Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Platform:
Third Generation Dodge Ram (DR platform)
Design Philosophy:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, distinctive 'big rig' styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops with dealership-level diagnostic and repair information.
Engine:
Diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all engines offered for 2004 Ram (e.g., 5.7L HEMI, 4.7L Magnum, 3.7L Magnum, 5.9L Cummins Diesel)
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for automatic (e.g., 48RE, 545RFE) and manual transmissions, including clutch system, torque converter, and transfer case (4x4 models)
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle service, differential repair, driveshaft, U-joints, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS operation and diagnosis, parking brake, hydraulic components.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component location, diagnostic procedures for lighting, ignition, charging system, starting system, body control modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), instrument cluster, and accessories.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate controls.
Body:
Exterior body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, bumpers, hood, tailgate.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank service, emissions control systems.
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensors.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault code explanations.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal and installation, torquing specifications, and assembly.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system explanation, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, and component testing procedures.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls, including component measurements and clearances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
2004 Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
Approx. 345 hp @ 5200 rpm
5.7L Hemi Torque:
Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (for standard output models)
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) for Cummins diesel
Engine Code Examples:
2004 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 (HEMI) = EZH; 2004 Ram 2500/3500 5.9L Cummins = ETH
Common Automatic:
48RE (4-speed automatic, typically with V8 and diesel engines)
Other Automatic:
545RFE (5-speed automatic, typically with 4.7L V8)
Manual Transmission:
NV5600 (6-speed manual, common with 5.9L Cummins diesel)
Transfer Case:
Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) or manual transfer case for 4WD models
48Re Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Nv5600 Fluid Type:
SYNCHROMESH (GL-3/GL-4 specification)
Wheelbase Options:
Various (e.g., 130.5" for Quad Cab short bed, 140.5" for Quad Cab long bed, 160.5" for Regular Cab long bed)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 8,510 lbs (1500) to 12,000+ lbs (3500)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 5,000 lbs to 7,000+ lbs depending on configuration
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on engine and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Around 30,000-100,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on severe/normal use (refer to manual).
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (or 5W-30 depending on temperature range), API Certified
Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity grade based on temperature)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problem 1:
Valve spring issues in early 5.7L HEMI engines (TSBs often addressed this).
Common Problem 2:
Fuel pump failure, especially in extreme heat or with poor fuel quality.
Common Problem 3:
Transmission cooler line leaks in automatic transmissions.
Common Problem 4:
Death wobble (steering/suspension instability) in some 4WD models, often related to worn components.
