Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Competitors 2001 Onward:
Ford F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350), Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (1500, 2500 HD, 3500 HD), Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan (later models).
Ram Identity:
Known for its robust construction, powerful engine options (especially the HEMI and Cummins diesel), and significant towing/hauling capabilities.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair information, crucial for DIY mechanics and professional shops alike, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in maintenance and repair tasks.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, component testing, and repair for all engine variants including 3.7L V6 Magnum, 4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.7L V8 HEMI, 5.9L V8 Magnum, and 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Transmission:
Repair and service for manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500, NV5600) and automatic transmissions (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE, 47RE, 48RE, and the all-new 48RE for diesel).
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle assembly, differentials (open, limited-slip, locking), transfer case operation and repair (NV241DHD, NV243DHD, NV271D, NV273D), driveshafts, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems including coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and steering components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS diagnostics, hydraulic system repair, component replacement (rotors, pads, calipers, master cylinder, lines).
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, diagnostic procedures for charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, comfort and convenience features, power accessories, and powertrain control modules.
Body:
Exterior body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation, body sealing, and collision repair guidelines.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, blower motor, and climate control module diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for virtually every part of the vehicle.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanations, component testing procedures, and use of diagnostic scan tools.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical specifications, fluid capacities and types, and dimensional data.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems, allowing for accurate diagnosis and repair of electrical faults.
Depth:
Extremely high; covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to full engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and body component repair.
Gasoline Options:
3.7L Magnum V6 (175 hp, 225 lb-ft), 4.7L Magnum V8 (235 hp, 295 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V8 (345 hp, 375 lb-ft - introduced for 2003+ models), 5.9L Magnum V8 (245 hp, 335 lb-ft - less common)
Diesel Option:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (250-325 hp, 470-610 lb-ft depending on year and configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Varies significantly by configuration (2WD/4WD, engine, axle ratio, cab type, bed length), but capable of exceeding 10,000 lbs for properly equipped heavy-duty models.
Payload Capacity:
Ranges from approximately 1,300 lbs for light-duty models to over 4,000 lbs for heavy-duty configurations.
Gasoline Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for Magnum engines, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) with sequential MPI for HEMI engines.
Diesel Injection:
High-pressure mechanical rotary injection pump (VE or P7100 variants) or common rail injection system for later 5.9L Cummins.
Manual Options:
Getrag NV3500 (light-duty), Getrag NV4500 (heavy-duty, 5-speed), Getrag NV5600 (heavy-duty, 6-speed).
Automatic Options:
Chrysler 42RE (3-speed auto), Chrysler 44RE (4-speed auto), Chrysler 45RFE (4-speed auto), Chrysler 47RE (4-speed auto, heavy-duty), Chrysler 48RE (4-speed auto, heavy-duty, diesel).
Transfer Case Options:
New Process NV241DHD (part-time, heavy-duty), New Process NV243DHD (part-time, electronic shift), New Process NV271D (part-time, manual shift, heavy-duty), New Process NV273D (part-time, electronic shift, heavy-duty).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual, typically SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil for NV4500/NV5600.
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual, often NP-1 (or equivalent) transfer case fluid.
Wheelbase Options:
Various: e.g., 134.0" (Regular Cab, short bed), 140.5" (Quad Cab, short bed), 154.5" (Regular Cab, long bed), 164.5" (Quad Cab, long bed), 170.5" (Mega Cab, long bed).
Overall Length Options:
Ranges from approx. 219" to 260" depending on configuration.
Width Options:
Approx. 79.6" (excluding mirrors).
Height Options:
Approx. 74.2" to 77.7" depending on configuration.
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,500 lbs to 6,500+ lbs depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Range:
Ranges from 6,000 lbs (1500) to 9,600 lbs or higher (2500/3500).
NHTSA Front Impact:
Generally good for its era, specific ratings vary by year and configuration. Manual would detail specific test results if available.
IIHS Side Impact:
Varies; often tested as part of the overall model generation.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available on some models/trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags; side curtain airbags became available on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio Systems:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD players, optional cassette players, and premium audio systems with subwoofers available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were an option on select higher-trim models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Optional integrated trailer brake controller available on heavy-duty models.
Power Outlets:
12V power outlets for accessory charging.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles, or 6 months, depending on engine, oil type (conventional vs. synthetic), and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Engine Air Filter:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine: 5.7L HEMI often 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium), Magnum V8s typically 30,000-60,000 miles (copper/platinum).
Transmission Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage.
Coolant Change:
Typically 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (HOAT).
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L Hemi:
7 US quarts (6.6 L) with filter, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on climate (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L Magnum:
5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter, SAE 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity 5.9L Cummins:
11 US quarts (10.4 L) with filter, SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil.
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), typically Mopar OAT or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components, u-joints.
Engine Specific:
4.7L Magnum: Plagued by piston ring issues and sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected. 5.7L HEMI: Valve spring issues (oil consumption/misfires) on early models, MDS lifter issues. 5.9L Cummins: Injector pump failures (VE pump), fuel heater issues, some turbocharger wear.
Transmission Specific:
Automatic transmissions (especially 47RE/48RE) can develop solenoid issues or torque converter clutch problems with high mileage/heavy use. Manual transmissions (NV4500/NV5600) are generally robust but clutch wear is expected.
Electrical Quirks:
Instrument cluster failures, power window motor issues, ABS sensor failures are not uncommon.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate establishing itself as a strong contender in the pickup market.
Third Generation Ram:
The third generation (2002-2008) introduced significant styling changes, a larger interior, improved ride quality, and the highly popular 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, along with the 5.9L Cummins' evolution into the common rail system in later years.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly plants included St. Louis, Missouri, and Saltillo, Mexico.
Ram Nameplate Transition:
While sold as a Dodge Ram, the brand officially split from Dodge to become Ram Trucks in 2009, with the subsequent generation.
