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In development from 1996 (styling by Cliff Wilkins finalized in 1998), the third-generation Dodge Ram was unveiled on February 7, 2001, at the [[Chicago Auto Show|2001 Chicago Auto Show]],<ref>{{cite news|url= http://articles.latimes.com/2001/feb/07/news/hw-21967 |title=2002 Dodge Ram Gets a Dose of Steroids - lattices |newspaper=LA Times |first=John |last=O'Dell |date=2001-02-07 |access-date=2016-02-25}}</ref> and debuted for 2002 model year on 1500 models and 2003 on 2500 and 3500 models. This major update included an all-new frame, suspension, powertrains, interiors, and sheet metal. The crew cab models for this generation were actually Quad Cab trucks that had conventional-opening rear doors. The four-wheel-drive light trucks (1500 series) lost their [[Beam axle]]s in favor of an [[independent suspension|independent front suspension]], but the 2500 and 3500 series retained the live axles for maximum longevity and durability; rear-wheel-drive 2500 & 3500 had class-exclusive rack and pinion steering for their independent front suspension (the 1500 also received rack and pinion steering for the first time). This body style drew heavily from the previous generation.
The redesigned trucks bolstered sales, with 400,000 sold during 2001–2002 and nearly 450,000 sold during 2002–2003, a new high point for the Ram name. At the same time, both Ford and GM trucks were increasing in sales from a 2001 peak of over 850,000 to the 900,000 range. However, with 400,543 Rams sold that year, the total did not keep up with the eleventh-generation [[Ford F-Series eleventh generation|F-150]] in 2004.
===2006 Facelift===
[[File:2006-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 -- 03-16-2012.JPG|thumb|left|2007–2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab]]
For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the 4500 and 5500. These were [[Truck classification#Class 4|Class-4]] and Class-5 trucks with a gross weight of {{convert|16500|lb|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|19500|lb|0|abbr=on}}, respectivelyspectively. Both trucks came equipped with the same version of the Cummins {{convert|408|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} diesel as the 3500 chassis-cab model. [[Sterling Trucks|Sterling]], who worked with Dodge in development, had their own version, called the [[Sterling Bullet]] with a unique grille. Sterling is a division of [[Freightliner Trucks]] which, like Dodge, was owned by the former [[DaimlerChrysler]]. Sterling Trucks was licensed to sell Dodge Ram 4500 series trucks as the Sterling Bullet. When the Sterling brand was phased out by [[Chrysler Corporation]], the Bullet was discontinued. ▼The Dodge Ram was updated for the 2006 model year. One notable addition was the "Mega Cab", featuring a {{convert|6.25|ft|m|0|adj=on}} cargo box and {{convert|22|in|0|abbr=}} of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners, a full screen mapping in-dash navigation system became an option, and the headlamps were redesigned to a more modern design.
For 2006, the steering wheel design was changed to one from the [[Dodge Dakota]] and [[Dodge Durango]]. Bluetooth U Connect was now available as an option, and a front facelift was given to all Ram models. [[SIRIUS Satellite Radio]] was available, as well as a rear seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. The [[Street and Racing Technology|SRT]] model, with the 8.3 L [[V10 engine]] from the [[Dodge Viper]] SRT/10, was discontinued after the 2006 [[model year]].
For 2007, Dodge changed the taillights.
===Chassis Cab===
In 2007, a 3500 Chassis Cab model was introduced with industry-standard rear frame width and wiring to accommodate outfitters. In addition to the {{convert|345|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}, a [[Cummins]] {{convert|408|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[diesel engine|diesel]] rated at {{convert|350|hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|650|lbft|0|abbr=on}} was also available. Automatic transmissions used were the [[Chrysler RFE transmission|545RFE]] with the {{convert|345|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} and the [[List of Aisin transmissions|AS68RC]] with the {{convert|408|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The G56 transmission was the only manual transmission offered.
▲For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the 4500 and 5500. These were [[Truck classification#Class 4|Class-4]] and Class-5 trucks with a gross weight of {{convert|16500|lb|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|19500|lb|0|abbr=on}}, respectively. Both trucks came equipped with the same version of the Cummins {{convert|408|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} diesel as the 3500 chassis-cab model. [[Sterling Trucks|Sterling]], who worked with Dodge in development, had their own version, called the [[Sterling Bullet]] with a unique grille. Sterling is a division of [[Freightliner Trucks]] which, like Dodge, was owned by the former [[DaimlerChrysler]]. Sterling Trucks was licensed to sell Dodge Ram 4500 series trucks as the Sterling Bullet. When the Sterling brand was phased out by [[Chrysler Corporation]], the Bullet was discontinued.
