Rams and the generations?

[Gregster613]

Hi All, I'm not quite sure where to post this question so I'll try here. My simple question is "How are the various generations of Dodges or Rams determined?"

I've got two, a '96 3500 and an '99 1500, and I'd like to figure out what generation they belong to and exactly how that's determined. If anyone out there could educate me on this fact I'd really appreciate it.

I've often heard the term 2d or 3rd generation but have never had it explained before. Please enlighten me. I have an idea that mine are 2d generation but I'm not really sure.
Thanks, Greg

 

[Hay Dude]

I own a 2020 Ram and I don’t know, either.
My suggestion would be to take a look at some of the Ram forums.
Here’s one https://www.ramforum.com/

 

[bg71361]

Lots of reading on it out there, start here. Gen's typically change with engine iterations/changes.
You have a Gen 1 and Gen 2 respectively.

Google Search

 

[LouNY]

For the 1500's this will help some, but then they also have the "classic" which is actually the previous generation.

RAM 1500 generations by years are:

1. First generation: 1981 to 1993 Dodge RAM 1500
2. Second generation: 1994 to 2001 Dodge RAM 1500
3. Third generation: 2002 to 2008 Dodge RAM 1500
4. Fourth generation: 2009 to 2018 RAM 1500
5. Fifth generation: 2019 to Present RAM 1500

 

[Squirrel's242]

Hi All, I'm not quite sure where to post this question so I'll try here. My simple question is "How are the various generations of Dodges or Rams determined?"

I've got two, a '96 3500 and an '99 1500, and I'd like to figure out what generation they belong to and exactly how that's determined. If anyone out there could educate me on this fact I'd really appreciate it.

I've often heard the term 2d or 3rd generation but have never had it explained before. Please enlighten me. I have an idea that mine are 2d generation but I'm not really sure.
Thanks, Greg

Both of your year models are 2nd gens.
They sorta go by class, body style and powertrain (you'll see half year cut offs).


Here's some basic info for 2500/3500s:

1st gen - '89-93' 12v 5.9 diesel engine

2nd gen - '94-'02: new body style, 12v 5.9 diesel engine until '98, 24v '98.5-'02.5 that also came with updated interiors and "quad cabs" (the rear suicide doors on the extended cab). Transmission and injection pump differences are also present.

3rd gen - '03-'05/'06-'10: new body style exterior and interior, the meaning of "quad cab" now meant 4 full doors. The MegaCab model came in here too. There were several powertrain updates in the 3rd gens. Still the 5.9 diesel with a new injection event/egr stuff and two HP rated engines. In 06 there were slight exterior and interior changes that were kept through '10. In 07.5 the 6.7 diesel engine w EGR Regen bits added and the trucks got the 68rfe auto transmission instead of the 48re.

4th gen - '11-'19: new body style interior and exterior changes, 6.7/68rfe. Truck ran the cp3 injection pump (good). In '18 trucks dropped "Dodge" and are now badged as "Ram". Lots of suspension changes.

5th gen - '19 - present:

There's a lot more detail that fits into each of these generations information. This info is just the tip of the iceberg. For the diesel Rams there are several good forums you can browse and join. I can direct message you if you'd like. I know not much of gasser trucks of 1500s. Not really my thing although there is one parked outside. I like the HD trucks and know them a bit better.

 

[Gregster613]

Both of your year models are 2nd gens.
They sorta go by class, body style and powertrain (you'll see half year cut offs).


Here's some basic info for 2500/3500s:

1st gen - '89-93' 12v 5.9 diesel engine

2nd gen - '94-'02: new body style, 12v 5.9 diesel engine until '98, 24v '98.5-'02.5 that also came with updated interiors and "quad cabs" (the rear suicide doors on the extended cab). Transmission and injection pump differences are also present.

3rd gen - '03-'05/'06-'10: new body style exterior and interior, the meaning of "quad cab" now meant 4 full doors. The MegaCab model came in here too. There were several powertrain updates in the 3rd gens. Still the 5.9 diesel with a new injection event/egr stuff and two HP rated engines. In 06 there were slight exterior and interior changes that were kept through '10. In 07.5 the 6.7 diesel engine w EGR Regen bits added and the trucks got the 68rfe auto transmission instead of the 48re.

4th gen - '11-'19: new body style interior and exterior changes, 6.7/68rfe. Truck ran the cp3 injection pump (good). In '18 trucks dropped "Dodge" and are now badged as "Ram". Lots of suspension changes.

5th gen - '19 - present:

There's a lot more detail that fits into each of these generations information. This info is just the tip of the iceberg. For the diesel Rams there are several good forums you can browse and join. I can direct message you if you'd like. I know not much of gasser trucks of 1500s. Not really my thing although there is one parked outside. I like the HD trucks and know them a bit better.

Thanks Squirrel, That answers my base question quite well! Everybody's pointed out a maze of info to burrow through - thanks to all - I'll "eventually" wallow around in it. I just wanted some basic clues and I just got them. Appreciate the replies. Greg