Dodge Ram-2500 Model History

A three-quarter ton version of the Dodge Ram, the 2500 combined the provocative pickup truck design with a selection of powerful, work capable powerplants. In 1998, the Ram 2500 was offered with Sweptline, Club Cab or the all-new Quad Cab body style. Presented with rear-wheel and four-wheel drivetrain choices, Dodge trucks base engine was a 250-horsepower 5.9-liter Magnum V-8.

Another gasoline powerplant available on the 1998 Ram 2500 was an 8.0-liter Magnum V-10 generating 300 horsepower. Producing up to 460 pound-feet of torque, a 5.9-liter Cummins inline-six engine was also offered as an option. The Ram 2500 could tow up to 14,000 pounds depending on the engine and drivetrain.

One year after the Ram 1500 received a styling and mechanical modernization, the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 sported the larger grille as well as reshaped headlamp housings. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system, AM/FM with cassette and 17-inch wheels were standard on the 2003 Ram 2500. While a live axle rear suspension was abandoned by the halt-ton version of the Dodge pickup truck, the 2003 Ram 2500 retained the setup.

Standard power for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 came from a brand-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine generating 345 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. A high-output version of the six-cylinder Cummins turbocharged diesel delivered up to 555 pound-feet of torque. By 2009, low-end torque from the diesel powerplant totaled 650 pound-feet. The 2003 model year was the final time the Magnum V-10 engine was available on the three-quarter ton Ram truck.

In 2006, a Mega Cab version of the Ram 2500 joined the regular and Quad Cab body style. After the 2010 model year, Chrysler formed the Ram division and Dodge brand was no longer affiliated with truck sales.