Medium

By 1998, Dodge was still riding high on the success of its redesigned ’94 Ram—and rightfully so. After all, neither Ford or GM had been able to match the might of the Ram 2500 and 3500’s with comparable products. As a result, Dodge was selling more than 400,000 Rams per year. Ultimately, it would take Ford’s release of the Super Duty (1998) and GM’s debut of its new HD line (2000) to slow Dodge’s head of steam. We pick up our story midway through the ’98 model year this time, when the 24-valve version of the 5.9L Cummins is introduced along with a more powerful V-10 Magnum and stronger transmission offerings for 2000.

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

While much of the chassis remained unchanged through 2002, maximum towing figures kept edging higher and rear disc brakes finally became standard equipment. Interior updating and new trim options graced the model line also, as Dodge continued to fine-tune its second-gen Rams. Little did everyone know that a third-generation Ram was in the works—or that the V-10’s days were coming to a close and Cummins was developing a considerably more powerful (and torquier) common-rail diesel. Stay tuned for all of that and more in the next installment.

24-Valve Cummins

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

Beginning roughly halfway through the 1998 model year and as a direct result of new federal diesel emission regulations, Dodge introduced the 24-valve version of the 5.9L Cummins (hence ’98.5). The new inline-six diesel mill, coined the ISB, brought improved airflow, better drivability, more precise fueling thanks its electronic Bosch VP44 injection pump, additional power and a broader rpm range to the table. It debuted making 235 hp at 2,700 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm when joined with the NV4500 five-speed manual transmission option (215 hp and 420 lb-ft with the auto). By 2000, Dodge had already sold over 700,000 Cummins-powered Rams since the engine maker and Chrysler combined forces in 1989.

More Fire For The V-10

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

The beastly Magnum 8.0L gasoline V-10 was carried over from the ’94-’98 Rams, but received a bump in horsepower for ’99. From then until its production run ended in 2003 (yes, it was available in the third-gen body style), the V-10 produced 310 hp at 4,100 rpm but the same 450 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm it did when it was introduced in 1994. In the end, Chrysler would state publicly that the V-10’s fuel economy (or lack thereof) forced the automaker to develop more efficient gasoline options. The 5.7L Hemi V-8 would eventually replace it in the 2500 and 3500 series trucks.

Automatic Transmission Updates And A Six-Speed Manual Option

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

Updates made within the 47RE four-speed transmission for the 2000 model year meant that automatic equipped trucks paired with the Cummins could be had with the same horsepower and torque rating as the manual transmission option (235 hp and 460 lb-ft). The standard manual offering remained the NV4500 five-speed, but beginning in 2001 the NV5600 six-speed became an option when the high output 5.9L Cummins was introduced. The H.O. Cummins option turned out 245 hp at 2,700 rpm and an earth-rotating 505 lb-ft of torque at just 1,400 rpm. The heavy-duty rendition of the NP241 transfer case (the NP241DHD model) was carried over from the ’94-’98 trucks.

Proven Chassis

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

Chrysler’s redesigned, 36,000-psi steel frame, with its front boxed sections and rear H-shaped crossmember (to resist twisting) remained under the Ram sheet metal from ’98.5 through ’02, its strength being part of the reason the automaker was able to increase payload and towing capacities. The same rear leaf spring suspension arrangement could be found, too, with Dodge’s use of 60-inch springs working to smooth out the ride (eliminating pitching, or “hobby horsing,” over rough surfaces when empty). Inside the driver side, center section of the frame rail, a sizable polyethylene fuel tank remained, boasting a 35-gallon capacity on long bed models and 34 gallons on 2500 model Quad Cabs. A 700-mile range was not unheard of for Cummins-powered Rams of this vintage, despite Quad Cab versions weighing well over 7,000 pounds empty.

Rear Disc Brakes

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

Perhaps the only area where Ram didn’t lead the field, technologically, lied in its rear drum brakes. While they were certainly large enough and powerful enough to perform the hard work the Ram was designed to do, Dodge didn’t bring rear disc brakes into the fold until midway through the ’01 model year. At that point, four-wheel disc antilock brakes came standard on all 2500 and 3500 trucks and their electronic variable brake proportioning system helped to balance braking power “for surer, smoother straight-line stopping.” Axle options remained the same as on the ’94-’98 models, with the Dana 80 rear still standard equipment on all 3500 models and available on 2500 models with the V10 or Cummins coupled to a manual transmission.

Easy Entry

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

You still couldn’t get a true crew cab (four full size doors), but starting in 1998 suicide rear doors (or rear-hinged doors) came standard on all Quad Cab Rams. This was a first for the ¾-ton and larger pickup segment and soon became the standard, just as it had in the half-ton category. Already having pioneered the first real car-like interior in a pickup truck (along with huge cabin space and a standard driver side air bag), it further justified Dodge’s goal of making its trucks more than work tools. The automaker wanted them to be roomy, comfortable, loaded with storage space and easy to climb into.

