🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ramcharger

Year Range:

1979-1986

Vin Start Digit:

J (Mexico)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto service professionals.

Value Proposition:

Provides same information as authorized dealer service departments, empowering owners and saving costs on repairs.

Advantage:

Instant download, no shipping costs, cost-effective alternative to official dealer manuals, multilingual support (Spanish).

Usability:

Printable pages prevent damage, PDF format allows viewing on multiple devices, detailed diagrams and procedures.

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes guidance on diagnosing faults, testing parts with 'secret techniques,' and understanding engine management systems.

📋 Manual Details

General Info:

Covered

Engine Service:

Service and Overhauling

Transmission:

Covered

Chassis:

Covered

Body:

Covered

Wiring:

Covered

Fuel System:

Covered

Emission Control:

Covered

Induction:

Covered

Mechanical:

Covered

Control System:

Covered

Transmission Differentials:

Covered

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Covered

Steering Suspension:

Covered

Brakes:

Covered

ABS:

Covered

Specifications Torque:

Full Specifications and Torque Settings

Service Work:

Covered

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific print edition, but typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive service manuals of this era.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

Spanish

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Variants:

135, 153, 155, 225, 318, 360 cu in (cubic inch) gasoline and 243 cu in diesel engines.

Engine Components:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and flywheel, camshaft and drive, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission control systems, induction systems, engine control systems.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmissions (e.g., A833), Automatic transmissions (e.g., TorqueFlite A727, A904), Transfer case (for 4WD models), Drivetrain, Differentials.

Chassis And Suspension:

Frame, Front suspension (independent front suspension, torsion bars), Rear suspension (leaf springs), Steering system (power steering, steering gear), Wheels and tires, Wheel alignment.

Brake System:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes, Parking brake system, Brake hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if applicable to later models within the range.

Electrical System:

Battery, Starting system, Charging system (alternator), Ignition system, Lighting system, Instrumentation, Gauges, Switches, Fuses, Relays, Wiring diagrams, Power windows/locks (if equipped).

Body And Interior:

Body construction, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Glass, Interior trim, Seating, HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, coolant system service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts for common symptoms (e.g., no-starts, poor performance, overheating), diagnostic procedures for various systems, electrical system diagnostics.

Overhauling:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild, carburetor overhaul.

Repair:

Component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, brake pads/shoes, suspension components), body panel repairs, electrical component repair.

Alignment And Balancing:

Wheel alignment procedures, tire balancing.

Torque Settings:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic information and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text (depending on OCR quality of scanned documents).

Page Quality:

Printable on demand, allowing for clean copies of individual pages.

Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Paper:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Gasoline Options:

Slant-Six 225 (I6), LA Series V8: 318 (5.2L), 360 (5.9L). Other smaller displacements (135, 153, 155 cu in) may refer to earlier or specific regional variants not commonly associated with the 1979-1986 US Ramcharger, but are included in the manual's coverage.

Diesel Options:

243 cu in (4.0L) Diesel (likely a variant of the Nissan SD engine used in some Dodge trucks of the era, or an in-house development).

Horsepower Torque:

Varies significantly by engine and year. For example, the 318 V8 in the early 80s typically produced around 140-150 hp and 260-280 lb-ft torque. The 360 V8 would be higher. Consult specific model year data within the manual for exact figures.

Carburetion:

Primarily single or two-barrel carburetors (e.g., Carter BBD, Holley 2300/4160) on gasoline engines. Diesel would be fuel injection with a rotary or inline injection pump.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (post-1975 regulations), Diesel fuel.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

4-speed manual (e.g., A833) was common.

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed automatic (TorqueFlite A727, A904) was widely available and often preferred.

Four Wheel Drive:

Transfer cases for 4WD variants (e.g., New Process NP203, NP208) are covered, including operation and maintenance.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 104.2 inches (for early models, may vary slightly).

Length:

Approximately 175-180 inches (varies by year and bumper style).

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and drivetrain, typically ranging from 3,800 to 4,500 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Adheres to US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) of the era. Specific crash test ratings for this model from official bodies are less common for this period compared to modern vehicles.

Braking:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional ABS on later models.

Restraints:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear). Airbags were not standard equipment in this era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player. Speakers typically located in dashboard and doors/rear pillars.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System was an option on some later models within this range, significantly improving braking control.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, smartphone integration) were available. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations based on oil type.

Tune Up:

Spark plugs and ignition system checks usually every 20,000-30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid:

Fluid and filter change typically every 20,000-30,000 miles for automatics, manual transmissions may have longer intervals or require inspection.

Engine Oil:

API Service SG or higher, viscosity depends on climate (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W-30 for colder climates). Refer to manual for exact SE/SF/SG ratings and viscosity charts.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Mopar coolant types should be verified within the manual.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (for later compatibility) is generally recommended for TorqueFlite transmissions. Early manuals might specify Dexron II.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90, depending on transmission model.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF Dexron II.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Wear:

Common issues include oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan, worn valve seals causing smoking, and potential issues with timing chain/gears on higher mileage engines.

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, thermostat failures, and water pump failures can occur.

Carburetor:

Carburetors can become gummed up, leading to rough idling or stalling, requiring cleaning or rebuilding.

Rust:

Body rust, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame areas, is a common concern for vehicles of this age.

Electrical Corrosion:

Wiring harness connectors can corrode, leading to intermittent electrical faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Part of Dodge's robust truck lineup, leveraging the reputation of the Ram name.

Platform:

Based on the Dodge Ram pickup truck platform, offering a utility-focused SUV.

Competitors:

Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Ford Bronco, Jeep Cherokee (SJ).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily United States (e.g., Warren, Michigan).

Production Years:

1974-1986 (with significant updates throughout).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Standing:

The Dodge Ramcharger was a strong competitor in the burgeoning SUV market of the late 70s and early 80s, known for its ruggedness and towing capabilities.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports and similar publications of the era would have provided reliability ratings, though specific awards are unlikely.