===Engines===
{| class=wikitable
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Models built after January 1, 2007, offered a new 6.7 L Cummins turbo diesel introduced as an option in 2500/3500 models replacing the 5.9 L. It produced {{convert|350|hp||0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|650|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. Unlike the 5.9 L which was backed by the 4-speed [[TorqueFlite|48RE]] Transmission, the 6.7 L was equipped with the new 6-speed [[Chrysler RFE transmission|68RFE]] transmission.
2005 was the last year for the first version of the {{convert|345|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} Hemi V8. 2006 half-ton models offered the [[Multi-Displacement System]] Hemi V8 engine that also became available in Chrysler and Dodge sedans. This engine featured the same performance but had a cylinder-deactivating feature enabled under light loads to increase fuelofuel economy by 3 MPG city and 4 MPG hwy. This new Hemi still delivered {{convert|345|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|375|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}}.
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===Axles===
For the 2003 model year, AAM axles replaced the Dana Corp axles. In the front, all 2500 and 3500 trucks were 9.25-inch with 33 spline axles. The rear options for the 2500 and 3500 were the AAM [[10.5" Corporate 14 Bolt Differential#10.5 AAM|Corporate 10.5"]] and 11.5". Rear-axle shafts are 30 spline. The rear 11.5" has a gear ratio "carrier split" at 3.73 and numerically higher, but the General Motors AAM axles used a different carrier spacing preventing the installation of a Chrysler carrier into some GM axles, but the GM carrier can be installed in the Chrysler axle if a ring gear spacer is installed. Strength is similar to their earlier Dana 70 and 80 counterparts. Direct comparisons are difficult as the axles are made with completely different [[metallurgy]].
<gallery widths="190">
File:3rd Gen.jpg|2003 Dodge Ram diesel dually quad cab 2wd with the 5.9 L Cummins Turbodiesel I6
File:2002-05 Dodge Ram.jpg|2005 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab with the 5.7 L Hemi V8
File:Dodge-Ram-Mega-Cab.jpg|2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab
File:2005 Dodge Ram Front view.jpg|thumb|2005 Dodge Ram Front view
File:2005 Dodge Ram Side View.jpg|thumb|2005 Dodge Ram Side View
File:Sterling Bullet.jpg|Sterling Bullet, a version of the Dodge Ram sold by [[Sterling Trucks]] with the 6.7 L Cummins Diesel I6
</gallery>
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===Special editions===
* '''HemiSport''' - The Hemi Sport Edition was the Quad Cab version of the Rumble Bee, and was introduced in 2004. It was available in black, red, or silver, and with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It was equipped similarly to the Rumble Bee, but without the number plaque. The HemiSport was discontinued for 2006.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}
* '''Dodge Ram VTS Concept''' - This concept from Dodge was meant to be a design study highly inspired by Viper GTS-inspired bumpers, mirrors, 17-inch wheels, Blue Paint, dual white stripes and Viper GTS sourced 415 bhp V10. VTS was vital in the development of 500 bhp Ram SRT-10 that were built from 2004 until 2006.<ref name="thecarwallpapers.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.thecarwallpapers.com/history-dodge-ram-1|title=The History of Dodge Ram - Part 1|website=theCARwallpapers.com | access-date=2013-09-29}}</ref>
* '''[[Dodge Ram SRT-10]]''' - This is a regular or quad-cab body with the [[Dodge Viper]]'s [[Chrysler LA engine#8.0 Viper V10|V10 engine]] 8.3 L, 22" wheels and [[Pirelli]] tires, lowered suspension, bucket seats, body modifications, and a spoiler. The 2004 version was available only in a single cab with a 6-speed [[manual transmission]] and a [[Hurst Performance|Hurst]] shifter. For 2005, Dodge released a Quad Cab version of the Viper-V10-powered truck with a modified 48RE four-speed automatic transmission from the Ram with the Cummins turbodiesel engine. In 2004, the truck held the Guinness World Record for "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck" with a speed of 154.587 mph (247.3 km/h).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://trucks.about.com/cs/2004dodgetrucks/a/gaughn_srt10.htm |title=Dodge Ram SRT-10 is World's Fastest Production Truck |work=About.com: Trucks |access-date=2010-11-22}}</ref> This record stood until overtaken by the Australian [[HSV Maloo]] R8, a sport utility coupe, in May 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.hspn.com/articles/519/1/HSV-sets-new-World-Land-Speed-Record-for-PickupUtility-Truck/Page1.html |title=HSV sets new World Land Speed Record for Pickup/Utility truck |date=June 28, 2006 |work=HSPN News |access-date=2010-05-12 |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140116142535/http://news.hspn.com/articles/519/1/HSV-sets-new-World-Land-Speed-Record-for-PickupUtility-Truck/Page1.html |archive-date=January 16, 2014}}</ref> SRT-10 production ended on June 30, 2006.
