VERIFIED
Launch and first verified model year
Sterling introduced Bullet publicly in 2007 with late-year availability. Factory and regulatory evidence identify the first model year as MY2008, not MY2007.
STERLINGTRUCKS · LEGACY REFERENCE
STERLING FAMILY REFERENCE
Sterling Bullet
Sterling Bullet was a Sterling-badged Chrysler/Dodge Ram 4500/5500 chassis-cab programme built by Chrysler de Mexico at Saltillo. It was not an independently engineered Sterling chassis or a factory pickup line.
ChronologyMY2008–2009Family-level evidence; subcode endpoints may be narrower.
BBC / geometryClass 4 · about 16,500-lb GVWR · 123-in Regular Cab BBC · Class 5 · about 19,500-lb GVWR · 123-in Regular / 143-in Quad Cab BBC · 4500 parts-market alias; no separate canonical · 5500 parts-market alias; no separate canonicalUse only with the matching code and configuration.
Precision A–H guideAMBER+Withheld until one complete configuration is sufficiently sourced.
Factory paint evidenceAMBERNo accepted family-specific selector.
PLATFORM & MANUFACTURING IDENTITY
Keep the badge, builder and configuration separate
| Field | Evidence-scoped identity |
|---|---|
| Sales brand | Sterling Trucks |
| Platform / programme | Chrysler/Dodge Ram 4500/5500 chassis-cab platform |
| Physical manufacturer | Chrysler de Mexico |
| Plant | Saltillo, Mexico |
| WMI / VIN family | 3F6 |
| Base chassis | Ram 4500/5500 chassis cab |
| Predecessor / sibling | Dodge Ram 4500 chassis cab · Dodge Ram 5500 chassis cab |
| Use | Vocational chassis cab · Body-builder platform |
| Axle layouts | 4x2 · 4x4 · Dual rear wheel |
| Cab / body | Regular Cab · Quad Cab |
YEARS & TECHNICAL ERAS
Follow the dated evidence
Corporate production dates, model years and individual factory-code availability are not interchangeable.
VERIFIED
Two-year Sterling model envelope
Official recall and vehicle records establish Sterling Bullet 4500/5500 chassis cabs for MY2008–2009. Continued Ram production does not extend Sterling into MY2010.
CONFIGURATION IDENTITY
Codes and BBC references
| Identity | Reference meaning | Use limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet 4500 / CONV45 | Class 4 · about 16,500-lb GVWR · 123-in Regular Cab BBC | Confirm year, axle layout and build record before applying specifications. |
| Bullet 5500 / CONV55 | Class 5 · about 19,500-lb GVWR · 123-in Regular / 143-in Quad Cab BBC | Confirm year, axle layout and build record before applying specifications. |
| Bullet 45 | 4500 parts-market alias; no separate canonical | Confirm year, axle layout and build record before applying specifications. |
| Bullet 55 | 5500 parts-market alias; no separate canonical | Confirm year, axle layout and build record before applying specifications. |
4500 and 5500 identities
Bullet 4500/CONV45 is the Class 4 branch at approximately 16,500 lb GVWR. Bullet 5500/CONV55 is the Class 5 branch at approximately 19,500 lb GVWR. Launch GCWR is about 26,000 lb. Rear-axle ratings remain model-specific rather than flattened into one figure.
Cummins, G56 and Aisin
The core powertrain is a Cummins ISB 6.7-litre inline-six turbo diesel at approximately 305 hp and 610 lb-ft. Period transmission choices include the G56 six-speed manual and Aisin AS68RC six-speed automatic, both within a PTO-capable vocational programme.
Regular Cab and Quad Cab
Bullet used period Regular Cab and Quad Cab terminology, with crew cab useful only as a modern explanatory alias. Both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations existed; cab or drive does not create a separate model family.
Wheelbase and cab-to-axle matrix
Regular Cab uses an approximately 123-inch BBC with 144.5/60, 168.5/84, 192.5/108 and 204.5/120 wheelbase/CA combinations. Quad Cab uses an approximately 143-inch BBC with 164.5/60 and 188.5/84 combinations. Shared Ram evidence is used only where Sterling factory architecture confirms the same chassis.
Chassis cab, not factory pickup
A factory Sterling Bullet is a chassis cab. Pickup-style survivors may be later-bodied Bullet chassis, Ram conversions or cosmetic Sterling conversions. Grille appearance alone is not authentication: use the 3F6 VIN, series, chassis-cab identity and factory labels.
Precision candidate remains gated
The Regular Cab 60-inch-CA configuration has the strongest current geometry, but a final A–H guide still needs the selected wheelbase, drive type, width definition, mirror/dual-rear envelope and ride-height scope confirmed together. Quad Cab and 4x4 geometry remains AMBER+.
OWNER / BUYER CHECK
Identify the individual truck
- Confirm Sterling make and 4500/5500 chassis-cab identity from the 3F6 VIN and labels.
- Record CONV45 or CONV55, Regular or Quad Cab, and 4x2 or 4x4 separately.
- Do not authenticate a Bullet solely from a Sterling-style grille or pickup body.
- Check the selected wheelbase, cab-to-axle and rear-axle rating before applying body or towing specifications.
A–H DIMENSION GUIDEAMBER+
Precision graphic intentionally withheld
Sourced BBC or wheelbase figures may be useful, but they do not complete an A–H reference. No missing width, height, overhang, frame or fifth-wheel geometry is inferred from artwork or an adjacent Sterling family.
EVIDENCE REGISTER
Sources and reference scope
Reviewed September 16, 2026. Each source remains limited to the stated year, vehicle, document or configuration.
SRC-STERLING-0175Sterling aims its BulletFleetOwner · March 2007
Bullet launch, Ram 4500/5500 derivation, Class 4/5 roles, cab/drive choices and launch specifications.
SRC-STERLING-0177Sterling Bullet technical summaryHeavy Duty TruckingBBC, wheelbase/CA matrix, 305-hp/610-lb-ft Cummins, drive choices, ratings and paint-count evidence.
SRC-STERLING-0179Trucks: Number one with a bulletEquipment World · August 2007Period Bullet specification table covering cab, BBC, wheelbase/CA, GVWR/GCWR and transmissions.
SRC-STERLING-0182Sterling Bullet Workshop Manual 2008Freightliner LLC / SterlingCONV45/CONV55 identities, Chrysler de Mexico/Saltillo VIN architecture, 4x2/4x4, cab codes and G56/AS68RC.
SRC-STERLING-0185Sterling Bullet recall 16V-418 / FL714NHTSA / DTNAOfficial MY2008–2009 Sterling 4500/5500 chassis-cab population and production-date evidence.
SRC-STERLING-01892008 Ram 4500/5500 chassis-cab specificationsChrysler / MoparShared-platform engine, axle, transmission, wheelbase and cab-to-axle architecture; applied only where Sterling evidence confirms the same chassis.
SRC-STERLING-0193MY2009 Canadian Bullet 5500GovDeals municipal recordVehicle-specific MY2009 endpoint, 4x4, four-door chassis-cab and Cummins evidence.