09/07/03: What's New for 2004 - Dodge Ram Trucks
2004 DODGE RAM 1500
For 2004, the Dodge Ram 1500 adds big HEMI® power with the 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum engine, making the Ram 1500 lineup the most powerful mass production light-duty pickup on the market.
Introduced as a late 2003 model year addition, the 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum engine powered the Dodge Ram 1500 to the winner’s circle, taking home Sport Truck Magazine’s 2003 “Truck of the Year” Award. The HEMI also was named a Ward’s “Ten Best Engine.”
The 2004 Dodge Laramie package adds a new, all-chrome grille surround and chrome billet grille center to the boldest grille in town. Chrome bodyside moldings and a revised interior, with silver trim adorning the door panels and the instrument panel bezels, further distinguish the Laramie from the SLT. The Laramie edition also features a unique and more distinctive leather seat design, with higher contrast color seat inserts.
Also for 2004, UConnect™ hands-free cellular with Bluetooth™ technology and a new integrated radio/navigation system will be available in the fall of 2003.
The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum engine increases the Ram 1500’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) by 500 lbs. to 14,000 lbs., versus the 5.9-liter Magnum-equipped Ram 1500. The Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) increases by 550 lbs. to 9200 lbs. Fuel efficiency is also improved by 10 percent over the 5.9-liter, while the new HEMI Magnum engine is approximately 60 lbs. lighter in weight.
The Ram 1500 is also available with the 235-horsepower (175 kW ) 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine. With 295 lb.-ft. (400 N•m) of torque, the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance and is mated to the 5-45RFE automatic transmission.
The 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine is standard on two-wheel drive Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab and two-wheel drive Quad Cabs with the standard bed configuration. While smaller in displacement than its predecessor, the 215-horsepower (160 kW) 3.7-liter V-6 provides 35 more horsepower and about one mile per gallon better fuel efficiency than its V-6 predecessor.
Both Dodge Ram Quad Cab and Regular Cab have innovative designs that take comfort and convenience to a new level in the full-size pickup segment. Both feature larger-than-the-competition interiors and offer excellent head, shoulder, leg and hip room.
The Dodge Ram Quad Cab models boast four standard doors and 60/40 folding rear seats that ensure both passengers and gear fit in the back at the same time. By allowing the seats to fold up, tools and other items can be securely locked away on a job site.
The Dodge Ram Regular Cab offers just as much flexibility, with the largest cab in the segment, since it was increased by more than three inches during its redesign for 2002.
For 2004, Dodge Ram gains more versatility with a new full-time four-wheel drive system and electric shift transfer case. The full-time system delivers 48 percent of the torque to the front wheels and 52 percent to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. The system includes a locking transfer case that features four-wheel drive “high” and “low” modes.
The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 also has a new “Tow/Haul” feature that provides crisper shifts and reduces gear searching when towing. The system will also select a lower gear in downhill conditions to utilize the engine’s braking capability.
A new 34-gallon gas tank is now optional on Ram Quad Cab standard bed trucks.
The Dodge Ram “Off-Road” package adds unique 17-inch aluminum wheels and unique LT275/70R17 off-road tires, the 3.92 rear axle, a limited-slip differential, transfer case skid plates, skid plates for the front axles and unique shocks to an already class-leading off-roader. The package also includes tow hooks, fog lamps, a heavy-duty cooling system and “Off-Road” badging.
Combining all of the virtues and durability of the standard Dodge Ram 1500, the “Work Special” package provides an affordable work truck for those who value the capability of Ram 1500 yet need even more gritty functionality. Ready for the dirt, “Work Special” consists of a unique steel rear bumper, dark gray, color-coded front fascia, gray grille surround and bars and steel wheels.
The first full-size pickup to offer side air-curtains, the Dodge Ram was awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest crash test rating in the Institute’s offset frontal crash-test.
For 2004, Dodge has added adjustable rear seat head restraints to all Quad Cab models.
The 2004 Dodge Ram also includes a standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchorage system. The LATCH system works in conjunction with the standard child seat tether anchors to create safer child seat attachments.
