🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 2500 Series

Model Years Covered:

2006, 2007

Chassis Codes:

DR (for 2006-2008 generation, sometimes referred to as DR/DH/D2)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for towing, hauling, and commercial use

Competitors:

Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD

Vehicle Focus:

Robust construction, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities

Manual Value:

Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing one of Dodge's most capable trucks

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete service, repair, diagnostics, and troubleshooting for Dodge Ram 2500 Series vehicles

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, technical specifications, component locations, exploded views, torque specifications

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (typically PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Transmission:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (variants like 48RE, NV5600), transfer case, driveline

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, disc/drum configurations), wheels and tires

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, tailgate, bumpers, seats, body hardware

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks, audio system, wiring diagrams for all systems

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and operation

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic procedures, trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic connector location, scan tool usage

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump, sensors)

Calibration:

Sensor calibration, electronic module programming (where applicable and described)

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics, suitable for professional mechanics and serious DIYers

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.7L HEMI V8 (345 ci), 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel, 8.3L V10 (Viper-derived, less common in 2500 for these years, more common in 3500/specialty)

5.7L Hemi V8:

Horsepower: 345 hp @ 5400 rpm, Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm, Block Material: Iron, Head Material: Aluminum, Valvetrain: SOHC, 16 valves

5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel:

Horsepower: ~305-325 hp @ 2800-3000 rpm, Torque: ~555-610 lb-ft @ 1600-1800 rpm, Block Material: Cast Iron, Head Material: Cast Iron, Valvetrain: OHV, 24 valves, Injection: Bosch VP7100 mechanical or common rail (late models)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 12,000+ lbs (depending on configuration, axles, and drivetrain)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 4,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)

5.7L Hemi:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic throttle control

5.9L Cummins:

High-pressure common rail fuel injection system (late models), Rotary injection pump (earlier models)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Manual (NV5600)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (48RE)

48Re:

Heavy-duty, electronically controlled, overdrive transmission with torque converter lock-up

Nv5600:

Robust manual gearbox, known for durability

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD with electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) or manual transfer case options

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

140.5 in (Regular Cab, Short Bed), 154.5 in (Quad Cab, Short Bed / Regular Cab, Long Bed), 167.5 in (Quad Cab, Long Bed)

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (approx. 230-255 inches)

Overall Width:

approx. 79.9 inches

Overall Height:

approx. 77.9 - 78.5 inches

Bed Length Options:

6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight:

approx. 6,000 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Over 8,800 lbs (typical for 2500 series)

Axle Ratio Options:

3.73, 4.10

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger) - for 2006 models, variations may exist

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 stars (front), 4 stars (rear) - for 2006 models, variations may exist

IIHS Rollover:

G (Good) for vehicles with ESC, Acceptable for those without (some models may not have standard ESC)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esc:

Electronic Stability Control (available on some models, especially later 2007)

Traction Control:

Available

Airbags:

Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio capability

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors

Phone Integration:

Optional Uconnect hands-free communication system

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

5,000-7,500 miles for gasoline engines, 7,500-10,000 miles for Cummins diesel (severe vs. normal duty)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on usage and transmission type)

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on coolant type, e.g., HOAT vs. OAT)

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles for Cummins diesel fuel filters

Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer)

Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:

CJ-4 or CK-4 rated Diesel Engine Oil, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (low ash content for emissions systems)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Manual Transmission Fluid (specific viscosity grade recommended by Mopar/Getrag)

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) compatible antifreeze/coolant

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Hemi Oil Consumption:

Some HEMI engines can exhibit oil consumption issues, especially at higher mileage; piston ring seal issues are a common cause.

Cummins Lift Pump:

Lift pump failures can occur, especially on earlier common rail versions of the 5.9L.

48Re Transmission:

Can experience torque converter shudder, solenoid issues, or premature wear if not properly maintained or if pushed beyond its limits.

Front Suspension Components:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and track bar bushings can wear prematurely due to the weight and usage of the truck.

Interior Rattles And Squeaks:

Common in many trucks of this era, especially in the dashboard and door panels.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a cornerstone of its lineup.

Third Generation Ram:

These model years belong to the third generation of the Dodge Ram (DB series, 2002-2008). Key updates for this generation included a larger cab, redesigned exterior, and improved powertrains.

Refresh:

While the core design remained from 2002, minor updates occurred, with the significant refresh happening in 2006 (often referred to as the '06 facelift or major refresh) which included updated front-end styling, revised interiors, and powertrain enhancements.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Engine Awards Cummins:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine consistently received praise for its durability, torque, and longevity.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Ratings varied by year and configuration, with some models receiving average to above-average reliability scores, particularly those with the Cummins engine.