2026 Ram Heavy Duty in Mobile, AL

The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty is a heavy-duty pickup available in Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 configurations with Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab body styles. It is offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 layouts and uses a longitudinal front-engine design supported by a ladder-type frame. The truck combines a steel cab with a double-wall steel pickup box to create a platform intended for demanding work applications. Multiple engine and drivetrain combinations allow the lineup to support different operating requirements.

Engine Specifications and Performance

The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty offers two engine choices, consisting of a gasoline-powered V-8 and a high-output turbo diesel inline-six. Each engine uses a different internal design and fuel system while maintaining compatibility with an eight-speed automatic transmission. These powertrains provide distinct output characteristics and operating requirements. Both engines also incorporate dedicated emissions-control systems and specified fluid capacities.

6.4-Liter HEMI® V-8

The available 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 is a 90-degree gasoline engine equipped with variable cam timing. It displaces 392 cubic inches, or 6,417 cubic centimeters, and uses a bore and stroke measuring 4.09 inches by 3.72 inches. The valvetrain consists of pushrod-operated overhead valves with 16 valves and roller followers, including eight deactivating lifters and eight hydraulic lifters. Sequential multiport electronic returnless fuel injection manages fuel delivery. This engine develops 405 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and produces 429 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The engine uses a deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps and aluminum cylinder heads with HEMI®spherical combustion chambers. It operates with a compression ratio of 10.0:1 and has a maximum engine speed limited to 5,800 rpm. Unleaded regular 87-octane fuel serves as the specified fuel requirement. Oil capacity measures 7.0 quarts, while the cooling system holds 16.6 quarts of coolant. Emissions-control equipment includes three-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors, cooled electronic exhaust-gas recirculation, and individual cylinder fuel control.

6.7-Liter Cummins® High-Output Turbo Diesel I-6

The high-output 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo diesel engine uses an inline six-cylinder layout with turbocharging and intercooling. Total displacement measures 408 cubic inches, or 6,690 cubic centimeters, with a bore of 4.21 inches and a stroke of 4.88 inches. The engine uses pushrod-operated overhead valves, 24 valves, and hydraulic lifters. Electronic high-pressure common-rail fuel injection manages combustion. Output reaches 430 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 1,075 pound-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm.

The diesel engine uses a compacted graphite iron block paired with a cast-iron cylinder head. Its compression ratio is 16.2:1, and the maximum high-idle engine speed is rated at 3,200 rpm. Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is required for operation. Oil capacity measures 12.0 quarts with the filter installed, and coolant capacity totals 23.8 quarts. The emissions system uses selective catalytic reduction to support exhaust aftertreatment requirements.

Transmission and Driveline Systems

The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty pairs both engines with dedicated versions of the ZF TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmission. These units use adaptive electronic controls and support either fully automatic operation or Electronic Range Select manual control. Their design incorporates five clutch packs and maintains only two open clutches in any gear. A torque converter lockup system with a turbine torsional damper supports low lock-up speeds throughout all eight forward gears. 

Eight-Speed Automatic Transmissions

The 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 uses the ZF TorqueFlite HD 8HP75 automatic transmission. The 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo diesel uses the ZF TorqueFlite HD 8AP1075 automatic transmission. Both transmissions share identical gear ratios, beginning with a 4.71 first gear and continuing through a 0.67 eighth gear. Reverse gear uses a ratio of 3.30. Axle ratio choices include 3.73 and 4.10 for the gasoline engine and 3.42 for the high-output diesel engine.

Transfer Cases and Axles

Four-Wheel Drive models use part-time transfer cases with electric shift operation. The BW 44-46 and BW 44-47 transfer cases are available with the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8, while the high-output diesel uses the BW 44-48 transfer case. Operating modes include 2WD, 4WD High, Neutral, and 4WD Low. All listed transfer cases use a 2.64 low-range ratio and do not incorporate a center differential.

Four-Wheel Drive models use an AAM 9.25-inch beam front axle with center disconnect. Power Wagon® models add locking differentials to the front axle assembly. Rear axle configurations include an AAM 11.5-inch beam axle used on Ram 2500 models and certain Ram 3500 applications. Ram 3500 Max Tow models use an AAM 12.0-inch beam rear axle. Power Wagon® models also incorporate limited-slip and locking differential hardware at the rear.

Chassis and Suspension Engineering

The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty uses a ladder-type frame combined with a steel cab and a double-wall steel cargo box. This structure forms the foundation for the truck's various cab styles and drivetrain layouts. Suspension systems differ between the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500, reflecting the distinct requirements of each series. Solid axles are used throughout the lineup. Hydraulic-assist steering supports directional control across all configurations.

Ram 2500 Suspension Design

The Ram 2500 uses a three-link front suspension with a track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and solid axle. Four-Wheel Drive Power Wagon® models incorporate a disconnecting sway bar as part of the front suspension system. At the rear, the Ram 2500 uses a five-link suspension with a track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and solid axle. Optional rear airbags are available for Four-Wheel Drive configurations. This arrangement combines link-type suspension geometry with solid-axle construction.

