Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra
Design Philosophy:
Bold, aggressive styling, emphasis on capability and towing/hauling capacity.
Powertrain:
Engine (HEMI, Magnum), Transmission (42RLE, 48RE, NV244), Driveline, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Hydraulic), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Power Distribution, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Structural Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures, Wiring Diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and specifications.
Engine 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-Code)
Engine 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (A-Code)
Displacement 1:
4.7 Liters (287 cu in)
Horsepower 1:
Approximately 235-245 hp
Torque 1:
Approximately 295-305 lb-ft
Displacement 2:
5.7 Liters (345 cu in)
Horsepower 2:
Approximately 345 hp
Torque 2:
Approximately 375 lb-ft
Engine 3:
4.7L High Output Magnum V8 (Not widely publicized for 2003 Ram, but variants exist)
Engine 4:
V6 3.7L Magnum (Less common in trucks, more in SUVs for this generation)
Injection:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Automatic Transmission:
42RLE (4-speed automatic, typically with 4.7L V8)
Automatic Transmission:
48RE (4-speed automatic, heavy-duty, typically with HEMI and diesel variants, though diesel wasn't common for 2003 US trucks)
Manual Transmission:
NV3500 (5-speed manual, available on some configurations)
Transfer Case:
NV244 (2-speed transfer case with electronic 4WD engagement, or part-time 4WD)
Wheelbase Standard:
130.5 inches (3315 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
154.7 inches (3930 mm)
Overall Length Short:
220.2 inches (5593 mm)
Overall Length Long:
244.4 inches (6208 mm)
Bed Length Short:
6.3 ft (1.9 m)
Bed Length Long:
8.0 ft (2.4 m)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (2,041 - 2,495 kg)
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 6,000 - 7,500 lbs (2,722 - 3,402 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
Good (5-star)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
Good (5-star)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for early models of this generation, potential for improvement in later years)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or as per owner's manual based on driving conditions).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Approx. 100,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement 5.7L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if equipped with appropriate plugs)
Engine Oil 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified, specific HEMI recommendation)
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid 48Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of Chrysler HOAT Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) and distilled water
Common Problems 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on 4.7L), radiator leaks, interior electrical gremlins (window motors, door locks), ABS sensor issues.
Common Problems 2:
Transmission fluid leaks (especially around the pan gasket and cooler lines), potential for torque converter shudder in the 42RLE.
Common Problems 3:
Fuel pump failures, HVAC blend door actuator issues, front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods).
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (now Stellantis)
Generation:
Third Generation Ram (2002-2008)
Introduction Year:
2002 (for this generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
Truck Of The Year Contenders:
While not winning a specific 'Truck of the Year' award in 2003, the Ram lineup consistently received accolades for its design and capability in the full-size truck segment.
Towing Capacity:
Up to ~9,000 lbs (depending on configuration, engine, and axle ratio)
Payload Capacity:
Up to ~1,500-2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
