Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Work, towing, hauling, and personal use
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Design Philosophy:
Bold styling, robust construction, powerful engine options, towing capability
Powertrain Emphasis:
Emphasis on V8 gasoline and powerful inline-6 turbo-diesel engines
Engine Mechanical:
V8 5.7L HEMI, V8 4.7L Magnum, L6 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Mechanical:
4-speed automatic (42RE, 45RFE, 48RE), 6-speed manual (NV5600)
Drivetrain:
4x2 and 4x4 systems, transfer case, axles, differentials, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (2WD), solid front axle (4x4), rear leaf spring suspension
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, parking brake system
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, seat belts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing
Electrical Repairs:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, short circuit diagnosis
Bodywork:
Panel removal/installation, door mechanism repair, glass replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for amateur and professional use
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements
Engine 1 Displacement:
5.7L (345 ci)
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
~345 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
~375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7L (287 ci)
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
~235 hp @ 4600 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
~295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.9L (359 ci)
Engine 3 Type:
Cummins Turbo Diesel (ISB)
Engine 3 Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection, Turbocharged
Engine 3 Horsepower:
~305 hp @ 2800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
~555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Cooling System:
Pressurized, multi-stage cooling system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (5.7L, 4.7L), Diesel fuel (5.9L Cummins)
Transmission 1 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE for 4.7L, 48RE for 5.7L/3500 Diesel)
Transmission 1 Features:
Electronic controls, overdrive
Transmission 2 Type:
6-Speed Manual (NV5600 for Diesel/Heavy Duty)
Transmission 2 Features:
Heavy-duty clutch, robust gear ratios
Transfer Case Options:
2-speed part-time 4x4 (NV244, NV273)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (Standard), 8.0 ft (Long)
Gvwr Range:
6,000 lbs to 13,500 lbs (depending on model/configuration)
Payload Capacity:
Varies significantly by configuration (e.g., ~1,300-3,000+ lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Varies significantly by configuration (e.g., up to ~10,000-13,000+ lbs with proper equipment)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
Good (Driver/Passenger - Varies by cab configuration and year testing, consult specific NHTSA reports)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Traction Control (ETC) on gasoline models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, premium Infinity audio system available
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to owner's manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and usage)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil 5 7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or equivalent (check for Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil 4 7L Magnum:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SN or equivalent (check for Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil 5 9L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40, API CJ-4 or CK-4 (heavy-duty diesel engine oil)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Manual Transmission Lubricant (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Complaints Powertrain:
HEMI oil consumption (early models), automatic transmission hard shifts/slippage, cracked exhaust manifolds (HEMI), injector issues (Cummins)
Common Complaints Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, steering gear play, front end shimmy
Common Complaints Electrical:
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures, window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues
Common Complaints Brakes:
Warped brake rotors, premature brake pad wear
Brand Origin:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing trucks and commercial vehicles.
Generation:
Third Generation (2002-2008), also known as the 'Big Rig' Ram.
Key Design Changes For 2004:
Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine as a significant powertrain upgrade.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily St. Louis, Missouri, and Warren, Michigan, USA
