Positioning:
A robust and capable full-size pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities, comfort, and versatility, serving both commercial and personal use markets.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.
Vehicle Appeal:
Strong V8 engine options, spacious cabin, available four-wheel drive, reputation for durability and work capability.
Value For Owner:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops with factory-level information to maintain, diagnose, and repair their vehicle accurately, saving time and money compared to dealership services.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), cooling system, lubrication system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, driveline, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front, rear, parking brake, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning lamps, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, climate control blower, airbags (SRS), anti-theft system, cruise control, trailer towing electrical.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (operation and diagnosis), climate control components, fuel tank, filler neck.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire rotation, battery maintenance.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gear service, electrical component repair, body panel repair, HVAC component repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit diagrams, component testing procedures, symptom-based diagnostics.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Engine torques, bearing clearances, piston ring gaps, valve lash, fastener torque specifications, alignment specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P/N 5011848AA), 5.9L Magnum V8 (P/N 5011849AA), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (P/N 3964568)
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4,500 rpm
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 305 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
5.9L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 245-250 hp @ 4,000 rpm
5.9L V8 Torque:
Approx. 330-335 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
Approx. 235-250 hp @ 2,700 rpm (depending on model year/tune)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 460-555 lb-ft @ 1,400-1,600 rpm (depending on model year/tune)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (for V8s), Diesel Fuel (for Cummins)
Injection System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for V8s, High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) for later Cummins (this generation likely uses Bosch VP44 injection pump for early models, and HPCR introduced later).
Engine Identifier:
R = 4.7L V8, Y = 5.9L V8, C = 5.9L Cummins Diesel
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (45RFE/48RE for V8s, 47RE for 5.9L Gas V8), 6-speed manual (NV5600 for Cummins, G360 for older gas).
Optional Transmissions:
5-speed manual (NV4500 for Cummins, G56 for later Cummins), 5-speed automatic (available on some models).
Transfer Case Options:
Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) or part-time manual transfer case.
Atf Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific model year/transmission, ATF+4 generally recommended for later production within this range)
Manual Gear Oil:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear lubricant (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, depending on temperature)
Wheelbase Options:
131.3 inches (standard cab), 153.3 inches (extended cab), 160.3 inches (Mega Cab)
Overall Length Range:
Approx. 229.7 to 260.1 inches
Bed Lengths:
6.3 feet (short bed), 8.0 feet (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,700 - 6,500 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to ~10,000 lbs (depending on configuration, engine, and axle ratio)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this specific generation, but generally considered robust for its class.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models, optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some configurations.
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, three-point seat belts, reinforced body structure, available side-impact beams.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations). Diesel may have different intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on usage (heavy towing requires more frequent service). Check manual for specific ATF+3/ATF+4 recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil V8:
5W-20 or 10W-30 (API Certified, refer to manual for exact grade based on ambient temperature).
Engine Oil Cummins:
15W-40 (CI-4 rated diesel engine oil, e.g., Mobil Delvac or equivalent).
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a long-life 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant).
Common Problems V8:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, camshaft position sensor failures, exhaust manifold cracks (especially early 4.7L), rear main seal leaks.
Common Problems Cummins:
Lift pump failures (especially older VP44 models), injector issues, turbocharger problems (if neglected), HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Common Problems General:
Cracked dashboards (sun exposure), worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), HVAC blend door actuator failures, rust on body panels (especially in certain climates).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing heritage in the pickup truck market, dating back to the 1930s, consistently known for building rugged and powerful trucks.
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation Ram debuted for the 2002 model year, marking a significant redesign with a more aggressive, squared-off styling, updated powertrains, and improved interior comfort and features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
Segment Awards:
While specific awards for the 2002-2004 model years might be less prominent than later generations, the Dodge Ram consistently received positive reviews for its styling, power, and towing capabilities within the competitive full-size truck segment during its tenure.
Consumer Reviews:
Generally favorable reviews for engine power and towing. Consumer satisfaction often cited the robust chassis and the availability of the powerful Cummins diesel.
Manual Quality:
Official Factory Service Manual – the highest standard for repair and maintenance documentation, providing accurate and detailed information as used by dealership technicians.
