer Case Choices
Two new transfer cases are available on 2500 and 3500
four-wheel drive models, a conventional manual shift and new
electric shift. The manual-shift unit is standard on ST and
SLT models. The electric-shift unit is standard on SLT Plus
models. These new transfer cases provide quieter operation and
improved quality and durability.

©1998-2002 DaimlerChrysler. All rights reserved.

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Matches Value with
Power and Capability

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 19, 2002 – Chrysler Group today
announced pricing for the all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups. The
all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty debuts as the most powerful heavy-duty
pickup on the market, and features a base Manufacturer Suggested Retail
Price (MSRP) of $22,540 (plus $740 destination) that includes the
legendary HEMI® V-8, which returns as the most powerful standard engine
in the segment.

The toughest Dodge Ram trucks ever made need powertrains to match, and
partnering the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum is the all-new 305
horsepower High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel, which delivers a
class-leading 555 lb.-ft. and class-leading Gross Combined Weight Rating
of 23,000 lbs.

“With a standard 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 and an available Cummins
Turbo Diesel, the most powerful diesel engine available, Dodge Ram Heavy
Duty trucks live up to their reputation as the most powerful, the
longest lasting and the most capable line of pickups available on the
planet,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President of Dodge Marketing. “The
combination of those attributes with very competitive pricing, the ‘Big
Rig’ styling introduced on Ram 1500 and exceptional interior packaging,
make the new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty the benchmark of the heavy-duty
segment.”

Priced competitively, the 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty boasts the 345
horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum as standard equipment, a full 100
horsepower increase over the previous standard V-8. Ram Heavy Duty also
features standard air conditioning, the largest standard wheels and
tires in the segment, the largest brakes in the segment equipped with
standard four-wheel disc ABS.

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty was designed to be as durable as it is powerful,
and Ram is the only truck in the heavy-duty segment to offer an
industry-leading seven year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. The
warranty, which is fully transferable to subsequent owners at no extra
cost, is provided free of charge. Components covered by the “7/70
Powertrain Warranty” include engines, transmissions/transaxles, transfer
cases and axles.

The base price on the 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Regular Cab ST 2500 4×2,
featuring standard HEMI Magnum power, is $23,280 ($740 destination
charge included). A typically equipped Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 Regular
Cab ST 4×2 model is $24,365, only a $175 increase versus the 2002 model
it replaces and, like all new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups,
featuring increased standard equipment. The 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
3500 Regular Cab ST 4×2 has a base price of $25,165. Typically equipped
to the consumer, the price is $26,259, up just $175 versus the 2002
Heavy Duty 3500.

Featuring a host of new standard equipment offerings, the all-new 2003
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty maintains the strong market position established by
the new Dodge Ram 1500,which was ranked first in owner
satisfaction in AutoPacific Inc.’s 2002 Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS)
study. Dodge Ram Heavy Duty also boasts an additional three inches of
cab space on the Regular Cab models and is the only Regular Cab that can
fit a set of golf clubs behind the seats. Ram Quad Cab™ models also
feature substantially increased interior room and the added versatility
of four, real doors.

The all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are produced at the
Company’s Saltillo, Mexico and St. Louis North Assembly Plants.

Dodge
Bulletin:

2003
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Debuts All-New 5.7-Liter HEMI® Magnum V-8 and the
All-New Cummins Turbo Diesel

·
Dodge debuts new dynamic duo: The return of

a legend and the most powerful heavy-duty diesel truck engine
available

Auburn Hills, Mich., Feb 7, 2002 – The toughest Dodge Ram pickups
ever made need powertrains to match, and nothing less than the legendary
HEMI® and Cummins names are worthy enough to power the all-new 2003
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty.

More than just a famous name, the all-new, 345 horsepower, 5.7-liter
HEMI Magnum V-8 is a melding of the much revered hemispherical
combustion system architecture and modern materials, electronics and
manufacturing technology. Designed to create class-leading performance
while maintaining heavy-duty truck durability, the new HEMI Magnum
boasts best-in-class acceleration and towing.

Powerful and with legions of loyal owners, the name Cummins is as well
respected in the heavy-duty market as HEMI is in relation to Chrysler
and Dodge. With the new high-pressure, common-rail Cummins Turbo Diesel,
the Cummins legend grows. The new 5.9-liter inline six turbo diesel is
now simply the most powerful heavy-duty truck diesel engine available.
Period.

“The new 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 engine and the new High Output
Cummins Turbo Diesel are essential to the success of the 2500 and 3500
Dodge Rams,” said Rich chaum, Executive Vice President, Product
Development and Quality. “Powertrains and Powertrain choice are
absolutely critical in this market segment, and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
owners are some of our most technically savvy consumers. They are also
the most loyal, making Dodge Ram Heavy Duty the Chrysler Group’s top
vehicle for owner loyalty.”

“When you combine the advances we have made in hydroformed frames,
chassis design and the class-leading interior packaging, with the new
345 horsepower, 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum gasoline engine and new High
Output Cummins Turbo Diesel—which produces the most torque of any
production diesel truck engine in its class—you get the best heavy-duty
truck on the market,” added Schaum.

Ram V-10 Rounds Out Class-leading Powertrain Offerings
Rounding out the engine offerings for the all-new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
is the famous 8.0-liter, V-10 Magnum engine. Known for its massive 450
lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm, the V-10 Magnum provides effortless
acceleration and powerful towing capabilities. Ram was the first V-10
powered truck, and the durable V-10 Magnum returns to offer Ram
customers one of the most complete powertrain lineups of any
manufacturer.

