Understanding how a RAM truck was originally built can offer valuable insight into its capabilities, features, and overall history. The factory build sheet details everything from the drivetrain and equipment packages to paint colors, interior trim, and optional upgrades--information that's especially useful when buying, selling, verifying, or simply getting to know your vehicle better. However, this kind of documentation isn't always easy to find. While RAM sometimes provides free access to build sheets or original window stickers, availability can vary depending on the model and year. To simplify the process, we've created a RAM Build Sheet by VIN tool that automatically checks for any official build data tied to your vehicle after you enter your vehicle's VIN. If a free document isn't available, you'll have the option to request through our trusted partner a professionally recreated window sticker based on verified factory specifications. The guide below explains further what a build sheet includes, how to read it, and where to get one.
Q: What is a RAM build sheet?
A: A RAM build sheet is a document that details exactly how a specific truck was assembled at the factory - essentially the vehicle's "blueprint" or birth certificate from the assembly line. It lists all the components, options, and specifications the truck left the factory with. In older Chrysler parlance, this was often called a broadcast sheet, a paper printed for use on the assembly line. Factory workers used these sheets to ensure each Dodge/RAM truck received the correct parts as it moved through production. For the owner or enthusiast, the build sheet is a complete record of the truck's original configuration.
Q: Why are RAM build sheets important?
A: Enthusiasts and collectors prize build sheets because they verify a vehicle's original factory configuration, which is crucial for authenticity and restorations. A build sheet confirms exactly which engine, transmission, axle ratio, paint color, interior trim, and options a truck came with. This is invaluable when comparing used trucks or verifying that a vehicle still has all its factory equipment. The build sheet often reveals details not obvious at a glance - for example, it might show that a truck has a limited-slip differential or specific towing package that requires certain maintenance or parts. It can even provide interesting historical tidbits like the exact build date (on older build records). It's the key to understanding a truck's DNA as it left the assembly line.
Q: What kind of information is typically included in a build sheet?
A: A RAM build sheet includes a comprehensive list of the vehicle's original features and technical details. You can expect to find:
Vehicle Identification - Basics like the VIN, model year, body type, and assembly plant, plus the production sequence or build date.
Drivetrain Codes - The engine and transmission are identified by specific Chrysler "sales codes". For example, a code starting with E denotes the engine type (such as an EZH code for a 5.7L HEMI V8), and other codes designate the transmission and drive axle.
Paint and Trim - The exterior paint color code and interior trim code are listed, indicating the original color scheme (for instance, a code like PX8 for black paint, or an interior code for cloth vs. leather seats).
Factory Options and Packages - Every optional feature or package is recorded by a code. This ranges from major equipment (like a towing package, off-road group, or luxury group) to minor options (such as type of radio, seating configuration, mirrors, etc.). If the truck had a special equipment package (often noted as a "Customer Preferred Package" with a number), that will appear on the sheet as well.
Standard Equipment - Many build sheets also list the standard items that might not appear on a window sticker. This can include things like the standard axle ratio, tire size, or other default features for the model.
All of these codes usually come with short descriptions on modern build sheet printouts, so you see both the code and what it stands for (e.g. XBQ - Two-tone Paint, BR1 - Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers, etc.). In older sheets, it may just be codes in boxes, requiring a reference guide to decode. But either way, the build sheet paints a complete picture of the truck as built.
Q: How can I find or retrieve the build sheet for my RAM truck?
A: For most modern-era trucks, the easiest way to obtain a build sheet is by using your VIN. Enter your 17-character VIN on sites like Build Sheet by VIN. You can retrieve a full list of the truck's build information instantly.
For older vehicles not covered by an online tool, you might need to take additional steps. If the VIN lookup says data not available or the truck predates the digital record systems, try contacting RAM (Chrysler) customer support - they can often research the build info and email you the results. RAM trucks were part of the Dodge division until RAM was broken out as its own brand in 2010. Many owners of 1980s and 1990s Dodge trucks have had success emailing Chrysler or calling the customer hotline to get a copy of the build sheet sent to them. Lastly, if your truck is truly vintage (pre-1980), the build sheet might only be obtained the old-fashioned way: by literally searching the truck's nooks and crannies for any paper left behind (more on that below), or by requesting archival records for the vehicle.
