gear in downhill conditions to use the engine’s braking
capability. A new 34-gallon gas tank is now optional on
Ram Quad Cab standard bed trucks.
A coil spring independent front suspension on two-wheel
drive and a torsion bar independent front suspension on
four-wheel drive models improve ride quality and quiet-
ness. For extreme conditions, ground clearance is a com-
fortable 9.5 inches. The rear suspension uses leaf springs
designed to reduce wheel hop and improve durability. A
rack and pinion steering system on both the two- and four-
wheel drive Dodge Ram models provides a precise and
firm steering feel.
The Dodge Ram “Off-Road” package adds unique 17-inch
aluminum wheels and unique LT275/70R17 off-road tires,
the 3.92 rear axle, a limited-slip differential, transfer case
skid plates, skid plates for the front suspension and unique
shocks to an already class-leading off-roader. The package
also includes tow hooks, fog lamps, a heavy-duty cooling
system and “Off-Road” badging.
Combining all of the virtues and durability of the standard
Dodge Ram 1500, the “Work Special” package provides an
affordable work truck for those who value the capability of
Ram 1500 yet need even more gritty functionality. Ready
for the dirt, “Work Special” consists of a unique dark gray
rear bumper, dark gray front fascia, gray grille and steel
wheels. The “Work Special” package is available on either
two- or four-wheel drive models, Regular and Quad Cab
models, and can be ordered with either the
3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine or the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8.
RAM SETS NEW SAFETY STANDARDS
The first full-size pickup to offer side curtain air bags,
the Dodge Ram was awarded the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest crash test rating, in
the Institute’s offset frontal crash test.
Dodge Ram features standard next-generation driver and
front-passenger air bags. The passenger side air bag can
be turned off on Ram Regular Cab models to accommo-
date child seats. For 2004, Dodge has added adjustable
rear seat head restraints to all Quad Cab models.
The 2004 Dodge Ram also includes a standard LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat
anchorage system. The LATCH system works in conjunc-
tion with the standard child seat tether anchors to create
safer child seat attachments.
Dodge Ram’s braking system features the largest four-
wheel disc brakes in the segment. The new system
improves stopping ability and reacts to driver input quicker
and more precisely. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes remain
standard on all models, while four-wheel ABS is an option.
The standard P245/70R17 tires with 17-inch steel wheels
are the largest standard tire and wheel combination in
the segment. In addition to the numerous wheel and tire
options are massive P275/55R20 tires with 20-inch
polished cast-aluminum wheels.
Ram also offers optional power-adjustable brake and accel-
erator pedals to help shorter drivers feel more comfortable.
Adjustable pedals are also available on Dodge Rams
equipped with manual transmissions, a segment first.
The 2004 Ram 1500 is available in two cab choices,
Regular Cab and Quad Cab, and both 2WD and 4WD. The
base model is the ST, with “Work Special,” Sport, SLT and
Laramie packages available.
The Dodge Ram 1500 is built at the Warren Truck
Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan and at the St. Louis
(Mo.) North Assembly Plant. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum
engine is built in Saltillo, Mexico.
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2004 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP
dodge brand product information
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