🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500 Series

Year:

2005

Chassis Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck, positioned for commercial use, towing, and demanding applications

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust chassis, powerful engine options (especially the Cummins diesel), towing capacity, durability, and payload capability

Value Proposition:

Provides owners and technicians with the authoritative information needed to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 Series effectively, saving time and money compared to dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All Dodge Ram 3500 Series models

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all available engine options (5.7L HEMI V8, 8.3L V10, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel)

Transmission:

Service and repair procedures for NV5600 (manual), G56 (manual), and 48RE (automatic) transmissions

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle service, differentials, transfer case (NV271D, NV273D), driveshafts, U-joints, and CV joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, shock absorbers, springs, leaf springs, bushings, and alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service (disc and drum), ABS, hydraulic systems, parking brake, and specifications

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for all electrical components, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition, and body controls

HVAC:

Air conditioning system service, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, and refrigerant handling

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, mirrors, bumpers, interior trim, and chassis component repair

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan operation, and coolant specifications

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel lines, and emission control systems

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, and general inspections

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution

Repair Procedures:

Detailed, illustrated instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all major vehicle systems

Component Rebuild:

Overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, axles, and other major mechanical components

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive list of all torque values for fasteners and critical assembly points

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and image reproduction

Searchability:

Fully text-searchable for quick access to information

Printability:

Printable pages for hands-on workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

5.7L HEMI Magnum V8 (345 CID)

Base Engine Power:

345 hp @ 4600 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Option 1:

8.3L V10 Viper SRT-10 (505 CID)

Engine Option 1 Power:

500 hp @ 5600 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

525 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Engine Option 2:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (359 CID)

Engine Option 2 Power:

305 hp @ 2900 rpm (typical rating, varies by model/configuration)

Engine Option 2 Torque:

555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (typical rating, varies by model/configuration)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (5.7L HEMI, 8.3L V10), Diesel fuel (5.9L Cummins)

Injection System:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for V8/V10, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for 5.9L Cummins

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

NV5600 6-speed manual (Heavy Duty)

Optional Transmission 1:

G56 6-speed manual (introduced mid-2005, replacing NV5600 in some applications)

Optional Transmission 2:

48RE 4-speed automatic (with overdrive)

Torque Converter Lockup:

Provided on 48RE automatic transmission

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent, e.g., NV5600: ATF+4, G56: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by configuration (e.g., 140.5 inches for Regular Cab, 160.5 inches for Quad Cab)

Overall Length:

Varies by configuration

Bed Lengths:

8.0 feet (standard), 6.3 feet (short bed available on some configurations)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration, typically 6,000-7,500 lbs.

Gvwr:

Up to 11,500 lbs. (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 13,000+ lbs. (properly equipped)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 5,000+ lbs. (properly equipped)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - typical for this era of heavy-duty trucks

NHTSA Side Impact:

N/A (Vehicle not tested for side impact by NHTSA in this configuration)

IIHS Small Overlap Frontal:

N/A (Vehicle not tested by IIHS for this category)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available (may vary by trim and drivetrain)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound systems, satellite radio prep.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some higher trims.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking assist sensors available as an option.

Trailer Brake Controller:

Factory integrated trailer brake controller option available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months for gasoline engines; 15,000 miles or 12 months for 5.9L Cummins (check manual for specifics)

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Cummins: typically every 15,000 miles or annually.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 50,000 - 100,000 miles (severe service may require more frequent changes). Manual: Inspect and change as needed or per manual recommendations.

Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 (API SN or higher)

Engine Oil 8.3L V10:

SAE 0W-30 or 10W-30 (API SN or higher)

Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:

API CJ-4 or CK-4 (15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended for cold climates)

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Issues 5.9L Cummins:

VP44 injection pump failures (earlier models, less common on 2005), injector issues, turbocharger wear, potential for cracked cylinder heads on some engines.

Common Issues 5.7L Hemi:

Valve seat recession, oil consumption, MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifter/valve train issues, exhaust manifold cracks.

Common Issues General:

Leaf spring fatigue, front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system corrosion, ABS sensor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building rugged and capable trucks, with the 'Ram' nameplate signifying strength and utility for decades.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2005 model year falls within the third generation of the Dodge Ram pickup (2002-2008), characterized by its aggressive styling, improved interiors, and significantly updated powertrains, including the introduction of the HEMI V8 and the widespread adoption of the Cummins diesel.

Manufacturing Location:

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

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2005 3500 may vary, the Dodge Ram line has historically been recognized for its capability and value in the heavy-duty segment.