Q: Are build sheets available for older Dodge RAM trucks?
A: Build sheets exist for older Dodge trucks, but obtaining them can be a mixed bag depending on the age. Dodge started using the "RAM" name for pickups in 1981, and for those early RAM trucks (1980s era) the factory would have printed build sheets for assembly, but the records may not be readily digitized. In general, Chrysler's electronic database covers roughly the early 1990s onward (and in practice, enthusiasts have retrieved build sheets for vehicles as far back as the late 1980s in some cases). If you have, say, a 1995 or 2001 Dodge RAM, there's a good chance the build sheet is still in the system - you could get it via the VIN lookup or by contacting a dealer. For the earlier model years, always check with Chrysler/Stellantis customer support first, and if that comes up empty, you may have to do a bit of "treasure hunting" in the truck itself or seek out Mopar enthusiast resources for that era.
Q: Are digital build sheets available for newer RAM models?
A: Absolutely. For late-model RAM trucks (2010-present RAM brand vehicles and earlier Dodge trucks), the build sheet is stored electronically and easily accessible. This has been the case for many years; owners of 2010s and 2020s RAMs can retrieve a PDF listing every option on their truck within seconds. Digital build sheets are part of the normal support offered by RAM/Stellantis, so unlike in decades past, you don't have to physically find a paper version of the build sheet in the truck. Even if you bought a brand new RAM 1500 today, you could input the VIN online and see the full build specification. Newer RAMs come with digital build data that's just a few clicks away. Do note that for a brand-new order that hasn't been built yet, the VIN search won't show a build sheet until the vehicle is actually produced and entered into the system. Once the truck is built, the record goes live.
Q: What did build sheets look like for classic Dodge RAM models?
A: For classic Dodge trucks, especially those through the 1980s, the build sheet was a paper form crammed with codes and abbreviations. Unlike the glossy window sticker given to new-car buyers, the build (broadcast) sheet was a no-frills internal document. Visually, an older Chrysler/Dodge build sheet often looks like a grid or table printed on a thin sheet of paper (usually about letter-sized). It would have various boxes or lines corresponding to different equipment categories, each filled in with codes identifying the parts or options on that vehicle. At the top you'd see identifying information (like the VIN or order number, model, and maybe the order sequence). Below that, rows and columns of alphanumeric codes denoted everything from the engine and transmission down to the axle, paint, trim, and options. For example, a 1985 Dodge truck's build sheet might list a code like E61 for the 5.9L engine, D34 for an automatic transmission, etc., along with many other codes for each feature. These sheets were printed in black (or sometimes blue or purple-ish ink if done on a dot-matrix printer with carbon copies) and were often folded or tucked away. They weren't meant to be seen by customers, so they look very utilitarian and even cryptic at first glance - essentially a worksheet of codes that an assembly worker or parts manager could interpret.
The classic build sheet is a plain paper full of coded data. It doesn't have the nice formatting or descriptive text that a window sticker has. Many Mopar enthusiasts who have found one describe it as a treasure trove of information in a rather technical format. If you find an original broadcast sheet in a vintage Dodge, it might be brittle or faded, but you'll literally see the truck's options in code form as originally typed out at the factory. It's the same concept for Dodge RAM trucks prior to 2010: a printed list of codes and options that traveled with the truck down the assembly line.
Q: Where were they located in the vehicle?
A: Back in the day, Chrysler didn't hand the build sheet to customers - instead, these papers were usually left hidden somewhere in the vehicle (if they weren't thrown away). Enthusiasts who restore older cars and trucks often find build sheets in all sorts of nooks. Common locations include:
Under or inside the seats: A very typical spot is wedged in the springs of the seat cushions. For example, a build sheet might be tucked into the seatback of the front bucket seat or folded under the bench seat's bottom cushion. Rear seats in cars were a prime hiding place, and in trucks the bench seat is a likely candidate - you might find the sheet between the seat foam and the frame.
Under the carpet: Many Dodge vehicles had a broadcast sheet laid on the floor pan and then covered by the carpeting. Often the driver's side front floor, beneath the carpet (and sometimes under a layer of sound insulation), is where a sheet could be.
