🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Generation:

Second Generation (2nd Gen Ram 'Beast')

Production Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Chassis Code:

DN Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet managers, tradespeople, towing/hauling enthusiasts, DIY mechanics

Primary Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (later in the period)

Defining Characteristics:

Robust construction, strong towing and payload capacities, powerful Magnum V8 engines, available Cummins turbodiesel, distinctive '94-'01 'Big Rig' styling

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 2nd generation Dodge Ram, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

3.9L V6 Magnum, 5.2L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum, 5.9L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel

Transmission Coverage:

42RE Automatic, 46RE Automatic, 47RE Automatic, NV3500 Manual, NV4500 Manual

Body Style Coverage:

1500, 2500, 3500, Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Chassis Cab

Major Systems Coverage:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Fuel & Emissions, Engine Electrical, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Drive Axles, Steering, Suspension, Brakes, Body & Trim, HVAC, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Procedures

Estimated Pages:

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

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system (chain/gears), lubrication system, cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat)

Engine Fuel Emissions:

Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, fuel filter, throttle body, intake manifold, exhaust system, evaporative emission control (EVAP), catalytic converter

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system (spark plugs, coils, distributorless ignition system - DIS for some V8s), starter motor, alternator, battery, engine control module (ECM) and sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, oxygen, MAF, MAP, TPS, IAT)

Transmission Automatic:

Disassembly, assembly, hydraulic control systems, torque converter, valve body, internal components, troubleshooting, overhaul procedures for 42RE, 46RE, 47RE

Transmission Manual:

Disassembly, assembly, clutch system, internal components, troubleshooting, overhaul procedures for NV3500, NV4500

Transfer Case:

Service and overhaul for 2WD and 4WD transfer case units (e.g., NV241, NV243, NV244)

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (leaf springs, coil springs), shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rods, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic components, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake, brake fluid specifications

Body Exterior Interior:

Doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, locks, hinges, body panel removal and installation

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant, service procedures

Electrical Accessories:

Lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, infotainment system (basic)

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including connector pinouts and wire colors

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic steps for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting charts

Repair Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation of all major vehicle systems

Diagnostics:

Component testing procedures, voltage/resistance measurements, use of scan tools, live data interpretation

Specifications Tolerances:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure specifications, alignment angles, diagnostic parameters

Depth:

Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (typically, depending on PDF source quality)

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text (assumed for a quality PDF)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.9L (239 ci)

Engine 1 Configuration:

OHV V6

Engine 1 Power Hp:

Approx. 175-180 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 230-235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

5.2L (318 ci)

Engine 2 Configuration:

OHV V8 (Magnum)

Engine 2 Power Hp:

Approx. 220-230 hp @ 4400-4800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

5.9L (360 ci)

Engine 3 Configuration:

OHV V8 (Magnum)

Engine 3 Power Hp:

Approx. 235-245 hp @ 4400-4800 rpm

Engine 3 Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 330-335 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Engine 4 Displacement:

5.9L (359 ci)

Engine 4 Configuration:

OHV I6 Turbo Diesel (Cummins ISB)

Engine 4 Power Hp:

Approx. 215-235 hp @ 2400-2700 rpm (depending on model year and tuning)

Engine 4 Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 420-460 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (depending on model year and tuning)

Compression Ratio V8:

8.7:1 (typical for 5.2L/5.9L Magnum)

Bore X Stroke V8:

5.2L: 3.91 x 3.57 in (99.3 x 90.7 mm); 5.9L: 4.02 x 3.57 in (102.1 x 90.7 mm)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6/V8); Diesel fuel for Cummins

OBD Standard:

OBD-II compliant

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Manual Standard:

NV3500 5-speed manual (often standard on lower trims/engines)

Transmission Automatic Standard:

42RE 4-speed automatic (typically with 3.9L V6)

Transmission Automatic Standard 2:

46RE 4-speed automatic (typically with 5.2L V8)

Transmission Manual Optional:

NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy-duty, often with diesel)

Transmission Automatic Optional:

47RE 4-speed automatic (heavy-duty, often with 5.9L V8 and diesel)

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear)

4Wd System:

Part-time 4WD systems available with various transfer cases (e.g., NV243 with electronic shift, NV244 with manual shift)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

Approx. 118.7 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab:

Approx. 134.7 inches

Bed Lengths:

Standard 6.5 ft (short box), Optional 8.0 ft (long box)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,500 - 6,000 lbs (varies by configuration and engine)

Gvwr Range:

Approx. 6,000 - 10,000+ lbs (1500, 2500, 3500 series)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 13,000+ lbs (with proper configuration, typically diesel 3500)

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to 5,000+ lbs (with proper configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Four-star rating for most configurations (NHTSA, 1998-2001 testing)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on all four wheels, standard on some later models or higher trims

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear passengers

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, basic speaker systems

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges with tachometer (on most V8/diesel), speedometer, fuel, temp, oil pressure, voltmeter

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Tow Haul Mode:

Available on certain heavy-duty models with automatic transmissions

Aux Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions likely required

Bluetooth:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions likely required

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations)

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 7,500-15,000 miles or 12 months (depending on oil spec and usage)

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type: copper, platinum, iridium)

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on transmission type and towing/heavy use.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 50,000-100,000 miles

Engine Oil Type Gas:

API SN/SP, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check specific engine and climate recommendation in manual)

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

API CJ-4 or CK-4, SAE 15W-40 (for Cummins 5.9L)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (for 42RE, 46RE, 47RE) or equivalent (refer to manual for specific fluid types)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF type fluid (check specific type in manual)

Common Gas Engine Problems:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (5.2L/5.9L Magnum), plenum gasket leaks, distributor issues, intermittent misfires

Common Diesel Engine Problems:

Lift pump failure, injection pump issues, exhaust manifold cracking (less common than gas), PTO cover leaks

Common Transmission Problems:

Overdrive clutch failure in 46RE/47RE, torque converter shudder, manual transmission bearing noise

Common Suspension Steering Problems:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, sagging front springs, steering box play

Common Electrical Problems:

Instrument cluster failure (especially odometer), power window motor issues, headlight switch problems

Common Body Problems:

Rust on rocker panels, cab corners, and wheel arches; interior trim wear and tear

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The 'Ram' nameplate was introduced in 1981.

Second Gen Ram Introduction:

The second generation Ram ('94-'01) marked a significant redesign from the previous generation, featuring the distinctive 'big rig' styling and a completely new chassis and interior. The manual covers the later facelifted models of this generation.

Facelift Year:

Minor updates occurred in 1998 and 2000, including revised interiors, improved engines, and new features. This manual covers the post-1998 update models.

Manufacturing Location:

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

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editorial Awards:

The 2nd Gen Ram received numerous accolades during its production run, often cited for its powertrain (especially the Cummins diesel) and robust chassis.

Cummins Reputation:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is legendary for its durability and torque, often outlasting the vehicles they are installed in, contributing to the Ram's strong resale value.

User Satisfaction:

Generally high satisfaction among owners who value its workhorse capabilities and mechanical simplicity.