1989 Dodge Ram 250 LE Cummins Turbodiesel

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram’s-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Referred to as the “Square body”, this generation Ram gave birth to the first generation turbodiesel Cummins engine. When released in 1989, it was the most powerful diesel-powered truck on the market.

Trucks fitted with rear wheel drive were designated with the letter ‘D’ or the nameplate ‘Ram,’ while all wheel drive versions were designated with the letter ‘W’ or the nameplate ‘Power Ram.’

This 1989 Dodge Ram 250 LE is a standard-cab pickup powered by a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in red and silver over a dark red and tan interior, and equipment includes 16″ wheels, a sliding rear window, power steering, front disc brakes, a receiver hitch, a trailer brake controller, power windows.

The cab features a bench seat upholstered in tan vinyl and cloth accompanied by dark red interior trim. Equipment includes a heater and defroster, power windows, faux wood trim. A trailer brake controller is mounted below the dashboard. The two-spoke steering wheel fronts an 85-mph speedometer and gauges for voltage, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure.

Two big names in the truck business – Dodge and Cummins – will join to build one tough truck in 1989 as a new turbo diesel engine debuts on selected Dodge Ram pickup trucks and chassis cabs. Early Chrysler testing indicates that toughness story will be complemented by performance and durability, too.
Although lower than its competitors in displacement, the Cummins diesel puts out the highest torque while being in between on horsepower. Because output is important at low rpm, torque is what diesel buyers really want.