Full Description: The Dodge Ram represents an excellent choice among full-size light-duty pickups. Thats saying something considering the renaissance of all-new pickups from Ford and Nissan for 2004 along with strong entries from Chevrolet and GMC and a new Toyota Double Cab. It would not be an overstatement to call 2004 the best model year for full-size pickups in the history of the automobile. The competition is better than ever but so is the Ram which stands tall among its competitors. Completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2002 model year this latest-generation Dodge Ram boasts high levels of refinement and comfort. Its smoother and more comfortable than the previous-generation models. Its interior is more convenient than before and the bold exterior styling looks terrific. Changes for 2004 only improve the Rams impressive towing and hauling capabilities.A new Hemi V8 engine brings more power and efficiency to the Dodge Ram line of pickups. Added late during the 2003 model year the 5.7-liter Hemi replaces the old 5.9-liter V8 increasing power by 100 horsepower and 40 pounds-feet of torque while improving fuel economy by 10 percent. Dodge claims the Hemi makes the Ram 1500 lineup the most powerful mass-production light-duty pickup on the market. More important than claims it is an exceptionally good engine smooth and very responsive. Adding to the responsiveness of this engine is a new five-speed automatic transmission. A Tow/Haul transmission mode has been added for 2004.A new full-time four-wheel-drive (all-wheel-drive) system is available for 2004 that improves traction in slippery conditions. The Laramie trim package has been upgraded for 2004 and new options have been added including a Bluetooth-enabled cellular telephone.Model LineupDodge Ram is available with two cab configurations Regular Cab and Quad Cab (no extended cab). Quad Cab models ride on a wheelbase thats 20 inches longer than comparable Regular Cab models. Quad Cab adds $4200 to $5200 to the retail price.Two bed lengths are available a 6-foot 3-inch standard bed and an 8-foot long-bed. Ordering the long bed adds 20 inches to the wheelbase. Therefore a long-bed Quad Cab is a long truck long on roominess and utility but not the easiest to turn around. Long-bed Rams also get a bigger fuel tank 35 gallons in place of the standard 26-gallon tank. Long beds add $300-$350 to the price.Three engines are offered: Most popular is the 4.7-liter V8 a modern overhead-cam engine. The most powerful engine in the line is the new 5.7-liter Hemi V8 which uses with hemispherical combustion chambers for improved airflow and burn. The new Hemi produces 345 horsepower and 375 foot-pounds of torque. When properly equipped that increases the towing capacity to 9200 pounds and payload by an additional 500 pounds. The 5.7-liter Hemi adds $795 to the price. For those who want maximum economy theres a 3.7-liter V6 available but only with two-wheel drive.A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8. Optional is a five-speed automatic ($1170) that includes an alternate second gear for hill-climbing and towing. The five-speed automatic is more responsive than four-speed automatics.Three trim levels are available: ST SLT and Laramie. ST is the base level starting at $19420. It comes standard with air conditioning but is equipped with wind-up windows manual door locks and vinyl upholstery . This is the trim grade you buy for other people.SLT adds $1700-$3200 depending on cab style and driveline. It comes standard with the 4.7-liter V8 and adds cloth upholstery nicer interior trim a leather-wrapped steering wheel a host of convenience items and wider tires. This is the grade you buy for yourself.Laramie the luxury package brings leather seating surfaces dual-zone air conditioning a premium stereo 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and a long long list of luxury features. For 2004 the Laramie package adds an all-chrome grille surround and chrome billet grill center. Laramie retails for $7800-$8900 more than the base level.Sport trim features body-colored grille bumpers and side moldings and includes fog lights and 17-inch aluminum wheels and is available for most models. Aggressive street-rodder 20-inch wheels and tires are also available.Option packages include an Off-Road package ($870-$1405) with unique 17-inch aluminum wheels on LT275/70R17 off-road tires 3.92 rear axle limited-slip differential skid plates for the transfer case and front suspension special shocks tow hooks fog lamps and a heavy-duty cooling system. A Work Special package is designed to deliver affordability with gray bumpers grille and 17×7 steel wheels. A new hands-free cellular telephone system is available for 2004 that uses Bluetooth technology. Theres also a new integrated radio/navigation system available.New for 2004 is the Dodge Ram SRT-10 an outrageous pickup with 500 horsepower and 525 lbs.-ft. of torque. Its V10 engine a new bored and stroked aluminum engine block taken from the Dodge Viper displaces 505 cubic inches. The Ram SRT-10 boasts a custom-tuned suspension that drops the ride height 1 inch in front and 2.5 inches in the rear. New front and rear strut assemblies and a rear sway bar were added to handle the increased cornering loads. Bilstein mono-tube shock absorbers performance-tuned springs and unique aerodynamic aids are designed to keep the Ram SRT-10 planted at high speeds along with 22-inch wheels fitted with 305/40 R22 Pirelli Scorpion tires for extra adhesion. The brakes are modified with new 15-inch rotors in front and Ram Heavy Duty 14-inch rotors in the rear; front and rear brakes feaWalkaroundThe Dodge Ram presents a bold distinctive appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders. The basic look goes back 10 years but received a major redesign for 2002. Modern and contemporary the current design improved on the best of the previous ground-breaking design. We think it looks terrific. The Dodge Ram is arguably the best-looking pickup in an increasingly spiffy field. Deep Molten Red has been added to the pallet of exterior colors for 2004.Few grilles are as instantly recognizable as the massive horse collar grille of the Ram. The color of the grille provides some trim-level identification: The outside rim is all chrome on the SLT model with a gray honeycomb center. 2004 Laramie models boast a new chrome grille and are further distinguished by chrome bodyside moldings. Sport trim includes a body-color surround and cross hairs with unique chrome billets in the center.Moving rearward the Ram presents robust appearance. The broad sloping hood has a pronounced crown that falls over the sides to the prominent front fenders. A fast raked-back windshield enhances aerodynamics and water management and gives the Ram a modern appearance. The leading edge of the front door overlaps the A-pillar creating a smooth transition from the front of the cab to the side. Everything is smooth and integrated. The big side mirrors great for visibility are mounted on platforms to reduce wind noise and a channel has been specially designed to keep water off of the mirrors. An integrated air dam aids engine cooling and air conditioner performance.The standard bed length is 6 feet 3 inches but an 8-foot bed is available for both Quad Cab and Regular Cab models. The longest model is the Quad Cab with 8-foor bed which rides on a 160.5-inch wheelbase; that's 20 inches longer than short-bed Quad Cab or long-bed regular cab models which increases the turning diameter by 6 feet; but it's just 3 inches longer than Ford and Chevy long-bed extended-cab models. Regardless Ram beds are fitted with boat cleats designed to handle 1000 pounds each.Rams sit relatively high off the ground particulaVisit Southern Roads Auto online at southernroadsauto.com to see more pictures of this vehABS Brakes,Air Conditioning,AM/FM Radio,Cargo Area Tiedowns,Cassette Player,Driver Airbag,Front Air Dam,Front Split Bench Seat,Full Size Spare Tire,Interval Wipers,Passenger Airbag,Pickup Truck Cargo Box Light,Second Row Folding Seat,Steel Wheels,Tachometer,Tilt Steering,Tilt Steering Column,Towing Preparation Package,ABS Brakes,AM/FM Radio,Cargo Area Tiedowns,Front Air Dam,Front Split Bench Seat,Full Size Spare Tire,Pickup Truck Cargo Box Light,Second Row Folding Seat,Steel Wheels