In 1985, there wasn’t a single engine powering every Dodge Ram. Buyers could choose several engines, with the most common being the 3.7 L Slant-6, the 5.2 L (318) V8, and the 5.9 L (360) V8. A factory diesel option was not offered in 1985, though diesel engines would appear in later Dodge Ram trucks.
Engine options in the 1985 Dodge Ram
The 1985 Dodge Ram, part of the D-Series lineup, offered a mix of inline-six and small-block V8 engines to suit work and everyday use. The following are the primary factory options available that year:
- 3.7 L Slant-6 (225 cubic inches) inline-six — known for durability and steady torque, commonly found on base models.
- 5.2 L V8 (318 cubic inches) — the LA318 small-block V8, balancing power with everyday usability.
- 5.9 L V8 (360 cubic inches) — the larger V8 option, delivering more torque for towing and heavy-duty work.
- Diesel option note: A factory diesel was not offered in 1985. The Cummins turbo-diesel would arrive in Dodge Ram trucks in 1989, expanding the lineup in later years.
In short, the 1985 Ram provided a choice among a reliable six-cylinder and two V8 configurations, with diesel coming later in the model’s history.
How to identify which engine your truck has
To determine the exact engine in a specific 1985 Dodge Ram, you can check code markings on the engine, the VIN, and the vehicle’s build sheet or data plate. These indicators help confirm whether your truck uses the Slant-6 or one of the V8 options.
Check the engine stamping and block codes
Engine blocks often carry a stamping with a code identifying the engine family (for example, a designation like “LA318” for the 5.2 L or “LA360” for the 5.9 L). This code is typically found on the front of the engine block or near the valve cover.
Check the VIN and the glovebox data plate
The vehicle identification number (VIN) can be decoded to reveal the original engine option for that truck, depending on production date and configuration. The glovebox data plate or door jamb sticker often lists the engine option as well.
Ask the owner or check service records
Maintenance history or build sheets (sometimes tucked under the rear seat or inside the glovebox) usually note the original engine choice, making identification straightforward.
Summary
For a 1985 Dodge Ram, the factory engines were typically the 3.7 L Slant-6 and the 5.2 L (318) V8 or the 5.9 L (360) V8. A diesel option did not exist in 1985 but would appear later, beginning in 1989 with the Cummins 6BT. Checking the engine code, VIN, or build sheet is the most reliable way to identify the exact engine in a specific truck.
Context and broader view
The Dodge Ram of the mid-1980s sits within the D-Series lineage, which emphasized durability and straightforward engineering. The Slant-6 offered longevity and economy, while the 318 and 360 V8s provided stronger performance for hauling and work duties. The engine choices reflected the era’s balance between reliability and capability, with diesel options expanding the lineup in subsequent years.
Final note
Understanding which engine is in a 1985 Dodge Ram requires checking the block code or the vehicle’s official records. This era’s trucks were designed to accommodate several configurations, making the exact engine a matter of the specific truck’s original build rather than a single universal specification.
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