Inside the glove box area: Another known spot is taped to the top or back side of the glove box liner. If you remove the glove box (or sometimes just feel up behind it), you might discover a folded sheet of paper stuck there.
Behind the dashboard: Less commonly, a sheet might be stuck on or near the heater box or behind dash components. For instance, some have been found taped to the HVAC housing under the dash.
Other hiding spots: In rare cases, build sheets have turned up in unusual places - tucked above a headliner, or between the gas tank and the tank shield, etc. These are exceptions, but it has happened on some assembly lines. Generally for trucks, the seat and carpet are the first places to check, because those were easy for line workers to slip a paper into.
It's important to note that not every truck will have the build sheet still in it; many have been removed during past repairs or simply disintegrated over time. But if you have an older Dodge RAM and are hunting for the build sheet, the first place to look is under the seats and carpet. Any scrap of old paper you find could be it (even if it's torn, save it! - you might piece together codes). Mopar build sheets were printed on cheap paper that doesn't age well, so often they're fragile or partly eaten away by rodents or moisture. Nonetheless, those hiding spots have yielded build sheets for many restorers over the years.
Q: Were build sheets consistently used across Dodge truck models and assembly plants?
A: The use of build sheets was common across all Dodge (Chrysler) assembly plants - every plant had to have some form of build manifest to assemble the vehicle. However, whether a copy of the build sheet survived in the vehicle was not very consistent. In theory, every truck had a build sheet generated for it on the production line, but in practice, a sheet might or might not have been left in the vehicle by the time it rolled out of the factory. Assembly line workers treated broadcast sheets as disposable paperwork; once a car or truck was built, that paper wasn't needed and often got tossed as trash. Some plants had a habit of leaving a sheet in a certain spot (for example, the line workers at one plant might always shove one copy under the driver's seat), while other plants might have routinely thrown them all away. It could also vary by the year or even by the individual worker - so it's a bit of luck of the draw.
There are many anecdotes from Mopar enthusiasts illustrating this inconsistency. One truck might be found with two different build sheets (perhaps one under the carpet and another in the seat springs - because multiple departments each left their copy in the vehicle), whereas the next truck off the line might have zero because the cleaners trashed it during final prep. In some cases, owners have found a build sheet in their vehicle only to realize it belongs to a different vehicle - a result of mix-ups on the line where the wrong sheet got left behind! So, while every Dodge RAM built had a build sheet at the factory, whether that sheet ended up traveling with the truck when it left the factory was not guaranteed at all. Each assembly plant (Warren, St. Louis, Lago Alberto, etc. for trucks) had their own practices.
Q: How are build sheets handled for RAM-branded vehicles today?
A: Modern RAM trucks (2010 and newer, when RAM became its own brand under the Chrysler/Fiat umbrella) still have build sheets, but the process is digitally based now. On the assembly line, instead of relying solely on a paper sheet to follow the truck, the build information is largely tracked by computer systems and barcodes. Assembly plants use electronic workstations and scanning systems that know the vehicle's VIN and configure what parts should be installed at each station. A printed "build sheet" might be generated in some form for internal use (sometimes called a traveler or broadcast manifest), but it's typically not a paper that gets left in the vehicle anymore.
RAM (as part of Stellantis) maintains the full build data for each vehicle in a central database. The moment a new RAM truck is built and rolled off the line, its build specification is stored in the system under the VIN. This electronic record serves the same purpose as the old paper build sheet, and it's accessible to dealerships and the company's network immediately. So the handling today is: the factory workers see the build info on screens or printouts during assembly, but all that information is captured digitally rather than relying on a single paper traveling with the truck. This improves accuracy and ensures the information isn't lost - it's tied to the VIN forever in the database.
Q: Do RAM vehicles still have physical build sheets?
A: Generally, no - today's RAM trucks do not come with a physical build sheet tucked away like vehicles did decades ago. You won't typically find a paper build sheet under the seat or glued to the glove box in a 2021 RAM 1500. Any paper used during assembly (if they even use one as a traveler) is removed before the vehicle is delivered. In modern production, once the truck is assembled, all key information is recorded digitally, and there's little reason to leave a paper inside the truck. In fact, RAM no longer provides an "options sticker" or build manifest on the vehicle itself beyond the standard tire/loading labels. Even the old practice of a fender tag or Service Parts label listing option codes (something some manufacturers still do) is not something RAM trucks have now - an owner won't see a list of sales codes on the truck's door jamb or under the hood.
