Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Key Competitors 1996:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Design Philosophy:
Robust and capable, with a focus on towing and hauling capacity, distinct 'big rig' styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides complete, factory-level technical data for all repair and maintenance needs, empowering users to service their vehicle effectively.
Engine:
V6, V8 Gasoline, Diesel
Transmission:
Manual, Automatic
Suspension:
Front and Rear (Solid Axle, Independent Front Suspension on some models)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Disc/Drum
Electrical:
All Systems, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Bodywork, Trim, Glass, Seats
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Chassis:
Frame, Steering, Wheels, Tires
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, drivetrain (transfer case, axles, driveshafts)
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system (power steering), brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc, ABS)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, chassis control modules, wiring diagrams for all systems
Body Chassis:
Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seating, glass, bumpers, exterior trim, corrosion protection
HVAC Comfort:
Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation system, cabin filtration
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, differential overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gear repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures
Installation Replacement:
Component replacement procedures (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, ignition coils, sensors), accessory installation
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code And Description 1:
3.9L Magnum V6 (120 cu in) - VIN X
Engine Code And Description 2:
5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in) - VIN Y
Engine Code And Description 3:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in) - VIN Z
Engine Code And Description 4:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (359 cu in) - VIN 6
Horsepower 5.2L V8:
230 hp @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 5.2L V8:
295 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 5.9L Diesel:
160 hp @ 2,500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 5.9L Diesel:
400 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm (approx.)
Gasoline Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection Type:
Inline Injection Pump (VE or P7100 depending on specific 5.9L variant, likely VE for this year)
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel Fuel
Standard Transmission Light Duty:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Standard Transmission Heavy Duty:
6-Speed Manual (NV5600 - typically later years or heavy duty models, but 5-speed NV4500 was common)
Optional Transmission Gasoline:
4-Speed Automatic (46RE/47RE)
Optional Transmission Diesel:
4-Speed Automatic (47RE)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
New Process NP231 (23 spline, 2.72:1 ratio) or NP241HD (29 spline, 2.72:1 ratio for heavier duty models)
Wheelbase 1500 Regular Cab:
134.9 inches (3426 mm)
Wheelbase 1500 Club Cab:
154.9 inches (3934 mm)
Wheelbase 2500 3500:
134.9 inches (Regular Cab), 154.9 inches (Club Cab), 164.7 inches (3500 DRW Regular Cab - approx.)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (Standard), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 6,500 lbs (approx., varies by configuration)
Gvwr Range:
6,000 lbs (1500) to 14,500 lbs (3500)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating:
3-Star (for most configurations of this era, not rated by modern standards)
ABS:
Available (Standard on some heavy-duty, optional on light-duty)
Airbags:
Driver side airbag (standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or 7,500 miles/6 months with synthetic oil (consult manual for specific recommendations)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe service) or 7,500 miles/6 months (normal service) with appropriate diesel oil
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (severe service) or 60,000 miles/48 months (normal service)
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for temperature range)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4, SAE 15W-40 (or 5W-40 synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 (Chrysler/Dodge specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv3500:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or equivalent manual transmission fluid
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent and distilled water
Common Problem 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V8 engines)
Common Problem 2:
Water pump leaks and bearing failure
Common Problem 3:
Transmission cooler line leaks/failures (leading to transmission damage)
Common Problem 4:
Heater core leaks
Common Problem 5:
Fuel pump failures
Common Problem 6:
Radiator support corrosion and failure
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line dating back to 1981, evolving from the D-Series.
Second Generation Ram:
The 1994 redesign marked a significant shift with its aggressive 'big rig' styling, which was a major sales success and defined the Ram's identity for years. This generation introduced the Magnum V-series engines and the Cummins turbodiesel option.
Production Start Year:
1994 (for this generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Likely Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