Dodge Ram’s braking system f eatures the largest four-wheel disc brakes in the segment. The new system improves stopping ability and reacts to driver input quicker and more precisely. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes remain standard on all models, while four-wheel ABS is an option.
The standard P245/70R17 tires with 17-inch steel wheels are the largest standard tire and wheel combination in the segment. In addition to the numerous wheel and tire options are massive P275/55R20 tires with 20-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels.
Ram also offers optional power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals to help shorter drivers feel more comfortable. Adjustable pedals are also available on Dodge Rams equipped with manual transmissions, a segment first.
The 2004 Ram 1500 is available in two cab choices, Regular Cab and Quad Cab and both 2WD and 4WD. The base model is the ST, with “Work Special,” Sport, SLT and Laramie packages available.
Deep Molten Red is added as a new exterior color for 2004.
Dodge Ram 1500s are built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and at the St. Louis (Mo.) North Assembly Plant. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum is built in Saltillo, Mexico.
DODGE RAM 2500/3500
For 2004, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty features a new automatic transmission for the High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel, a new “Off-Road” package and a factory-built “box off” option for the commercial market.
The 2004 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty now offers a new 48RE automatic transmission, expanding the capability of the Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel. Built to a durability test aimed directly at commercial customer use, the Ram Heavy Duty is tested in conditions ranging from +40°F to +130°F and running the equivalent of 150,000 miles at 95 percent of their on-the-job abuse level.
Brash, tough and delivering best-in-class power and capability, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty took Motor Trend Truck of the Year honors with ease. Added to the proven Cummins diesel engine lineup and the most powerful standard gas V-8 available, the award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI® Magnum V-8, these enhancements solidify the Ram Heavy Duty’s status as Truck of the Year.
For 2004, the Dodge Laramie package adds a new, all-chrome grille surround and chrome billet grille center to the boldest grille in town. Chrome bodyside moldings and an updated interior, with silver trim adorning the door panels and the instrument panel bezels, further distinguish the Laramie from the SLT. The Laramie edition also features a unique and more distinctive leather seat package, with higher contrast color seat inserts.
Also for 2004, UConnect™ hands-free cellular phone system with Bluetooth™ technology and a new integrated radio/navigation system are available. Sport models receive body color side moldings and Ram adds Deep Molten Red as a new exterior color for 2004 models.
The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty successfully blends the needs of the heavy-duty market, offering superior capability and strength with handling, safety and power previously unknown in this segment.
The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty delivers one of the most potent powertrain combinations in the heavy-duty segment.
For 2004, the high-pressure common-rail injection High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine becomes mor e user friendly, adding the optional 48RE automatic transmission. Producing 305 horsepower (227 kW) at 2900 rpm and 555 lb.-ft. of torque (753 N•m) at 1400 rpm, the Cummins Turbo Diesel provides prodigious torque and a class-leading Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 23,000 lbs. A Standard Output Cummins Turbo Diesel is also available, delivering 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 2900 rpm and 460 lb.-ft. of torque (624 N•m) at 1400 rpm.
As durable as it is powerful, the Cummins Turbo Diesel has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage over the competition. An inline six, the new 5.9-liter Cummins has 40 percent fewer parts than typical V-8 diesels, adding durability, simplified assembly, better reliability and lower repair costs to its repertoire.
For 2004, the Magnum V-10 is dropped from the Ram lineup.
Voted one of Ward’s “Ten Best Engines” and standard on the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500, the 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum produces 345 horsepower (257 kW) at 5600 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (509 N•m) at 4400 rpm, providing 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, as well as significantly improved fuel efficiency over the engine it replaces.
Featuring a hydroformed frame -- one of the stiffest ever on a pickup truck -- and rack and pinion steering system on two-wheel drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks, Ram Heavy Duty delivers precise feel and response tuned to give the driver control and positive feedback under any conditions.
On four-wheel drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty models, a recirculating ball system improves on-center steering feel through lower internal friction, and responds more precisely.
