Hemi and more: the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks
by David Zatz
The 2002 Ram 1500 wasn't a styling coup, but it did have some gains:
The powertrain gains were quite hefty, and spanned the full range. The new V6 had 40 horsepower more than the old one; the new 4.7 liter V8 had slightly more horsepower and gained 1 mpg over the old 5.2 "318;" and, in December 2002, the new 5.7 liter "Hemi" V8 debuted, with more power than the prior top-of-the-line V8.
The Quad Cab lost three inches in the cargo box (now 6 feet, 3 inches), but the cab grew by 3.7 inches for the benefit of rear seating, over the 1994-2001 series.
The Ram gained fully-lowering rear windows, under-rear-seat storage, large grocery bag hooks in the regular cab, and an augmented console that could store a laptop and charge a cell phone. Allpar member JTE added that some aspects of the 2002 DR were aimed at women and families:
The back story, according to JTE:
2002 - 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 drivetrain
The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 started out with the 45RFE automatic from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was a pleasant transmission, which, including a passing gear, actually had five speeds. At the time, Allpar reported that it was both more responsive and smoother than the older transmissions; the only downside was not being able to order it with the 360 engine.
The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 started with the 3.7 liter V6 - smaller but more powerful than the old 3.9, with 210 horsepower instead of 175. The 3.7 was based on the new 4.7 V8, just as the old 3.9 was based on the 5.2 V8. Both V6 engines had the same torque, 230 lb-ft. The new engine was more fuel efficient by about 1 mpg, as well as more powerful.
The 3.7 liter V6 displaced 225.6 cid - the press materials refered to it that way, in a reminder of the old 225 slant six, though all other displacements were rounded off.
The 4.7 V8 from the Grand Cherokee replaced the 318, increasing power slightly (to 235 hp) while raising gas mileage, again by 1 mpg. This was a smooth, quiet engine on the Grand Cherokee, more pleasant to drive than the older but recently updated 318.
The Ram 1500's towing capacity was 350 pounds above the Silverado and F-150, but its payload was about 160 pounds less than the Chevy and 125 pounds less than the Ford. Its base V8 had 235 horsepower, 35 hp less than the Chevy and 15 hp more than the Ford.
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 options included both the 360 V8 and (starting with December 2002) the new Hemi V8 engine, which had more power (345 hp) and better economy - and cheaper assembly costs (review). The 5.7-liter "Hemi Magnum" increased the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to 14,000 pounds, 500 more than the previous pickups. The Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) increased, by 550 pounds, to 9200 pounds. Fuel efficiency rose by 10%; and the new Hemi was around sixty pounds lighter than the 360.
by David Zatz
The 2002 Ram 1500 wasn't a styling coup, but it did have some gains:
- Bigger, four-way disc brakes with longer-lasting brake pads and rotors
- A frame with hydroformed parts
- A more powerful, and much newer, V6 engine
- Better child seat facilities and optional side airbags
- A new grille for each body style
- Rack and pinion steering with an independent front suspension
The Quad Cab lost three inches in the cargo box (now 6 feet, 3 inches), but the cab grew by 3.7 inches for the benefit of rear seating, over the 1994-2001 series.
The Ram gained fully-lowering rear windows, under-rear-seat storage, large grocery bag hooks in the regular cab, and an augmented console that could store a laptop and charge a cell phone. Allpar member JTE added that some aspects of the 2002 DR were aimed at women and families:
- Adding 100mm to the cab / back seat
- Removing 100mm from the box kept the length and wheelbase steady
- Lowering the 4x4 to the 4x2 height eased entry, and saved money by reducing the required number of frames
- Using conventional rear doors eliminated the "door dance" while loading the second row in the mall parking lot.
The back story, according to JTE:
The fenders read simply "Ram 1500," a harbinger of the future.
2002 - 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 drivetrain
The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 started out with the 45RFE automatic from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was a pleasant transmission, which, including a passing gear, actually had five speeds. At the time, Allpar reported that it was both more responsive and smoother than the older transmissions; the only downside was not being able to order it with the 360 engine.
The 3.7 liter V6 displaced 225.6 cid - the press materials refered to it that way, in a reminder of the old 225 slant six, though all other displacements were rounded off.
The 4.7 V8 from the Grand Cherokee replaced the 318, increasing power slightly (to 235 hp) while raising gas mileage, again by 1 mpg. This was a smooth, quiet engine on the Grand Cherokee, more pleasant to drive than the older but recently updated 318.
The Ram 1500's towing capacity was 350 pounds above the Silverado and F-150, but its payload was about 160 pounds less than the Chevy and 125 pounds less than the Ford. Its base V8 had 235 horsepower, 35 hp less than the Chevy and 15 hp more than the Ford.
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 options included both the 360 V8 and (starting with December 2002) the new Hemi V8 engine, which had more power (345 hp) and better economy - and cheaper assembly costs (review). The 5.7-liter "Hemi Magnum" increased the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to 14,000 pounds, 500 more than the previous pickups. The Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) increased, by 550 pounds, to 9200 pounds. Fuel efficiency rose by 10%; and the new Hemi was around sixty pounds lighter than the 360.
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