So, unless by some fluke a line worker left a checklist in a new truck (highly unlikely with today's processes), there is no physical build sheet in modern RAM vehicles. The expectation is that anyone needing that info will access it through the VIN electronically, because the owner can't just look under the carpet for a sheet anymore. The physical build sheet is a thing of the past for new RAMs. If you're an enthusiast who enjoys finding artifacts in vehicles, this might be a bit sad, but the trade-off is that it's much easier to get the information on any new truck by just downloading it, rather than disassembling your interior in hopes of a faded paper.
One related note: RAM trucks also have the Monroney window sticker at the time of sale, of course, but that's removed by the selling dealer when the vehicle is sold. Some new owners keep the window sticker, but this sticker is different from a build sheet and is intended for the buyer.
Q: How do you decode RAM build sheet codes?
A: Decoding a RAM (or Dodge) build sheet means translating the alphanumeric codes into plain English descriptions of the equipment. Chrysler uses a system of sales codes to represent options and parts on the build sheet. These sales codes are typically 3 characters long (usually letters, sometimes letter-number combos). Each code corresponds to a specific feature, package, or part. For example, classic Chrysler engine codes often begin with "E" - E57 might correspond to a 5.7L V8 engine, "D" codes often relate to drivetrain or transmission (e.g. DGQ might be a specific automatic transmission model), "G" codes for axles or gears, "P" for paint colors, etc. On a modern RAM build sheet, you'll see codes like EZH for "5.7L HEMI V8 engine" or DG7 for "Exterior Mirrors - Power, Heated, with Memory" as hypothetical examples.
To decode the sheet, you match each code with its meaning. Fortunately, if you obtain the build sheet from RAM's VIN lookup today, it usually comes decoded - it will list the code followed by the description (so you don't actually have to decipher the code on your own). For instance, the sheet might say something like: XBM - Remote Start System or AJY - Luxury Group next to the code. In older sheets (say you found a 1980s broadcast sheet under your seat), the codes might not have text, so you'd need a reference to interpret them.
Chrysler (Mopar) publishes code lists in their service manuals and parts catalogs. A technician, for example, could look at a Body Code Plate or build sheet and use the company's code guide to identify the equipment. Enthusiast resources have made this easier for the public: there are PDF lists and websites that catalog common Chrysler/Dodge/RAM sales codes and their meanings. If you have an older build sheet with just codes, you can find decoding guides on Mopar forums, in club publications, or through historical services. Dodge truck clubs and forums often have members who can help decode obscure codes as well.
Decoding involves taking each code (like TTB, ADA, DBA) and translating it to the option name (e.g. TTB = Towing Traction Bars (example), ADA = Light Group, DBA = 3.92 Axle Ratio, etc.). Modern build sheets do this for you by including the description. For a hands-on decode, having a Chrysler/RAM sales code list is the way to go. The good news is that Chrysler has used many of the same sales code conventions for years, so once you have a list, you can apply it to multiple model years. And if you're ever unsure, the dealership parts department can input the sales code and usually tell you what it stands for, because they use those codes to look up replacement parts. Decoding is like translating a language: with the right "dictionary" (Mopar code list) in hand, a page of seemingly random codes turns into a detailed feature list for your truck.
Q: What types of option codes and part codes are common?
A: On RAM build sheets, you'll encounter a few different types of codes. The most common are the sales codes mentioned above - these identify individual options or packages. For example, you might see sales codes for: engine (E-codes), transmission (D-codes), axle ratios (D or G-codes), paint colors (P-codes), interior trim (C-codes for trim or J for seats), audio systems (R-codes for radios), convenience features (X, Y, or Z codes for things like remote start, airbags, etc.), and so on. Each major component or feature on the truck will have a sales code. There are literally thousands of possible sales codes in the Mopar system (covering all models), but any given vehicle's build sheet will have the subset that applies to it. For instance, a 2005 Dodge RAM might have NAA (Federal emissions package), ADA (Light Convenience Group), GPD (rear limited-slip differential), WBJ (17-inch aluminum wheels), etc., each corresponding to an option or feature.
