Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, restoration enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup
Manual Utility:
Essential for sourcing correct replacement parts, understanding assembly sequences, and estimating repair costs
Labor Hour Value:
Provides objective data for fair labor charges and time management in a workshop setting
Primary Coverage:
Parts List Catalog
Additional Coverage:
Part numbers, prices, labor hours
Target Markets:
North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
Estimated Page Count:
Varies (typically 300-600+ pages for comprehensive parts catalogs)
Format:
Printed/Digital (often available as PDF or physical book)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain components
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, glass, trim, lighting, bumpers
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, upholstery, HVAC components
Electrical:
Wiring harnesses, electrical components, accessories
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC components, seats, interior trim, door mechanisms, wipers, windows
Parts Identification:
Detailed listing of all OEM part numbers and their associated descriptions
Pricing Information:
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) or dealer list price for parts
Labor Estimation:
Estimated labor hours for various repair and replacement procedures, crucial for shop quoting and DIY planning
Part Supersessions:
Information on superseded part numbers, critical for ordering correct replacements for older vehicles
Dealer Ordering Information:
Part numbers cross-referenced with dealer ordering systems for accurate procurement
Depth:
Component-level breakdown, specific part identification for all factory options and variations
Diagrams Illustrations:
Exploded views of assemblies, detailed diagrams of components to aid in identification and assembly
Vin Decode Applicability:
Information often organized to correlate with specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ranges for accurate parts selection based on factory options.
Digital Format:
Typically PDF with searchable text for ease of use and printing
Searchability:
Text-searchable for quick location of specific parts or systems
Print Quality:
High-resolution illustrations and clear text for accurate part identification
Binding:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for printed versions, allowing pages to lay flat for easy reference
Paper:
Durable paper stock, often coated, to withstand shop environments
Engine Option 1:
2.2L (135 cu in) OHV Inline-4 (225 'Slant-4')
Engine Option 2:
3.0L (181 cu in) OHV V6 (3.0 '3000')
Engine Option 3:
3.9L (238 cu in) OHV V6 (3.9 '3.9L')
Engine Option 4:
5.2L (318 cu in) OHV V8 (318 Magnum V8 - 1998-2003, not this gen but often confused, clarifying for the period it's up to 1996)
Engine Option 5:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8 (Introduced 1998, relevant for continuity and common DIY swaps into earlier models)
Engine Option 6:
2.5L (150 cu in) Turbocharged Inline-4 (Optional on some earlier models, less common)
Typical Horsepower Range:
Approx. 100-125 hp (4-cyl), 125-140 hp (3.0 V6), 170-177 hp (3.9 V6)
Typical Torque Range:
Approx. 130-150 lb-ft (4-cyl), 160-175 lb-ft (3.0 V6), 215-230 lb-ft (3.9 V6)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most variants, Carbureted for early 4-cylinder models
Transmission Option 1:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Option 2:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., A904)
Transmission Option 3:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., A500/42RH/44RE for later models/V6s)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Wheelbase Options:
112.0 inches (Standard Cab), 124.0 inches (Club Cab)
Bed Length Options:
6.0 feet, 7.5 feet
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,000 - 4,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Varies significantly by engine and configuration, up to ~6,500 lbs for V8 models
NHTSA Ratings:
Limited data available for this era; likely performed adequately for its time, but not comparable to modern standards
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes; optional rear ABS on some later models
Restraints:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts in front), no airbags standard in early models
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player on later models; basic speaker configurations
ABS:
Rear Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option on later models, primarily for rear wheels
Connectivity Features:
None (vehicle predates widespread integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000 miles or 3 months (check owner's manual for specific engine/oil type)
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, filters typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on component quality and engine
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (check manual for automatic vs. manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for specific type for A904/A500 series transmissions)
Common Problems 1:
Radiator leaks/overheating, transmission solenoid issues (automatic), exhaust manifold leaks (V6 engines), rust on body panels and frame
Common Problems 2:
Ignition coil failure, sensor issues (crankshaft position, camshaft position), ball joint wear
Common Problems 3:
Power steering pump leaks, AC system component failures
Common Problems 4:
Cluster gauge issues (intermittent operation), fuel pump failures, distributor cap and rotor wear (on V6s with distributors).
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation
Introduction:
Launched for the 1987 model year as Chrysler's first compact pickup truck.
Design Philosophy:
Designed to compete with established compact trucks from Japan and American competitors, offering a blend of utility and car-like comfort.
Key Updates Within Generation:
Introduction of the club cab model, optional V6 engines, fuel injection upgrades, and minor styling refreshes.
Platform Sharing:
Shared chassis and powertrain components with other Chrysler/Dodge vehicles of the era, facilitating parts interchangeability knowledge.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
