🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Model Line:

Ram Pickup

Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Chassis Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, fleet owners, professional repair shops

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the official factory repair and service information, enabling accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of the Dodge Ram.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for its robust construction, powerful engine options, and towing/hauling capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks 1999-2006

Engine Variants Covered:

All gasoline and diesel engines

Drivetrain Variants Covered:

2WD and 4WD models

Body Styles Covered:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Chassis Cab

Estimated Page Count:

~2000+ pages (comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Authorized Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Online Access / Downloadable PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine overhaul, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500, G360), Automatic transmission (42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE), Transfer case (NP231, NP241, NV244, NV271, NV273), Drive shafts, Axles (Dana 44, Dana 60, Chrysler 9.25)

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (and optional rear disc), ABS system, Parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front independent suspension (1994-2001 with optional IFS), Solid front axle (2002-2006), Rear leaf spring suspension, Power steering system, Steering gear/rack and pinion

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system (starter), Lighting system, Instrumentation, Body control module (BCM), Powertrain control module (PCM), Ignition system, Fuses and relays, Wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, Heating system, Ventilation system, Climate control

Body Chassis:

Frame, Body panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior trim, Seats, Bumpers, Glass, Exterior trim

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacement, Lubrication services, Tune-up procedures

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for all systems, Common problems and solutions, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair Rebuild:

Engine component replacement and overhaul, Transmission repair and rebuild, Brake system repair, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component repair, HVAC system repair, Bodywork and collision repair procedures

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, Scan tool usage, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Sensor testing, Actuator testing

Specifications:

Torque specifications, Clearances, Alignment specifications, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4.7L Magnum V8 (1999-2003), 5.9L Magnum V8 (1999-2003), 5.7L HEMI V8 (2003-2006), 8.0L V10 Magnum (1999-2003), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (1999-2006)

4.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 235-245 hp

4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:

Approx. 300-330 lb-ft

5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 245-250 hp

5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:

Approx. 330-345 lb-ft

5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 345-375 hp

5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:

Approx. 375-410 lb-ft

8.0L V10 Magnum Horsepower:

Approx. 305-310 hp

8.0L V10 Magnum Torque:

Approx. 450-455 lb-ft

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:

Approx. 215-325 hp (depending on year and tune)

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:

Approx. 420-555 lb-ft (depending on year and tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for Cummins diesel

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel fuel for Cummins models

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (NV3500) for gasoline engines, 6-speed manual (NV4500) for some gasoline and Cummins diesel engines

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic (42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE)

Transfer Case Options:

2WD, Part-time 4WD (NP231, NP241), Full-time 4WD (NV244, NV271, NV273)

Transmission Fluid Type Gas Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler spec)

Transmission Fluid Type Diesel Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent approved fluid

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

NV3500: Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-3 or GL-4), NV4500: Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-3 or GL-4)

Transmission Fluid Type Diesel:

Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-3 or GL-4) for NV4500, various approved lubricants for transfer cases

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

134.7 inches (Regular Cab), 154.7 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab), 150.5/170.5 inches (Chassis Cab)

Overall Length Approx:

228.4 inches (Regular Cab Short Bed) to 259.6 inches (Crew Cab Long Bed)

Width Without Mirrors:

79.1 inches

Height:

74.6 inches (approx.)

Bed Length Options:

6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Approx:

4,500 - 6,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)

Gvw Approx:

6,350 - 8,800+ lbs (depending on model/trim)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 13,000+ lbs (depending on configuration, engine, and axle ratio)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (1999-2000 models)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (1999-2000 models)

ABS:

Standard on most models, Antilock Braking System

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, Lap belts for center seating

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player options, aftermarket upgrades common.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Trailer Brake Controller:

Optional on equipped models.

Phone Integration:

Limited to aftermarket solutions for this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on engine, driving conditions, and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years for automatic transmissions (ATF+4).

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (usually HOAT coolant).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine: 30,000-100,000 miles (check manual for specific engine and plug type).

Engine Oil Viscosity Gasoline:

5W-30 recommended for most gasoline engines (check owner's manual for specific engine variant).

Engine Oil Viscosity Diesel:

15W-40 or 5W-40 API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated synthetic or conventional diesel engine oil recommended for Cummins.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically orange or pink.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems Gasoline Engines:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (Magnum V8), oil pressure sensor issues, occasional spark plug thread issues (Magnum).

Common Problems Diesel Engines:

VP44 injection pump failure (early models), grid heater issues, turbocharger issues, injector problems, clutch wear (manual transmission).

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear (especially on 4x4 models), tie rod wear, steering stabilizer issues, front suspension component wear on earlier models.

Common Problems Electrical:

Instrument cluster failures, power window motor issues, ABS sensor failures, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures.

Common Problems Transmission:

Torque converter issues (automatic), clutch wear (manual), automatic transmission solenoid failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line originating in 1981.

Generation Timeline:

The 1994-2001 models represent the second generation of the Ram truck, characterized by its bold, aggressive styling. The 2002-2006 models are the third generation, featuring a significant redesign.

Manufacturing Locations:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

Various automotive publications awarded the Dodge Ram 'Truck of the Year' in different configurations and years during its lifecycle.

Jdpower Initial Quality Study:

Rankings varied by year and specific model configuration, but the Ram was a strong contender in its class for durability and capability.