2026 RAM 2500 in Forest City, NC

The 2026 RAM 2500 is engineered for heavy-duty performance through a combination of high-output engine options, reinforced chassis construction, advanced transmission systems, and multiple cab and cargo configurations. The truck is available in Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab body styles with both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains. Its structure uses a ladder-type frame, a steel cab, and a double-wall steel pickup box designed for commercial-grade durability and load support. The vehicle uses a longitudinal front-engine layout across all configurations. On 4x4 models, the system incorporates a transfer case for additional traction control and low-range operation.

2026 RAM 2500 heavy-duty pickup driving through muddy off-road trail with water splashing around tires.

6.4-Liter HEMI® V-8 Performance Specifications

The standard gasoline engine available for the 2026 RAM 2500 is a 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8. This engine uses a 90-degree V-8 layout with variable cam timing and pushrod-operated overhead valves. The valve system includes 16 valves with eight deactivating lifters and eight hydraulic lifters equipped with roller followers.

The engine has a displacement of 392 cubic inches or 6,417 cubic centimeters. Bore and stroke measurements are 4.09 inches by 3.72 inches. Fuel delivery is managed through a sequential multiport electronic returnless fuel injection system. The engine block uses deep-skirt cast iron construction with cross-bolted main bearing caps, while the cylinder heads are constructed from aluminum with hemispherical combustion chambers.

The 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 produces 405 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 429 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Maximum engine speed is electronically limited to 5,800 rpm. The compression ratio is rated at 10.0:1. The engine operates on regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline.

Oil capacity is rated at 7.0 quarts, while coolant capacity measures 16.6 quarts. Emissions management includes three-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors, cooled electronic exhaust-gas recirculation, and individual cylinder fuel control systems.

6.7-Liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel Output and Construction

The available 6.7-liter Cummins® High Output turbo diesel inline-six engine is designed for high torque applications and sustained heavy-duty operation. This engine uses an inline-six cylinder layout with turbocharging and intercooling technology. Fuel delivery operates through an electronic high-pressure common rail injection system.

The engine displacement measures 408 cubic inches. Bore and stroke dimensions are 4.21 inches x 4.88 inches. The engine uses a compacted graphite iron block paired with a cast-iron cylinder head. The valve train includes 24 pushrod-operated overhead valves with hydraulic lifters.

The diesel engine produces 430 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 1,075 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. Maximum high-idle engine speed reaches 3,200 rpm. The compression ratio is rated at 16.2:1. The engine operates using ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

The 6.7-liter Cummins® engine includes a 12.0-quart oil capacity with filter and a 23.8-quart coolant capacity. Emissions equipment uses a selective catalytic reduction system.

Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission Systems

The 2026 RAM 2500 uses ZF TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmissions across both engine options. The 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 is paired with the ZF TorqueFlite HD 8HP75 transmission, while the 6.7-liter Cummins® diesel uses the ZF TorqueFlite HD 8AP1075 transmission.

Both transmissions use adaptive electronic controls and support automatic operation along with Electronic Range Select manual gear control. The transmission design uses five clutch packs with only two open clutches in any gear position. Torque converter lockup with a turbine torsional damper is integrated into first through eighth gears to improve low-speed efficiency and drivability.

Gear ratios are identical for both transmission variants. First gear uses a 4.71 ratio, followed by 3.14 in second gear, 2.10 in third gear, 1.67 in fourth gear, 1.29 in fifth gear, 1.00 in sixth gear, 0.84 in seventh gear, and 0.67 in eighth gear. Reverse gear uses a 3.30 ratio.

The gasoline-powered 2026 RAM 2500 uses axle gear ratios of 3.73 or 4.10. Diesel-equipped models use a 3.42 axle ratio.

Four-Wheel Drive Hardware and Transfer Case Operation

The 2026 RAM 2500 offers multiple transfer case configurations depending on engine selection. Models equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 use BW 44-46 or BW 44-47 transfer cases. Models equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins® diesel use the BW 44-48 transfer case.

These transfer cases are part-time systems with electric shift capability. Available operating modes include 2WD, 4WD High, Neutral, and 4WD Low. The low-range ratio is rated at 2.64 across all transfer case variants.

2026 RAM 2500 interior with dashboard touchscreen, steering wheel, and front bench seat layout.

Axle Engineering and Suspension Design

Front axle configurations on 4x4 models use an AAM 9.25-inch beam axle with a center disconnect system. Power Wagon® variants include locking differentials for additional traction support. Rear axle configurations use an AAM 11.5-inch beam axle on standard 2500 models. Certain 3500 configurations use an AAM 12.0-inch rear axle for maximum towing applications.

The front suspension on the 2026 RAM 2500 uses a three-link setup with a track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and solid axle. Power Wagon® models include a disconnecting sway bar system. Rear suspension systems use a five-link arrangement with a track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and solid axle. Optional rear airbags are available on select configurations.

