Model Variant:
B2500 (3/4-ton cargo and passenger van)
Production Years Covered:
1996
Platform:
Chrysler B-platform full-size van
Body Configurations:
Cargo van, passenger van, and cutaway/chassis-cab variants
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and DIY owners servicing the 1996 B2500 work van, trades van, or family passenger van
Segment:
Full-size van, 3/4-ton class
Primary Use Case:
Fleet work, cargo hauling, passenger transport, conversion van base
Rival Models:
Ford Econoline E-250, Chevrolet Express / GMC Vandura
Key Advantage:
Widest interior standing room in class and simple, durable drivetrain architecture that is straightforward to service
Powertrains:
Choice of inline-six, V8, and V10 gasoline engines
Utility:
High payload capacity and extensive upfit options for shelving and racking
Manual Type:
Complete workshop service repair manual (factory-level)
Coverage:
All repair and service procedures A-Z; all engines, trims, and transmissions covered
Delivery Method:
Instant download via email after checkout
Printable:
Print single pages, chapters, or the entire manual
Requirements:
Adobe Reader; works on PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones
Page Count:
N/A - full workshop manual, several hundred pages
Engine:
Complete engine mechanical service, rebuild, and overhaul procedures
Fuel & Emissions:
Fuel system, throttle body and multi-port injection, emission controls
Ignition & Electrical:
Distributor ignition, charging, starting, wiring diagrams
Cooling & HVAC:
Radiator, thermostat, heater and air conditioning systems
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission service and overhaul
Driveline:
Clutch, driveshaft, universal joints, differential and axles
Suspension & Steering:
Front coil suspension, rear leaf springs, recirculating-ball steering
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc front / drum rear, parking brake, ABS
Body:
Doors, panels, glass, bumpers, interior trim, seats
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts and fault-finding for all systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled service intervals, tune-up, fluid changes
Removal & Installation:
Step-by-step component removal and installation
Repair & Overhaul:
Disassembly, inspection, machining limits, reassembly
Torque Data:
Fastener torque specifications throughout
Wiring:
Schematic diagrams for chassis and engine circuits
Level:
Factory workshop level - suitable for professionals and advanced DIY
Instructions:
Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions with pictures
Specifications:
Complete tables for clearances, capacities, and tolerances
Parts Data:
Exploded views and part identification for repair procedures
Fluid Capacities:
Engine oil, coolant, transmission, and axle fluid specifications
Part Numbers:
N/A - not a parts catalog; reference repair procedures
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Base Engine:
3.9L V6 (LA-series, 239 cu in)
Optional Engines:
5.2L V8 (318 cu in) and 5.9L V8 (360 cu in)
Optional Heavy-Duty:
8.0L V10 (488 cu in) on select B3500 applications
Layout:
Longitudinal, front-mounted, RWD
5.2L V8 Output:
Approximately 220 hp and 300 lb-ft torque
5.9L V8 Output:
Approximately 245 hp and 335 lb-ft torque
3.9L V6 Output:
Approximately 175 hp and 225 lb-ft torque
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Ignition:
Electronic distributor ignition
Standard Transmission:
3-speed automatic (A727 / 36RH / 37RH family)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed electronically controlled automatic (46RE / 47RE family) with V8 engines
Manual Option:
Heavy-duty 5-speed manual available on select applications
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive
Service Features:
Fluid and filter service procedures, band adjustment, and overhaul coverage in manual
Wheelbase:
Approximately 127.6 in (standard) with extended-wheelbase options
Length:
Approximately 212-237 in depending on wheelbase
Body Style:
Full-size van, forward-control cab-over-engine layout
GVWR:
Approximately 7,700 lb (B2500 3/4-ton rating)
Curb Weight:
N/A - varies by configuration; see vehicle data plate
Crash Test Data:
N/A - era predates routine published van crash ratings
Braking:
Power-assisted disc front / drum rear brakes, optional rear-wheel ABS
Steering:
Power recirculating-ball steering
Restraints:
Driver and front passenger manual 3-point seatbelts
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag (1996 model year)
Structure:
Steel safety-cage body construction
Oil & Filter:
Approximately every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on service conditions
Tune-Up:
Spark plugs, cap, rotor, and wires at regular tune-up intervals
Transmission Fluid:
Fluid and filter service per severe/normal schedule
Chassis Lube:
Periodic lubrication of steering and suspension fittings
Engine Oil:
API-rated gasoline engine oil, viscosity per climate chart
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze mix
Automatic Transmission:
Mopar ATF+ (ATF+3/ATF+4 compatible fluid)
Rear Axle:
Hypoid gear oil, friction modifier required for limited-slip
Known Issues / Common Wear
Ball Joints:
Front suspension ball joints and idler arm are common wear items
Exhaust Manifolds:
V8 exhaust manifold bolts and leaks are a known issue
Brake Wear:
Rear drum brakes and parking brake cables need periodic adjustment
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation
Model Line:
B-series Ram Van, produced 1971-2003
Generation:
Third-generation B-van (1971-2003) with running updates
1996 Updates:
Fuel injection refinements, updated interior, driver airbag; Ram Van naming with B-series codes
Production Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Windsor Assembly Plant)
