Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Reputation:
Renowned for towing, hauling capability, and robust construction
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Durability:
Built for demanding work and off-road use
Powertrain Options:
Variety of powerful V8 gasoline and Cummins turbodiesel engines
Towing Hauling:
Segment-leading towing and payload capacities
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, ignition, emissions control
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, transfer case, axles, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, steering gear, power steering, chassis components
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, ABS, parking brake, front and rear brake service and repair
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, mirrors, instruments, body control modules, CAN bus architecture
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, climate control operation and repair
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers, exterior moldings, body repair procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, lubrication, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair Rebuild:
Component removal and installation, detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions, critical torque specifications
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, module programming concepts
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, component identification
Special Tools:
Identifies required special tools and equipment for specific procedures
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (230-235 hp, 295-305 lb-ft torque)
Engine Option 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (345-345 hp, 375-390 lb-ft torque)
Engine Option 3:
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (250-325 hp, 460-555 lb-ft torque)
Engine Option 4:
8.3L V10 Viper (500 hp, 525 lb-ft torque - Ram SRT-10 variant)
Cylinder Configuration:
V8, Inline-6, V10
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Overhead Cam (OHC) for some Cummins variants
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI), Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for Cummins
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, Diesel Fuel
Transmission Option 1:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE/44RE/45RFE/545RFE)
Transmission Option 2:
6-Speed Manual (NV4500/G56 for Cummins)
Transmission Option 3:
5-Speed Automatic (545RFE, later 5-speed)
Transmission Option 4:
6-Speed Manual (G56 for Cummins)
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time), NV244 (Full-Time 4WD on select models)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific transmission gear ratios
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 for automatic transmissions, gear oil for manual transmissions (specifics in manual)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft, 8.0 ft
Wheelbase:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 134.5", 140.5", 160.5")
Curb Weight:
Approx. 5,000 - 7,500+ lbs depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw R:
Ranges from 6,300 lbs (1500) to 11,500 lbs (3500)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 10,500+ lbs (3500 Diesel DRW)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 5,000+ lbs (3500 Diesel DRW)
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by model year and specific test; generally competitive for its class
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags on later models
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Structure:
High-strength steel frame and reinforced cabin
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, CD player, optional cassette player, available premium audio systems
Navigation:
Limited to aftermarket options or basic trip computers for most models
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack
Power Outlets:
12V power outlets
Oil Change:
Refer to manual; typically 3,000-7,500 miles depending on engine and oil type
Transmission Fluid:
Check manual; often recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles for severe use
Coolant Flush:
Refer to manual; generally 30,000-100,000 miles depending on coolant type
Air Filter:
Check manual; typically 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Engine Oil Gas:
SAE 5W-30 (most gasoline engines), refer to manual for specific viscosities and API service classifications
Engine Oil Diesel:
CJ-4 or CK-4 rated Diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for exact specs)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent (refer to manual for color and type)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Issue 1:
Liftgate/tailgate handle failure
Common Issue 2:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on early 5.7L HEMI)
Common Issue 3:
Transmission issues (e.g., solenoid packs, torque converter lockup problems on 45RFE/545RFE)
Common Issue 4:
Fuel pump failures
Common Issue 5:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods) due to heavy duty nature
Brand:
Dodge, now Ram Trucks as a distinct brand under Stellantis
Generation:
Third Generation Ram (DR/DH/D1), introduced for the 2002 model year, updated for 2006
Updates:
Facelifted for 2006 with updated grille, headlights, interior, and powertrain options (e.g., HEMI availability)
Manufacturing Locations:
Various Chrysler/FCA assembly plants in North America
Awards History:
The Ram pickup line has historically received numerous 'Truck of the Year' awards from various automotive publications and organizations, including MotorTrend.
Diesel Engine:
The 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel engine was highly regarded for its durability and torque in its class.
Certification:
N/A (Manual is a technical document, not a vehicle certification)
