Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Professional technicians, DIY enthusiasts, fleet maintenance
Competitors 1995:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing capability, workhorse reputation
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing this generation of Ram trucks.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and main bearings, camshaft and timing, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control system
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul (e.g., A500/42RE, A518/46RH)
Driveline Axles:
Front and rear axle, differential, driveshaft, U-joints
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), shocks, springs, steering knuckles
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system components, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, HVAC system
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, grille, mirrors, glass, weatherstripping
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for various systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), sensor testing, component testing
Depth:
Detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions, torque specifications, clearances, special tool requirements, diagnostic flowcharts
Engine Option 1:
5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in)
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in)
Engine Option 3:
8.0L Magnum V10 (for Heavy Duty models, though less common in standard light-duty manuals)
Engine Option 4:
3.9L Magnum V6 (3.9L, 239 cu in) - common in earlier years, may be present in some 1995 configurations
Horsepower 5.2L:
~230 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by configuration)
Torque 5.2L:
~330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Horsepower 5.9L:
~245 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate)
Torque 5.9L:
~375 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Block Material:
Cast iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Cast iron (some earlier models may have had aluminum components, but unlikely for '95)
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor with electronic ignition
Option 1 Type:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., 42RE / 44RE / 46RE depending on engine and chassis)
Option 2 Type:
5-speed Manual (e.g., NV3500 or GETRAG G360 on some heavy duty models)
Automatic Features:
Electronic overdrive, torque converter lock-up
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent like Dexron-III for earlier specs if ATF+4 not available or specified)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Wheelbase Standard:
134.7 inches (for standard cab, long bed)
Wheelbase Short:
111.5 inches (for regular cab, short bed)
Wheelbase Heavy Duty:
134.7 inches (standard), 164.7 inches (long wheelbase)
Curb Weight Estimate:
4,500 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Estimate:
Up to 7,700 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration)
Payload Capacity Estimate:
1,500 - 3,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or tested under current standards; typically performed better in side impacts for this era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard on front wheels, optional or standard on rear depending on trim and model year.
Airbags:
Driver side airbag standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, lap belts in rear
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years. Use Chrysler/Mopar OAT or HOAT coolant (check manual for exact type).
Engine Oil Spec Gas:
API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (preferred for Magnum engines; check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity 5.2L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 5.9L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Common Issue Transmission:
Automatic transmission valve body issues, torque converter clutch wear, overdrive solenoid failure (common in 42RE/44RE/46RE).
Common Issue Engine:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, rear main seal leaks, distributor housing cracks (if applicable), EGR valve issues.
Common Issue Suspension:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, front suspension component wear due to truck's weight and usage.
Common Issue Electrical:
Headlight switch failures, dashboard instrument cluster issues, blower motor resistor failure.
Spark Plug Type V8:
Champion copper core (e.g., RC12LYC or equivalent NGK/ACDelco), typically 2 per cylinder (16 total).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
The 1994-2001 generation was a significant redesign for the Ram, featuring a more aerodynamic, integrated body style and the introduction of the Magnum V6, V8, and V10 engines.
1995 Updates:
Minor refinements from the 1994 redesign, often focused on features and options rather than major structural changes. Continued rollout of the Magnum engine family.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri (varies by specific configuration and model year)