The odometer reads just 23,448 miles on this Flame Red Clearcoat '02 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the venerable 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel inline-6, offered by Frankman Motor Company for $45,631.
Despite being 20 years old and eligible to be registered as a classic in most states, its mileage is somehow still less than the originally selling price of $36,420, per the original window sticker (included in the documentation).
To add icing to the cake, it's in impeccable condition through-and-through and is powered by the 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel mated to 4-speed automatic and 4-wheel drive. Much want.
What is a Second-Generation Dodge Ram?
In 2002, you could buy yourself either a new second generation or new third generation Dodge Ram. While the redesigned third generation Dodge Ram was an absolute commercial success, its predecessor took the Ram by the horns (too much?) by evolving and elevating the aesthetic of the Dodge truck from a brutish, blasé beast to the more refined, aggressive façade we see today. The second generation Ram was offered from 1994 to 2002.
It had no shortage of powerplant options, with a buyer being able to select between a Magnum V6, Magnum V8, Cummins turbo-diesel I6, or a beastly 6.0L V10.
You could mate your motor to your choice of a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or 6-speed manual. The Dodge Ram was offered as either a 1500, 2500, or 3500 with either a regular or a quad cab. The mid-level 2500 came standard with the 5.2L V8, which offered 220 hp. and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. But if you were inclined to tow, you’d likely have opted for the highly-desired Cummins 5.9L turbo diesel I6.
Horsepower on the Cummins option was originally strikingly low – just 160 hp. – but with an enviable 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Of course, that motor evolved throughout the generation and into the third generation Ram. While this particular example boasts 235 hp. and 460 lb.-ft. toque, the final iteration of the 5.9L I6 in the second generation Ram would produce a much more palatable 245 hp. and 505 lb.-ft. of torque. Those numbers were in league with the extremely popular Ford F-Series trucks equipped with the 7.3L Power Stoke motor in the same model year, which was producing 250 hp. and 505 lb.-ft. torque when mated to an automatic transmission.
Alas, a new Dodge Ram – the third generation – was unveiled at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show and offered for the 2002 model year. Their timing couldn’t have been better: the truck market was red hot in 2001 when, for the first time ever in the U.S., trucks outsold passenger cars. The Ford F-Series truck still reigned supreme, but the Dodge Ram cracked the Top 10, coming in at number 7.
Specs & Condition.
This particular second generation Ram has a shockingly-low 23,448 miles. You read that right. This truck was driven, on average, less than 1,200 miles per year for the last 20 years.
It’s a one-owner, accident-free example with that venerable 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel mated to 4-speed automatic. It sends power to the Dana 70 rear axle and Dana 60 front axle by way of the solid NP241 transfer case. Despite being a bona fide classic, it’s still in showroom quality condition: the undercarriage, engine, interior, and exterior are remarkably clean.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT
- 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
- 4-Speed 47RE Automatic Transmission
- NP241 Transfer Case
- 4-Wheel Drive
- 23,448 original miles
- 1 owner, clean Carfax
- Dana 60 Front Axle, Dana 70 Rear Axle
- Flame Red Clearcoat
- 2-Door Regular Cab
- Deluxe Cloth Bench
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Power Windows