[[File:'02-'05 Dodge Ram Daytona Crew Cab 1500.JPG|thumb|2005 Dodge Ram Daytona]]
* '''Daytona''' - Introduced for 2005, the Ram Daytona was a new sport-truck edition of the Ram. It was available as a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in Regular or Quad-Cab styles and featured lower-body cladding, 20-inch chrome wheels, SRT-10 hood, Borla dual exhaust, serialized number plate, and a tall rear spoiler reminiscent of the 1969 [[Dodge Charger Daytona]]. The Daytonas had a black body stripe to match the rear spoiler and came in silver or "Go Mango" paint (a metallic orange color reminiscent of the Dodge's "high impact" colors from the 1960s and 1970s) with matching interior trim. The Dodge Ram Daytona had a 3.92 ratio rear end, the same rear end as the Dodge Ram Rumble Bee. Several exterior items were unique to the Daytona package (such as the gas door and dual side-exit exhaust tips) which made it different from other equipment packages. It was equipped with {{convert|20|in|mm|adj=on}} [[chrome plating|chrome]] wheels and performance tires. Replacing the standard hood is one with a non-functional [[hood scoop]]. The most noticeable feature is the large [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]] which is attached at the rear of the cargo box. The {{convert|11|in|mm|adj=on}} spoiler lined up with the flat black stripe that ran along the back of the bed side with the word 'Daytona' written in the middle. This spoiler is reminiscent of the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}
*'''ContractorThe Dodge Ram was updated for the 2006 model year. One notable addition was the "Mega Cab", featuring a {{convert|6.25|ft|m|0|adj=on}} cargo box and {{convert|22|in|0|abbr=}} of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners, a full screen mapping in-dash navigation system became an option, and the headlamps were redesigned to a more modern design.'''s '''For 2006, the steering wheel design was changed to one from the [[Dodge Dakota]] and [[Dodge Durango]]. Bluetooth U Connect was now available as an option, and a front facelift was given to all Ram models. [[SIRIUS Satellite Radio]] was available, as well as a rear seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. The [[Street and Racing Technology|SRT]] model, with the 8.3 L [[V10 engine]] from the [[Dodge Viper]] SRT/10, was discontinued after the 2006 [[model year]].''' '''For 2007, Dodge changed the taillights.''' '''Special hybrid''' - Dodge announced a [[hybrid car|hybrid]] version of the Ram, dubbed the ''Contractor's Special'', in 2003. However, the schedule for delivery slipped as Dodge backed away from the vehicle. The hybrid Ram was available only for fleet purchasers (if at all) and did not enter mass production. It offered an AC electrical outlet panel for running an entire job site worth of power tools, but the through-the-road method of balancing the gas engineeic and electric motor reportedly did not work as desired. Dodge has announced that it would use a hybrid transmission developed jointly with [[General Motors]] and [[BMW]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/special-rams.html |title=Specialty Dodge Rams |work=Allpar |access-date=2010-11-22}}</ref>
*'''NightRunner''' - 400 of these were assembled from January 2006 to December 2006 (200 Single-cab and 200 Quad-cab). The Limited Edition NightRunner trim includes Brilliant Black Paintaint, 22-inch (510 mm) black chrome wheels, black chrome grille, the 8.3 L Viper engine, dark shaded headlamps, NightRunner graphics on the sides of the rear bed, Piano black dash, and a numbered plate below the climate controls. {{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}
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