Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance personnel
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Vehicle Design Era:
Represents the introduction of the iconic second-generation Dodge Ram design, known for its bold styling and aggressive grille.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical information for maintaining and repairing a robust and popular workhorse vehicle.
Primary Focus:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures
Included Models:
1500, 2500, 3500 Series
Trim Levels Covered:
All applicable trim levels for 1996 models
Estimated Pages:
Varies by publisher; typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive manuals of this era
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Printed (traditional binding) or Digital (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (front & rear), driveline, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories, body electrical controls, power distribution
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, bumpers, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul procedures for all major systems
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits
Depth:
Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners across all systems
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specific measurements for component alignment, wear, and fitment
Digital Format:
PDF (often searchable, with bookmarking capabilities for digital versions)
Print Quality Description:
High-resolution scans or original print quality, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text
Binding Type Description:
Perfect bound or spiral bound for printed versions, facilitating lay-flat use in a workshop environment
Paper Type Description:
Durable, often heavier stock paper for printed manuals to withstand workshop conditions
Base Engine 1500:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
Optional Engine 1500:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Base Engine 2500/3500:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Optional Engine 2500/3500:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.2L V8 Horsepower Est:
230 hp @ 4,000 RPM
5.2L V8 Torque Est:
295 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
5.9L V8 Horsepower Est:
245 hp @ 4,000 RPM
5.9L V8 Torque Est:
335 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower Est:
190 hp @ 2,500 RPM
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque Est:
440 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM
Fuel Injection Gasoline:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel System Diesel:
Inline injection pump (VE or P7100 depending on specific configuration)
Recommended Fuel Gasoline:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Fuel Diesel:
API CD or CE rated Diesel Fuel
1500 Series Std Trans:
4-Speed Automatic (46RE)
2500/3500 Series Std Trans:
4-Speed Automatic (47RH / 47RE)
1500 Series Opt Trans:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500 for some configurations)
2500/3500 Series Opt Trans:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD (New Process NP241 DHD) or Full-time 4WD available
Wheelbase Std:
134.9 inches (3426 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
154.9 inches (3934 mm)
Overall Length Reg Cab:
Approximately 230 inches (5842 mm)
Overall Length Club Cab:
Approximately 250 inches (6350 mm)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (short bed) and 8 ft (long bed)
Gvwr 1500 Est:
6,050 - 6,500 lbs (2744 - 2948 kg)
Gvwr 2500 Est:
7,200 - 8,800 lbs (3266 - 3992 kg)
Gvwr 3500 Est:
9,000 - 10,500 lbs (4082 - 4763 kg)
NHTSA Rollover Rating Est:
Generally considered average for trucks of its era; specific ratings may vary
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on rear wheels, optional 4-wheel ABS on some models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with shoulder belt adjusters.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most trims.
Towing Features:
Integrated trailer wiring harnesses and optional trailer brake controller provisions.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (traditional recommendation); 6,000 miles/6 months with synthetic oil (check manual for specific guidance).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on service severity.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depends on usage and fluid type).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Spec Gasoline:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations).
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
API CD or CE rated, SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual; typically gear oil SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-5.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or compatible ethylene glycol coolant.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, brake wear, u-joints, exhaust system corrosion.
Diesel Engine Considerations:
Injection pump longevity, potential for injector issues, lift pump reliability with age.
Gasoline Engine Considerations:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (5.2L/5.9L Magnum), occasional distributor issues.
Transmission Wear:
Torque converter lock-up issues (automatics), clutch wear (manuals).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century.
Second Generation Launch:
The 1996 model year falls within the second generation of the Dodge Ram (1994-2001), which marked a significant redesign with a bold, aggressive styling direction.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily St. Louis, Missouri, and Saltillo, Mexico
