🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500 Series

Year:

1995

Vehicle Type:

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Heavy-duty truck segment, catering to commercial use, towing, and demanding work applications.

Competitors 1995:

Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 3500.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for robust construction, powerful engine options, towing capacity, and durability, making it a workhorse in its class.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with the precise information needed for accurate diagnosis, efficient repair, and correct maintenance, saving time and money.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete service, repair, and maintenance for all Dodge Ram 3500 Series models manufactured in 1995.

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a comprehensive printed manual, potentially available as a digital PDF.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel system (MPI/GFI), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine diagnostics, emissions control systems.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (NV4500), Automatic transmission (A518/46RH), transfer case, driveline components, clutches.

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped).

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, shocks, ball joints, steering linkage, power steering system, steering column).

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control modules (BCM).

HVAC Systems:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and operation.

Body Chassis:

Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, frame, chassis components, corrosion protection.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, brake service, tire rotation, belt inspection and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake caliper/wheel cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel injector replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-I), circuit testing, component testing.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic values, alignment specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams for all major electrical components.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

If digital (PDF), expect high-resolution scans of original factory pages, potentially with searchable text. If printed, durable binding suitable for workshop environments.

Print Quality Details:

Typically high-quality printing with clear diagrams, text, and illustrations, designed for longevity in a service environment.

Binding Type Details:

If printed, likely a sturdy, lay-flat binding (e.g., spiral-bound or perfect-bound) to facilitate use during repairs.

Paper Type Details:

If printed, durable, matte-finish paper to resist grease and shop wear, often with a heavier weight.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.2L (318 ci) Magnum V8 (VIN R), 5.9L (360 ci) Magnum V8 (VIN X), 5.9L (359 ci) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (VIN C).

Engine Torque Cummins:

Approx. 400-420 lb-ft @ 1600-1800 RPM (for the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel).

Engine Horsepower Cummins:

Approx. 160-175 HP (for the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel).

Fuel Delivery Gasoline:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for Magnum V8 engines.

Fuel System Diesel:

Bosch VE (rotary) or P7100 (inline) injection pump for the Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a green formulation for this era).

Oil Viscosity Gasoline:

Typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on ambient temperature (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Oil Viscosity Diesel:

Typically SAE 15W-40 (diesel specific, e.g., API CD, CE, or CF).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag NV4500 5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

Chrysler A518 (46RH) 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission (with electronic controls).

Automatic Transmission Features:

Lock-up torque converter for improved highway efficiency.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent DEXRON II/III compatible fluid where specified).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5 for the NV4500).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Available in various wheelbases, typically 130.2 inches, 141.2 inches, 154.2 inches for regular cab; 160.5 inches for club cab.

Bed Lengths:

Available in 8-foot and 9.5-foot bed lengths.

Gvwr Range:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating typically ranges from 9,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs, or higher depending on configuration.

Curb Weight Range:

Curb weight varies significantly with engine and configuration, often starting around 6,000 lbs and going upwards.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings 1995:

NHTSA ratings varied by specific crash test; typically, these trucks were built for durability over abstract safety ratings of modern vehicles.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often optional on rear wheels or all four wheels, depending on configuration and model year updates.

Passive Safety Features:

High-strength steel frame, reinforced body structure, seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Analog gauges and simple climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to features like ABS. No advanced electronic driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Basic electrical systems for diagnostics via OBD-I port.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months for gasoline engines, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for exact spec).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months for the Cummins Turbo Diesel, using appropriate diesel-rated oil.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Automatic transmission fluid change every 30,000-60,000 miles; manual transmission fluid inspection at similar intervals, replacement as needed or per schedule.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Heavy Duty Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or equivalent specified power steering fluid.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Typically for NV241 or NV271, would be an ATF+3 or specific transfer case fluid (refer to manual).

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, leaf spring bushings, fuel injectors (especially on early Cummins), radiator support bushings, radiator. Diesel engines may experience exhaust manifold cracks or injector pump issues if not maintained.

Cummins Specific Concerns:

Early 12-valve Cummins may have Bosch VE pumps which are robust but require proper fuel filtration. Later 24-valve versions (though not typical for 1995) had P7100 pumps which are highly regarded. Monitor exhaust manifold for cracks.

Automatic Transmission Concerns:

The A518/46RH can be susceptible to overheating under heavy loads; a transmission cooler is often a beneficial upgrade.

Oil Filter Gasoline Example:

Mopar MO-090 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 57935).

Oil Filter Diesel Example:

Mopar MO-099 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 57145).

Fuel Filter Diesel Example:

Mopar FS59340 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 33060).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line evolving into a distinct brand known for its strength and utility.

Third Generation Ram:

The 1995 model year falls within the second generation of the Ram trucks (1994-2001), characterized by its significant redesign with a more aerodynamic, "swept-back" cab design and improved interior.

Manufacturing Location:

Primary manufacturing plants included Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.

Key Engineering Advancements 1995:

Introduction of the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine into a wider range of Ram models, continued refinement of the Magnum V8 engines, and updated styling.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Powertrain Recognition:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine gained significant recognition for its durability, longevity, and torque output, often considered one of the best diesel truck engines of its era.

Towing Hauling Capability:

Consistently rated highly for towing and payload capacity within its class, making it a favorite for heavy-duty applications.