1996 Dodge Ram 1500

Unlike the first Ram, the second-generation Ram is completely unlike any of its competitors. Dodge Ram 1994 – 2002 got a new, completely separate style. It is believed that the creators of this pickup were inspired by Kenworth trucks. This generation received a huge, petrol-powered V10 engine. Which later became the basis for the legendary Viper.

The Dodge truck was wider and longer than Ford or Chevrolet trucks. For the first time in the class, there was a driver’s airbag on this Ram. Many people liked it all and the second-generation Ram became a cult car. The second generation Dodge Ram was the first pickup truck to be used not only as a truck, but also as a family car. This Dodge was used to take the kids to school and even to visit a restaurant.

Many owners love how comfortable this car rides over bumps. Chrysler has done enough to make the Dodge no longer perpetually the third best-selling pickup in the United States, behind Ford and Chevrolet. And the authoritative, Motor Trend magazine named this pickup the best truck of the year in the U.S.
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 was available with rear or all-wheel drive. In addition to the base model, the Ram 1500 was available in larger capacities, the 2500 and 3500. More than 90% of the then-new owners of the Ram with the 5.9 V8 engine described the power of their car as more than adequate.

For even better traction, all-wheel-drive versions were equipped with a transfer case, with a 2.72:1 gear ratio. Many of the first owners equipped their Ram with a trailer. However, it can be done on a used truck as well. This equipment significantly increased versatility of the truck and allowed to tow a trailer. Some even equipped their pickups with a special trailer for a large semi-trailer. The latter could be used to haul horses or bulls.

Sales and Price 1996 Dodge Ram 1500.

A base Ram with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive could be purchased for $1,7102. The aforementioned towing package ( a trailer hitch and wiring harness for signal devices) cost $242, and the Laramie SLT option package added another $3,806 to the cost. A well-equipped, all-wheel-drive Dodge pickup with a V8 engine could be bought for $24,000, the equivalent of $47,000 today.
Today’s value of a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 depends entirely on condition. A car with many breakdowns can cost less than $1,000. A good specimen can cost well over $10,000.

Appearance and photos.

Of course, the main feature in the appearance of Dodge Ram second generation, is a lower line of headlights, with respect to the line of the hood. Later, the same solution was used on the first-generation Dodge Durango. The car has an established by that time cross-shaped grille. The latter was used on the first-generation Durango after restyling. From the photo, you can see that the upper part of the chrome bumpers is covered with plastic.

The optional, side-view mirrors measure 7*10 inches. This option cost $48. And such mirrors were mounted on three aluminum supports. This option is useful if the car is used as a tractor, as they give a much larger view radius. But according to the feedback from owners of cars with such mirrors, it is just under the legs corrosion can be formed.

Of course Ram body is attached to the frame. There are two different wheelbases for this truck – 118.7 and 134.7d. The heaviest model is easily recognized by twin rear wheels. The latest model Ram 2500 could be equipped with the latter in a Heavy Duty version. The base version was equipped with tires size 225/75 R15. The Laramie SLT package included chrome wheels with hubcaps and company’s logo. A visor with parking lights could be installed over the windshield. The Ram lettering is on the front doors, not on the front fenders – as it was in the first generation. As with the first generation, the second generation Ram’s tailgate had the model name inscribed on it. The cargo area could be trimmed with plastic. The trim was one-piece, with no seams under which water could enter.

Interior and equipment.

The second generation Ram equipped with the Laramie SLT package has air conditioning, cruise control (with steering wheel controls), power windows, mirrors and door locks, cassette player with four speakers, and a power driver’s seat (this option cost $296). A more expensive Infinity stereo was available for a surcharge. The first owner could have ordered a Dodge pickup with a more powerful generator, which could be useful for additional lighting equipment.

Since this car was equipped with a driver’s airbag, the horn was activated by buttons on the steering wheel, which was the norm for many cars with airbags in the early 90’s.

Not looking at the transfer case lever, the front sofa Ram can sit 3 people. The back of the front couch has a large armrest, in which is built in a box with a large compartment for a laptop. Club-cab cars were equipped with a rear sofa, the cushion of which can be raised. In this case, behind the backs of the front seat, there is additional space for luggage.

Later, the Ram with two rows of seats received small, rear doors that opened counterclockwise. It is noteworthy that the handles of these doors are in their ends and can be opened only after opening the front doors. These ends also had a Vin number on them.

A sliding rear window was offered as an option for $134. The spare tire was mounted under the bottom. Some owners have noted fragile plastic front panel. I don’t know how to break the front panel, but there are videos on youtube with cracked and even broken front panels on Ram.

Engine and Specifications 1996 Dodge Ram 1500.

The base engine for the second generation Ram was a 3.9L V6 gasoline. This motor produced 175 horsepower and 312Nm of torque.
Widespread was the 5.2 liter V8 with 220 horsepower and 407NM of torque. Even with automatic transmission, the heavy pickup can go up to 60 miles in 8.7 seconds, and up to 100 miles in 30.9 seconds. The top speed of the Ram with this engine is 113 miles. This power unit holds 4.7 liters of engine oil. The cooling system holds 19 liters of antifreeze. This powertrain is known from the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ, which also belonged to Chrysler.

The more powerful 5.9L V8 produced 230 horsepower. At first glance, the difference with the 5.2 isn’t significant, but this unit has 477Nm of torque. On the air intake pipe to the engine you can see the inscription – Dodge Magnum.
The most powerful of the gasoline engines offered for the Dodge Ram, was the 8.0 liter V10. The 310 horsepower was very impressive for the first and even second half of the 90s. But more important is not the power, but the torque which is 712Nm, which is a lot even by today’s standards. On an intake manifold of this unit you can see a designation – 8L V10. This unit holds 7 liters of engine oil.

For the second generation Ram an inline six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine with working volume of 5.9 liters is available. This unit is considered one of the most reliable diesel engines in the world. It has an output of 175 horsepower and torque of 624Nm at 1500 rpm. The diesel engine was equipped with a six-speed timing gearbox. It is not necessary to change belts or chains. Not only the engine block, but also the engine heads were made of cast iron. Even the cooling system pump is made of cast iron, and even the pump roller is made of cast iron! This in itself indicates a huge margin of safety of this power unit.
In ’98 the power of the 5.9 liter V8 was increased to 250 horsepower.

The front suspension was spring loaded and the rear suspension was leaf spring loaded. The Ram could be equipped with an optional oil cooler for the transmission and a self-locking rear axle differential.

Today, many people buy a second Dodge Ram not only because of the need for a truck. It’s also because they like the style of this car. Many owners fix the Ram with their own hands, and in a well-kept condition such a car is not a problem.