🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2004 Dodge Ram represented the third generation of this highly popular full-size pickup truck, known for its bold styling, robust powertrains, and heavy-duty capabilities. It competed directly with the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra.

Strengths:

Distinctive "big rig" styling, powerful engine options, comfortable ride for a truck, strong towing and payload capacities.

Weaknesses:

Interior materials could be perceived as less premium than some competitors, some electrical issues reported in earlier models of this generation.

Features:

Available in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Quad Cab) and bed lengths, extensive trim level options (ST, SLT, Laramie), available 4x4 drivetrain.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

All gasoline and diesel engines offered in 2004

Transmission Coverage:

All automatic and manual transmissions

Electrical Coverage:

Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and component locations

Body Coverage:

Exterior and interior body repairs, panel replacement, glass, and trim

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, steering, brakes, exhaust, and frame

Estimated Pages:

Over 2,000

Type:

Factory Authorized Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine management (PCM/ECM), intake systems

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials, wheel bearings

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (springs, shocks, control arms, ball joints), steering gear, power steering system, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system

Electrical And Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, infotainment, HVAC controls, power windows/locks, body control modules (BCM), fuse/relay locations and function

Body And Frame:

Frame straightening, body panel repair/replacement, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seat mechanisms, weather stripping

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, electrical circuit testing

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems, including component removal, disassembly, inspection, assembly, and reinstallation

Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilding

Adjustment:

Alignment procedures, door alignment, parking brake adjustment

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Print Quality:

High-resolution, print-ready for all diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.7L Magnum V6, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (if applicable to specific market/export, though 2004 primarily US market focused on gasoline engines for standard Ram 1500/2500/3500 without specific 'Heavy Duty' badging implying diesel availability)

4.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:

Approximately 235 hp @ 4,500 rpm

4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:

Approximately 300 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:

Approximately 345 hp @ 5,000 rpm (introduced mid-year 2003, prominent in 2004)

5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:

Approximately 375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

3.7L Magnum V6 Horsepower:

Approximately 215 hp @ 5,200 rpm

3.7L Magnum V6 Torque:

Approximately 235 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 octane unleaded gasoline (for 4.7L and 3.7L), 89 octane recommended for optimal performance of 5.7L HEMI

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE depending on engine/model), 5-speed manual (NV3500)

Optional Transmissions:

5-speed automatic (545RFE) with the 5.7L HEMI, 4-speed automatic (48RE) with diesel engines (less common in 2004 Ram 1500/2500/3500 unless specified HD)

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) or manual transfer case lever depending on configuration.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by configuration: 134.0 inches (Regular Cab, short bed), 140.5 inches (Quad Cab, short bed), 155.0 inches (Regular Cab, long bed), 160.5 inches (Quad Cab, long bed)

Length:

Varies by configuration, approx. 225-245 inches

Width:

Approx. 79.1 inches (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 74.7 inches (2WD), 75.3 inches (4WD)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 feet (76.0 inches), 8.0 feet (96.0 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs depending on configuration

Towing Capacity:

Up to 8,900 lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:

Good (for 2004 models equipped with side airbags, if available)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:

Good (for 2004 models equipped with side airbags, if available)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system

Airbags:

Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side-curtain airbags available on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base AM/FM radio with CD player. Optional premium Infinity sound system, cassette player, and in-dash 6-disc CD changer available. Uconnect hands-free communication system became available later in the generation, not widely standard in 2004.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Features typically included cruise control and anti-lock brakes. Parking assist sensors were not commonly available.

Connectivity Options:

Basic audio input jacks (auxiliary) were not standard. Connectivity primarily through AM/FM radio and CD player.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to specific engine and oil recommendation)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000-7,500 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check owner's manual and service manual for specific intervals; typically around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on transmission type and usage.

Coolant Change Interval:

Initial change at 100,000 miles for the first 5 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter (for HOAT coolant)

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended for most engines (refer to manual for specific engine, e.g., 5.7L HEMI may prefer 5W-20 or 5W-30)

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) – specific type varies by transmission (e.g., GL-3 or GL-4)

Coolant Type:

50/50 mixture of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Common Issues Engine:

Spark plug blow-out on early 4.7L Magnum engines (improved by 2004), potential for cracked exhaust manifolds on 4.7L, lifter noise on HEMI (early models).

Common Issues Transmission:

Overdrive band failure in older automatics (less common in this generation's updated transmissions), potential for solenoid issues in automatic transmissions.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty wiper motors, occasional issues with power window regulators, ABS sensor failures.

Common Issues Suspension:

Wear in ball joints and tie rod ends, especially in heavy-duty usage.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history in the truck market, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981 and became synonymous with toughness and capability.

Third Generation:

The 2004 model year falls within the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, which debuted with a completely new chassis and a significantly redesigned exterior. Key updates included the introduction of the HEMI engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Resale Value:

Often ranked well for its class, but specific 'award' status varies by year and publication.

Jdpowers Initial Quality:

JD Power and Associates ratings varied, but the Ram often performed competitively within the full-size pickup segment for its generation.

Safety Certifications:

Meets all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 2004.