It has a new engine and transmission. What else changed between 02 & 03 to make the 03 and up referred to as third generation?

 

body style

 

Generations are decided by Chrysler not us. Each time they change the body style, they label it as a different generation. You may find it referred to as a fourth gen on other forums but that is incorrect and will come back to haunt them when the actual 4th gens do come out

 

Or,

The '03 had a different body than the '02.

John

 

Hmmmm,, I guess I didn't realize the body changed all that much between 02 & 03. (Even though my last truck was an 02) Different grill and head lights, but not much else was there?

The 07's have different tail lights, doesn't that count.

Thanks to everyone for the explanation.

 

Yeah there is a big difference between 02 and 03. o2 for half tons were the new body style, but for cummins powered truck 02's were still the old style. Cummins powered Dodge Rams changed body styles in 03

 

89 to 93 was first gen.94 to 02 was a new platform 2nd gen. 03 was a whole new platform.3rd gen.Most of the drivetrain was new,body was new,frame was new,wheel size and brake system was all new etc.Depends on how well the NEW owners of Chrysler do selling CARS or they might not be a 4th gen.

 

There is a big difference between a 3rd Gen body and a 2nd Gen body... a big one would be that 3rd Gens have four doors that actually open the same direction, regardless of the questions about whether or not it's a real crew cab...