In this short article, we’ll talk about the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 (5th generation). We’ll outline their specifications, give examples of the type of jobs that they’re able to handle, and recommend the best SES suspension upgrades.
RAM 1500 Suspensions and Specs
The 5th generation of the Ram 1500 models began in 2019. It was a turning point for this particular vehicle. It underwent a complete redesign resulting in one of the best production runs that the Ram 1500 has ever seen.
Ram 1500 Specs:
The base engine for all Ram 1500 models, regardless of trim, is the existing 3.6 liters Pentastar V6, which produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-foot of torque. The engine is now equipped with the "eTorque" mild hybrid system, which uses a 0.4 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 16-horsepower electric motor and gives the truck improved fuel economy and increased towing capacity.
Also available in all cab configurations for the Ram 1500 is the existing 5.7 liters HEMI V8 gasoline engine with the Multi Displacement System, producing 395 horsepower and 410 pound-foot of torque. (It is unchanged from the previous generation.)
In addition to the standard 5.7 liters HEMI gasoline V8 engine, there is also a 5.7 liters HEMI V8 engine equipped with the eTorque mild hybrid system, which gives the truck improved fuel economy and increased towing capacity. Like its non-eTorque counterpart, it produces 395 horsepower and 410 pound-foot of torque. It is available on all Ram 1500 trim levels, regardless of cab configuration.
Recommended Suspension Upgrades for Ram 1500:
Even though the Ram 1500 can tow a good-size trailer, the suspension will undoubtedly squat under that much weight. To stabilize the truck and keep it level, a Timbren SES suspension upgrade kit is the biggest bang for your buck. To date, there are over 400 different SES rubber helper spring kits available.
If you’re towing a medium-size trailer, SES Dodge Ram 1500 suspension kit # DR1500DQ is the ticket. If you’re hauling a slide-in camper with your Ram 1500, part # DRTT1500 would be an even better choice.
RAM 2500 HD/ RAM 3500 HD Suspensions and Specs
In 2019, Ram released their new 5th Generation Cummins HD trucks after nearly a decade of 4th generation trucks. There’s little doubt that the 5th generation Cummins is the most capable and powerful Ram truck to date. An available 6.7L High-Output Cummins engine paired with an Aisin transmission in Ram 3500s give the trucks an impressive 1,000 lb/ft of torque and 400 horsepower from the factory. Even the standard trucks are impressive, producing 850 lb/ft of torque and 370 horsepower when paired with the 68RFE automatic transmission.
Ram 2500 and 3500 Horsepower/Torque
How much horsepower and torque does a 5th generation Cummins produce? The 2019 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 produce between 370 and 400 horsepower and 850 lb/ft to 1,000 lb/ft of torque. The differences depend on the configuration of the truck. Ram 3500 trucks equipped with the AS69RC Aisin Six-speed transmission produce 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb/ft of torque. These Aisin-equipped trucks are referred to as High-Output (HO) models. Regular Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks equipped with the 68RFE transmissions will result in the lower output of 370 horsepower and 850 lb/ft of torque. To simply things for our readers, we developed a horsepower and torque specification chart for the 2019+ Ram HD trucks.
The 5th Generation Cummins is a towing beast. The 400 horsepower and 1000 lb-ft of torque in the high-output 6.7L Cummins are capable of towing virtually any load. Depending on the truck, towing capacity can vary. Single Cab/Dually models with 4×2 and the High Output engine can tow up to 35,100 lbs.
The long-proven 6.4L Hemi V8 credentials start with best-in-class gas towing and best-in-class gas payload. Further advantages include VCT for consistent power across a wide torque band, the MDS FuelSaver technology for four-cylinder efficiencies during highway cruising, the interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off feature, and a new 8-speed transmission.
This powertrain delivers great performance and efficient use of fuel. New for Ram Heavy Duty and mated to the 6.4L HEMI V8, the fully electronic ZF delivers truly impressive engineering. To optimize performance, fuel economy and drivability, it also employs shift-by-wire technology to eliminate a mechanical linkage between the transmission and gear selector. The ZF also uses its 6th gear as a direct drive, while 7th and 8th gears feature efficient overdrive ratios.
Recommended Suspension Upgrades for Ram 2500 and 3500 HD Trucks:
Even though the Ram HD series of trucks are much heavier than the smaller half-ton, their suspension will squat under load. To stabilize the truck and keep it level, an SES kit is the only thing you’ll need to keep your work truck level and stable. For regular use, suspension upgrade part # DR2500D fits the Ram 2500 and Timbren suspension upgrade part # DR3500CA fits the Ram 3500.
If you’re hauling a top-heavy truck camper or towing a heavy 5th wheel, part # DRTT2500E fits the Ram 2500 while part # DRTT3500D fits the Ram 3500 to eliminate squat and prevent roll and sway.
For more info on Timbren SES, please visit Timbren.com or check out what’s available in the SES store.
