[SuperBurban]

1972-1993 Truck & Ramcharger Changes

1972

Models incorporated more comfort, convenience and serviceability. Larger windshield and back window improved outward visibility. Curved door glass added four inches of shoulder room. Gauges were recessed to prevent glare. Fuse box and emergency flashers were located behind the glove box door for easy access. Two-wheel drive models featured coil link front suspension and four-wheel drive models featured leaf spring front suspension, heavy-duty chassis components and larger rear brakes. Available options included power front disc brakes, power steering and cruise control. In-cab fuel tank for standard cab models.

1973

Club Cab introduced, adding 18 more inches of cargo or passenger space. Electronic ignition now available on all engines as an option.

1974

Optional 440 cubic inch V8 replaced the 400 cubic inch V8. Fuel tank for standard cab trucks relocated inside the frame rail. Ramcharger SUV available only with full time four-wheel drive (NP203) and either 318 or 440 cubic inch V8. Factory removable roof was optional. Ramcharger had disk brakes, trucks still had front drums.


1975

Revised instrument panel and side molding design. Four-wheel drive models received updated suspension geometry and components. Full-time four-wheel drive (NP203) standard on all four-wheel drive models. Front disk brakes standard . Two-wheel drive Ramcharger model added as well as 225 cubic inch slant six cylinder engine.


1976

Bench seat back now hinged for easier access to storage behind the seat. Glide out spare tire carrier added.



1977

Warlock trim level introduced on standard cab shortbed Utiline pickup, featuring gold spoke wheels, gold pinstriping and real oak bed side boards. A new grille incorporated rectangular parking lights. New seat trim and door panels added. '77 Lil Red's are super rare but they were made. '77 was the first year of the "Adult Toys" that ran till 1980.


1978

Macho Power Wagon and Macho Ramcharger introduced. Li'l Red Express Truck added with a heavy-duty 360 cubic inch V8 equipped with four-barrel carburetor backed by a 3.55:1 rear axle. The Midnite Express was available for the 1978 model year only. This truck was equipped much like the Li'l Red Express with exhaust stacks, wheels and gold pinstriping. The Midnite Express was painted black instead of red and featured a "Midnite Express Truck" decal on the door. Most Midnite Express trucks were powered by the 440 engine, instead of the 360 like the Li'l Red Express.

 

[SuperBurban]

1979

New sheet metal, consisting of hood, cowl panel, grilles and headlights. Top trim levels equipped with four rectangular headlights. Lower trim levels were equipped with two round headlights. Li'l Red Express Truck dropped. Introduced the diagnostic service plug, under the hood.

1980

Grille openings painted black. Four-wheel drive models changed to part-time four-wheel drive. D100 model was dropped.


1981

New hood, fender, grille and rectangular headlights created a more sculpted look. New instrument panel. Tailgate redesigned for easier use. Ramcharger updated with an integrated steel roof (non removable), and fiberglass lift gate. Intermittent wipers. Models now referenced as Ram for two-wheel drive models and Power Ram for fourwheel drive models. Part time 4wd came back. NP208 for D44 front axle equipped trucks, NP205 came with D60 front axles. Fuseblock relocated to below the
steering wheel. ½ ton 4wd changed to locking hubs, and 5 on 5.5” lug pattern. ½ ton 2wds stayed the 5 on 4.5” pattern. Front fenders, doors, dash and heater box changed.

1982

Miser option package was offered. Featured 225 slant six engine, bright finish grille, bright wheel covers, ram's head hood ornament, gold body stripes (tape), deluxe pleated vinyl seat, wood-toned instrument panel and color keyed carpeting.


1983

Auto-locking hubs available for four-wheel drive models. Chrysler added a four-wheel-drive Miser. The Power Ram 250 and 350 received three-speed TorqueElite automatic transmissions as standard.


1984

Chrysler replaced the Miser with the D100 and W100 trucks .


1985

Four-wheel drive transfer cases could be shifted into and out of four-wheel drive at speeds up to 55 miles per hour, thanks to the new Ram Trac transfer case that was instituted in this year. ½ ton 2wd changed to the same 5 on 5.5” bolt pattern as the 4wd’s. Central axle disconnect system introduced for 4wd.

 

[SuperBurban]

1986

New grille style, featuring four large openings and new front bumper, gave the front end a cleaner look. Crew cab and Utiline bed options were dropped. New style alternators introduced. Up to 120 amps avilable.


1987

Full length door panels added. Oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge and trip odometer standard on all trucks. The Dodge Ram trucks were covered with a new anti-chip primer and a clear topcoat that kept the paint lustrous for longer. Inside, the door lock and power window switches received textures so occupants could operate them by feel. First year for the hydraulic clutch.


1988

3.9L V6 introduced. 3.9L and 5.2L engines introduced Throttle body injection increasing HP by 20%. Mini starter introduced. The Royal trim levels were replaced by the LE, which was similarly luxurious.

1989

Much was improved under the hood in 1989. Dodge retired the 3.7-liter slant six engine. In its place, the 3.9-liter V6 with fuel injection offered 125 horsepower. The 5.9-liter V8 continued, but this engine also featured fuel injection now. Dodge also offered a Cummins Turbodiesel engine in this model year. Drivers who chose this option also enjoyed other heavy-duty features such as upgrades to the battery, starter, alternator, and cooling system. All trucks of this model year had standard anti-lock brakes.

1990

Club Cab returns. New heavy-duty four-speed overdrive transmission was optional. Anti-lock rear brakes were standard for Ramcharger models.

 

[SuperBurban]

1991

New grille design. Air charge intercooler added to diesel models, and modifications to cylinder heads and pistons further reduced emissions on diesel-equipped models. 150 replaces 100 as the entry level model. The tailgate and rear bumper were also redesigned, and new upholstery was offered.


1992

3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8 engines were upgraded to sequential multi-port fuel injection and given the name Magnum. Larger exhaust systems and updates to the fuel injection added a power boost. 3.9L V6 power increased 45 percent and 5.2L power increased 30 percent. Drivers also had the choice between a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual transmission.


1993

5.9L V8 engine is brought into the Magnum engine family, receiving multi-port fuel injection and an increase of 25 horsepower and 30 ft-lbs of torque, Increasing this engine's horsepower to 230 and produced 325 foot-pounds of torque, which enhanced both towing capacity and payload. Four trim levels debuted for the Ram 150 in this year, ranging from a base model to a Super LE model with air conditioning and cruise control.

 

[SuperBurban]

Second Generation: 1994 to 2001


1994: The second-generation Dodge Ram pickup trucks debuted in 1994. With the second generation, Dodge renamed the trucks the 1500, 2500, and the 3500 to designate the half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton trucks. These trucks were only available with the standard cab, and the revamp of the trucks gave them a look and feel that was more in line with cars with more passenger and in-cab cargo room. The wheelbases available were 118.7 inches with a 6.5-foot bed and 134.7 inches with an 8-foot bed. New trim levels were also unveiled, with the Work Special, LT, ST, and Laramie SLT as package options. The Work Special offered few features, while the LT and ST trim levels featured options such as a chrome grille and exterior clearance lights. The Laramie SLT came fully loaded with interior comfort features. Engine options included a 3.9-liter V6, a 5.2-liter V8, two different 5.9-liter V8s, a 5.9-liter Cummins Turbodiesel, and an 8-liter V10. Dodge integrated important safety features such as standard driver-side airbags and optional four-wheel anti-lock brakes for the 1500 and 2500 trucks.


1995: The Club Cab returned in 1995 with options for either the ST or the Laramie SLT trim packages. This cab also featured swing-out quarter windows in the rear seat. Dodge also released a special Sport package for the 5.2-liter and 5.9-liter V8 engines that featured a color-keyed grille and bumper, fog lights, and chrome wheels. Stereo upgrades were also an option with this package.


1996: With 1996 came multi-point fuel injection for the V10 engine. A new Camper Special package was also released that featured a heavy-duty suspension. Dodge also released a Ram Indy 500 Special Edition truck in 1996 with a 5.9-liter V8, 17-inch wheels, and two-wheel drive.


1997: Dodge was eager to keep impressing consumers, so it added leather seats and wood door trim to the 1997 Laramie SLT as well as keyless entry and a stereo with both a cassette deck and CD player. A sporty paint job was also an option with two large center stripes down the hood and tailgate.


1998: In 1998, the Quad Cab was introduced by Dodge. This innovative design had reverse-hinged rear doors to make it easier to load and unload. New front seats had integral seatbelts, the door lock and power window switches were illuminated, and the instrument panel was updated. The short-wheelbase 2500 series with Club and Quad Cabs now had the option for a V10 or Turbodiesel engine. Dodge also converted a list of options to standard features, including chrome grilles, heated exterior mirrors, and a passenger airbag.


1999: The engines were boosted in 1999, and other upgrades were also performed to the window controls, keyless entry, and wheel-mounted stereo controls. Dodge also dropped the name Laramie from the SLT.


2000: Larger 17-inch wheels made the 2000 1500 models even more rugged. Fog lamps, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and stronger suspension also made the off-road 4x4 package popular with consumers. The 2500 and 3500 models got new rear suspensions to enhance their handling.


2001: Dodge left the 2001 Rams unchanged in this last year of the second-generation trucks.


Third Generation: 2002 to 2008


2002: The 2002 Ram 1500 third generation offered regular and Quad cabs, 6.3- or 8-foot bed lengths, and three different trim levels. The bed length was cut by 3 inches to make the cabs larger. New engines included a 3.7-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8, and a 5.9-liter V8. The two smaller engines came with a five-speed manual transmission, while the larger engine came with a four-speed automatic transmission.


2003: The 2500 and 3500 models received new engines this model year, and Dodge also implemented new three-point seatbelts and side curtain airbags as an option. Dodge also introduced Off-Road and Work Special models.


2004: Dodge unveiled Bluetooth connectivity and a brand new navigation system in this model year. The Laramie packages also received new grilles and appealing interior upgrades.


2005: Crew Cab Rams saw options for a power sunroof as well as Sirius satellite radio in 2005.


2006: Expansive overhauls led to the introduction of the Mega Cab in 2006, which was 20 inches longer than its predecessors. The headlights got bigger and the lower grille border became more sharply angled. Inside, the seats, dash, and console were extensively tweaked. Dodge also worked on fuel efficiency in the 5.7 V8 engine. A navigation system and rear-seat DVD system also became options.


2007: Dodge upgraded the upholstery to be stain-resistant.


2008: The 4.7-liter V8 got a boost in 2008 to increase its horsepower to 310.


Fourth Generation: 2009 to Present


2009: The fourth-generation Dodge Rams offer more power and more luxury than ever before. A base V6 remains available, as well as a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which actually gets the same gas mileage as the V6. In-cab storage is plentiful, including even water-resistant compartments called the Rambox. Consumers have the choice of the regular cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab. Additional options include a rear parking camera, Bluetooth and navigation systems, iPod integration, and both heated and cooled front seats.


2010: In 2010, Dodge spun off Ram into the Ram Trucks division. New 2500 and 3500 models were released with new body styling, engine options, and suspensions. Quad cabs were discontinued for 2500 and 3500 models.


2011: Ram Truck has cornered the market on manual transmissions since 2011, offering the only pickups available with manual transmissions.


2012: The Rambox was made a storage option for all models in 2012. Trucks with four-wheel drive also had standard electronic shift-on-the-fly capabilities.


2013: The Ram 1500 received new wheels and a new interior and front fascia in 2013. Ram also renamed the base ST model the Tradesman. New engine and transmission options also became available in 2013. Keyless ignition was also introduced in 2013.


2014: Air suspension became an option in 2014 for the 2500 and 3500 trucks. The 1500 models also had the option for an Eco-Diesel V6 engine. The 4.7-liter V8 engine was retired in this model year. Trucks also received an option for front parking assist systems.


2015: Model year 2015 saw few changes from previous years. Drivers had a variety of options for cab sizes and bed lengths.


2016: This model year saw every truck get a new center console. The Laramie Limited and Ram Rebel were also added to the Ram family. A few aesthetic details were also added to the interior, including embroidery on the seat backs, body-color accent stitching, and colored accent mesh on the seats.


2017: The Ram 1500 Rebel received some standard features in 2017, including remote start, a premium gauge cluster, anti-spin differential, UConnect media hub, two-zone climate control, backup camera, and rear park assi

 

[SuperBurban]

Here is a PDF copy for easy printing

 

[Canadian country boy]

1972 - 1974 Dodge trucks and Ramcharger dash.
The optional SE package came with an optional clock and woodgrain trim.

 

[Canadian country boy]

1975-1980 Dodge truck and Ramcharger dash.
'75 saw a styling change with the shape of the dash pad and the face of the dash. The optional SE package got two more gauges, the volt and vacuum gauges and a two tone paint job. The optional woodgrain pattern and air conditioning was available on all models.

 

[Canadian country boy]

1981 - up dash

 

[Elwenil]

There are many versions of the '81-'93 dash. A/C vs. non-A/C would be the most obvious. But the instrument panel varied as well with an early (cubby hole) and late (message center) version, woodgrain and black as well as the Cummins version. Wiper controls moved from the dash to the stalk as well. I'm sure there are many more I am not thinking of this early in the morning.