🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram AD150 Truck

Generation:

Second Generation (Second Facelift)

Chassis Codes:

AD

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Truck owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Series, GMC Sierra.

Vehicle Reputation:

Known for its ruggedness and utility.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential repair and maintenance information for a critical period of the Dodge Ram's history, enabling owners to maintain or repair their vehicles effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years:

1989, 1990, 1991

Trim Levels:

All

Engine Options:

All gasoline and diesel engines offered

Total Pages:

1613

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, inspection, specifications, torque values, timing, internal components (pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshaft, valves), cylinder heads, blocks, oil pump, water pump.

Engine Performance:

Engine tuning, diagnostics, performance adjustments, emission control systems.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (MPI/TBI), fuel pumps, fuel filters, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure testing, carburetor (if applicable to specific models).

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, electronic ignition control modules.

Cooling System:

Radiator, cooling fans, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, coolant types and capacities, pressure testing.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, gaskets, emissions control components.

Transmission Automatic:

Removal, installation, overhaul, diagnosis, fluid types, torque converter, valve body, internal components, shift linkage adjustment.

Transmission Manual:

Removal, installation, overhaul, diagnosis, clutch system, transmission fluid, internal gears and bearings.

Driveline:

Drive shafts, U-joints, propeller shafts, differentials (front and rear), axle housings, axle shafts, gear ratios.

Suspension Front:

Independent suspension components, ball joints, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, sway bar, steering knuckles, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Leaf springs, shock absorbers, axle location, control arms (if applicable), alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Steering gear, power steering pump, steering linkage, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel removal/installation, hydraulic fluid specifications.

Brake System:

Disc brakes (front and rear), drum brakes (rear), brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake shoes, brake drums, master cylinder, brake lines, brake fluid types and specifications, parking brake system, ABS (if equipped).

Wheels And Tires:

Tire pressure specifications, wheel lug nut torque, wheel bearing replacement, wheel alignment.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and diagrams, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), ignition switch.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Dashboard gauges, warning lights, switches, indicators, climate control system operation and diagnosis.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door repair, window mechanisms, interior trim, chassis components, frame inspection and repair, rust prevention.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant types and capacities, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, climate control modules.

Emission Control:

EGR system, PCV system, oxygen sensors, catalytic converter function, evaporative emission control system (EVAP).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problems and solutions.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension upgrades, brake system overhauls.

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnosis, engine performance diagnosis, HVAC system diagnosis, brake system diagnosis.

Adjustments:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment, wheel alignment.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution scans with clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.9L V6 Magnum (incl. MPI), 5.2L V8 Magnum (incl. MPI), 5.9L V8 Magnum (incl. MPI), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (230hp/420 lb-ft torque typical for this era).

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 125-230 hp (depending on engine)

Torque Range:

Approx. 200-420 lb-ft (depending on engine)

Fuel Delivery:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) and Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline; Direct Injection for Cummins Diesel.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, Diesel fuel.

3.9L V6:

318

5.2L V8:

360

5.9L V8:

360

5.9L Cummins Diesel:

6BT

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-speed Automatic (A500, A518), 5-speed Manual (Getrag G360 for diesel, NV4500 for gas/diesel variants).

Transmission Options:

3-speed Automatic (older models prior to significant MPI introduction), 4-speed Manual (e.g., NP435).

Overdrive:

Available on 4-speed automatics (A500/A518) and 5-speed manuals (NV4500).

Automatic Fluid:

ATF+3 or equivalent (check specific year/model, ATF+4 is often backward compatible but consult manual).

Manual Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific weight and type dependent on transmission model).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Various, typically 112-131 inches depending on cab and bed configuration.

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab.

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (approx. 6.5 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft).

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly based on configuration, typically 4000-5500 lbs.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Ranges from 5000 lbs to 7500 lbs+ depending on GVWR class.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official government crash test data available for this specific generation from the era. Refer to contemporary road tests for comparative safety insights.

ABS:

Available on rear wheels or four wheels on some models/trims.

Seat Belts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts.

Structure:

Body-on-frame construction.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio with cassette player; optional CD player on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most trims.

Towing Features:

Factory tow packages available, including trailer wiring harnesses and hitch receivers.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or 5,000 miles/6 months under ideal conditions (refer to manual for specific engine).

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (depends on oil type and usage, consult manual).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic, manual typically inspected and changed as needed or at higher mileage intervals.

Spark Plugs:

Varies by engine, typically 30,000-60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for temperature specific viscosity).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API Service CD or CE, SAE 15W-40 (low ash content recommended for turbocharged diesel).

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar or equivalent. Check for Mopar specific formulas.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF or specific power steering fluid (consult manual).

Common Problems:

Radiator leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (V8 Magnum), ball joint wear, power steering pump failure, rust on body panels and frame, transmission governor issues (automatic), exhaust manifold cracks (some V8s).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s, with the Ram nameplate becoming iconic for its durability and performance.

Second Generation Facelift:

The AD series Ram trucks received a significant facelift for 1981 and continued with various updates through the 1993 model year. The period of 1989-1991 saw the introduction and refinement of the Magnum V6 and V8 engines and the availability of the Cummins Turbo Diesel, marking a substantial leap in powertrain technology for Dodge trucks.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Cummins Diesel Recognition:

The integration of the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine was a significant technological advancement and was highly praised for its power, durability, and fuel efficiency, helping to redefine the capabilities of American pickup trucks in this era.