Four-wheel drive models feature solid beam front and rear axles that contribute to a best-in-class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 12,000 lbs. The refined four-wheel drive system on the 2500/3500 Dodge Ram pickup provides an outstanding combination of ride, handling and off-road operating characteristics.
Front suspension on four-wheel-drive 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Pickups is a five-link, coil-spring suspension with beam axle. A link-type sway bar and heavy-duty tubular shock absorbers are standard.
The rear suspension, common to both two-wheel and four-wheel drive models, is equipped with leaf springs.
The 2004 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty offers a class-exclusive side curtain air bag system and power adjustable pedals (on both automatic and manual transmission-equipped trucks). Ram also provides standard ABS brakes, pre-tensioning and the first constant force seat belt retractors in a heavy-duty pickup truck. For 2004, Ram Heavy Duty adds standard rear-seat head restraints on Quad Cab models.
The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty has standard ABS, the largest brakes in its class and 17-inch wheels and tires -- the largest standard wheels and tires on a heavy-duty pickup -- all contributing to Dodge Ram’s excellent safety capability.
The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is built at DaimlerChrysler’s Saltillo, Mexico, and St. Louis (Mo.) North Assembly Plants.
DODGE RAM SRT-10
Dodge unleashes the boldest, baddest and fastest full-size pickup ever, the Viper-powered 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10.
As the Viper of trucks, the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is a low-volume, over-the-top collectible that remakes the entire segment.
With 500 horsepower (372 kW), 525 lb.-ft. of torque (712 N•m), 505 cu. in. and a 500-watt ear-melting sound system, Dodge dominates in every category. The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is the new performance truck icon.
Topping 150 mph in maximum speed and reaching 60 mph in just over five seconds, Dodge has recalibrated expectations for truck performance.
The Ram SRT-10’s mayhem-making ability is delivered courtesy of the highest displacement engine in a factory pickup truck -- the same 8.3-liter V-10 that powers America’s ultimate sports car, the all-new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10. The V-10’s horsepower rating easily surpasses all other pickups -- not to mention virtually every production sports car in the world.
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 features a Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) modified suspension. Working with the fully hydroformed Dodge Ram frame, one of the stiffest in the industry, PVO added a custom-tuned suspension, dropping the Ram SRT-10 one inch in the front and 2.5 inches in the rear. New front and rear strut assemblies and a rear sway bar were added to handle the increased cornering loads.
Standard Ram shock absorbers are replaced by Bilstein mono-tube shocks. Also new are performance-tuned springs, unique aerodynamic aids to keep the Ram SRT-10 planted at high speeds and 22-inch custom “Viper-style” wheels fitted with 305/40R22 Pirelli Scorpion tires for extra adhesion. The wheels are the largest available from the factory on any production pickup.
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 features standard ABS-equipped brakes fitted with new 15-inch rotors on the front brakes. Rear brakes are modified Ram Heavy Duty brakes with 14-inch rotors. Front and rear brakes feature unique red calipers. The new front fascia incorporates brake cooling ducts to provide plenty of cooling for track sessions.
Drawing heavily on the Dodge tradition of producing powerful trucks with a B sense of style, the Ram SRT-10’s chiseled features were sculpted courtesy of the Chrysler Group’s new wind tunnel and with a subtle nod to the Dodge Ram NASCAR truck series entry.
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 features a deep front fascia with a splitter and a subtle rear wing. The lift values for the Ram SRT-10 are similar to those of a sports car, not a truck. The rear wing is not only functional, providing a reduction in lift, but also provides a reduction in drag, rare for a wing.
The most noticeable exterior feature of the new 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is a unique hood that features a wide power bulge and scoop sitting atop the signature cross-hair grille. “Viper Powered” badges on either side of the hood scoop leave no doubt as to what resides underneath.
Keeping things simple, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is available in black, red or silver.
The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is built at DaimlerChrysler’s Saltillo, Mexico, Assembly Plant. The 8.3-liter V-10 is built at the Conner Road Assembly Plant in Detroit.
Posted 09/07/03 |
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