Have you caught yourself referring to the current Dodge Rams as “The New Ram” anytime in the last two or three years? We have, even though the design has been around since ’94. All we can attribute it to is the fact that the last body style of the Ram had been around for so long, anything shy of ten years old is going to seem new!
The ’94 Rams made such an impact that the other two manufacturers are still trying to catch up to the success of the now-old (especially by recent Chrysler design and styling life spans) Ram’s style. It’s quite a testament to your success when, after six years, the competition is still trying to emulate the design to the point of near-outright duplication.
Dodge’s design wasn’t lost on Columbus, Ohio’s, Steven Bender, Sr. He liked the looks of Dodge’s Ram and stepped up and bought a ’96 Ram 1500. Of course, as has been the case with most every automotive enthusiast, a little personalization was in order, for no matter how good it looked from the factory, they can all use a little something.
Steven started by lowering the truck two inches up front and four out back with Bell Tech coil springs, shackles, and hangers. Weld Racing Arrowhead 17-inch wheels were chosen and wrapped in BFG Comp T/A rubber. The interior was left as Dodge delivered it, with the exception of custom embroidery on the head rests. Engine mods to the 318 were also kept to a minimum, with the addition of a K&N air filter assembly and Hot Wires plug wires, while a Flowmaster exhaust system passes the gas.
The minimal mods/big impact theme was carried over to the exterior of the vehicle, where all the extraneous trim and emblems were removed. A Lund roll pan was installed, along with a Hard Shell tonneau cover and wing. The purple was sprayed by Rusty Blade of Fine Line body shop in Columbus and the graphics were applied by Greg “Coop” Cooper. Steven also credits his friends for all their help and support.
When the redesigned Rams hit the scene in ’94, they made an impact. Steven’s Ram continues it.