The Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab Short Bed (BR/BE) with the 5.2 V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission was a mainstay of Dodge’s full-size pickup truck lineup from 1994 through 1998. Representing the second generation of the Ram, these trucks (designated BR and BE internally) offered a blend of traditional American truck values – ruggedness, capability, and a powerful V8 – with a gradually improving level of refinement. This particular configuration, the 5.2L V8 paired with the automatic, occupied a middle ground in the Ram 1500 range, offering more power than the base 3.9L V6 but remaining more affordable than the optional 5.9L V8. It was primarily aimed at buyers needing a capable work truck or a versatile vehicle for both daily driving and occasional hauling or towing.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dodge |
| Model | RAM |
| Generation | Ram 1500 Regular Cab Short Bed (BR/BE) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.2 V8 (220 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 220 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 42.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 407 Nm @ 3200 rpm / 300.19 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 318 Magnum |
| Engine displacement | 5211 cm3 / 317.99 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 99.31 mm / 3.91 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 84.07 mm / 3.31 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l / 4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt |
| Coolant | 19 l / 20.08 US qt | 16.72 UK qt |
| Max. weight | 2903 kg / 6400.02 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98 l / 25.89 US gal | 21.56 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3538 kg / 7799.95 lbs |
| Length | 5077 mm / 199.88 in |
| Width | 2017 mm / 79.41 in |
| Height | 1897 mm / 74.69 in |
| Wheelbase | 3023 mm / 119.02 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.4 m / 40.68 ft |
| Approach angle | 30.4° |
| Departure angle | 27.2° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 20.8° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Dependent spring suspension with anti-roll bar, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Ram 1500 was the 318 Magnum, a 5.2-liter (318 cubic inch) V8 engine. This engine, a member of Chrysler’s LA engine family, was known for its durability and relatively simple design. It featured a cast iron block and cylinder heads, with a two-valve-per-cylinder overhead valve (OHV) configuration. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, improving efficiency and responsiveness compared to earlier carbureted designs. The 318 Magnum produced 220 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. The automatic transmission was a Chrysler-built A727 Torqueflite, a three-speed unit known for its robustness. While not the most modern transmission, it was well-suited to the engine’s torque characteristics and provided smooth, if not particularly quick, shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 5.2L V8 and A727 automatic combination delivered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was reasonable for a full-size pickup, but the three-speed automatic meant the engine often felt strained when accelerating quickly or climbing hills. The gear ratios were optimized for towing and hauling, rather than outright speed. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Ram 1500, the automatic felt noticeably slower. The 5.9L V8 offered a significant performance upgrade, while the 3.9L V6 was more fuel-efficient but lacked the 5.2L’s towing capacity. The 4×4 system provided good traction in slippery conditions, making it a capable vehicle for both on- and off-road use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Ram 1500 Regular Cab Short Bed in this configuration typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment. Standard features included a vinyl bench seat, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio. Power steering and power brakes were also standard. Optional extras included a cassette player, upgraded cloth upholstery, cruise control, and a sliding rear window. The interior was functional and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of truck use. Trim levels varied, but generally, this 5.2L automatic model fell into the mid-range, offering a step up from the base V6 but lacking the luxury features found on the higher-end trims.
Chassis & Braking
The Ram 1500 utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The front suspension consisted of a dependent spring setup with an anti-roll bar and trailing arms, while the rear suspension employed leaf springs. This configuration was typical for full-size trucks of the era and prioritized load-carrying capacity over ride comfort. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was available as an option, improving braking performance and stability. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assist.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.2L V8 and automatic transmission was generally well-received by buyers and critics alike. It was praised for its reliability, durability, and strong towing capacity. However, some reviewers noted the lack of refinement compared to newer trucks on the market. Fuel economy was typical for a full-size V8 pickup of the time, averaging around 14-16 mpg in mixed driving. Compared to the 3.9L V6, the 5.2L offered a significant increase in power and towing capacity, but at the expense of fuel economy. The 5.9L V8 provided even more power, but was considerably more expensive.
Legacy
The 318 Magnum engine proved to be exceptionally durable, and many examples are still on the road today. The A727 Torqueflite transmission is also known for its longevity. While these trucks are now considered classics, they remain relatively affordable and readily available on the used car market. The 1994-1998 Ram 1500, particularly the 5.2L V8 models, are appreciated by enthusiasts for their simplicity, ruggedness, and classic American truck styling. Maintenance is generally straightforward, and parts are readily available. However, potential buyers should be aware of common issues such as rust, worn suspension components, and potential oil leaks. Overall, the Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab Short Bed with the 5.2L V8 and automatic transmission represents a solid and dependable workhorse from a bygone era of American truck design.
