🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Cab Chassis/Ram Pickup

Year:

1997

Platform:

Second Generation Ram (BR/BE)

Series Covered:

1500, 2500, 3500

Drive Types Covered:

4x2, 4x4

Body Styles Covered:

Regular Cab, Club Cab

Vin Plate Decoding Info Included:

Yes

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1997 Dodge Ram was a significant model in the pickup truck market, known for its bold styling, powerful engine options, and robust construction. This parts catalog serves owners, technicians, and parts suppliers of this generation of Ram trucks.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet/GMC C/K series trucks. The availability of various engine options, including the V10 and Cummins turbodiesel (though not listed for this specific catalog's engine list, it was prominent in higher series), gave it a strong position.

Key Features:

Comprehensive parts identification, detailed illustrations and exploded views, quick lookup of correct part numbers, VIN decoding capability for precise part matching.

Manual Usefulness:

An indispensable tool for anyone involved in the maintenance, repair, or restoration of a 1997 Dodge Ram Cab Chassis or Pickup. Facilitates accurate parts ordering, saving time and money, and ensuring the correct components are used.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive parts catalog for all systems of the 1997 Dodge Ram Cab Chassis and Pickup models.

Page Count:

Not Specified (typically hundreds of pages for a comprehensive parts catalog)

Manual Type:

Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Download Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine components, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, ignition system, clutch, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical system, lighting, interior trim, exterior trim, body panels, HVAC, emissions control, wheels, hardware, and more.

Specific Components Illustrations:

Detailed exploded views for components such as the parking brake lever, clutch assembly, distributor, switches, rear lamps, instrument panel, engine oil cooler, fuel filler tube, fuel accessories, air intake system, wheels and hardware, heater controls, emission labels, mouldings, and door trim panels.

Exterior Body Parts:

Includes parts for bumpers, grille, hood, fenders, doors, door handles, mirrors, tailgate (if applicable to pickup), and various trim mouldings and emblems.

Interior Components:

Covers dashboard components, instrument cluster, steering wheel, column, pedals, seats, door panels, headliner, and HVAC controls.

Procedures Included:

Parts identification, part number lookup, component assembly visualization through exploded views.

Technical Depth:

Detailed parts identification and cross-referencing for correct part ordering. Does not include repair procedures or diagnostic information, but is essential for identifying the correct replacement parts for any repair or maintenance task.

Part Number Accuracy:

The primary value is the explicit listing of correct Mopar part numbers for each component, ensuring accuracy and avoiding costly mistakes in parts procurement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Accessibility Features:

Searchable text within the PDF allows for quick locating of specific part numbers and descriptions.

Required Software:

Adobe Acrobat Reader (latest version recommended for optimal display).

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing all pages.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Viewing Compatibility:

All versions of Windows, Mac, iOS, BB, Android, and any device capable of reading PDF files.

Zoom Functionality:

Enabled, allowing users to zoom in on detailed illustrations and text.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.9L SMPI V8 (EMM), 5.9L I6 Turbo Diesel - Intercooler, 5.2L V8 MPI Compressed Natural Gas (ELN), 8.0L V10 MPI (EWA), Magnum 3.9L SMPI V6 (EHC), 5.2L V8 MPI (ELF), 5.9L V8 MPI (EML).

Performance Notes:

Specific performance figures vary by engine. The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, if applicable to certain heavy-duty models within this generation, was renowned for its torque. The 8.0L V10 offered substantial power. The Magnum V6 and V8s provided strong, reliable performance for everyday use and towing.

Fuel System Types:

MPI (Multi-Point Injection) for gasoline engines, Turbocharged with Intercooler for the diesel. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) variant also available.

Engine Codes Provided:

EMM, ELN, EWA, EHC, ELF, EML (associated with specific engine variants).

Engine Mounting:

Typically V8 or Inline-6 configurations mounted longitudinally in the engine bay.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Manual and automatic transmissions were available, including the NV3500 5-speed manual (common for lighter duty), and various Chrysler automatic transmissions (e.g., 46RE, 47RE for heavier duty) depending on the series and engine.

Optional Transmission Features:

Overdrive gear for fuel efficiency, four-wheel drive transfer cases (e.g., NP241 DHD).

Transmission Features:

Durability for towing and hauling applications, particularly in 2500 and 3500 series.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Varied significantly based on wheelbase, cab style (Regular Cab, Club Cab), and bed length. Specific dimensions for chassis cab configurations would differ from pickup models.

Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings:

Ranged from approximately 6,300 lbs (1500 series) to over 10,000 lbs (3500 series, depending on configuration), suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Payload Capacity:

Significantly varied by series, with 3500 series models designed for substantial payload capacity.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

NHTSA ratings for this era typically focused on frontal impact. Specific ratings for 1997 models should be verified through official sources, but the truck was generally considered robust.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional on rear wheels or all wheels depending on configuration and series.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts, sturdy cab construction.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic for the era, typically included AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, and manual climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. ABS was the primary electronic driver aid.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No integrated smartphone connectivity or Bluetooth).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Typical intervals for oil changes are every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions. Other maintenance items like transmission fluid, coolant, and filter changes would follow manufacturer recommendations, often found in the owner's manual or a dedicated service manual.

Engine Oil Specification:

Varies by engine. Gasoline V8s and V10 typically required SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 synthetic blend or conventional oil. Diesel engines would require specific diesel-rated oils (e.g., API CD/CF-4 or CG-4).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Automatic transmissions typically used ATF+4 (or earlier equivalents like ATF+3). Manual transmissions used specific gear oils.

Coolant Specification:

Typically required a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Refer to original service data for specific type (e.g., Mopar OAT or HOAT).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

ATF+3 or equivalent.

Common Issues For 1997 Ram:

Potential issues can include rust on the body and frame (especially in salt-belt regions), ABS sensor failures, exhaust manifold leaks (on V8s), and transmission issues (particularly on higher-mileage automatics). Diesel models are generally robust but can experience injector pump or turbo issues if not maintained.

Common Electrical Issues:

Corrosion on wiring connectors, failure of the ignition switch or starter relay, and issues with the instrument cluster illumination or gauges can occur over time.

Part Identification Value:

Crucial for sourcing correct components, ensuring compatibility and proper fitment. This catalog directly addresses that need, saving time and preventing incorrect part purchases.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line evolving from its earlier D-series trucks.

Model Evolution:

The 1997 model year falls within the second generation of the Ram pickup (1994-2001), which introduced a radical new design with a prominent grille and a more powerful, aggressive stance. This generation significantly boosted Dodge's presence in the pickup market.

Cab Chassis Distinction:

Cab Chassis models are designed for upfitting with specialized bodies (e.g., utility beds, dump beds, service bodies), and the parts catalog would include components specific to the chassis frame, cab mounting, and associated systems unique to these configurations.

Production Locations:

Primary assembly was in North America, with major plants including Warren, Michigan.