What size engine is in a 1989 Dodge Ram?
There isn’t a single engine size for all 1989 Dodge Ram pickups; the engine size varied by model and configuration. The most common gasoline choices were the 5.2 L (318 cu in) V8 and the 5.9 L (360 cu in) V8, with a Cummins 6BT 5.9 L turbo-diesel available on heavy-duty models.
What follows is a more detailed look at the engine options that year and how to determine which one is in a specific truck.
Gasoline engine options
Most light-duty Ram trucks in 1989 were offered with one of two gasoline V8s. The following sizes were commonly available:
- 5.2 L V8 (318 cubic inches)
- 5.9 L V8 (360 cubic inches)
Availability of these engines depended on the exact model, cab/bed configuration, and option packages for the truck. The gasoline V8s were the primary powertrains for most Ram 1500/2500 variants in that year.
How to verify the gasoline engine in your truck
To confirm which gasoline engine your specific 1989 Dodge Ram has, use a few reliable checks on the vehicle itself:
- Look for the engine size stamped on the engine block near the front of the engine or on the intake manifold.
- Check the radiator support tag or the driver’s door jamb data tag for engine information.
- Read the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and use a decode tool or manufacturer sheets to determine the original engine code.
- Compare the visual features (intake, valve covers, and belt layout) with references for the 318 (5.2 L) and 360 (5.9 L) V8 configurations.
Using these methods will help you identify the exact gasoline engine installed in your 1989 Ram, even if the truck has undergone previous changes.
Diesel and alternative powertrains
In the heavy-duty lineup, there was a diesel option for certain 1989 Ram trucks. The diesel engine most commonly associated with that era was the Cummins turbo-diesel:
- Cummins 6BT 5.9 L turbo-diesel
The Cummins 5.9 L turbo-diesel was widely used on 1989 Ram 2500/3500 heavy-duty models and provided a markedly different power and torque profile compared with the gasoline V8s. Availability depended on the chassis and market, so not every Ram 2500/3500 in 1989 had this engine.
How to verify the diesel engine in your truck
To confirm if a Cummins diesel powered your 1989 Ram, consider these steps:
- Inspect the engine bay for the Cummins 6BT badge or stamping on the valve cover or block.
- Check the fuel-rail and injector arrangement typical of Cummins turbo-diesel setups of that era.
- Review the build sheet or door/radiator label for engine type in the option codes.
- Read the VIN and decode the original powertrain to see if a diesel was chosen at order time.
Diesel Ram trucks from that period are more easily identified by the engine appearance and by the absence of a typical gas-fuel system layout, coupled with the Cummins indicators mentioned above.
Model notes and how engine choice varied
The 1989 Dodge Ram line included light-duty 150 models and heavy-duty 2500/3500 variants. Engine availability often followed the intended use of the truck:
- Light-duty Ram 1500s commonly featured gasoline V8 options (5.2 L or 5.9 L).
- Heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500s offered the Cummins turbo-diesel option for higher torque and durability in work applications.
Therefore, the exact engine size for a 1989 Dodge Ram depends on the specific model, configuration, and any dealer- or owner-applied changes. Checking the vehicle’s labels, VIN, and engine stamping is the most reliable way to confirm the original engine size.
Summary
The 1989 Dodge Ram did not have a single engine size across all models. Common gasoline options were the 5.2 L (318 cu in) V8 and the 5.9 L (360 cu in) V8, with a Cummins 6BT 5.9 L turbo-diesel available on heavy-duty 2500/3500 trucks. To know your truck’s exact engine, inspect the engine block stamping, radiator support/door tags, and decode the VIN or build sheet. This approach will tell you whether your Ram is powered by a gasoline V8 or a diesel, and which specific displacement applied at the factory.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is often regarded as one of the worst years for the model. This year was part of the second generation and suffered from a variety of issues that led to frequent repairs, frustrated owners, and complaints.
What motor is in a 1989 Dodge Ram 50?
The proven and powerful 2.6-liter engine is standard on all three pictured models, and is backed by your choice of a standard five-speed overdrive manual or optional four-speed over- drive automatic transmission. Whichever truck you choose, you're sure to find excitement in your own backyard and beyond.
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How much horsepower does a 1989 Dodge Ram 318 have?
Fuel injection was added to the 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 engine in 1989. Power output for the TBI 318 was 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) and 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) of torque.
What engine is in a 1989 Dodge D150?
Underneath the hood, the 1989 Dodge D150 was typically powered by a range of engines from a workaday 3.9L V6 to a more potent 5.2L V8, providing ample power for towing and hauling.
