🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM

Model Lineup:

RAM 1500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500

Chassis Code:

Second Generation Ram (BR/BE)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Target Audience:

Work trucks, towing and hauling applications, recreational users.

Competitors:

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

Platform:

Second-generation Dodge Ram platform, known for its distinctive 'swept-back' design and robust chassis.

Engine Options:

Wide range of powerful gasoline V6, V8, and V10 engines, plus the highly regarded Cummins turbodiesel, offering versatility for various needs.

Durability:

Renowned for its durability and capability, especially models equipped with the Cummins diesel engine.

Towing Hauling:

Exceptional towing and payload capacities, making it a popular choice for heavy-duty work.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Engine Coverage:

3.9L Magnum V6, 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, 8.0L Magnum V10

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (typically PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All specified engine variants (3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L V8, 5.9L Turbo Diesel, 8.0L V10) including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions, and turbocharging.

Transmission:

Automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE) and manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500, NV4500) including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, and shift control.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, transfer cases (e.g., NP231, NP241), front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, and propeller shafts.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, hydraulic components, and service procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems including independent front suspension (IFS) for 1500 models, solid front axle for 2500/3500 models, leaf springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rods, steering linkage, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, and linkage.

Electrical:

12-volt charging system, battery, starter, alternator, ignition system, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, power windows, power locks, and body control modules.

Body:

Body exterior (doors, hoods, fenders, bumpers), interior trim, seats, glass, and seals. Includes repair procedures for dents, corrosion, and component replacement.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems including components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis, and repair.

Chassis Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors, and powertrain control modules (PCM).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom analysis, common problem identification, and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine mechanical, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, and electrical component repair.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and electrical circuit testing procedures.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, alignment angles, and dimensional data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including color coding and component location.

Rebuilds:

Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for engines, transmissions, and differentials.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics, encompassing everything from basic maintenance to complete overhauls and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Digital (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content for quick access to information.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

3.9L V6 Magnum:

Displacement: 3.9L (239 cu. in.), Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.57 in., Compression Ratio: 8.9:1, Horsepower: ~175-180 hp @ 4800 rpm, Torque: ~225-230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

5.2L V8 Magnum:

Displacement: 5.2L (318 cu. in.), Bore x Stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 in., Compression Ratio: 8.7:1, Horsepower: ~220-230 hp @ 4800 rpm, Torque: ~295-300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

5.9L V8 Magnum:

Displacement: 5.9L (360 cu. in.), Bore x Stroke: 4.00 x 3.58 in., Compression Ratio: 8.7:1, Horsepower: ~245-250 hp @ 4800 rpm, Torque: ~345-350 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel:

Displacement: 5.9L (359 cu. in.), Bore x Stroke: 4.02 x 4.72 in., Compression Ratio: 17.5:1, Horsepower: ~215 hp @ 2500 rpm, Torque: ~420 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (for early models, can vary).

8.0L V10 Magnum:

Displacement: 8.0L (488 cu. in.), Bore x Stroke: 4.00 x 3.88 in., Compression Ratio: 8.1:1, Horsepower: ~300-310 hp @ 4000 rpm, Torque: ~450-455 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

Acceleration 0 60 Gas:

Varies significantly by engine and configuration, typically 8-11 seconds for V8 models.

Acceleration 0 60 Diesel:

Varies, but generally strong low-end torque for towing, typically 9-12 seconds.

Gasoline Engines:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Diesel Engine:

Rotary injection pump (Bosch VE for early models, P7100 for later models) with turbocharging.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge spec coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT type).

Oil Type Gas:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Oil Type Diesel:

API CH-4 or CI-4 rated diesel engine oil, typically 15W-40.

Oil Capacity 3.9L:

Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter.

Oil Capacity 5.2L/5.9L:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter.

Oil Capacity 8.0L:

Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 L) with filter.

Oil Capacity 5.9L Diesel:

Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 L) with filter.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission 1500:

NV3500 5-speed manual.

Automatic Transmission 1500:

42RE 4-speed automatic (V6/5.2L), 44RE 4-speed automatic (5.9L).

Automatic Transmission 2500/3500:

46RE 4-speed automatic (V8), 47RE 4-speed automatic (5.9L Diesel, 8.0L V10).

Manual Transmission 2500/3500:

NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy-duty).

Transfer Case 4X4:

New Process (NP) 231 (light duty) or NP 241 (heavy duty) part-time 4WD system with electronic or manual shift options.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, check specific manual).

Transmission Fluid Capacity 42Re/44Re:

Approx. 10.0 - 11.0 quarts (9.5 - 10.4 L) with filter.

Transmission Fluid Capacity 47Re:

Approx. 12.0 - 13.0 quarts (11.4 - 12.3 L) with filter.

Transmission Fluid Capacity Nv4500:

Approx. 2.5 quarts (2.4 L).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 1500:

134.0 inches (3404 mm) for regular cab, 160.5 inches (4077 mm) for club cab.

Wheelbase 2500/3500:

134.0 inches (3404 mm) for regular cab, 147.5 inches (3747 mm) for standard cab 8' bed, 160.5 inches (4077 mm) for club cab, 176.2 inches (4475 mm) for long bed crew cab.

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (standard bed), 8.0 ft (long bed).

Curb Weight 1500:

Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (2041 - 2495 kg).

Curb Weight 2500:

Approx. 5,500 - 7,000 lbs (2495 - 3175 kg).

Curb Weight 3500:

Approx. 6,000 - 7,500 lbs (2722 - 3402 kg).

Towing Capacity:

Varies greatly by configuration, up to 10,000+ lbs (4536+ kg) for properly equipped diesel 3500 models.

Payload Capacity:

Varies greatly by configuration, up to 4,000+ lbs (1814+ kg) for heavy-duty models.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Generally considered high for its class due to its weight and stability, but specific rollover ratings can vary by configuration and year.

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, often with rear-wheel ABS on earlier configurations.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Various AM/FM radio options, cassette and CD players available depending on trim and year. Aftermarket upgrades common.

ABS System:

4-wheel ABS system for improved braking control.

OBD Ii Port:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for emission and powertrain diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual.

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km) or 6-12 months, with high-quality diesel oil. Consult manual.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months for conventional coolant, longer for extended life coolants (check manual).

Transmission Service Auto:

Fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), especially if towing.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Vibration Issues:

Driveshaft imbalance, worn U-joints, or differential issues can cause vibrations.

Transmission Slipping:

Common in automatic transmissions, often due to worn clutches or low fluid pressure. Torque converter lock-up issues can also occur.

Heater Core Leaks:

Can lead to coolant loss and fogging of the windshield. Often requires dashboard removal for replacement.

Dodge Cumming Idle Control:

Early 5.9L Cummins engines with the Bosch VE pump can experience fuel delivery issues if not maintained. Later P7100 pumps are generally more robust.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion on grounds, faulty relays, or worn wiring harnesses can cause intermittent electrical problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.

Second Generation Ram:

This generation (1994-2001) was a significant redesign, featuring a bold, aerodynamic 'swept-back' cab design, enhanced interiors, and the introduction of the powerful 8.0L V10 and the highly acclaimed 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel engine.

Updates 1998-2001:

Minor updates during this period included revised interior features, updated audio systems, and potential powertrain refinements. The 5.9L Cummins received a power increase and later models may feature the P7100 injection pump.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in the United States.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Diesel Engine Acclaim:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is highly regarded in the industry for its durability, power, and longevity, often considered one of the best diesel engines ever produced for pickup trucks.

Overall Truck Reputation:

The Dodge Ram of this era is generally respected for its bold styling, strong powertrain options, and robust build, making it a capable workhorse.