Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, designed for work and utility, with strong towing and hauling capabilities.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (late entrant)
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, extensive payload and towing capacities, popular choice for trades and commercial use.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle effectively, saving time and money on dealership services.
Body Styles Covered:
1500, 2500, 3500; Regular Cab, Club Cab, Extended Cab; 2WD and 4WD
Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (estimated for a comprehensive full service manual)
Manual Type:
Full Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Printed (typically perfect bound or spiral bound for workshop durability)
Powertrain Components:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain (transfer case, axles, driveshafts)
Chassis Components:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear), wheels and tires
Electrical And Body:
Body and frame, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical system (wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, accessories), power accessories, safety restraints
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering component replacement, exhaust system repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, wiring harness troubleshooting, drivability issues diagnosis
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance, component-level repairs, complete system overhauls, and detailed diagnostic procedures
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information on utilizing diagnostic scan tools (OBD-II), multimeter usage, and specialized test equipment
File Format:
Typically a professionally printed book, not a digital file unless specified otherwise
Print Quality:
High quality paper and printing for durability in a workshop environment
Binding Type:
Often perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability
Paper Type:
Durable, often coated or heavier stock paper to withstand grease and wear
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (optional), 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (24-valve)
5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4,000 rpm
5.2L Magnum V8 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
245 hp @ 4,000 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
345 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
215 hp @ 2,600 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Indirect Injection (IDI) for early Cummins, Direct Injection (DI) for later Cummins (though 1998 Cummins were typically 12-valve P7100 pump, 24-valve introduced in 1998.5)
Recommended Fuel:
87 octane unleaded gasoline (Magnum V8); #2 Diesel Fuel (Cummins)
Bore X Stroke 5.2L:
3.90 in x 3.57 in
Bore X Stroke 5.9L:
4.01 in x 3.82 in
Bore X Stroke 4.7L V8:
3.66 in x 3.40 in
Bore X Stroke 5.9L Cummins:
4.49 in x 4.72 in
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (NV4500 heavy duty for V8 and Diesel models, NV3500 for lighter duty V8)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (46RE for V8 models, 47RE for heavy duty/diesel)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (or equivalent, check specific application for ATF+3/ATF+4 transition)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-5 gear oil (viscosity to be specified based on temperature, e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-140)
Transfer Case Options:
NV231 (light duty 2WD/4WD), NV241 (heavy duty 4WD)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
111.9 inches (2842 mm)
Wheelbase Club Cab:
134.7 inches (3421 mm)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (Short Bed), 8 ft (Long Bed)
Payload Capacity Estimate:
Varies widely by configuration, from ~1,500 lbs to over 5,000 lbs for 3500 series.
Curb Weight Estimate:
Approx. 4,500 - 6,500 lbs depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Estimate:
Varies by model: 1500 series ~6,000-6,500 lbs, 2500 series ~6,500-8,500 lbs, 3500 series ~8,500-10,000+ lbs.
Towing Capacity Estimate:
Up to 10,000+ lbs for properly equipped 3500 diesel models.
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating Estimate:
Generally rated 3 out of 5 stars for two-wheel-drive models, and 4 out of 5 stars for four-wheel-drive models.
IIHS Ratings:
Frontal offset crash test performance varied, often rated 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal'.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on rear wheels, optional or standard on front depending on configuration and year updates.
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags, three-point seat belts, reinforced body structure.
Infotainment System Options:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette or CD player, optional premium sound systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on ABS. Cruise control was standard or optional.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Aux input for audio sources may be available on some aftermarket or later models.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months for Cummins, depending on oil quality and usage.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs typically every 60,000-100,000 miles for gasoline; diesel typically no spark plugs, focus on fuel filter replacement.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles; Manual: Inspect and change as needed, or every 50,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity 5.2L/5.9L:
5 Quarts (4.7 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L V8:
5.5 Quarts (5.2 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 5.9L Cummins:
11 Quarts (10.4 L) with filter
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended based on temperature.
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4, SAE 15W-40 recommended for Cummins.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (typically a green formula).
Common Problems Gasoline:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, plenum gasket leaks (on Magnum engines), exhaust manifold cracks, crankshaft position sensor failures, steering box wear.
Common Problems Diesel:
Cracked cylinder head (12-valve Cummins), injector pump (P7100) issues, turbocharger wear, camshaft failures (less common on 5.9L but possible).
Common Problems Chassis:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, leaf spring issues (especially with heavy loads), radiator leaks, A/C system leaks.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon in the 1940s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.
Second Generation Highlights:
Marked by a complete redesign, introducing the distinctive 'cathedral grille' and a more aerodynamic design. Significant updates included the introduction of the 4.7L Magnum V8 and the 24-valve Cummins engine in 1998.5.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Production Years For Model:
1994-2001
Industry Acknowledgments:
The Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel was widely praised for its durability and power, often cited as a benchmark in the segment. The Ram platform itself was recognized for its robust build quality.
Consumer Reports Ratings General:
Ratings varied, often with strengths in powertrain and chassis durability, but weaknesses in areas like interior fit and finish, electrical systems, and fuel economy (depending on engine).