2026 RAM 2500 cabin view with touchscreen, front bench seating, and city street seen through windshield.

Brake System Specifications and Steering Control

The braking system on the 2026 RAM 2500 uses four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking functionality. Front brake dimensions measure 14.17 inches by 1.54 inches and use twin-piston pin-slider calipers. Rear brake dimensions measure 14.09 inches by 1.34 inches and also use twin-piston pin-slider calipers.

Gas-powered 2500 models use a dual-rate tandem diaphragm vacuum-assisted brake system. Diesel-powered 2500 models use hydro-boost braking assist. Steering uses a hydraulic assist system across the lineup.

The truck also includes six airbags across Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab body styles.

Cargo Bed Measurements and Utility Dimensions

The 2026 RAM 2500 offers two cargo bed configurations. The 6-foot 4-inch box provides 57.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. Cargo floor length with the tailgate closed measures 76.3 inches. Cargo width measures 66.4 inches, while the distance between wheelhouses measures 51 inches. Cargo box depth measures 20.1 inches.

The 8-foot cargo box increases total cargo volume to 74.7 cubic feet. Floor length measures 98.3 inches with the tailgate closed. Width and wheelhouse measurements remain identical to the shorter box configuration. Depth measures 20.2 inches.

Both cargo box designs use a tailgate opening width of 60.4 inches.

Exterior Dimensions Across Cab Configurations

Regular Cab 2500 models with the 8-foot cargo box use a 140.2-inch wheelbase and measure 232 inches in overall length. Overall width measures 83.5 inches. Ground clearance reaches 13.1 inches on 4x4 models.

Crew Cab models equipped with the 6-foot 4-inch box use a 149-inch wheelbase and measure 238.8 inches in overall length. Crew Cab models equipped with the 8-foot box use a 169-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 260.8 inches.

Mega Cab 4x4 models use a 160.4-inch wheelbase and measure 249.9 inches in overall length. Ground clearance on Mega Cab 4x4 models measures 13.1 inches.

Power Wagon® configurations increase ground clearance to 14.2 inches. Approach angle measurements on the Power Wagon® reach 29.4 degrees, while departure angles measure 26 degrees. Ramp breakover angle measures 22 degrees.

Turning diameter varies by configuration. Regular Cab models measure approximately 45.4 feet, while Mega Cab models measure approximately 51.2 feet.

Interior Space and Passenger Measurements

The 2026 RAM 2500 provides multiple interior configurations designed for work-focused passenger capacity and cargo flexibility. Regular Cab models support seating configurations of either three or two passengers in the front row. Crew Cab and Mega Cab models support six-passenger seating configurations depending on trim and seating arrangement.

Front headroom measures 39.8 inches in the Regular Cab and 40.9 inches in both Crew Cab and Mega Cab configurations. Front legroom measures 40.9 inches across all cab styles. Front shoulder room measures 65.9 inches, while front hip room measures 62.9 inches.

Rear passenger measurements vary by cab style. Crew Cab models provide 39.8 inches of rear headroom and 40.2 inches of rear legroom. Mega Cab models increase rear headroom to 40.3 inches and rear legroom to 43.1 inches.

Interior volume also differs between configurations. Regular Cab models provide 62.5 cubic feet of front interior volume. Crew Cab models provide 63.9 cubic feet in the front and 60.7 cubic feet in the rear. Mega Cab models provide 63.9 cubic feet in the front and 66 cubic feet in the rear passenger area.

Electrical Capacity and Charging Systems

The electrical system on the 2026 RAM 2500 supports heavy-duty charging and accessory requirements through multiple alternator configurations. Standard output for the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 and standard diesel models uses a 180-amp alternator.

Laramie®, Longhorn®, and Limited diesel trims include a 220-amp alternator. Optional dual alternator systems are available for additional charging capacity. Gasoline-powered models can be equipped with dual 220-amp and 180-amp alternators, while diesel models offer optional dual 220-amp alternators.

Battery systems also vary by engine configuration. Gasoline-powered models use a maintenance-free Group 65 battery rated at 730 cold-cranking amps. Diesel models use dual maintenance-free Group 65 batteries rated at 730 cold-cranking amps each.

Visit Friendship CDJR of Forest City for a Test Ride

Drivers interested in evaluating the 2026 RAM 2500 can schedule a test drive at Friendship CDJR of Forest City in Forest City, NC. A test drive provides an opportunity to examine the performance characteristics of the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 and the available 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo diesel engine under normal driving conditions. Drivers can also compare the handling differences between Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab configurations, along with available 4x2 and 4x4 systems. The eight-speed automatic transmission, suspension calibration, steering response, and braking performance can be evaluated directly during operation. Examining the truck in person also allows drivers to review cargo bed dimensions, passenger space, axle configurations, and heavy-duty chassis components in greater detail.