Positioning:
Compact pickup truck known for its capability and value, positioned as a practical workhorse and recreational vehicle.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody/Frontier.
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust construction, rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options, available V6 engines, diverse bed lengths.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case (4WD models), drivelines, axles, differentials
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf spring), steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, anti-lock braking system (ABS) if equipped
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, gauges, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, body control modules
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation and repair
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels, doors, latches, windows, interior trim, seating, dashboard components
Chassis And Frame:
Frame construction, body mounting, chassis lubrication.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, lug nut torque.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Engine tune-ups, brake pad replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, transmission servicing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Includes a comprehensive listing and explanation of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for engine, transmission, and ABS systems.
Component Testing:
Detailed procedures for testing various electrical and mechanical components, including voltage, resistance, and continuity checks.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed wiring schematics for all major vehicle systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and repair.
Rebuild Procedures:
Includes detailed step-by-step instructions for overhauling major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Engine 1:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4 (Straight-4)
Engine 1 Displacement Liters:
2.5
Engine 1 Horsepower:
123 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Block Material:
Cast Iron
Engine 2:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6 (V-6)
Engine 2 Displacement Liters:
3.9
Engine 2 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Block Material:
Cast Iron
Compression Ratio I4:
8.8:1 (approx.)
Compression Ratio V6:
8.1:1 (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20.0 US Gallons (approx.)
Wheelbase:
111.9 inches (Standard Cab), 124.9 inches (Club Cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by bed length (e.g., 190.5 inches for 6-ft bed)
Overall Width:
71.7 inches
Overall Height:
65.5 inches (approx.)
Bed Length Options:
6 ft (72 inches), 8 ft (96 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 4,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific oil type and viscosity).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's recommended fluid for many transmissions of this era, or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Common Problem 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V6 engines).
Common Problem 2:
Radiator leaks or premature failure.
Common Problem 3:
Vibrations at certain speeds, often related to driveshaft balance or U-joints.
Common Problem 4:
Chrysler's intermittent ABS light or issues, especially with rear ABS sensors.
Common Problem 5:
Interior trim pieces can become brittle and crack over time.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, including the Ram series.
Generation 2 Introduction:
The second generation (AN body style) was introduced for the 1998 model year, making the 1994 model part of the first generation (YJ).
Manufacturing Locations:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Saltillo, Mexico
Production Years 1St Gen:
1998-2004