1981–1993 (D/W)
The first generation of Ram trucks were named after the symbolic hood ornament, clearly shaped like a Ram. The thing about these trucks was Dodge used a series of ‘code’ names for certain settings within the vehicle. They used Ram to represent two wheel drive and used Power Ram to represent four wheel drive.
Dodge then used Ford’s idea of using 150,250,350 to represent a Half ton, three quarter ton and a one ton truck. Dodge then added large rectangular headlamps, wrap around tail lights and a squared off body. The interior was updated and included a newer style bench seat, and a completely new dashboard and instrument arrangement.
Available engines for these trucks were the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant six, the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8, and the 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 with a variety of carburetors available for each engine. Among the other options offered on the Ram were front bumper guards, a sliding rear cab window, power door locks and windows
The 5.2 L (318 cu in) engine also received electronic fuel injection in 1988. Because electronic fuel injection was added, a computer was used to control ignition, fuel, and manage other areas of the engine and in some cases, the automatic transmission lockup function depending on the model. Inside the cab where a small compartment was once located on the dash, a new "message center" contained the check-engine light, brake warning light, and the warning light for the ABS if the truck was so equipped. Diagnostic fault codes were stored in the computer's memory, and cycling the ignition key three times would allow the computer to flash the trouble codes through the check-engine light for diagnosis of some problems
A Cummins B Series engine was also added to the engine lineup and for the first time, Dodge saw sales go up. The Cummins could be manufactured with a heavier-duty version of the A727 automatic or a 5 speed manual transmission and was available on 250 and 350 pickups and chassis cabs. This diesel engine option was drastically different from Ford and GM diesel engines optioned at the time. The Cummins featured direct injection, where the Ford and GM diesels featured Indirect injection. this also meant the Cummins didn't have to rely on Glow plugs. The Cummins was a Straight-six engine where the GM and Ford Diesel engines were a V8 engine. Many owners considered these unique properties an advantage to the Cummins B Series engine
Engines available;
- 1981–1987: 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 95 hp (71 kW)
- 1988–1991: 239 cu in (3.9 L) LA V6 125 hp (93 kW)
- 1992–1993: 239 cu in (3.9 L) Magnum V6 180 hp (130 kW)
- 1981–1987: 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8 140 hp (100 kW)
- 1988–1991: 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8 170 hp (130 kW)
- 1992–1993: 318 cu in (5.2 L) Magnum V8 230 hp (170 kW)
- 1981–1988: 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8 170 hp (130 kW)
- 1989–1992: 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8 190 hp (140 kW)
- 1993: 360 cu in (5.9 L) Magnum V8 230 hp (170 kW)
- 1989–1993: 360 cu in (5.9 L) Cummins diesel 160 hp (120 kW)
