Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Distinctive Traits:
Robust Hemi V8 option, distinctive styling, extensive towing and payload capabilities, the commencement of the fourth generation Ram truck design.
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (automatic & manual), Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, hydraulic, parking), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Electrical, Power Accessories, ECUs, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Anti-theft
Body:
Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Glass, Bumpers, Chassis & Frame
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks & changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacement, tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, electrical component diagnosis & replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic information.
Engine 1:
4.7L V8 Magnum (255 hp @ 4800 rpm, 330 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm)
Engine 2:
5.7L V8 HEMI MDS (357 hp @ 5600 rpm, 395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Engine 3 Option:
3.7L V6 Magnum (215 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - Less common for 2009 in 1500, more prevalent in previous years/lower trims.
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic (42RLE for 3.7L V6 & 4.7L V8, 5-speed 545RFE for 5.7L HEMI)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Manual (NV3500 for 3.7L V6, NV4500 for 5.7L HEMI - rare).
Tow Haul Mode:
Available on automatic transmissions for improved towing performance.
Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Spec Manual:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Wheelbase Options:
140.5 inches (Standard Cab), 149.5 inches (Quad Cab/Crew Cab Short Bed), 160.5 inches (Crew Cab Long Bed)
Overall Length:
Varies by wheelbase and bed length (approx. 227.7 to 249.7 inches)
Bed Length Options:
6'4" (Standard Bed), 8' (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Approx:
4,900 - 5,800 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr Max Approx:
6,800 - 7,000 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-star driver, 4-star passenger (2009 model year testing)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (G)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TCS).
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available front side-curtain airbags.
Audio System:
Available Uconnect multimedia system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CD/MP3 player, aux input. Higher trims offered navigation.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking sensors.
Bluetooth:
Available hands-free Bluetooth connectivity with Uconnect.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
50,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - e.g., Long Life Platinum/Iridium recommended).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 (for 5.7L HEMI and 3.7L V6), SAE 5W-30 (for 4.7L V8) - API SN or equivalent.
Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT - Orange) - HOAT or equivalent.
Early Generation Quirks:
Potential for death wobble on some models if steering/suspension components are worn; occasional fuel pump issues; early HEMI lifter noise on some engines.
Oil Filter Example:
Mopar MO-899 (or equivalent like Wix 57899, Fram PH10575)
Air Filter Example:
Mopar PA3915 (or equivalent like Wix 49358, Fram CA10256)
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving significantly over decades.
Generation:
This 2009 model represents the first year of the fourth generation (DS/DX) Ram truck, introducing a completely new design and platform.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
