Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet owners, heavy-duty users, enthusiasts seeking robust work vehicles.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Series.
Powertrain Options:
Renowned for powerful Magnum V8 engines and the robust Cummins turbodiesel.
Durability:
Built for heavy-duty use and towing capacity, known for its rugged construction.
Manual Value:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing these durable trucks, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Engine:
All engine variants including 3.9L V6 (5.9L V8) Magnum, 5.2L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum, and 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag G360) and Automatic (A500, A518, A727, A727 OD) transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, transfer cases (NP200, NP208, NP241).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum brake systems, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, starting, charging, ignition, accessories, body control modules.
Body:
Body and chassis, interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, HVAC.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension replacement, brake service, electrical component repair.
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine 3.9L V6:
3.9L (239 ci) OHV V6, MPI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection). Power output approx. 125 hp @ 3600 rpm, 210 lb-ft torque @ 2000 rpm.
Engine 5.2L V8:
5.2L (318 ci) OHV V8 Magnum, MPI. Power output approx. 170 hp @ 4000 rpm, 255 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm.
Engine 5.9L V8:
5.9L (360 ci) OHV V8 Magnum, MPI. Power output approx. 190 hp @ 3600 rpm, 300 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm.
Engine 5.9L Cummins:
5.9L (359 ci) OHV Inline 6-cylinder Turbo Diesel. Power output approx. 160 hp @ 2500 rpm, 400 lb-ft torque @ 1700 rpm.
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor with electronic ignition.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline for V6/V8, Diesel fuel for Cummins.
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines. Indirect injection for early Cummins.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag G360) typically found on 5.9L Cummins and some V8 models.
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmissions: A500 (3.9L V6, 5.2L V8), A518 (5.9L V8, 5.9L Cummins OD), A727 (heavy duty 5.2L, 5.9L V8).
Overdrive:
Overdrive gear (4th) available on automatic transmissions for improved fuel economy.
Transfer Case:
Manual or electronic shift transfer cases (e.g., NP200, NP208, NP241).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab).
Bed Lengths:
Fleetside bed in 6.5-foot and 8-foot lengths.
Gvwr:
Varies by configuration, typically ranging from 6,000 lbs to 10,000+ lbs for heavy-duty models.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 10,000+ lbs depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration.
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
ABS:
Rear-wheel ABS or full 4-wheel ABS available on certain models/options.
Diagnostics Port:
OBD-I diagnostic port, typically located under the dash. Manual provides specific diagnostic procedures and connector pinouts.
Oil Change:
Gasoline: 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months. Diesel: 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (consult manual for specific intervals).
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, filters typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on usage and engine.
Engine Oil:
Gasoline: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Diesel: API CD or CG-4, SAE 15W-40 (refer to manual for exact specifications and viscosity).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT or HOAT recommended.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 (or equivalent like ATF Dexron II/III for earlier models) for A500/A518/A727.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity dependent on temperature (e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, universal joints, brake components, fuel pumps, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), alternator.
Cummins Specific:
Injector pump seals, starter issues, manual transmission synchromesh wear (Getrag G360).
Dodge Specific:
Rust on fenders, cab corners, bed sides; electrical gremlins can occur with age.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with strength.
Third Generation:
These models represent the third generation of the Dodge Ram, which introduced significant styling changes and powertrain upgrades.
Magnum Engines:
Introduction of the Magnum V6 and V8 engines marked a significant improvement in performance and refinement over previous designs.
Cummins Diesel:
The availability of the legendary Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel engine in this generation significantly boosted the Ram's reputation for heavy-duty capability and reliability.
Production Years:
1989-1993 for this body style and generation.
