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2010 Dodge Ram HD - An All-New Look

Something Old, Something New, And Something Bluetec

Text By Jason Thompson, Photography by Courtesy of Chrysler
2010 Dodge Ram HD 3500 Front Angle

The '10 Dodge Ram sports an all-new look, but its biggest advantage comes from what has stayed the same-practically everything else. Since the Cummins 6.7L engine met 2010 emissions levels back when it debuted in 2007 (without the need for urea injection to neutralize NOx) Dodge can let Ford and GM stumble through their new diesel emissions challenges while it sells a proven package.

The new '10 Ram HD trucks begin the decade with a redesigned body and an all-new interior that's based on the '09 Ram 1500 pickup. On the outside, the Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks will feature a taller grille (for better cooling) and a steel hood (instead of the Ram 1500's aluminum piece) with non-functional louvers. On the inside, the new Rams will offer all of the luxurious appointments of the 1/2-ton truck, yet a work-grade interior with a vinyl floor and roll-up windows will still be available. The new body sits on the same chassis as the '09 Ram HD trucks, but C-pillar body mounts used on the crew cab and Mega Cab trucks will now feature a fluid-filled hydro cushion.

The biggest update to the chassis comes in the front axle. Bigger U-joints (now 1555-series vs. last year's 1485-series) have been fitted to the AAM925 axle for an increased front gross axle weight rating.

The Engine
The Cummins ISB has 6.7L of displacement, weighs 1,190 pounds, and its six cylinders are inline. The valvetrain and general architecture is similar to the earlier 5.9L. The major differences are in the fuel and air management systems. To read more about the Cummins 6.7L, go to your personal Diesel Power archive and check out "Pump Up the Volume" (Sept. '06) and "'07 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins Bluetec" (Oct. '07).

2010 Dodge Ram HD 2500/3500

2010 Dodge Ram HD 3500 Side Angle

Engine: Cummins 6.7L turbodiesel I-6
Displacement: 6.7L, 6,690 cc, 408 inches
Bore x Stroke: 4.21 inches x 4.88 inches
Block Material: Cast iron
Cylinder Head Material: Cast iron
Valvetrain: OHV, 24 valves, and solid lifters
Fueling: Electronic high-pressure common rail
Compression Ratio: 17.3:1
Horsepower: 350 hp at 3,000 rpm
Torque: 650 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed: 3,500 rpm
Engine Weight: 1,190 pounds
Oil Capacity: 12 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity: 291/2 quarts
Emissions Controls: Diesel oxidation catalyst, NOx absorber catalyst, diesel particulate filter, and no selective catalytic reduction (SCR or urea)

  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD Cummins Diesel Engine
    Dodge can take a breath this year since its Cummins 6.7L met 2010 emissions back in 2007. Its Holset variable geometry turbo (VGT) provides up to 235 lb-ft of stopping power. Besides creating backpressure to slow the Ram, this fixed vane turbo creates consistent boost throughout the powerband.
    2010 Dodge Ram HD Cummins Diesel Engine
    Dodge can take a breath this year since its Cummins 6.7L met 2010 emissions back in 2007.
  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD 3500 Rear End
    The hood louvers (above) are just for looks, but the grille's larger opening is for better cooling. Instead of more cooling, Diesel Power wonders when the major manufacturers will embrace using all that heat for work instead of waste. Dodge says the tailgate is sculpted for better airflow. It's also home to a backup camera and has a lift-assist feature that makes it easier to close. The Class IV receiver is standard on all Ram HD models.
    2010 Dodge Ram HD 3500 Rear End
    The hood louvers (above) are just for looks, but the grille's larger opening is for better
  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD Interior
    The interior is based on the 1⁄2-ton Ram and features heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Other options include navigation, adjustable pedals, Sirius Backseat TV, Uconnect Multimedia, and a 10-speaker sound system.
    2010 Dodge Ram HD Interior
    The interior is based on the 1⁄2-ton Ram and features heated seats and a heated steering w

Transmissions
Manual G56 Six-Speed
Gear Ratios:
First: 5.94 - Second: 3.28
Third: 1.98 - Fourth: 1.31
Fifth: 1.0 - Sixth: 0.74
Reverse: 5.42

Automatic 68RFE Six-Speed
Gear Ratios:
First: 3.231 - Second: 1.837
Third: 1.41 - Fourth: 1
Fifth: 0.816 - Sixth: 0.625
Reverse: 4.44

Transfer Cases
NV271 manual shift with 2.72 low range
NV273 electric shift with 2.72 low range

Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 17-inch steel or aluminum
Tires: LT265/70R17 (standard) and LT235/80R17 (rear dualie)

Brakes
Front: 14.2 in.
Rear: 14.1 in.

Suspension
Front: Five-link and coil springs suspend the AAM 9.25-inch axle
Rear: Leaf springs and AAM 11.5-inch axle

Capacities
Max Payload: 5,130 pounds (Regular cab, Ram 3500, longbed, dualie, four-wheel drive)
Fifth-Wheel Max Tow: 17,600 pounds (Regular cab, Ram 3500, longbed, dualie, two-wheel drive)
Max Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 25,400 pounds (Regular cab Ram 3500, longbed, dualie, four-wheel drive)

Manufacturing Location
Truck: Coahuila, Mexico
Engine: Columbus, Indiana

  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD Reclining Rear Seats
    Check out these reclining rear seats. They help the Ram achieve 72.2 cubic feet of interior cargo volume in the Mega Cab.
    2010 Dodge Ram HD Reclining Rear Seats
    Check out these reclining rear seats. They help the Ram achieve 72.2 cubic feet of interio
  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD Rear Seats
    Even the rear seats are heated.
  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD Trailer Tow Mirrors
    The trailer tow mirrors measure 7 x 11-inches, have integrated turn signals, and feature puddle lamps.
    2010 Dodge Ram HD Trailer Tow Mirrors
    The trailer tow mirrors measure 7 x 11-inches, have integrated turn signals, and feature p
  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD Trailer Brake Controller
    The integrated trailer brake controller provides a clean, convenient, easy-to-use setup.
  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD 2500 Front Angle
  • 2010 Dodge Ram HD 2500 Side Angle
By Jason Thompson
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