🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500 Series

Year:

1996-1997

Body Style:

All Styles Covered (e.g., Regular Cab, Extended Cab, Chassis Cab)

Generation:

Second Generation (DR/DH/D2 platform)

Platform Code:

DR/DH/D2

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential diagnostic and repair resource for owners and independent technicians seeking factory-level accuracy.

Competitor Comparison:

Superior to third-party manuals due to its 'Actual Genuine Repair Service Factory Manuals' status, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Offers cost savings over dealership labor rates.

Features:

Hundreds of pages of detailed information, all styles covered, step-by-step instructions, numerous illustrations, diagrams, and specifications, advanced troubleshooting, high resolution.

Cost Savings:

Enables users to save $50-$60 per hour on shop labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Geography:

North America

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific number not provided, but indicative of comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle

Chassis:

Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body

Electrical:

Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Engine Control System

HVAC:

Heater/Air Conditioner

Fuel Emissions:

Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System

Interior Safety:

Restraint System, Interior

Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting, Advanced Troubleshooting Guide

Repair Rebuild:

Complete repair, maintenance, rebuild, refurbish, or restoration procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive Factory Trained Technician Level

Detail Level:

Step-by-step instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Printable without any restriction (entire manual or specific pages)

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Reader:

Adobe PDF Reader

Operating Systems:

All PC based Windows operating systems and Mac

Delivery:

Download link on checkout page after payment

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely candidates include the 5.2L Magnum V8 (318 ci), 5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci), and the 8.0L V10 Magnum. Diesel option: 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Horsepower Torque:

Specific figures vary by engine and year. For example, the 5.9L Cummins typically produced around 215-230 hp and 420-460 lb-ft of torque in this era. V8 gasoline engines would have lower outputs.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; rotary injection pump for Cummins diesel.

Cooling Components:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan (mechanical or electric), coolant reservoir.

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system (on some gasoline engines), crankcase ventilation system.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Likely includes manual transmissions (e.g., NV4500 for Cummins) and automatic transmissions (e.g., 47RH, 48RE for gasoline and some diesel applications).

Transmission Features:

Torque converter lock-up, overdrive gear for fuel efficiency.

Automatic Fluid Type:

Likely ATF+4 (or equivalent) for automatic transmissions, but manual will specify the exact Mopar or industry standard fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Multiple wheelbase configurations available depending on cab and bed length (e.g., standard cab long bed, extended cab short/long bed).

Gvwr:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating varies by configuration but is typically in the 9,000-10,000+ lbs range for a 3500 series.

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly based on engine, cab, drivetrain, and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Data from this era is limited by modern standards. The manual will detail passive safety systems like seatbelts and airbags (if equipped). Specific NHTSA ratings are less readily available for this vintage.

Restraint Systems:

Driver and passenger airbags (standard or optional depending on configuration), three-point seatbelts.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (often with optional rear disc for heavy-duty applications). ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may be standard or optional.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control was typically an option.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions and diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000 miles for gasoline engines or 5,000-7,500 miles for diesel engines under normal service. The manual will provide precise intervals based on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

Likely SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for gasoline engines, conforming to API service categories (e.g., SJ or SL). Specific weight and viscosity will be detailed in the manual.

Engine Oil Diesel:

Likely a heavy-duty diesel engine oil, such as 15W-40, meeting Cummins CES 20071 or later specifications. The manual will specify the exact requirement.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Mopar or equivalent coolant specification will be in the manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems Gasoline:

Possible issues include ignition coil failures, intake manifold gasket leaks, and sensor failures (e.g., TPS, MAP). Clutch wear on manual transmissions.

Common Problems Diesel:

Potential issues with VP44 injection pump failures (later models, but relevant for context), fuel heater issues, and some transmission hard parts wear under heavy use. Exhaust manifold leaks on Cummins engines.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Referencing common aftermarket suppliers for this era, examples might include Wix 51060 or Fram PH8A for gasoline engines. Cummins diesel would use specific filters like Fleetguard LF9000 or equivalent.

Grease Points:

Includes chassis lubrication points such as ball joints, tie rod ends, universal joints, and steering linkage components.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, particularly in the heavy-duty segment, establishing a reputation for durability and work ethic.

Ram Trucks Second Gen:

The 1994-2001 (DR/DH/D2 platform) represented a significant redesign over the previous generation, featuring a more aerodynamic and modern exterior, improved interiors, and the introduction of the powerful 8.0L V10 and continued availability of the Cummins diesel.

Manufacturing Location:

Typically manufactured at Dodge assembly plants in the United States (e.g., St. Louis Assembly Plant in Fenton, Missouri).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Awards:

While specific awards for the 1996-1997 Ram 3500 are not explicitly listed in the provided product information, this generation of Ram trucks was generally well-regarded for its towing capacity and the integration of the Cummins diesel engine, which received accolades in the heavy-duty truck market.