Dodge Ram 3500 1981-1993 Specifications

The 1981-1993 Dodge Ram 3500 offered several engine options, including the 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8, and 6.6L Cummins Turbo Diesel. The 5.2L V8 produced 140-160 HP, the 5.9L V8 delivered 170-200 HP, and the 6.6L Cummins Turbo Diesel provided 160-180 HP with significantly higher torque (400-440 lb-ft). The diesel option was favored for heavy-duty tasks due to its durability and fuel efficiency.

The Ram 3500 came with manual and automatic transmissions. The manual options included a 4-speed and a 5-speed, while the automatic options were a 3-speed and a 4-speed. The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic were paired with the Cummins diesel engine for optimal performance and towing capability.

Standard safety features included 3-point seat belts, padded dashboards, and dual-circuit braking systems. Optional features included power brakes and front disc brakes. Later models introduced improvements like reinforced frames and better crash protection.

The 6.6L Cummins Turbo Diesel offered superior fuel economy for its class, averaging 18-20 MPG on the highway compared to 12-15 MPG for gas-powered competitors. Gas engines in the Ram 3500 averaged 10-12 MPG in the city and 14-16 MPG on the highway.

Recommended maintenance includes oil changes every 3,000 miles for gas engines and 5,000 miles for diesel engines, tire rotations every 6,000 miles, and fluid checks every 7,500 miles. The timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 miles for gas engines and 100,000 miles for diesel.

Notable features included heavy-duty suspension, dual rear wheels, and optional four-wheel drive. Trim levels like the W250 and W350 offered enhanced towing packages, while the Laramie trim added luxury features like premium upholstery and upgraded audio systems.

The Ram 3500 offered a spacious cabin with seating for up to six passengers. Cargo space was competitive, with a bed length of 8 feet and a payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds, outperforming many rivals like the Ford F-350 and Chevrolet C3500.

The Ram 3500 had a towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds with the Cummins diesel engine and a payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. These figures made it one of the most capable trucks in its class for heavy-duty tasks.