🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500

Model Year Range:

1998-2001

Vehicle Platform:

Second Generation Dodge Ram (BR/BE)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Targeted at owners and professional mechanics seeking in-depth factory-level repair and maintenance information for the popular Dodge Ram trucks of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Competitive Analysis:

Offers a superior level of detail compared to generic aftermarket manuals, providing the exact procedures and specifications used by Dodge dealership technicians.

Key Features:

Factory original content, extensive page count, coverage of multiple engine and transmission options, detailed diagrams and schematics.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001

Models Covered:

Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500

Page Count:

2800+

Manual Type:

Complete Service / Repair / Workshop Manual

Manual Origin:

Original Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full engine mechanicals, diagnosis, repair, overhaul for all gasoline and diesel variants.

Transmission:

Service, repair, and overhaul for automatic and manual transmissions (e.g., 46RE, 47RE, NV4500).

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle systems, differentials, transfer case (2WD/4WD), driveshafts, U-joints.

Suspension:

Front (independent), rear (solid axle, leaf springs), shocks, springs, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Hydraulic systems, front discs, rear drums/discs, ABS, parking brake, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, column, linkage, alignment specifications.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system, starting system, charging system, body electronics, diagnosis.

Fuel System:

Fuel delivery, injection systems (MPI/PFI), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel filters, emissions controls.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, hoses, coolant specifications.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant.

Body And Frame:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, corrosion protection.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, hangers, emissions.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-to-cause analysis, fault code interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems and components.

Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and axle overhauls.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, electrical circuit testing.

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, enabling quick access to specific information.

Print Quality:

High quality, based on 'VERY HIGH QUALITY' description.

Binding Type:

Not applicable (PDF Download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.2L (318) Magnum V8, 5.9L (360) Magnum V8, 8.0L (488) Magnum V10, 5.9L (359) Cummins Turbo Diesel

Gasoline V8 Power:

Approx. 230-245 hp, 300-330 lb-ft torque (depending on specific year/tune)

Gasoline V10 Power:

Approx. 300 hp, 450 lb-ft torque

Diesel Power:

Approx. 215-235 hp, 420-460 lb-ft torque (depending on specific year/tune)

Fuel System Gasoline:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI/PFI)

Fuel System Diesel:

Rotary injection pump (VE/VP series) or Bosch VP44 common rail (later models), direct injection.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (NV3500 for 1500, NV4500 for 2500/3500)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic (46RE, 47RE)

Transmission Features:

Overdrive gear in automatics, lock-up torque converter, heavy-duty construction for higher capacity models.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (later models)

Wheelbase Options:

Various, typically 134.7" (Reg Cab), 154.7" (Club Cab), 164.7" (Quad Cab)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Gvwr Range:

Varies significantly by model (1500, 2500, 3500) and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Variable by year and specific test; generally good for the era, but lacks modern advanced safety features.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, optional rear ABS, power assisted brakes.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger airbags (SRS), three-point seat belts, high-strength steel frame.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Factory AM/FM stereo, optional CD player, cassette player, basic climate controls. No integrated navigation or advanced connectivity.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited; ABS is the primary driver-assist feature. No modern electronic stability control (ESC) or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity via analog radio systems; no Bluetooth, USB, or advanced telematics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions (check manual for specific recommendations).

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs and filters often scheduled around 30,000-100,000 miles depending on type (e.g., platinum vs. standard).

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (gasoline); SAE 15W-40 API CG-4 or CH-4 for Cummins Diesel.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) for 46RE/47RE.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 for NV3500/NV4500.

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically green in color.

Common Issues Gasoline Engines:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor issues, oil pressure sending unit failures, catalytic converter issues, minor oil leaks.

Common Issues Diesel Engines:

Lift pump failure (especially earlier models before VP44), injection pump issues, injector line leaks, turbocharger issues, front main seal leaks.

Common Issues Transmission:

Automatic transmission cooler line leaks, torque converter shudder, manual clutch wear.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, steering gear play, worn sway bar links, worn tie rod ends.

Common Issues Electrical:

Instrument cluster failures, blower motor resistor failures, ground point corrosion, ABS sensor issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line becoming a staple in the American automotive landscape.

Model Evolution:

The second generation (1994-2002) marked a significant redesign with its distinctive 'bold' styling, 'swept-back' grille, and improved aerodynamics, differentiating it from competitors.

Production Period:

1994-2002 (Second Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While the second generation Ram was highly regarded, specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for individual model years vary by publication and may have been won by competitors in certain years.

Consumer Ratings:

Generally positive for durability and capability, especially diesel models, though known for certain common issues that are well-documented and addressed in this manual.