Segment:
Full-size Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Tradespeople, contractors, fleet operators, towing enthusiasts, and owners performing their own maintenance
Key Competitors:
Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, strong towing and hauling capabilities, durable design
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the detailed technical information necessary to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle accurately and efficiently, saving time and money on repairs.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engine variants, including diagnostics, removal/installation, and overhaul
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveline, and transfer case
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS, parking brake
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, and accessories
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, bumpers, and associated hardware
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components and diagnosis
Fuel:
Fuel delivery system, fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors
Cooling:
Cooling system components, radiator, thermostat, water pump
Chassis:
Frame, axles, driveshafts, and related components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and diagnostic procedures
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, component rebuilding
Installation:
Procedures for replacing major components and accessories
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and adjustment procedures
Depth:
Factory-level technical information suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information on using diagnostic tools and interpreting scan data (for OBD-II systems)
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific electrical wiring diagrams
Engine Options:
5.2L Magnum V8 (early models), 5.9L Magnum V8, 8.0L V10 Triton (Mopar), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (I6)
5.9L Magnum V8 Hp:
Approx. 230-245 hp
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 330-350 lb-ft
8.0L V10 Hp:
Approx. 300-310 hp
8.0L V10 Torque:
Approx. 450-455 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Hp:
Approx. 215-235 hp
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
Approx. 420-460 lb-ft
Gasoline Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection:
Rotary injection pump (VE or VP44 depending on year/spec) for 5.9L Cummins
Manual Transmission:
NV4500 5-speed manual (common, especially with Cummins)
Automatic Transmission:
46RE 4-speed automatic (for Magnum V8s), 47RE 4-speed automatic (for Magnum V8s and some early Cummins), 48RE 4-speed automatic (later models)
Transfer Case:
Manual or electronic shift 4WD transfer case options
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (for manual transmissions)
Wheelbase Options:
Regular Cab (134.9 in), Club Cab/Quad Cab (154.9 in), Dually configurations available with longer wheelbases
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (standard), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Gvwr:
Varies by configuration, typically 8,510 lbs to 10,510 lbs or higher
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration (engine, cab, drivetrain), often 5,500 - 7,000+ lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this era, but construction is robust.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most models, especially 4WD and later years)
Towing Features:
Integrated trailer brake controller provisions (not always factory installed, but wiring often present), tow/haul mode on automatics
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or AM/FM/CD players, optional premium sound systems
Gauges:
Standard analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims
OBD Ii:
OBD-II compliant for emissions and diagnostics starting 1996
Oil Change Gas:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on usage and oil quality)
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on usage and oil quality)
Transmission Fluid:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on usage and transmission type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Engine Oil Gas:
API certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and type)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CH-4 or CI-4 certified SAE 15W-40 (Cummins recommended, check owner's manual)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar specification, superseded earlier ATF types)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific NV4500 requirement)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent OAT coolant (typically ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Failures:
VP44 injection pump failures (on Cummins diesels), front axle u-joint wear, rear main seal leaks (gasoline engines), radiator tank leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (V10), interior dash cracks, rust issues on cab corners/rockers.
Diesel Fuel System:
VP44 pump requires a strong lift pump to prevent premature failure due to low fuel pressure.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century.
Second Gen Ram:
This generation, launched in 1994, introduced a more aerodynamic and modern design compared to its predecessors, along with significant mechanical upgrades, including the introduction of the Cummins turbodiesel.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Saltillo, Mexico
Model Year Changes:
Minor updates throughout the model years, including powertrain refinements and feature availability changes. The 5.9L Cummins was updated with higher horsepower and torque ratings and improvements to the fuel system (e.g., VP44 pump).
