Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Key Competitors 2005:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan
Body Styles Offered:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), Crew Cab
Bed Lengths Offered:
6.3 ft (standard), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, lubrication system, engine performance diagnostics.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (45RFE, 48RE), manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500), clutch system, driveline, propeller shafts, U-joints.
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc brakes on some models), parking brake, ABS system.
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (IFS) with torsion bars, rear solid axle with leaf springs, power steering system, steering column.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control module (BCM), fuses and relays, power windows, power locks.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, controls, refrigerant, components.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, fenders, hood, tailgate, chassis, frame repair, interior trim.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit tracing, mechanical testing procedures.
Technical Depth:
Professional-level diagnostics and repair, including detailed schematics, component testing, and specifications. Assumes advanced mechanical and electrical knowledge.
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (45RFE)
Optional Transmission Auto:
4-Speed Automatic (48RE - typically with HEMI and heavy-duty applications)
Optional Transmission Manual:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500 - typically with 4.7L V8)
Transmission Fluid 45Rfe 48Re:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Nv3500:
Manual Transmission Fluid (Synchromesh)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
117.0 inches
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
135.0 inches
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
140.5 inches
Overall Length Extended Cab Std Bed:
229.9 inches
Overall Width:
79.3 inches
Overall Height:
75.2 inches
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 4,700 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 8,950 lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 1,880 lbs (with proper configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2005 Model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2005 Model)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (2005 Model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control (on some trims/models)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger; optional side curtain airbags on some models.
Infotainment System:
Optional Infinity audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio. Navigation systems were less common in this era.
Driver Assistance Features:
Basic cruise control. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were not widely available.
Connectivity Options:
Basic power outlets. Auxiliary inputs were not standard on most models.
Oil Change Interval Severe:
3,000 miles or 3 months
Oil Change Interval Normal:
7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil recommended)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe service recommendations.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (Mopar OAT).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (for 4.7L V8, 5.7L HEMI), SAE 5W-30 (older recommendations or under severe conditions).
Engine Oil Capacity 4 7L:
5.0 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 5 7L:
7.0 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/150
Common Issue Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires.
Common Issue P0300 P030X Codes:
Random misfires or specific cylinder misfires are common, often related to ignition or fuel delivery.
Common Issue Evap System:
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system leaks, often from the charcoal canister or purge valve.
Common Issue Transmission Slipping:
Some automatic transmissions (especially 48RE) may develop issues related to torque converter or clutch pack wear.
Common Issue Throttle Body:
Electronic throttle body issues can cause erratic idle or acceleration.
Common Issue Rear Main Seal:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks can occur.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate originating in 1981.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 Ram 1500 is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, characterized by its distinctive crosshair grille and bold styling.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, Fenton, Missouri; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