Ram 3500 Suspension Design

The Ram 3500 also uses a three-link front suspension with a track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and solid axle. Its rear suspension differs from the Ram 2500 by using two-stage longitudinal leaf springs and a solid rear axle. Supplemental rear airbags are available as an option.

Braking, Electrical Systems, and Safety Equipment

The braking and electrical systems used in the 2026 Ram Heavy Duty support the truck's various engine and chassis combinations. Disc brakes are fitted at all four corners and are supplemented by anti-lock braking functionality. Power-assist systems differ according to engine and model selection. Electrical output varies depending on configuration and trim level. Air bag protection remains consistent across the cab styles offered in the lineup.

Brake Hardware

Front brake dimensions measure 14.17 inches by 1.54 inches and use twin-piston pin-slider calipers with anti-lock braking capability. Rear brakes measure 14.09 inches by 1.34 inches and also use twin-piston pin-slider calipers with ABS. Gasoline-powered Ram 2500 models use a dual-rate tandem-diaphragm vacuum power-assist system. Diesel-powered Ram 2500 models and all Ram 3500 models use hydro-boost power assist.

Electrical Components and Air Bags

A 180-amp alternator is standard with the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 and the 6.7-liter diesel engine. Certain diesel-powered Laramie®, Longhorn®, and Limited models use a 220-amp alternator. Dual alternator systems are available for both gasoline and diesel applications. The gasoline engine uses a Group 65 maintenance-free battery rated at 730 cold-cranking amps. Diesel models use dual Group 65 maintenance-free batteries rated at 730 cold-cranking amps.

Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab models each include six airbags. This airbag count remains consistent across the body styles listed within the lineup. The use of six airbags contributes to occupant protection throughout the cabin.

Cargo Box Dimensions and Exterior Measurements

The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty provides multiple cargo box and wheelbase combinations to accommodate different body styles. Crew Cab and Mega Cab models can be equipped with a 6-foot 4-inch cargo box, while Regular Cab and Crew Cab models can use an 8-foot cargo box. These configurations affect cargo capacity and overall exterior dimensions. Measurements vary among Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 models and between two-wheel-drive and Four-Wheel Drive layouts.

Cargo Box Specifications

The 6-foot 4-inch cargo box offers 57.5 cubic feet of SAE volume and measures 76.3 inches in floor length with the tailgate closed. The 8-foot cargo box increases cargo volume to 74.7 cubic feet and provides 98.3 inches of floor length. Both box designs provide a cargo width of 66.4 inches and 51 inches between the wheelhouses. Tailgate opening width measures 60.4 inches on both versions. Cargo box depth measures 20.1 inches on the shorter box and 20.2 inches on the longer box.

Ground Clearance and Geometry

Ground clearance figures vary throughout the lineup depending on body style and drivetrain. Several Ram 2500 Four-Wheel Drive models provide 13.1 inches of ground clearance, while the Power Wagon® configuration lists 14.2 inches. Rebel models list 13.3 inches of ground clearance. Power Wagon® geometry includes a 29.4-degree approach angle and a 22-degree ramp breakover angle. Departure angle for the Power Wagon® configuration measures 26 degrees.

Interior Dimensions and Passenger Space

The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty is available with Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab layouts that provide varying passenger accommodations. Seating configurations include arrangements for two or three occupants in the front row and additional seating in Crew Cab and Mega Cab models. Interior dimensions differ between the front and rear seating areas. Measurements include headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room. Interior volume also varies depending on the selected cab configuration.

Seating Dimensions

Regular Cab models provide 39.8 inches of front headroom and 40.9 inches of front legroom. Crew Cab and Mega Cab models each provide 40.9 inches of front headroom and 40.9 inches of front legroom. Front shoulder room measures 65.9 inches, and front hip room measures 62.9 inches across all cab styles. Crew Cab rear seating provides 39.8 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom. Mega Cab rear seating increases rear legroom to 43.1 inches and provides 40.3 inches of rear headroom.

Interior Volume

Regular Cab models provide 62.5 cubic feet of front interior volume. Crew Cab models increase front interior volume to 63.9 cubic feet and provide 60.7 cubic feet of rear interior volume. Mega Cab models also provide 63.9 cubic feet of front interior volume while increasing rear volume to 66 cubic feet. These measurements demonstrate how interior space changes among the available body styles.

Schedule a Test Ride at Jubilee CDJR 

Our team at Jubilee CDJR in Mobile, AL, can help you explore the engineering and functional features of the 2026 Ram Heavy Duty in greater detail. We invite you to schedule a test drive to experience the truck's powertrain performance, steering characteristics, braking systems, and interior comfort. During your visit, we can review available cab configurations, drivetrain layouts, and cargo box dimensions. A hands-on evaluation provides an opportunity to become familiar with the truck's handling and safety-related equipment. We look forward to helping you find the configuration that best suits your requirements.