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Dodge Ram 3rd Generation (DR/DH)

2002–2008 · DR/DH · truck

The 2002-2008 Ram (DR for half-ton 1500 and DH for HD 2500/3500) is the generation that brought the 5.7L HEMI V8 to the Ram lineup as a 2003 model year option. Coil-spring independent front suspension on the 1500 was a big change from the leaf-sprung second gen, while the HD trucks kept the solid front axle. Engines also included the 3.7L PowerTech V6, the 4.7L PowerTech V8, and the 5.9L Cummins inline-six on the HD trucks (replaced by the 6.7L Cummins for 2007 on HD). The Ram SRT-10 with the Viper-sourced 8.3L V10 lived in this generation.

Watch out: The 5.7L HEMI of this era has well-documented camshaft and roller-lifter wear that contributes to the so-called HEMI tick; missed oil change intervals accelerate it. Owner reports of dashboard cracking continue into this generation. The 545RFE automatic generally holds up but benefits from a serviceable fluid schedule. Front-end wear (ball joints, track bars, tie rods) is normal on higher-mileage 4x4 trucks.