The use of high-strength steels and advanced-high strength steel has gone up exponentially since the previous generation. The full-frame is made up of advanced high-strength steel (HSS) for the majority of the rails. HSS is also used for the crossmembers and front lower rail ends. There is also an aluminum transmission support. The A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcements are made of 1300 MPa steel, along with an inner door ring that varies from 550 -1300 MPa steel. Due to the type of metal usage, there is no sectioning permitted on any of these parts. The fenders and outer door skin are high-strength steel. Aluminum is used for the tailgate and hood. Depending on the size of bed, the floor can be made of either HSS or advanced high-strength steel.

Both the 5.7L V8 and the 3.6L V6 have FCA’s new eTorque system. This is a mild hybrid system that assists with the start/stop technology. There is a large generator on the top half of the engine and a battery pack behind the rear seats for this system. Disconnecting the 12 V battery will also disconnect the 48V hybrid system.

The RAM is now equipped with a full suite of optional advance driver assistance systems (ADAS). Systems on the RAM may include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Warning/Braking, 360° Camera View, and Advanced Park Assist. As with other ADAS systems, calibrations of various cameras and sensors may be required. An interesting feature on the RAM’s ADAS is that the front radar is not located in the normal position, in or behind the front bumper cover or grille. It is instead, a combination front radar and forward facing camera, located near the rearview mirror.

The 2019 RAM 1500 body repair manual is currently available on FCA’s paid subscription website at www.techauthority.com The manual is not yet posted on the free repair information website www.moparrepairconnection.com.

For more information on RAM check out the RAM OEM Information Page.