🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500

Model Generation:

Fourth Generation (DS/DJ)

Model Year Covered:

2006, 2007

Chassis Code:

DS (for 2WD), DJ (for 4WD)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet operators, individuals seeking heavy-duty capability, towing, and hauling.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.

Vehicle Strengths 2006 2007:

Powerful HEMI V8 option, comfortable ride for a truck, robust towing capacity, variety of configurations.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing the Ram 1500, empowering owners and independent repair shops to perform complex tasks.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Types Covered:

4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS

Transmission Types Covered:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE), 5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)

Drivetrain Types Covered:

2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)

Body Styles Covered:

Regular Cab, Quad Cab

Trim Levels Covered:

ST, SLT, Laramie, TRX, TRX4

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, cooling system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable to specific models/options), diagnosis and testing.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (if applicable, though automatics were dominant) overhaul, diagnostics.

Transmission Automatic:

42RLE and 545RFE automatic transmission overhaul, component identification, fluid service, valve body diagnostics, electronic control.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, differential, transfer case (NV244/NV273), driveshafts, CV joints, U-joints.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, control arms), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake, bleeding procedures, component replacement.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, starting system, power distribution, wiring diagrams.

Body And Chassis:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, bumpers.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, component replacement, refrigerant servicing.

Restraints:

Airbag system diagnosis, SRS components, seat belts.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

DTC explanations, diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement intervals.

Engine Repair:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, oil pan removal/installation.

Transmission Repair:

Automatic transmission overhaul, clutch pack replacement, torque converter service, electronic solenoid replacement.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line replacement, ABS component testing.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting circuits, component testing, wiring harness repair, use of multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock absorber/strut replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump replacement, fuel filter replacement, fuel injector cleaning and testing.

Exhaust System Repair:

Muffler, catalytic converter, and exhaust pipe replacement.

Bodywork And Collision Repair:

Panel replacement, dent repair, frame straightening procedures (basic level).

HVAC Repair:

A/C compressor replacement, evaporator core replacement, heater core replacement, refrigerant recharge.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Covers detailed diagnostic procedures, component testing, and complete overhaul instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick navigation to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper:

Not applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

4.7L V8 Magnum

Engine 1 Displacement:

4.7 Liters / 285 cubic inches

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 235 hp @ 4500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 305 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine 1 Cylinders:

8

Engine 1 Configuration:

V8

Engine 1 Block Material:

Iron

Engine 1 Head Material:

Aluminum

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 16 valves

Engine 2 Name:

5.7L V8 HEMI MDS

Engine 2 Displacement:

5.7 Liters / 345 cubic inches

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 345 hp @ 5400 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Cylinders:

8

Engine 2 Configuration:

V8

Engine 2 Block Material:

Iron

Engine 2 Head Material:

Aluminum

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 16 valves (HEMI design)

Engine 2 Technology:

Multi-Displacement System (MDS) for fuel economy

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 octane (minimum), 91+ octane for optimal performance (HEMI)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Optional Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)

Transmission Features:

Electronic shift control, Tow/Haul mode (on 5-speed), Overdrive gears.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar specification)

Transmission Fluid Capacity 42Rle:

Approx. 7.8 quarts (dry fill)

Transmission Fluid Capacity 545Rfe:

Approx. 10.0 quarts (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

120.5 inches

Wheelbase Quad Cab:

140.5 inches

Overall Length Regular Cab:

200.1 inches (with 6.3 ft bed)

Overall Length Quad Cab:

220.1 inches (with 6.3 ft bed)

Overall Width:

Approx. 79.1 inches

Overall Height:

Approx. 74.5 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (75.7 inches), 8.0 ft (96.0 inches)

Curb Weight Est:

4,700 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 6,500 - 7,200 lbs

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 9,350 lbs (with 5.7L HEMI, proper configuration)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,600 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not rated for 2006 model year (earlier models/testing conditions varied)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not rated for 2006 model year

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good (for 2006 model year tested)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags Front:

Standard advanced multi-stage front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, height adjusters; 3-point rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Base AM/FM/CD, optional AM/FM/CD/MP3, available SiriusXM satellite radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (less common).

Display Screens:

Basic dashboard display, optional small LCD for audio/HVAC info.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free system.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific guidance).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles for 4.7L V8, 105,000 miles for 5.7L HEMI (using specific types like copper or platinum).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as specified in the manual, particularly for heavy-duty use.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 for 5.7L HEMI, SAE 5W-30 for 4.7L V8 (check manual for exact specifications and API service classification).

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

Approx. 6 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:

Approx. 7 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, front brake pads/rotors, rear leaf springs (sagging).

Engine Specific Issues:

4.7L: Potential for camshaft sensor issues, head gasket leaks. 5.7L HEMI: Lifter tick or MDS issues can arise with high mileage.

Transmission Issues:

Overheating on heavy-duty cycles, occasional solenoid issues in the 545RFE.

Electrical Issues:

Can include TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures, alternator issues, and window regulator problems.

Rust Prone Areas:

Rear quarter panels, rocker panels, frame rails, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history in the truck market, with the Ram nameplate established in 1981, evolving through multiple generations to become a leading contender in the full-size pickup segment.

Third To Fourth Gen Transition:

The 2006 and 2007 models represent the transition and early years of the fourth generation of the Dodge Ram, introduced for the 2002 model year and undergoing significant updates, including the introduction of the HEMI engine.

Key Engine Introductions:

The 5.7L HEMI V8 became a flagship engine option during this era, offering a significant performance upgrade over previous offerings.

Manufacturing Locations:

Assembled primarily at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

Sales Performance Era:

The Ram trucks were consistently strong sellers in the competitive full-size truck market during these years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

While the entire generation might not have won the award in 2006-2007, earlier generations of the Ram were recognized.

Konsumen Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for this era of Ram are typically average to below average, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance as covered by the manual.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.