The legend returns…
The all-new 345 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8
The all-new 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 herald the return of one of the
most legendary names in automotive lore, HEMI. The new 5.7-liter HEMI
Magnum engine is the standard engine on the all-new Dodge Ram Heavy
Duty, producing a class-leading 345 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 365
lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum provides more
power than competitive standard V-8 engines. In fact, versus competitive
vehicles with similar size gasoline engines, it provides best-in-class
acceleration and towing capability.

Although the name is legendary, the new HEMI is no throwback. It
features cross-flow aluminum cylinder heads with hemispherical
combustion chambers and investment cast, steel rocker arm actuated
splayed valves for high air flow; two spark plugs per cylinder for fast,
efficient combustion; and a new direct ignition system with high-power
coils ensuring consistent, complete combustion. A fully-balanced, cast,
nodular iron crankshaft running in cross-bolted steel main bearing caps
reduces deflection and vibration for better drivability.

“Although based on the legendary HEMI engine design, this is one of the
most technologically advanced engines ever engineered by the Chrysler
Group,” said Floyd Allen, Vice President, Product Powertrain Team. “The
new 5.7-Liter HEMI Magnum utilizes such advances as a composite
integrated air fuel module and electronic throttle control. The
hemispherical head design allows the use of larger valves and provides
better air flow to the combustion chambers.”

To power a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, an engine needs more than just
class-leading power and a great name. Reliability and dependability are
hallmarks of Heavy Duty Dodge Rams, and to ensure that the new 5.7-liter
HEMI Magnum upholds those traditions, it was subjected to a rigorous
reliability program, accumulating more than 7.5 million customer
equivalent miles.

“Our owners want a tough, durable truck that gets the job done, no
questions asked,” said Frank Klegon, Vice President Truck Product Team.
“And that is exactly how we designed the all-new Dodge Ram 2500 and
3500.”

The All-New High Pressure Common Rail Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Torque, torque and more torque!
Delivering 555 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm and 305 horsepower at
2,900 rpm, the new 5.9-liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel is the
most powerful turbo diesel engine available in the 2500/3500 market. The
new High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel also delivers a class-leading
trailer towing rating of 23,000 lbs. (Gross Combined Weight Rating).

With nearly 75 percent of Ram 2500/3500s being sold with the Cummins
Turbo Diesel engine option, it has developed one of the most devoted
followings of any heavy-duty pickup. Cummins owners will accept nothing
but the best, and the new high-pressure, common rail fuel-injection
turbo diesel delivers.

“Dodge Cummins owners are very exacting in what they want,” said Dennis
Hurst, Executive Director, Cummins Engineering. “Simply put, they want
the strongest and
most durable product available and they will not be disappointed with
this engine. We have delivered the most powerful diesel available in
this class, while improving the drivability, durability and fuel
efficiency. This new engine is also much quieter than its predecessor,
but still retains the diesel power, torque and toughness that our
customers demand.”

In fact, the new 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is so tough it is
certified to a longer engine life compared to the diesels offered by top
competitors from Chevrolet and Ford. The Cummins engine has an average
major overhaul interval of 350,000 miles, providing a substantial
advantage over the competition. An inline six, the new 5.9-liter Cummins
has 30 to 40 percent fewer parts than typical V-8 diesels, which means
added durability and better reliability.

New High-Pressure Common Rail Injection System
More than just the master of big twist, the new Cummins Turbo Diesel has
been radically overhauled. Quietness, power and durability are the
hallmarks of the new high-pressure, common rail fuel-injected Cummins.
The new high-pressure common rail fuel injection systems designed for
the 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty utilizes pilot injection—the injection of
a small amount of fuel that starts combustion, before the main,
power-producing, fuel charge is injected. This has the effect of
smoothing out combustion pressure in the cylinder, which can be the
primary source of low- and mid-range speed noise in diesel engines.

A gear-driven injection pump delivers fuel to the rail and is
electronically controlled to
optimize fuel pressure at the individual injectors. The system provides
injection pressures up to 23,200 psi (1600 Bar) and is less dependent on
engine speed than traditional pump-line injection system. The result is
cleaner combustion and higher low-speed torque with better vehicle
response and acceleration.

In addition to the use of pilot injection to smooth combustion pressure,
the fuel-injection calibration – timing, pressure and quantity- has been
refined across the entire range of speeds and loads to ensure smooth,
quiet combustion. The use of pilot injection during starting also
provides gasoline engine-like cold starting capability (verified at -40
F).

Class-Leading Power and World Beating Durability
Not only is the High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel the most powerful
diesel engine available in a full-size pickup, it is also one of the
most drivable throughout all operating ranges. Maximum torque for the
common rail injected Cummins Turbo Diesel occurs 400 rpm lower than the
GM Duramax, and 100 rpm lower than the Ford Power Stroke. The Cummins
Turbo Diesel engine also produce 20 percent more torque at 1000 rpm, and
10 percent higher clutch engagement torque than its predecessor. That
relates to noticeably better vehicle launch when towing and
accelerating, better drivability and fewer and smoother shifts.

The new High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is as powerful as it is
durable, delivering class-leading trailer towing capability (23,000 lbs.
GCWR), which is the result of class-dominating torque of 555 lb.-ft. at
1,400 rpm and 305 horsepower at 2,900 rpm. The standard Cummins Turbo
Diesel, which also employs high-pressure, common rail injection, boosts
its horsepower rating to an impressive 250 horsepower at 2,900 rpm (up
from 235 horsepower at 2,700 rpm) and produces an equally impressive 460
lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm.

©1998-2002 DaimlerChrysler. All rights reserved.

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