Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed, Long Bed
Unique Selling Proposition:
Offered a V8 engine option in a compact truck segment, strong towing and hauling capability for its class.
Engine:
2.5L Magnum L4, 3.9L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8 (including detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, specifications)
Transmission:
NV3500 5-speed Manual, 42RE 4-speed Automatic, 45RFE/48RE 4-speed Automatic (disassembly, assembly, repair, fluid specifications)
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Four Wheel Drive (4WD) systems, differentials, axles, driveshafts, U-joints
Suspension:
Front independent suspension, rear leaf spring suspension, steering components, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (with ABS), rear drum brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system, bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM)
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, glass, seats, bumpers, diagnosis and repair
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (A/C) system, components, diagnosis, refrigerant handling
Fuel:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission (EVAP) system
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, emissions controls
Cooling:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, diagnosis and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components and systems
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul instructions
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures
Adjustment:
Component adjustments (e.g., brake adjustment, parking brake adjustment)
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system troubleshooting and wiring diagrams.
Transmission Standard:
NV3500 5-speed manual (standard on 2.5L and 3.9L engines)
Transmission Optional 1:
42RE 4-speed automatic (optional on 3.9L V6)
Transmission Optional 2:
45RFE 4-speed automatic (standard on 4.7L V8, optional on 3.9L V6)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Dexron-III/Mercon (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec 42Re:
ATF+3 (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec 45Rfe:
ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Wheelbase Short Bed:
111.7 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
124.7 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
195.7 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
208.7 inches
Bed Length Short:
74.6 inches
Bed Length Long:
91.6 inches
Curb Weight Start:
Approximately 3,700 lbs (varies by configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 7,200 lbs (with 4.7L V8 and proper equipment)
Payload Capacity Max:
Approximately 1,700 lbs (varies by configuration)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch standard, 17-inch optional
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Acceptable (2001 model year testing results)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Acceptable (2001 model year testing results)
ABS:
Standard on 4.7L V8, optional on other models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, two-point or three-point rear seat belts (depending on cab configuration)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (10W-30 recommended, consult manual for specific engine/oil type)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 to 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (severe vs. normal use, consult manual)
Spark Plugs 4.7L:
Replace every 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter (10W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.9L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter (10W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter (5W-30 recommended for cold weather, 10W-30 for general use)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/150,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent ethylene glycol based)
Common Issue 1:
Water pump leaks (especially on V8 engines).
Common Issue 2:
Ignition coil failure (leading to misfires).
Common Issue 3:
Ball joint wear/failure (leading to steering and suspension issues).
Common Issue 4:
Radiator leaks or cracking.
Common Issue 5:
Fuel pump issues, especially in high-temperature climates.
Brand:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (now Stellantis), known for its performance-oriented vehicles and trucks.
Generation:
Second Generation (1998-2004)
Design Changes 2001:
Minor styling updates, introduction of the more powerful 4.7L V8 engine. Refined interior and updated option packages.
Assembly Location:
Mackenzie Avenue Assembly Plant, St. Louis, Missouri, USA