🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Generation:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

Model Year Range:

1996-1997

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck market.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota T100/Tundra.

Design Philosophy:

Robust, durable, and capable for heavy-duty work and towing, with increasing comfort and features for daily use.

Powertrain Options:

Wide range of V6, V8, and V10 gasoline engines, plus the renowned Cummins turbodiesel, offering class-leading towing and hauling capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options Covered:

3.9L Magnum V6, 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 8.0L Magnum V10, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels (e.g., SLT, Sport, Laramie, Work) for both 1500, 2500, and 3500 series trucks.

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (all variants), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500), automatic transmissions (42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE), transfer cases, drivelines, differentials (front and rear).

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (solid axle), steering system (power steering), wheels, tires, braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on model).

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), anti-theft systems, trailer wiring, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II).

HVAC Body:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tune-ups.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul procedures, transmission overhaul and repair, differential rebuilding, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, brake system repair, electrical component repair.

Installation Adjustment:

Component installation and removal (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), suspension alignment procedures, brake caliper bleeding, clutch adjustment (manual transmission).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, clearances, and step-by-step instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Professional, factory-standard resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

3.9L Magnum V6:

Displacement: 3.92L (239 cu in), Configuration: OHV V6, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 175-180 hp, Torque: Approx. 230-235 lb-ft.

5.2L Magnum V8:

Displacement: 5.21L (318 cu in), Configuration: OHV V8, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 200-205 hp, Torque: Approx. 290-295 lb-ft.

5.9L Magnum V8:

Displacement: 5.899L (360 cu in), Configuration: OHV V8, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 235-240 hp, Torque: Approx. 330-335 lb-ft.

8.0L Magnum V10:

Displacement: 7.993L (488 cu in), Configuration: OHV V10, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 300-310 hp, Torque: Approx. 450-455 lb-ft.

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel:

Displacement: 5.899L (359 cu in), Configuration: OHV I6, Fuel Delivery: Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump, Turbocharged, Horsepower: Approx. 180-215 hp (depending on specific configuration), Torque: Approx. 420-440 lb-ft.

Towing Capacity:

Varies significantly by engine and configuration, up to 13,000 lbs or more for diesel models.

Gasoline Engines:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with electric fuel pump.

Diesel Engine:

Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump, mechanical fuel injection.

🔧 Transmission

Manual:

New Venture Gear NV3500 (5-speed) common on V6 and smaller V8 models.

Automatic:

Chrysler 42RE (3-speed + OD) and 44RE (4-speed OD) for V6/small V8.

Manual:

New Venture Gear NV4500 (5-speed heavy-duty) common on V8 and diesel models.

Automatic:

Chrysler 46RE (4-speed OD) and 47RE (4-speed OD heavy-duty) for V8, V10, and diesel models.

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD (NV231, NV241) and full-time 4WD (NV244) options.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Short Bed (131 inches), Long Bed (139 inches), Chassis Cab/Long Bed (160 inches).

Bed Length Options:

6.3 feet (regular cab short bed), 8.0 feet (regular cab long bed/club cab short bed), 9.75 feet (club cab long bed).

Gvwr Range:

6,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs+ (depending on series and configuration).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (for certain configurations, refer to specific NHTSA data for model year).

Braking:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard on most) or rear disc brakes (on some heavy-duty/optional configurations).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available or standard on higher trims/later models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard for these years.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, with shoulder belts for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

Trailer Brakes:

Provision for trailer brake controller installation on many models, especially those equipped for towing.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used; refer to manual for specifics).

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (diesel-specific oil recommended; refer to manual).

Transmission Fluid:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage and fluid type.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API Service SG or SH, viscosity grade typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact specs and temperature ranges).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API Service CD or CE (or Cummins CES 16784) typically SAE 15W-40 (heavy-duty diesel oil).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT coolant for some models.

Dodge Ram 1996-1997:

Heater core leaks, radiator issues, dashboard cracking, transmission cooler line leaks, universal joint wear, occasional fuel pump failures, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V8s).

Cummins Diesel Specific:

Lift pump failures, injector issues, occasional turbocharger wear, potential for front axle U-joint wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line evolving from the Dodge D-Series.

Second Gen Ram:

Introduced for the 1994 model year, the second generation Ram featured a radical new design with a distinctive 'big rig' inspired front end, marking a significant departure from previous generations.

Manufacturing Plant:

Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 1996-1997 models might be less prominent than later generations, the second-gen Ram's bold styling and powertrain options garnered significant market appeal and critical praise for its capabilities.