Dodge Ram Door Interchange (Beginners Guide)

In truth, the Dodge Ram door’s condition doesn’t directly influence the truck’s performance, but it does impact its look and functionality.

The Dodge Ram is a truck; hence will be used to drive on rough paths; the doors are also a source of protection.

A car with ruined doors and dents loses its appeal, and sadly accidents are inevitable regardless of how carefully we drive.

Fortunately, you can interchange Dodge Ram front and rear doors, but what models are interchangeable?

As many customers have stated, you can swap the Dodge Ram parts such as Ram’s front doors, engines, exterior door handle, transmission systems, Dodge Ram’s door handle, etc., from 1981 to 1993. Likewise, the Dodge vehicles of the 1994 to 2003 models are in a similar model category, so their parts are compatible, including the 2004 to 2009 generation.

Can 2006 Dodge Ram Doors Be Interchanged With the 1998’s? 

The 1998 Dodge Ram’s rear and front doors differ from the 2006 version as their generation differs.

The former is the second-generation Dodge Ram, while the latter is the third generation and has different specifications.

The conventional cabs trucks and quad (four) cab doors possess contrasting Ram front doors, and their body style differs.

Dodge Ram trucks range from the first generation to the fourth generation, and here’s a brief rundown.

The first-generation Dodge Ram is the 1981-1993 model and comes in four designs:

• It has two doors
• It comes with a two-door extended cab.
• Dodge has a four-door crew cab which has more room.
• Dually

The second-generation Dodge Ram includes the 1994 to 2001 models and comes in various styles, which are:

• It has the regular two-door type.
• Next is the two-door extended truck
• Another is the four-door extended Dodge truck.
• Dually

The third-generation Dodge Ram included the 2002 to 2008 models and was a significant modification in the Dodge family.

It came with advanced features in its interior, suspension system, etc. Its body styles are:

• The regular Dodge truck with two doors
• The quad door option
• A four-door mega Dodge truck only available in the heavy-duty category
• Dually

The fourth-generation Ram truck exists in the 2009 to 2018 models and is available in the following:

• The regular Dodge truck with two doors
• The quad-door cab option
• It has a four-door crew of Dodge trucks.
• Another is the Dodge Ram quad mega truck.
• Last is the Dually

Lastly, the fifth-generation Ram truck includes 2019 to the present Dodge Ram 1500 truck. It is available in the following:

• The regular two-door truck
• The quad truck category
• The four-door crew truck
• The quad-door mega Dodge vehicle

The Dodge Ram truck ranges from the first generation to the fifth, implying that their specifications differ along with their model years.

For example, the first-generation Ram front door will undoubtedly contrast with the second generation’s because their manufacturing design will change. 

For example, the shape and cab door type affect the doors’ compatibility. A quad cab door differs from the regular one.

Also, some have round or square corners making it impossible for contrasting Dodge Ram doors to fit.

Can a 2003 Dodge Rear Door Fit a 2007 Dodge Rear?

The 2003 Dodge Ram rear door is compatible with the 2007 model as they both belong to the third-generation Dodge category.

Also, their specifications and manufacturing designs correspond so that you can interchange them.

How To Discern Interchangeable Dodge Ram Parts

The parts between Dodge truck generations are compatible, but you still need to follow instructions to discover the perfect match.

• The dimensions of your previous truck part, like the exterior door handle, should fit the new one.
• Depending on what Dodge Ram truck you’ve got, ensure the bolts setting and every tool you use should be suitable for both models.
• You can find the suitable part for your truck through your car’s VIN and model requirements.
• Only go for a replacement part with similar numbers to the existing part on your truck as it serves as compatibility proof.

Additional Interchangeable Features in Dodge Ram Trucks

#1. Engine

It is alright to trade the engine in your old truck for another, provided both motors do not have much difference.

Although the electrical specifications like wiring can differ, the engine’s operation and electronics must be exact.

For instance, the Dodge Ram trucks from 2003 to 2008 have a similar V8 motor but will not fit trucks between 2003 and 2005.

#2. Suspension System

The Dodge Ram trucks differ since various generations offer advanced upgrades to the previous ones in suspension systems.

The Ram 2500 and 3500 possess a similar suspension system, so it is alright to swap them, but this isn’t applicable in all Dodge truck models, so always confirm.

#3. Body Parts

You can swap the Dodge’s body parts as long as they belong to a similar generation except for trucks with body lifts.

For instance, it is okay to interchange the components of a Dodge truck 1500 and 2500 as their designs are identical in terms of windows and door proportions.

#4. Wiring Belts

Wiring harnesses are vital connections between the engine electrical system and detectors, ensuring smooth car operation.

But there are steady annual modifications to this wiring hardware procedure, making it crucial to alter these wiring before installing interchangeable elements to your vehicle.

#5. Engine Control Module/PCM

ECM/PCM comes particularly for each truck and tags various data like VIN, gas mileage, etc.

It is not interchangeable in trucks based on model year similarity; hence it must be reprogrammed using your Dodge truck’s specifications.

The 2003 models don’t fit with advanced models, but the 2006 and 2007 Dodge trucks make a great pair.

#6. Interior parts

The back and front passenger seats, dashboards, control switches, etc., are interior features of a Dodge truck.

Although they may slightly vary, a minor adjustment is all that is required to make them perfect for swaps.

Another vital point is to check the linking wires in electric-powered front passenger seat cases.

What Year of Dodge Rams Are Interchangeable With 2001?

The 2001 Dodge vehicles belong to the second generation Dodge category from 1994; hence will only be appropriate for a swap with trucks from similar model years.

The second-generation Dodge experienced redesigns after the previous generation; hence saw modifications in its styling and engine specification, but nothing dramatic.

It also initiated a door variant, the quad cab door option featuring back accessible doors connected with rear edges. 

The proceeding Dodge model years, as expected, also changed, but nothing too much; the later Dodge Ram productions sparked a proper evolution as they experienced advanced adjustments from engines, transmissions, safety programs, and body redesigning. 

They have more spacious compartments and enhanced interior components, delivering better performance due to their modified, remarkable characteristics.

But it is imperative to remember that these replacements most likely need some wiring or programming changed for better fitting. 

Hence, consult only an experienced and licensed technician to run these operations for you to avoid complications.

They could also check if the parts you want to be interchanged are compatible as they have more experience. 

Final Thoughts

The Dodge Ram truck has undergone various redesigns and changes from its previous eras till this present day.

But their car parts are still interchangeable, provided they belong to similar model years of production.

With this, you don’t need to bother about replacement components for the Dodge Ram doors, handles, or lock switches, as you can find a suitable match.