Vehicle Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Key Selling Points:
Renowned for robust construction, powerful engine options (especially the Cummins diesel), and significant towing/hauling capability.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet/GMC C/K Series.
Cab Configurations:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab).
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.5 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft).
Drive Configurations:
Two-wheel drive (2WD), Four-wheel drive (4WD).
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, and specifications for all engine variants including V8 Magnum (5.2L, 5.9L) and Cummins Turbo Diesel (5.9L).
Engine Performance:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for manual transmissions (e.g., NV4500 5-speed for HD models, NV3500 5-speed for light duty).
Transmission Automatic:
Repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for automatic transmissions (e.g., A500/42RE, A518/46RE, A727/37RH for diesel).
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle assemblies, differential service, driveshaft and U-joint repair, 4WD system (transfer case) diagnostics and repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (independent front suspension on 1500, solid front axle on 2500/3500), component replacement, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnostics, pump and steering gear repair, linkage components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, door and window mechanisms, chassis component service.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical resistance values, and more.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including pinpoint tests for electrical systems and scan tool usage (OBD-I/OBD-II transition).
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic roadside repairs to complete engine and transmission overhauls, suitable for both novice DIYers and professional mechanics.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Engine 1500 Gas:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
Engine 1500 2500 Gas:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Engine 2500 3500 Diesel:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.2L Magnum Hp:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4,000 rpm
5.2L Magnum Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
5.9L Magnum Hp:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4,000 rpm
5.9L Magnum Torque:
Approx. 335 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Hp:
Approx. 180-215 hp @ 2,500 rpm (depending on model/year variant)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 420-440 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm (depending on model/year variant)
Gasoline Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Direct injection with rotary injection pump (VE or P7100 variants exist in this period, P7100 preferred for HD).
Wheelbase Std Cab Short Bed:
134.0 inches
Wheelbase Std Cab Long Bed:
155.2 inches
Wheelbase Club Cab Short Bed:
143.2 inches
Wheelbase Club Cab Long Bed:
164.3 inches
Bed Length Short:
Approx. 78.7 inches
Bed Length Long:
Approx. 98.7 inches
Gvwr 1500:
Typically 6,300 - 6,500 lbs
Gvwr 2500:
Typically 7,700 - 8,700 lbs
Gvwr 3500:
Typically 9,000 - 10,000 lbs (often with dual rear wheels option)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver 1996:
N/A (Tests not performed in the same format as today)
IIHS Frontal Offset 1996:
Acceptable (IIHS testing reports for this era indicate this rating for the Ram).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard on 2500/3500, optional on 1500.
Airbags:
Driver side airbag standard.
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific severe/normal use).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins Turbo Diesel (consult manual for synthetic oil intervals).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on usage.
Engine Oil Gas:
API SG, SH, SJ rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CG-4, CH-4 rated, SAE 15W-40 recommended (heavy-duty diesel oil).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based, Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid) or equivalent. Check manual for specific type.
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv3500:
GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check manual for precise specification).
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv4500:
GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check manual for precise specification).
Common Issues Gas Engines:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor pickup coil failure, cracked exhaust manifolds, oil pressure sensor failure.
Common Issues Diesel Engines:
Lift pump failure, injector line leaks, injection pump (VE vs. P7100 differences, P7100 generally more robust), potential for dropped valve seats (early 24-valve engines, less common in 180-215hp 12-valve).
Common Issues Transmission:
Overdrive clutch failure in automatic transmissions, wear in manual transmission synchronizers (NV3500).
Common Issues Suspension:
Ball joint wear (especially on 1500 IFS), front suspension bushings, track bar wear on 4WD models.
Common Issues Electrical:
Instrument cluster voltage regulator failure, blower motor resistor failure, wiring harness chafing.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate representing their full-size pickup line since the 1981 model year.
Second Generation Ram Intro:
The second generation Ram (BR/BE) was introduced for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling. The 1996-1997 models fall within this generation's early to mid-cycle updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