Besides sales codes, older broadcast sheets often showed assembly codes or part numbers for certain components. These are more granular codes that the assembly plant used to specify the exact part variant installed. For example, a sales code might tell you the truck has a 4-speed automatic transmission, but an assembly code would specify the exact transmission unit or part number for that model. As an illustration from older Mopar practice: the broadcast sheet could list a sales code for "3-Speed Manual Transmission" and separately an assembly code like "326" which is the plant's code for the specific version of that 3-speed used in a particular car line. In the context of RAM trucks, by the 1990s and 2000s, the build sheet or the dealer's printout will usually show the sales codes and also sometimes the build configuration codes for things like the springs or alternator, etc. However, most owners focus on the sales codes because those are easier to relate to option names.
To put it simply, common codes you'll see are things like engine and transmission codes (e.g. ETQ = 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, DG8 = 6-speed manual), package codes (26X or 28H type codes representing a trim level package), and dozens of three-letter codes for everything from ABS brakes, air conditioning, paint stripe/delete options, down to axle gear ratio. Part codes or build codes might appear as longer numbers on a build sheet printout but are of less interest unless you're doing a deep restoration and need exact part IDs. The key takeaway is that RAM build sheets use Chrysler's alphanumeric code system for every option, and enthusiasts quickly become familiar with the common ones (for example, Mopar fans know AJB is often the code for an air conditioning system, XHC might denote heavy-duty cooling, etc.).
Q: What tools or resources are available to assist in decoding?
A: There are several resources to help decode RAM build sheets, ranging from official documentation to enthusiast-created references. Here are some useful tools and sources:
Official Build Sheet (Equipment Listing): The easiest tool is the build sheet document itself as provided by RAM. If you use the VIN lookup and get the official equipment listing, it will already list the plain names of each code. This essentially removes the need for manual decoding because the manufacturer is telling you what each code means (e.g. it will say Code XAG - ParkSense Rear Park Assist System right on the printout). So step one: obtain the official sheet, as described above.
Mopar Sales Codes Lists: Chrysler publishes lists of sales codes in their service literature. While these aren't handed out to customers in a nice booklet, they often leak into the enthusiast community. For example, there are PDF lists of commonly used Chrysler/Dodge/RAM sales codes available online. These lists match codes to option descriptions. Stellantis's dealer portal or parts catalog (STAR Parts) will also list code definitions.
Enthusiast Forums and Websites: RAM and Mopar forums are excellent resources. Many forum members have compiled databases of codes or can answer questions about specific ones. If you have a weird code "LMN" that you can't figure out, posting it on a Dodge/RAM forum will likely get you an answer from someone with access to a reference. Communities for Mopar muscle cars (while focused on cars) also have extensive knowledge on broadcast sheet codes which often overlap with truck codes from the same era, especially for powertrain and paint. Websites like Allpar or Hamtramck Historical have sections explaining broadcast sheet coding for vintage Mopars, which can give insight into older Dodge truck sheets as well.
Third-Party Decoder Tools: There are some online VIN decoders specific to Mopar that attempt to list factory options. These can sometimes be hit or miss, but they can give a quick rundown of major options. They are essentially doing what the build sheet lookup does, though some older vehicles' info might appear via third-party databases. Caution is advised as they may not decode everything accurately, but as a supplemental tool they can be used.
Q: What's the difference between a RAM build sheet and a window sticker?
A: A build sheet and a window sticker are two very different documents, even though they both relate to the vehicle's equipment. The build sheet (as we've discussed) is an internal factory document focusing on the vehicle's construction and parts. It lists every option and mechanical detail, usually in code form, and was used by the manufacturer to build the truck. It's not intended for sales or marketing - it doesn't include prices or consumer information, just the build specifics.
