Two New Engines
New HEMI Magnum
Standard this year is the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI® Magnum V-8, which Dodge calls the most powerful diesel engine on the market and the most powerful standard V-8 engine in its class. This all-new engine produces 345 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. When compared to vehicles with similar size gas engines, it provided best-in-class acceleration and towing capability, plus improved fuel efficiency over the engine it replaces.
New Cummins Turbo Diesel
Another engine choice is the new, high-pressure, common-rail injection, High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, producing 305 horsepower at 2,900 rpm and 555 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm. The torque provides a towing capability of 23,000 pounds (GCVWR).
Also available is a standard Cummins Turbo Diesel with 250 horsepower at 2,900 rpm and 460 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm.
The Cummins Turbo Diesel has average major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles. An inline six, the new 5.9-liter Cummins has 30 to 40 percent fewer parts than typical V-8 diesels, enhancing durability and reliability.
Steering - Enhanced Handling
2WD Pickups
A new rack and pinion steering system with enhanced feel and response tuned for more precise on-road handling.
4WD Pickups
A new recirculating ball system designed to improve steering precision, especially when making tight turns, or maneuvering a trailer in close quarters.
Chassis
An extensively hydroformed frame—one of the stiffest ever on a pickup truck. The chassis stiffness provides a firm foundation for tuning out noise, vibration and harshness from the suspension.
Suspension & Off-Road Handling
Two new transfer cases, a conventional manual shift and a new electric shift are available on 2500 and 3500 four-wheel drive models, resulting in quieter operation and more durability.
The manual-shift unit is standard on ST and SLT models. The electric-shift unit is standard on Laramie models.
4WD units have an all-new front axle, but retain solid beam construction. Front suspension on 4WD 2500 and 3500 trucks is a refined version of the five-link, coil-spring suspension with beam axle used in the previous series.
A link-tye sway bar and heavy-duty tubular shocks are standard. Leaf springs on both the 2WD and 4WD models are three inches longer than previous models.
Safety Features
- Standard driver and front-passenger air bags. The passenger side air bag can be turned off on Standard Cab Rams.
- Side curtain air bags.
- A Lower Anchor and Tether for Children (LATCH) child seat anchoring system.
- Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS).
- Power adjustable pedals on both automatic and manual transmission equipped trucks.
- Pre-tensioning, constant-force seat belt retractors.
Dodge Ram Warranty
The 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty has the only seven year/70,000 mile warranty in the heavy-duty segment.