The Sport Group

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

In late ’98, the popular Sport trim received improvements. Among the list of changes were new front and rear bumpers, quad-beam head lights with clear lenses and a grille that was paint-matched to the body. The Sport Group option wasn’t limited to 2500 models either. Believe it or not, the Sport package had an exceptionally high take-rate on 3500. It’s proof that, even in the 1990s, folks didn’t always prefer chrome.

How Did The ’98.5-’02 Rams Stack Up?

history of the 1998.5-2002 hd dodge rams: the 24-valve cummins, better interiors and standard 4-wheel disc brakes

Although the latter half of second-gen Ram production brought more refinement, better interiors and improved creature comforts to Dodge’s heavy-duty pickup line, their number one priority was still to put in work. And that they did, even holding their own against the newly-released Ford Super Duty. For the ’99 model year, a 4×2 version of the 3500 equipped with the manual transmission could tow a maximum of 14,000 pounds. By ’01, and thanks to the arrival of the H.O. Cummins engine option, the same configuration Ram could lug up to 15,150 pounds—and the gross combined weight rating had swelled to 21,500 pounds. Even today, some two decades after production of the second-gen trucks ceased, Cummins and V-10-powered ’98.5-’02 Rams are still remembered as loyal workhorses capable of handling any job.

Keyword: History Of The 1998.5-2002 HD Dodge Rams: The 24-Valve Cummins, Better Interiors And Standard 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Woman Dodges Arrest Warrant, Flees To China After Violent Car Crash Kills Passenger

Photo: Bellevue, WA Police Department A woman who had been charged with vehicular manslaughter fled to China after crossing into Canada according to the Bellevue Reporter. Ting Ye was reportedly driving a 2020 Porsche 911 when she crashed, killing passenger Yabao Liu. The crash took place at about 3:45 ...

View more: Woman Dodges Arrest Warrant, Flees To China After Violent Car Crash Kills Passenger

Driving a 300 BHP Dodge Challenger in Vegas: 3-day trip to the Sin City

My wife wanted us to get the open-top BMW 440i as she was not comfortable with the muscle car. BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Prelude Who does not like to travel, we are no different. I like it more than my spouse, so I am the ...

View more: Driving a 300 BHP Dodge Challenger in Vegas: 3-day trip to the Sin City

1934 Dodge | Old Car

1934 Dodge. This old car looks good as is, but would also look great if restored.

View more: 1934 Dodge | Old Car

Jeep Wrangler Goes Electric Only In 2028, New Dodge Durango Due In 2025

All kinds of production details are mentioned in the tentative agreement between Stellantis and the UAW.

View more: Jeep Wrangler Goes Electric Only In 2028, New Dodge Durango Due In 2025

Dodge Will Now Sell You the Demon 170's 1,025-HP Crate Engine For Only $27,695

Photo: Dodge Fill a Dodge Challenger Demon 170 with E85, and its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 can make an entirely unnecessary 1,025 hp. That’s enough power to send the rear-wheel-drive coupe through the quarter mile in less than nine seconds. Does anybody actually need a street car that can run ...

View more: Dodge Will Now Sell You the Demon 170's 1,025-HP Crate Engine For Only $27,695

Nice Driver: 1957 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon

For an enthusiast attempting to strike a balance between the needs of an expanding family and the desire to own a historic automobile, practicality might be a critical factor. While some cars might not fit their needs, this 1957 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon might be perfect. It is a ...

View more: Nice Driver: 1957 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon

Max Verstappen dodges ‘unfair’ question about whether he'd prefer Sergio Perez or Daniel Ricciardo as F1 2024 teammate

Max Verstappen says it is “unfair” to ask him who he would prefer to be his Red Bull F1 teammate next season, but insists he will be happy either way. Sergio Perez currently holds that position and also has a contract for 2024, but his underwhelming and inconsistent performances ...

View more: Max Verstappen dodges ‘unfair’ question about whether he'd prefer Sergio Perez or Daniel Ricciardo as F1 2024 teammate

The Electric Dodge Charger Could Have Nearly 900 HP: Report

Dodge already confirmed its range-topping Charger Banshee EV muscle car will have power on par with the present-day Hellcat.

View more: The Electric Dodge Charger Could Have Nearly 900 HP: Report

New 2024 Dodge Charger R/T!

Dodge Charger Hellcat Coupe Pays Tribute To The Dukes Of Hazzard’s General Lee

At $25,000, Is This 1957 Dodge Sierra A Classic Contender?

The New Dodge Challenger Demon 170 Crate Engine Costs As Much As A Miata

At $5,000, Could This 2003 Dodge Durango R/T Make You A Mopar Maniac?

United Flight Attendants Sue Over Racism Allegations On LA Dodger Charter Flights

Turn Your Dodge Challenger Into Awkward-Looking Charger Daytona For $395k

1970 Dodge Charger 500 383 Coupe

It Looks Like The Next Gen Dodge Charger Will Get A Gas Engine After All

The Rotting Dodge Chargers In This Car Graveyard Are Begging To Be Rescued

Watch This Sleeper Dodge Neon With 700 HP Hit 200.9 MPH

Car Thefts Are Up, Led By Dodge Charger Hellcats And These Other Cars

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel