Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Demographic:
Work truck buyers, fleet operators, towing and hauling enthusiasts, general consumers seeking robust utility vehicles
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (later in the decade)
Vehicle Strengths:
Strong towing capacity, powerful engine options, durable construction, spacious interior options (Quad Cab)
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, detailed information for maintaining and repairing a rugged and reliable pickup truck, reducing reliance on potentially costly dealership services.
Primary Coverage:
Repair and overhaul of Dodge Ram Truck 1996-1997 models
Intended Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1000-1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, charging system, starting system
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, HVAC system, body hardware
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, calibrations
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to major component rebuilds. Assumes general automotive knowledge.
Engine Options 1:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8 (Optional)
Engine Options 2:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8 (Optional)
Engine Options 3:
8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10 (Optional)
Engine Options 4:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel (Optional)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 230 hp to 300 hp (V8s and V10) and 175 hp (Diesel), depending on specific engine and tuning.
Torque Range:
Approximately 295 lb-ft to 460 lb-ft, depending on engine and tuning (Diesel notably high torque).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (for V8/V10), Diesel (for Cummins)
Transmission Type Standard:
Manual transmission (e.g., 5-speed Getrag/New Process) on some models, particularly lower trims or specific configurations.
Transmission Type Optional 1:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 46RH, 47RH, 48RE)
Transmission Type Optional 2:
5-speed manual transmission
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Transfer Case:
Manual or electronic shift transfer case for 4WD models
Wheelbase:
Varies by cab configuration (e.g., 114.7 inches for standard cab, 134.7 inches for extended cab, 139.0 inches for club cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration
Bed Lengths:
Available in 6.5 ft and 8 ft bed lengths
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,000 lbs to 6,000+ lbs depending on configuration and engine.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges from approximately 5,400 lbs to over 8,800 lbs, depending on payload class (e.g., 1500, 2500, 3500).
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Likely rated 3 or 4 stars in frontal crash tests for this era, with specific results varying by configuration and test methodology. (Refer to specific NHTSA data for exact ratings.)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on front wheels, optional or standard on rear depending on model and year. Often a 4-wheel ABS system.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger airbag became optional or standard during this generation.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, manual rear seatbelts or integrated restraints depending on cab configuration.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player or premium sound systems available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Not available on factory models of this era.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models
Trailer Brake Controller:
Aftermarket or factory-installed options available, but not standard integrated tech like modern systems.
Connectivity Features:
Limited connectivity features typical of the mid-to-late 1990s. May include power windows, power locks, and power mirrors on higher trims.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil, or up to 7,500 miles for synthetic oil, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact intervals based on engine and oil type.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
Spark Plugs:
Intervals vary by engine; e.g., 30,000 to 100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Transmission Fluid:
Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage. Manual transmission fluid changes are less frequent.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for gasoline engines, SAE 15W-40 for diesel engines. Refer to manual for exact specifications.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent. Check manual for specific type.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (or equivalent for the specific transmission model, e.g., ATF+3 for earlier 47RH). Consult manual for precise specification.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for exact specification)
Common Problems 1:
Radiator leaks (especially the plastic end tanks), water pump failures
Common Problems 2:
Pickup coil failure in distributor (gasoline engines), leading to no-start condition
Common Problems 3:
Heater core leaks or blower motor issues (HVAC system)
Common Problems 4:
Transmission hard shifting or slippage (especially with higher mileage automatics)
Common Problems 5:
Rust on body panels, especially wheel wells and cab corners
Common Problems 6:
desgaste de la suspensión (ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings)
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and powerful trucks, often positioned as workhorses with strong performance.
Ram Evolution:
The second generation Ram (BR/BE) introduced a distinctive, aggressive styling with a prominent grille and a more cab-forward design. It also saw the introduction of the Quad Cab (extended cab with rear doors).
Production Era:
Second Generation: 1994-2001
Manufacturing Plant:
Various Chrysler assembly plants, notably Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.
