Generation Code:
Second Generation (BR/BE)
Production Years Covered:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, fleet owners, professional technicians working on Dodge RAM trucks
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet/GMC C/K Series
Design Philosophy:
Robust, powerful, and utilitarian truck design
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the robust second-generation Dodge RAM
Vehicle Platforms:
Dodge RAM 1500, 2500, 3500
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab - later models)
Drivetrain:
2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era and scope)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
V6, V8 Gasoline, and Cummins Turbo Diesel engine repair, overhaul, and diagnostics
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition system, emission controls, ECU diagnostics
Transmission:
Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500) and Automatic transmission (42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE) overhaul, repair, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Transfer case (NV235, NV241 DHD), front and rear axles, driveshafts, differentials
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum/disc, ABS system diagnosis and repair
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (IFS), rear solid axle, steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Air conditioning and heating system repair and service
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, seats, interior trim
Chassis:
Frame, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component-level repair and replacement for all major systems
Overhaul:
Engine, transmission, and axle overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, scan tool usage, electrical circuit testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams with component identification and circuit tracing
Engine Diagnostics:
Torque specifications, cylinder head removal/installation, valve adjustment, piston ring replacement
Transmission Diagnostics:
Valve body testing, clutch pack replacement, torque converter diagnostics
Gasoline Engines:
3.9L Magnum V6 (175 hp, 230 lb-ft), 5.2L Magnum V8 (230 hp, 300 lb-ft), 5.9L Magnum V8 (245-250 hp, 330-335 lb-ft)
Diesel Engine:
5.9L 12-valve Cummins Turbo Diesel (170-180 hp, 420-460 lb-ft)
Engine Code Examples:
360 (5.9L V8), 318 (5.2L V8), 300 (3.9L V6), ISB (Cummins 5.9L)
Horsepower Range:
170-250 hp (Gasoline), 170-180 hp (Diesel)
Torque Range:
230-335 lb-ft (Gasoline), 420-460 lb-ft (Diesel)
Gasoline Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection:
Mechanical Injection Pump (VE or P7100 for early Cummins models), Electronic Injectors later
Manual:
Getrag NV3500 (5-speed), New Venture Gear NV4500 (5-speed heavy-duty)
Automatic:
Chrysler 42RE (3-speed), 44RE (4-speed), 46RE (4-speed), 47RE (4-speed heavy-duty)
Overdrive Gears:
Available on 44RE, 46RE, 47RE, NV3500, NV4500
Transfer Case Options:
NV235, NV241 DHD (241 Heavy Duty)
Wheelbase Options:
134.7 inches (Regular Cab), 154.7 inches (Club Cab), 164.7 inches (Quad Cab - later models)
Bed Length Options:
6.5 ft, 8 ft
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 13,000+ lbs (properly equipped)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Generally rated as acceptable for the era, often 3 or 4 stars (specific year/model dependent)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Variable, often 3 or 4 stars (specific year/model dependent)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on many later models, optional on earlier ones)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard from mid-generation onwards)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (automatic and manual)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG/SH or higher; SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions (refer to manual for exact specs)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4; SAE 15W-40 recommended (e.g., Shell Rotella T)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent (refer to manual for correct type)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, refer to manual for specific transmission)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (HOAT type recommended for later models); 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Issues Gasoline:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (V8s), plenum gasket leaks (V8s), distributor/crankshaft position sensor failures, exhaust manifold cracks, water pump leaks
Common Issues Diesel:
Lift pump failure, injector line issues, potential for head gasket leaks on older CTDs, fuel sender unit failures
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, torque converter shudder, manual transmission clutch wear
Common Issues Suspension:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, idler arm failure, shock absorber wear
Common Issues Electrical:
Instrument cluster failures (common across many Chrysler products of this era), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor failures
Dodge Truck Lineage:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, with the RAM nameplate becoming prominent in the 1980s.
Second Generation Introduction:
Launched in late 1993 for the 1994 model year, this generation was a significant redesign with a distinctive 'big rig' inspired styling.
Key Updates During Production:
Introduction of Quad Cab, updated interior features, electronic transmission controls, improved engine performance, and introduction of the more powerful 47RE transmission.
Manufacturing Locations:
St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan
Sales Performance:
Highly successful, establishing the RAM as a major player in the full-size truck market.
