🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500

Generation:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

Model Codes:

BR1500 (2WD), BE1500 (4WD)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, commercial and personal use.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota T100.

Truck Design:

Body-on-frame construction, available in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Club Cab) and bed lengths.

Engine Options:

Robust V8 and inline-6 engines known for durability and towing capability.

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and robust part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) systems.

📋 Manual Details

Full Vehicle Repair:

Yes

Engine Overhaul:

Yes

Transmission Repair:

Yes

Electrical Diagnostics:

Yes

Chassis And Suspension:

Yes

Body And Interior:

Yes

Maintenance Procedures:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, internal components, cylinder head, block assembly, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system.

Engine Management:

Ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Manual:

NV3500, NV4500: Overhaul, clutch, gear sets, synchronizers, bearings, seals.

Transmission Automatic:

46RE, 47RE: Overhaul, torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, clutch packs, seals, bands, hydraulic controls.

Drivetrain:

Rear axle, front axle (4WD), transfer case (NV241, NV243), driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints.

Suspension:

Front: Independent front suspension (IFS) with torsion bars, control arms, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers. Rear: Leaf springs, shackles, U-bolts, shock absorbers.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, power steering pump.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), optional rear disc brakes. ABS system (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, ignition, power distribution, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Climate Control:

HVAC system: A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant R134a.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors, throttle body.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, tailpipe, oxygen sensors.

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seals.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic charts.

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually all major and minor components.

Rebuilding Overhauling:

Complete procedures for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilds.

Specifications Torques:

Torque specifications for all critical fasteners, alignment specifications, engine clearances.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive color-coded wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Resolution:

High-resolution scans, clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

3.9L Magnum V6 (OHV)

Displacement 1:

3906 cc (239 cu in)

Horsepower 1:

175 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque 1:

230 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Bore Stroke 1:

94.0 mm x 90.9 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

8.9:1

Engine Code 2:

5.2L Magnum V8 (OHV)

Displacement 2:

5211 cc (318 cu in)

Horsepower 2:

230 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque 2:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Bore Stroke 2:

94.5 mm x 90.9 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

8.7:1

Engine Code 3:

5.9L Magnum V8 (OHV)

Displacement 3:

5899 cc (360 cu in)

Horsepower 3:

245 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 3:

330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Bore Stroke 3:

98.9 mm x 95.3 mm

Compression Ratio 3:

8.7:1

Injection Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric

🔧 Transmission

Type 1:

NV3500 5-speed Manual (Standard on some V6 and base V8 models)

Type 2:

46RE 4-speed Automatic (Optional on V6, standard on most V8 models)

Type 3:

NV4500 5-speed Manual (Optional, typically heavy-duty models)

Type 4:

47RE 4-speed Automatic (Optional, heavy-duty)

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronic controls with tow/haul mode (on some models).

Automatic Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (or equivalent, consult specific vehicle for exact type and capacity, typically 11-14 quarts)

Manual Fluid Type:

Synchromesh transmission fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std:

134.0 inches (3404 mm)

Wheelbase Long:

154.7 inches (3929 mm)

Overall Length Std Bed:

229.7 inches (5835 mm)

Overall Length Long Bed:

250.5 inches (6363 mm)

Width Excluding Mirrors:

79.3 inches (2014 mm)

Height:

73.8 inches (1875 mm) (approximate, varies by configuration)

Standard Bed Length:

6.5 feet (1.98 m)

Long Bed Length:

8.0 feet (2.44 m)

Curb Weight:

4,500 - 5,500 lbs (approximate, varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

6,050 - 6,300 lbs (varies by configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 8,000+ lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

3/5 stars (for 1996 model year, typical for trucks of this era)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels, optional 4-wheel ABS.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard.

Seatbelts:

Front seat lap and shoulder belts.

Frame Construction:

Strong ladder frame chassis designed for durability and payload.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player and upgraded speaker systems were available.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Towing Features:

Integrated trailer brake controller wiring provisions (trailer brake controller itself typically aftermarket). Tow/haul mode on automatic transmissions.

Lighting Controls:

Standard headlight switches, turn signals, interior dome light.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (conventional vs. synthetic). Consult manual for exact recommendations.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., copper, platinum).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual: Inspect periodically, change as needed (or every 50,000-100,000 miles).

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years for conventional coolant, longer for OAT/HOAT.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 recommended for most conditions. 5W-30 for extreme cold. Consult manual for exact specs.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.0 quarts (3.9L V6) to 5.5 quarts (5.2L, 5.9L V8) with filter. Consult manual.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based (green) antifreeze. Follow specific capacity outlined in manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Common in 46RE/47RE automatics, often related to valve body or solenoid issues. The manual provides diagnostics.

Heater Core Leaks:

Can lead to coolant loss and a sweet smell inside the cabin. Requires dashboard removal for replacement.

Radiator And Water Pump:

Aging components can fail, leading to overheating. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.

Ball Joint Wear:

Front suspension ball joints can wear prematurely, affecting alignment and steering. Regular checks are vital.

Tailgate And Door Hinge Rust:

Common on trucks exposed to road salt and moisture. The manual covers body panel repair.

Interior Component Wear:

Plastic trim and upholstery can show wear over time. The manual covers interior disassembly and repair.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of building robust trucks, with the Ram line dating back to 1981, evolving from earlier Dodge D-Series.

Second Generation Launch:

The second generation Ram (BR/BE platform) was launched for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and modern appearance, a prominent grille, and improved interiors. The 1996 and 1997 models are part of this established second generation.

Key Updates 96 97:

Minor updates for these years included refinements to the Magnum engines and transmission options. The introduction of the 'Sport' trim level with monochromatic paint and unique styling cues became popular.

Manufacturing Plant:

Primary manufacturing locations included Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan.

Production Volume:

The second generation Ram was a high-volume seller for Dodge, with hundreds of thousands produced annually.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the '96-'97 models aren't highlighted as standout achievements, the second-generation Ram consistently received positive reviews for its bold styling, powerful Magnum engines, and towing capability, often placing it as a strong contender in its class.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports and other automotive publications of the era generally rated the Ram favorably for its powertrain and ride comfort, though some noted potential for minor electrical issues and build quality concerns common to the period.