Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians, Fleet Maintenance
Key Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra
Vehicle Highlights:
Robust construction, strong engine options, towing capability, comfortable interior for its class
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides detailed repair and maintenance information, empowering owners to perform complex tasks and reduce repair costs.
Engine:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 45RFE, 48RE), 5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Drivetrain:
RWD, 4WD (Part-time, Full-time)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Disc (with ABS)
Suspension:
Front Independent (Short/Long Arm), Rear Solid Axle (Leaf Springs)
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Starting & Charging, Ignition, Lighting, Gauges, Body Controls, HVAC, Power Accessories
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Seats, Bumpers
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heater, Climate Control
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, Seat Belts
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Tune-Ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-based Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics
Repair:
Engine Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Overhaul:
Complete Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Rebuilds, Differential Rebuilds
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Scans, Component Testing, Circuit Diagnosis
Adjustments:
Parking Brake Adjustment, Clutch Adjustment (Manual)
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Clearances
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced (including wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures)
Engine 1 Type:
3.7L Magnum V6
Engine 1 Displacement:
3687 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Type:
4.7L Magnum V8
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
240-245 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
300-310 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
Engine 3 Type:
5.7L HEMI V8 (Introduced mid-2003)
Engine 3 Displacement:
5654 cc
Engine 3 Horsepower:
345-349 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
375-377 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV) for Magnum V6/V8, Hemispherical Combustion Chamber (HEMI) OHV for 5.7L V8
Coolant Type:
50/50 Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (recommended for most conditions)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0-7.0 quarts (depending on engine)
Transmission 1 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE - used with 3.7L V6)
Transmission 2 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (45RFE/48RE - used with 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI)
Transmission 3 Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500 - primarily with V6)
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Module (ECM) for automatics
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9-13 quarts (dry fill)
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
MS-9224 (Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid) or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.3 quarts
Wheelbase:
139.0 inches (Standard Bed), 145.2 inches (Long Bed)
Overall Length:
227.0 - 239.0 inches (depending on cab/bed)
Overall Width:
79.3 inches
Overall Height:
74.4 - 75.1 inches (depending on configuration)
Bed Length:
6'3" (Standard), 8'0" (Long)
Bed Width Between Wheelwells:
41.0 inches
Curb Weight:
4,500 - 5,500 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
6,400 - 7,200 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 8,600 lbs (with appropriate equipment)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,650 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS)
Traction Control:
Available (Electronic Traction Control)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seat Belts:
Height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (early models), optional premium sound systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Electronic Dual-Zone Climate Control
Tow Haul Mode:
Available on automatic transmissions to optimize shifting for towing.
Power Outlets:
12V auxiliary power outlets
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual for specifics)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: 3.7L V6 (~100,000 miles), 4.7L V8 (~100,000 miles), 5.7L HEMI (100,000 miles with specific plugs)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (filter and fluid change)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (depending on coolant type, consult manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Ignition Coils:
Premature failure reported on some models, especially with V8 engines.
Wheel Hubs:
Front wheel hub bearing premature wear/failure can occur.
Transmission Cooler:
Potential for internal transmission cooler leaks (especially in earlier models with integrated radiator coolers) leading to coolant contamination.
Brake Rotors:
Warping or premature wear of brake rotors can be an issue under heavy use.
Rust:
Corrosion on frame, body panels, and exhaust components can be a concern in rust-prone areas.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation (DB/DC/DM) was a significant redesign introduced for the 2002 model year, featuring a completely new exterior and interior design, and the introduction of the HEMI engine.
Key Updates 2003:
Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine for certain models.
Key Updates 2004:
Standardization of 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS on most models, minor interior trim adjustments.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Louis Assembly, Missouri, USA; Saltillo Truck Plant, Mexico
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The Ram 1500 (as part of the third-generation redesign) was a contender, though did not win the award during these specific years. It was recognized for its significant improvements.
Jdpowe Initial Quality Study:
Ratings varied, but the third-generation Ram generally saw improvements over its predecessor, though often ranked mid-pack in its segment for initial quality.