Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Work trucks, fleet vehicles, heavy-duty applications, towing
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (introduced later)
Design:
Bold, aggressive styling, distinctive grille, large cab options (Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab)
Capability:
High towing capacity, payload capacity, robust construction
Engine Options:
Powerful V8 engines, capable V6
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (4x2 and 4x4)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, ECU/PCM
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, HVAC
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, trouble code interpretation, sensor testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Detail Level:
Detailed specifications, torque values, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams
Engine Code 1:
3.9L Magnum V6 (12-valve OHV)
Displacement 1:
3906 cc (238 cu in)
Bore Stroke 1:
93.9 mm x 91.9 mm (3.70 in x 3.62 in)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.9:1
Horsepower 1:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 1:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 2:
5.2L Magnum V8 (16-valve OHV)
Displacement 2:
5211 cc (318 cu in)
Bore Stroke 2:
94.5 mm x 91.9 mm (3.72 in x 3.62 in)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.1:1
Horsepower 2:
230 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 2:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 3:
5.9L Magnum V8 (16-valve OHV)
Displacement 3:
5899 cc (360 cu in)
Bore Stroke 3:
94.5 mm x 104.9 mm (3.72 in x 4.13 in)
Compression Ratio 3:
9.1:1
Horsepower 3:
245 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque 3:
330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System 3:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Performance Notes:
Strong low-end torque characteristic of Magnum engines, suitable for towing and hauling.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type 1:
4-speed Automatic (42RE)
Transmission Type 2:
4-speed Automatic (44RE)
Transmission Type 3:
4-speed Automatic (46RE)
Transmission Type 4:
4-speed Manual (NV3500)
Transmission Type 5:
5-speed Manual (NV4500)
Optional Transmission Notes:
Availability of specific transmissions varied by engine and trim level. 46RE was common with V8s, NV4500 with V8s and heavier duty applications.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with part-time transfer case
Wheelbase Short Bed:
134.9 inches (3426 mm)
Wheelbase Long Bed:
148.9 inches (3782 mm)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (short bed), 8 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (2041 - 2495 kg), depending on configuration
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 6,300 - 8,800 lbs (2858 - 3992 kg), depending on payload package
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Likely 3-star (for 2WD variants) or 4-star (for 4WD variants) based on contemporary truck standards, though specific ratings may vary by configuration.
ABS:
Available, typically standard on higher trims or heavier duty models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in front, lap belts in rear (depending on cab configuration).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by cab and trim.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Features like cruise control were common. No advanced electronic driver-assistance systems.
Connectivity Features:
No built-in Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket head units were popular for upgrades.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on usage. Heavy towing may require more frequent changes.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API Service SG or higher), depending on temperature. Refer to manual for exact viscosity and API rating.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based, typically pink or orange color for this era).
Common Issue 1:
Water pump leaks (especially the 5.9L Magnum V8).
Common Issue 2:
Radiator hose failures and coolant leaks.
Common Issue 3:
Ball joint and tie rod wear, particularly with heavy use or oversized tires.
Common Issue 4:
Ignition coil failures, leading to misfires.
Common Issue 5:
Overdrive (OD) transmission issues, particularly with the 46RE, often related to solenoid packs or internal wear.
Common Issue 6:
Cracked dashboards (a common issue in many vehicles of this era).
Maintenance Schedule Summary
Basic Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, lubrication points.
Intermediate Maintenance:
Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement (based on mileage).
Major Maintenance:
Transmission service, coolant flush, differential fluid change, brake service, timing belt (if applicable, though these Magnum engines use a timing chain).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Ram Generation:
Second Generation Ram (1994-2001). Known for its significant redesign from the first generation, featuring the iconic 'big rig' styling.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
Minor updates and powertrain refinements occurred during this generation, but the core design remained consistent.
Production Plants:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, USA.
