Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Competitors 1999:
Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 3500
Vehicle Durability:
Renowned for robust construction and towing/hauling capability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential repair and maintenance information for a capable work truck.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust systems
Engine Performance:
Ignition timing, emissions control, diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission overhaul, hydraulics, electronic controls
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, differentials, transfer case (4WD)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering linkage, power steering system
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, parking brake, component replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, structural components, glass, interior trim
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Restraints:
Airbag system and seatbelt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-II scan tool usage, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specific system testing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Option 1:
8.0L V10 Magnum (PPC Engine Code)
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (ISC Engine Code)
Engine Option 3:
5.2L V8 Magnum (for some 3500 models/configurations)
8.0L V10 Horsepower:
300 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L V10 Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
215 hp @ 2400 rpm
5.9L Cummins Torque:
440 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Fuel Delivery V10:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Cummins:
Direct Injection (Bosch VP44 High-Pressure Injection Pump)
Wheelbase Options:
134.5 inches (Regular Cab), 154.5 inches (Club Cab), 167.5 inches (Quad Cab)
Bed Length Options:
8.0 feet (standard), 6.3 feet (short bed on some configurations)
Gvwr Range:
9600 lbs to 11,000+ lbs depending on configuration.
Curb Weight Range:
5,500 lbs to 6,500+ lbs
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1999 are difficult to find; generally considered robust for its class.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, standard on some configurations.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear for some configurations.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil, potentially longer for synthetic with diesel engines. Manual will specify exact intervals.
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter service every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on use. Manual transmission fluid inspected periodically.
Engine Oil V10:
API SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific temperature ranges).
Engine Oil Cummins:
API CG-4/CH-4, SAE 15W-40 (high-quality diesel engine oil).
Coolant:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent, manual will clarify spec for 47RE).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
NV4500 typically uses SAE 50 synthetic gear oil.
Cummins Vp44 Pump:
The VP44 injection pump is known to be a potential failure point, especially with fuel quality and lift pump issues.
Nv4500 3Rd Gear Issue:
Early NV4500 transmissions could experience a 3rd gear issue (nut backing off).
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
V10 engines can be prone to exhaust manifold cracking.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, evolving from the Power Wagon to the modern Ram lineup.
Second Gen Ram:
The 1994-2001 generation (2nd Gen) introduced a significantly restyled 'மைப்பு' design and was the first to offer the Cummins turbodiesel.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Louis Assembly (Missouri, USA) and Saltillo Assembly (Mexico)
Engine Reputation Cummins:
The 5.9L Cummins engine is highly regarded for its longevity and durability in the trucking community.
Vehicle Capability Awards:
While specific awards for the 1999 model are rare, the Ram 3500 platform consistently received praise for its towing and hauling capacities.