🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500

Generation:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

Model Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet operators, heavy towing and hauling enthusiasts, DIY mechanics.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for its robust chassis, powerful engine options (especially the Cummins diesel), and strong towing/hauling capabilities. Solid build quality for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (V8 Magnum, Cummins Turbo Diesel), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, engine performance diagnostics, engine repair and overhaul.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmissions (NV4500, NV5600), automatic transmissions (46RE, 47RE), transfer case operation and repair, transmission diagnostics, clutch service, driveline components.

Brake Systems:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system, anti-lock braking system (ABS) diagnostics and repair, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (twin I-beam with leaf springs), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system (power steering pump, gearbox, linkage), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Systems:

12-volt electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, ignition system, instrument cluster, body control modules, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay identification.

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnosis, and repair, refrigerant handling.

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, glass, weatherstripping, body repair, painting preparation.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change procedures, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, lubrication points.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems; OBD-II diagnostic code interpretation and procedures.

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, repair, and overhaul, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, system-specific wiring diagrams with component locations and connector pinouts.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and component specifications).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, searchable text, printable pages. Designed for clarity of technical diagrams and instructions.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.9L V8 Magnum (250 hp, 335 lb-ft torque), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (215 hp to 235 hp, 420 lb-ft to 460 lb-ft torque depending on year/configuration).

Horsepower Range:

215-250 hp

Torque Range:

335-460 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery V8:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Inline injection pump (VE or P7100 depending on specific year/engine variant)

V8 Engine Code:

Y (for 5.9L Magnum)

Cummins Engine Code:

C, E, G (for 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, varies by year/configuration)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Gas:

5-speed manual (NV4500) - typically standard on lower trims

Standard Transmission Diesel:

5-speed manual (NV4500) or 6-speed manual (NV5600) - depending on year and configuration

Optional Transmission Gas:

4-speed automatic (46RE) - commonly optional

Optional Transmission Diesel:

4-speed automatic (47RE) - commonly optional with Cummins diesel

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic or manual shift transfer case.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140, check specific manual for exact grade)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

134.7 inches (Regular Cab), 154.7 inches (Club Cab), 170.2 inches (Long Bed Regular Cab), 164.5 inches (Long Bed Club Cab) - exact lengths vary by cab/bed configuration.

Bed Length Options:

8.0 feet (standard), 9.25 feet (long bed option)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 5,500 - 7,500 lbs (depending on engine, cab, 2WD/4WD, and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Over 10,000 lbs (typically 10,000 to 13,500 lbs for 3500 series)

Towing Capacity:

Up to ~13,000+ lbs (when properly equipped with towing packages and appropriate hitch)

Payload Capacity:

Up to ~4,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this era of heavy-duty trucks with modern testing standards. Focused on structural integrity for commercial use.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, optional on all four wheels.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags (front).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player. Optional premium sound systems were available.

Navigation:

No factory navigation systems were standard or commonly offered during this period for this model.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Towing Features:

Integrated trailer brake controller wiring harness (may require aftermarket controller), factory tow package often included.

Auxiliary Inputs:

No standard auxiliary audio input (3.5mm jack) or USB ports. Aftermarket solutions required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles for gasoline engines, and 5,000-10,000 miles for Cummins diesel, depending on operating conditions and oil type.

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually for Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every oil change, replace as needed based on condition (e.g., 15,000-30,000 miles).

Transmission Service:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid service typically every 50,000-100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API SN or SP, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CI-4 or CH-4, SAE 15W-40 (for Cummins Turbo Diesel).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) compatible. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Issues Gas:

Lifter noise, occasional plenum gasket leaks, fuel pump issues, exhaust manifold leaks.

Common Issues Diesel:

Injection pump failures (especially VE pumps on earlier models), injector issues, potential for crankshaft gear failure (on some early 24-valve engines), heater grid issues in cold weather.

Common Issues Drivetrain:

U-joint wear, rear axle seal leaks, transmission cooler line leaks (automatic), clutch wear (manual).

Common Issues Body Chassis:

Rust issues on body panels and frame (especially in salt-belt regions), power window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor failures.

📚 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 durability and towing prowess.

Second Generation Ram:

The second-generation Ram (1994-2002) was a significant redesign featuring a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling, and introduced popular powertrain options like the Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.

Production Span:

1994-2002 (for the second generation, with 1998-2001 covered by this manual).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Diesel Engine Awards:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine was widely praised and considered a benchmark for durability and power in its class during this era, often featuring in 'best engine' lists for trucks.

Consumer Ratings:

Generally high ratings for durability and powertrain by automotive journalists and owners, particularly for diesel models, despite occasional design quirks.

Manual Certification:

N/A (This is a sales listing for a third-party service manual).