Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners, mechanics, restoration enthusiasts
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Series
Vehicle Design:
Robust body-on-frame construction, versatile for work and personal use
Primary Focus:
Full Service and Repair
Scope:
All mechanical, electrical, and body systems
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2500 pages (typical for full service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory-style Service Manual
Format:
Print (Paperback or Hardcover)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine performance diagnostics
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, drivetrain components, propeller shafts, differentials
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc and drum brake service, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering, alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I)
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, seats, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC, body hardware
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, component testing
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repairs.
Information Type:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearances, wiring schematics, diagnostic flowcharts
Quality:
High-resolution scans, clear text and diagrams
Searchability:
Likely searchable if it's a digital PDF, or indexed content for physical copies.
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop use
Binding Type:
Stapled, perfect bound, or spiral bound for lay-flat usability.
Engine Option 1:
5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in)
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in)
Engine Option 3:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (for Heavy Duty models)
Engine Option 4:
3.9L Magnum V6 (170 cu in) (less common in this era's Ram, but possible)
318 Magnum (Est.):
Horsepower: 230 hp @ 4500 rpm; Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
360 Magnum (Est.):
Horsepower: 245 hp @ 4000 rpm; Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (Est.):
Horsepower: 160-180 hp; Torque: 420-440 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Direct Injection for Cummins Diesel
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended); Diesel fuel
Bore Stroke 318:
4.00 in x 3.31 in
Bore Stroke 360:
4.00 in x 3.58 in
Transmission Option 1:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., 46RE for V8 gas, 47RH for diesel)
Transmission Option 2:
5-speed Manual (e.g., NV4500 for diesel and some gas models)
46Re/47Rh:
Electronic overdrive, torque converter lock-up
Nv4500:
Durable, constant mesh, synchronized gears, provision for PTO (Power Take-Off)
Automatic Trans Fluid:
ATF+4 (originally ATF+3 or Dexron III equivalent)
Manual Trans Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 gear oil (check specific manual for precise specs)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft, 8.0 ft
Wheelbase Options:
110.5 in (short bed), 134.5 in (long bed), 164.5 in (long bed dually)
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 6,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
6,300 - 10,000+ lbs (depending on duty class)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 10,000+ lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Categorized as a truck, specific rollover ratings may vary by configuration and era of testing.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels, optional 4-wheel ABS
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for front occupants
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic temperature control on higher trims.
Towing Features:
Trailer brake controller provisions, trailer wiring harness, heavy-duty suspension options
OBD Standard:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) for engine diagnostics, requiring specific diagnostic tools/procedures.
Oil Change Gas:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or 6 months for Cummins (synthetic oil often recommended for longer intervals).
Tune Up Gas:
Spark plugs typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles; distributor cap/rotor inspection/replacement as needed.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic: 30,000 - 50,000 miles; Manual: Higher mileage intervals, check manual.
Engine Oil Viscosity Gas:
10W-30 (preferred for most conditions), 5W-30 for cold weather
Engine Oil Viscosity Diesel:
15W-40 (CK-4 or CJ-4 rated for Cummins)
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, u-joints, exhaust components, brake wear
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation, especially in engine bay and near rear tail lights.
Transmission Quirks:
Torque converter shudder, solenoid issues in automatic transmissions, clutch wear in manuals.
Diesel Specific:
Injector pump issues, turbocharger wear (less common on early Cummins but possible), intake manifold heater issues.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and reliable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving from the D-Series and W-Series trucks.
Second Generation Ram:
The 1995 model is part of the second generation (1994-2001) of the Dodge Ram, which marked a significant redesign with a more aggressive, 'big rig' inspired styling and improved aerodynamics and chassis.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan
Generation 2 Range:
1994-2001
