Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Dodge Ram owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, manufacturer-level information enabling owners and technicians to perform accurate and effective repairs and maintenance, thereby saving costs and ensuring vehicle longevity.
Content Focus:
Emphasizes practical repair procedures, detailed diagrams, and specifications crucial for hands-on work.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Parking), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Glass, Seats
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Installation:
Component Replacement Procedures, Alignment Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Option 1:
3.9L Magnum V6 (120 cu in)
Engine Option 2:
5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in)
Engine Option 3:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in)
Engine Option 4:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (359 cu in)
3.9L V6 Horsepower:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm
3.9L V6 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.2L V8 Horsepower:
220 hp @ 4400 rpm
5.2L V8 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L V8 Horsepower:
245 hp @ 4000 rpm
5.9L V8 Torque:
335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
215 hp @ 2700 rpm
5.9L Cummins Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Direct Injection for Diesel
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel Fuel
Transmission Option 1:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE/44RE/46RE/47RE)
Transmission Option 2:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500, NV4500)
Diesel Transmission:
47RE Automatic or NV4500 Manual designed for higher torque loads
Transfer Case:
2WD or 4WD (Part-time or Full-time options depending on model)
Wheelbase Standard:
131.0 inches (Regular Cab, Short Bed)
Wheelbase Extended:
131.0 inches (Club Cab, Short Bed); 154.5 inches (Regular Cab, Long Bed); 154.5 inches (Club Cab, Long Bed)
Overall Length:
Varies by configuration (e.g., ~230 inches for Regular Cab Long Bed)
Bed Length Short:
6.3 feet (75.1 inches)
Bed Length Long:
8.0 feet (96.3 inches)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 4,500 lbs (varies significantly by engine and configuration)
Max Gvw:
Up to 9,000 lbs (for 2500/3500 models)
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal:
4/5 Stars (varies by specific test year)
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal:
4/5 Stars (varies by specific test year)
ABS:
Standard on most models, particularly 4-wheel disc brakes
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years, depending on usage (severe vs. normal).
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles for most gasoline engines (refer to specific engine type).
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual based on climate)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CH-4 or CJ-4, SAE 15W-40 (check owner's manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Chrysler)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, check specific transmission)
Coolant:
Chrysler Formula (OAT) or HOAT 50/50 mixture with distilled water
Engine Performance 3.9L 5.2L V8:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional oil leaks, spark plug thread issues in aluminum heads on some 5.2L.
Engine Performance 5.9L V8:
Oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan, plenum gasket failure causing vacuum leaks and misfires.
Engine Performance 5.9L Cummins:
Fuel filter plugging, lift pump failures, occasional injector issues, intake heater failures.
Transmission:
Torque converter shudder, transmission cooler line leaks, automatic transmission solenoid failures.
Chassis Suspension:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, front suspension clunking, rear axle U-joint wear on 4WD models.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster failures (especially odometer), blower motor resistor failures, power window motor failures, corroded grounds.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long and established history in the truck market, known for robust and durable vehicles.
Third Generation Ram:
The 1999 Ram is part of the third generation (1994-2001), which introduced significant styling and mechanical improvements over its predecessors, including the distinctive 'crosshair' grille and a more integrated bumper design.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Louis Assembly, Fenton, Missouri; Saltillo Truck Assembly, Saltillo, Mexico
Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:
The third-generation Dodge Ram was awarded the 'Car of the Year' by Popular Mechanics in 1994 for its significant redesign.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
While not for 1999 specifically, the Ram platform has historically been recognized by industry publications.
