🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Year:

1990

Generation:

Second Generation (BR/BE series)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Full-size pickup truck serving a broad consumer and commercial market. Known for its robust construction and towing capability.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other major American full-size trucks like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet C/K series. Offered a blend of power, utility, and a more driver-focused interior for its era.

Key Features:

Strong V8 engine options, robust suspension, available 4-wheel drive, various bed lengths and cab configurations, significant towing and payload capacities.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full Service and Repair Instructions

Page Count:

Not Specified (Assumed comprehensive for a workshop manual)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Not Specified (Likely printed, potentially available in PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission controls, engine management (ECU)

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveline, transfer case (for 4WD models)

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering

Brake Systems:

Front brakes (disc), rear brakes (drum or disc depending on configuration), parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, accessories

Body Chassis:

Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, chassis components

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system

Fuel Tank And Lines:

Inspection, service, and replacement of fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, and filters.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, and oxygen sensors.

Instrument Panel:

Removal, installation, and repair of gauges, warning lights, and indicators.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and other power-operated features.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component repair, electrical system troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable)

Body And Frame Repair:

Body panel alignment, rust repair techniques, collision repair guidelines, frame straightening procedures.

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

Front and rear wheel alignment angles, caster, camber, toe specifications.

Tire And Wheel Information:

Recommended tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel bolt patterns (e.g., 5x5.5 inch for many models).

Refrigerant Handling:

Procedures for servicing the air conditioning system, including refrigerant evacuation and recharge (if the manual covers A/C system details).

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive (covers from routine maintenance to complete overhauls and diagnostics)

Diagnostic Troubleshooting Charts:

Detailed symptom-to-cause diagnostic tables for various systems, aiding in efficient fault finding.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension parts, and driveline assemblies.

Electrical Schematics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, engine controls, and accessories.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Not Specified (If digital, likely PDF)

Print Quality:

Not Specified (Assumed professional quality for a workshop manual)

Binding Type:

Not Specified (If printed, likely bound for durability)

Paper Type:

Not Specified (If printed, typically durable paper suitable for workshop environments)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.2L V8 (318 cu in), 5.9L V8 (360 cu in), 5.9L Inline-6 Diesel (Cummins Turbo Diesel)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 140-160 hp for gasoline V8s, 160-180 hp for Cummins Diesel

Torque Range:

Approx. 260-280 lb-ft for gasoline V8s, 400-440 lb-ft for Cummins Diesel

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, mechanical injection pump for Cummins Diesel

Engine Control Unit:

Chrysler's electronic engine control (EEC) systems

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Getrag 5-speed manual (NV4500 likely phased in for later models of this generation, but potentially available)

Automatic Transmission:

TorqueFlite A518 (3-speed with overdrive) or A727 (3-speed)

Drivetrain:

2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varied by configuration (e.g., 115" for standard cab, 131" for club cab, 135" for long bed)

Bed Lengths:

Approx. 6.5 ft (short bed), 8 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight:

Varied by configuration (e.g., 3800-4800 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varied by configuration (e.g., 5800-6300 lbs for light-duty, higher for heavy-duty variants)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not readily available in a standardized format for this era; relied on internal testing and industry standards of the time.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - typically rear-wheel ABS on gasoline models, optional on some diesel models.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced cab structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems. Manual will detail common diagnostics and repair for these units.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited; ABS was the primary driver assistance feature available.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Focus is on analog controls and basic electronics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months for gasoline engines; consult manual for diesel recommendations (often longer).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions and transmission type.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for standard coolant; longer for extended life coolants (consult manual).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH service classification. Viscosity: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most operating temperatures. Cummins Diesel requires specific heavy-duty diesel engine oil (e.g., API CD/CE or CF-4).

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 or equivalent for automatic transmissions (A518/A727). Manual transmissions use SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 gear oil (specific type varies).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) is generally recommended.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid

Common Issues:

Radiator leaks, alternator failure, fuel pump issues (gasoline), exhaust manifold leaks, aging rubber bushings and hoses, potential for rust on body panels and frame, transmission cooler line leaks (automatic).

Cummins Diesel Specific Issues:

Injector pump failure (VE pump issues), crankshaft thrust bearing wear (early models), intake manifold cracking (rare).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming prominent in the 1980s, building on its reputation for ruggedness and capability.

Model Evolution:

The 1990 model year falls within the second generation (BR/BE) of the Ram trucks, which introduced a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic front end, improved interior comfort, and the introduction of the potent Cummins turbodiesel engine.

Production Years:

1990 Dodge Ram trucks were produced as part of the second generation, which ran from 1981 to 1993.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in North America (e.g., Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While the 1990 model itself may not have specific "Truck of the Year" awards listed for that exact year, the Dodge Ram line has historically been recognized for its capability and durability. The introduction of the Cummins Diesel was particularly impactful, earning it praise and a strong following.