The Dodge Ram 2500HD Club Cab Long Bed (BR/BE) with the 5.9 Cummins TD engine and automatic transmission represents a significant era in American heavy-duty truck design. Produced from 1994 through 1998, this variant occupied a crucial position in Dodge’s lineup, offering a balance between capability and affordability for buyers needing a robust work truck. It was part of the second generation of the Dodge Ram, known for its bold styling and improved interior compared to its predecessor. This particular configuration, pairing the 5.9L Cummins diesel with an automatic gearbox, aimed to provide the torque necessary for demanding tasks without the complexity of a manual transmission, appealing to a broader range of customers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dodge |
| Model | RAM |
| Generation | Ram 2500HD Club Cab Long Bed (BR/BE) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.9 Cummins TD (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 2500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 27.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 542 Nm @ 1500 rpm / 399.76 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 5883 cm3 / 359 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 102 mm / 4.02 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 120 mm / 4.72 in. |
| Compression ratio | 17.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 10.4 l / 10.99 US qt | 9.15 UK qt |
| Coolant | 24.5 l / 25.89 US qt | 21.56 UK qt |
| Max. weight | 3992 kg / 8800.85 lbs |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 5579 kg / 12299.59 lbs |
| Length | 6198 mm / 244.02 in |
| Width including mirrors | 2017 mm / 79.41 in |
| Height | 1849 mm / 72.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 3937 mm / 155 in |
| Approach angle | 26.8° |
| Departure angle | 24.1° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 18.1° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle 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 | 245/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Ram 2500HD is the 5.9-liter (359 cubic inch) Cummins B-series inline-six diesel engine. This engine, designated with various codes depending on the year (often associated with ABS or ADZ codes for specific calibration differences), was renowned for its durability and low-end torque. The 5.9 Cummins employed a direct injection system, a hallmark of Cummins diesels, which contributed to its fuel efficiency and power output. A turbocharger with an intercooler was standard, boosting horsepower to 160 at 2500 rpm and generating a substantial 542 Nm (399.76 lb-ft) of torque at a relatively low 1500 rpm. The engine featured a robust cast iron block and head, designed for longevity and heavy use. The automatic transmission was a 4-speed unit, typically the Chrysler 47RE, chosen for its ability to handle the engine’s torque and provide ease of operation. While not as refined as later transmissions, the 47RE was a workhorse known for its reliability when properly maintained.
Driving Characteristics
The 160 horsepower and 542 Nm of torque delivered by the 5.9 Cummins in this configuration provided ample power for hauling and towing, but it wasn’t a performance-oriented truck. Acceleration was modest, and the automatic transmission, while functional, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift. The gear ratios were optimized for towing and load-carrying, prioritizing low-end grunt over rapid acceleration. Compared to the gasoline-powered Ram 2500HD models, the diesel offered significantly more torque, making it ideal for tasks like pulling trailers, hauling heavy loads, or navigating challenging terrain. Compared to higher-output Cummins variants available in later years, or even some contemporary gasoline engines, this 160 hp version felt comparatively underpowered, but it excelled in situations where consistent, low-end torque was paramount.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Club Cab configuration offered a small rear seat, increasing passenger capacity to six. The “HD” designation indicated a heavier-duty suspension and chassis compared to the standard Ram 2500. Standard features typically included air conditioning, a basic AM/FM radio, and vinyl upholstery. The interior was functional and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of work truck use. Optional extras included power windows and locks, upgraded sound systems, and a cruise control. The trim level was generally considered a mid-range offering, positioned above the base models but below the more luxurious trim packages available on the Ram 2500HD.
Chassis & Braking
The Ram 2500HD featured a robust chassis designed to handle heavy loads. The front suspension utilized independent coil springs, providing a relatively comfortable ride for a heavy-duty truck. The rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring setup, known for its durability and load-carrying capacity. Brakes were disc on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear, a common configuration for trucks of this era. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as a standard safety feature. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assist, providing reasonable steering feel and maneuverability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Dodge Ram 2500HD with the 5.9 Cummins diesel and automatic transmission was well-received by buyers who needed a capable and reliable work truck. Critics praised the Cummins engine for its durability and torque, but some noted the relatively low horsepower compared to gasoline engines. Fuel economy was a strong point, particularly for those who spent a significant amount of time towing or hauling. Compared to the gasoline-powered Ram 2500HD models, the diesel offered superior fuel efficiency and towing capacity, but at a higher initial cost. Compared to other diesel trucks of the time, such as those from Ford and Chevrolet, the Ram 2500HD offered a competitive combination of price, performance, and features.
Legacy
The 5.9 Cummins engine, in all its iterations, has become legendary for its longevity and reliability. Many examples of these engines are still in service today, often with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer. The 47RE automatic transmission, while not as sophisticated as modern transmissions, is also known for its durability when properly maintained. The Dodge Ram 2500HD (BR/BE) with this powertrain combination remains a popular choice in the used truck market, particularly among those seeking a robust and dependable work truck. Its simple design and readily available parts make it relatively easy to maintain and repair, contributing to its enduring appeal. The combination of a durable engine, a capable chassis, and a functional interior has cemented its place as a classic American work truck.