The window sticker, on the other hand, is officially called the Monroney sticker. It's the federally mandated label that is affixed to the window of a new vehicle for sale, intended for the consumer to read. The window sticker presents information in a user-friendly way: it shows the vehicle's make, model, trim, standard features, the optional equipment that was added (usually with brief descriptions), and the MSRP pricing for each option and the total price. It also includes things like fuel economy ratings, safety ratings, destination charge, and the selling dealership, as required by law. Essentially, the window sticker is a snapshot of what the customer is buying and how much it costs.
While both documents will enumerate the vehicle's options, the window sticker is geared toward sales and consumer disclosure, and it might group items together for clarity. The build sheet is purely technical, often listing things the window sticker doesn't. For example, a window sticker might say "Sport Appearance Package - $1,200" and list the highlights of that package, whereas the build sheet will list each component of that package as separate codes (rear spoiler, special wheels, etc.), but no prices. The window sticker won't show internal codes or many "standard" items that come on all models (it usually only lists notable standard features and the optional features that affect price). The build sheet, by contrast, shows everything, down to the smallest detail, but without any pricing or consumer info.
Another way to put it: the window sticker shows what the manufacturer wants the buyer to see about the car (and has to show by law, like fuel economy), while the build sheet shows what the factory workers need to see to build the car. They overlap on the major options (both will reflect if the truck has a HEMI engine, or the premium sound system, for instance), but differ in presentation and scope.
Q: Does the window sticker show the same level of detail as a build sheet?
A: No, the window sticker is less detailed in many respects. It's oriented towards clarity for the buyer, so it usually omits the minutiae that a build sheet will include. The build sheet might list 50 different line items of equipment, whereas the Monroney sticker will condense that into maybe a dozen or so lines of optional packages and features. For instance, if a RAM truck has an option "Convenience Group" that includes a bunch of sub-features (like adjustable pedals, garage door opener, etc.), the window sticker might just say "Convenience Group - $X" and list a couple of key features in that group. The build sheet, however, will have individual codes for each of those sub-features (and for the group itself).
One could say the window sticker shows maybe 80% of what the build sheet contains, skewed towards what affects the buyer (performance, comfort, appearance options). The build sheet is 100% of everything, including things like the exact axle gear ratio or the specific emissions calibration - details a buyer might not need on a sticker. So for depth of detail, the build sheet far exceeds the window sticker.
Q: Which document is more useful for verifying originality or doing a factory-correct restoration?
A: For verifying originality and performing a factory-correct restoration, the build sheet is more useful - in fact, it's often considered the gold standard. The build sheet provides the complete list of how the vehicle was equipped, so a restorer can trust it to know exactly what paint code, what interior trim, which engine, which transmission, down to minor options, the vehicle had from new. If you're restoring a classic Dodge truck and you have the build sheet, you can ensure you reinstall every piece of equipment as it was originally configured, and paint it the correct original color, etc. It's the definitive reference for originality.
The window sticker is still useful, especially for more recent vehicles - it will give you the RAM truck's configuration as sold, including which optional packages were on it. However, a window sticker might not mention something that was standard or a small option that didn't affect the price, whereas the build sheet would.
In a restoration scenario, you often need to know those little details - e.g., did this truck originally have the cargo lamp? Which radio did it have? The build sheet will answer that; the window sticker might not. Moreover, the build sheet can be used to corroborate a window sticker. If you have both, that's ideal: the window sticker gives you the public-facing config and pricing, and the build sheet backs it up with the internal specifics. But if one has to choose, the build sheet is more comprehensive for originality. It's the document a concours judge or authenticity verifier would lean on to check that a vehicle matches its factory build.
That said, a window sticker can be a quick reference and is certainly easier to read. For general verification (like confirming a truck is a "real" high-trim model and not a clone, or that it came with a certain package), the window sticker does the job because it's official documentation of what was on the truck at sale. However, the build sheet is more authoritative for things not apparent on the sticker. For example, if you are verifying matching-numbers drivetrain, the build sheet might contain the scheduling numbers for engine/trans that tie to what's in the vehicle, whereas the window sticker won't have that.
In modern times, for something like a 1986 Dodge truck, people hunt for build sheets specifically because they are the key to a faithful restoration. The same holds for RAM trucks: if you were restoring an early 1990s Dodge RAM pickup to showroom condition, the build sheet would tell you every option it had so you could source the right parts.
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