🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram W250 Truck

Year:

1989, 1990, 1991

Generation Code:

BR/BE

Chassis Code:

W250 (4x4)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, known for durability and capability

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Series

Durability:

Renowned for robust construction and heavy-duty capabilities

Powertrain Options:

Offered with potent V8 gasoline engines and robust diesel options

Utility:

Designed for work, towing, and general utility tasks

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1989, 1990, 1991

Models Covered:

Dodge Ram W250 Truck

Total Pages:

1613

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive (diagnosis, testing, adjustment, removal, installation, disassembly, assembly)

Transmission:

Comprehensive (diagnosis, testing, adjustment, removal, installation, disassembly, assembly)

Drivetrain:

Comprehensive (4x4 system, axles, driveshafts)

Suspension:

Comprehensive (front and rear suspension, steering components)

Brakes:

Comprehensive (hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS if equipped)

Electrical System:

Comprehensive (wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories)

Fuel System:

Comprehensive (fuel delivery, injection/carburetion, fuel tank, lines)

Cooling System:

Comprehensive (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses)

Exhaust System:

Comprehensive (manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes)

Body And Frame:

Comprehensive (body panels, interior trim, frame diagnostics, structural repairs)

HVAC:

Comprehensive (heating, ventilation, air conditioning system)

Chassis Components:

Comprehensive (frame, axles, steering, suspension)

Maintenance:

Detailed periodic maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements

Troubleshooting:

Extensive diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems

Installation:

Procedures for installing new or replacement parts and components

Removal:

Detailed instructions for removing components for service or replacement

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed breakdown and reassembly instructions for various assemblies

Adjustments:

Precise instructions for adjustments to various systems (e.g., brakes, clutch, engine timing)

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical repairs and diagnostics

Diagrams:

Pictorial diagrams, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photos included

Special Tools:

Reference to specific service tool numbers and their usage

Specifications:

Includes service data, factory specifications, allowable limits, and tightening torques

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

Printable, zoomable, Adobe Reader compatible

Accessability:

Viewable on any computer

Printability:

All pages printable

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital File)

Operating Systems:

Windows, Mac, Linux OS

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely included 5.2L V8 (LA series), 5.9L V8 (LA series), and 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (B series)

Horsepower Torque:

Specific figures vary by engine and year, but generally robust torque for towing. E.g., 5.9L Cummins typically ~160-190 hp and ~400-450 lb-ft torque.

Injection Carburetion:

Gasoline engines used carburetor or throttle-body injection; Diesel engines used mechanical injection (Cummins).

Diesel Engine Code:

B250 (for 5.9L Cummins)

Gasoline Engine Codes:

LA Series (e.g., 318, 360)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Types:

Likely offered with manual (e.g., NP435, NV4500) and automatic (e.g., A518, A727) transmissions.

Optional Transmissions:

4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic (overdrive)

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4x4 transfer case (e.g., NP205 or NP203 variants depending on year/build)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Typically 131 inches (standard bed) or 155 inches (long bed) for 4x4 models.

Bed Lengths:

Available in standard (approx. 6.5 ft) and long (approx. 8 ft) bed configurations.

Gvwr:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating varied by configuration, but W250 indicated a 3/4 ton classification, typically in the 8,500-9,500 lbs range.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

Information limited for this era, but generally built with robust frame construction. ABS may have been optional on later models.

Active Safety:

Primarily relied on mechanical systems. ABS may have been an option.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, sturdy cabin structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player. Optional CD player in later years of the generation. No advanced infotainment features.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to basic ABS (optional).

Connectivity Options:

None typical for the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on engine and usage. Diesel engines may have longer intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per manual specifications.

Engine Oil Type:

Viscosity dependent on engine and climate (e.g., API SG or higher). SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 common. Diesel engines often use 15W-40.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a green silicate-enhanced type for this era.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (for automatic transmissions) or manual transmission fluid (MTF) as specified for manual gearboxes.

Common Problems:

Rust (especially on wheel wells, cab corners, rocker panels), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), electrical gremlins, potential radiator leaks, aging fuel system components.

Diesel Specific Issues:

Injector pump issues, turbocharger wear (if equipped and applicable to certain Cummins variants), glow plug system issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, often seen as workhorses.

Third Generation Ram:

The 1989-1993 (BR/BE) generation marked a significant redesign with improved aerodynamics and interior.

W Series Designation:

'W' denoted 4-wheel drive, '250' indicated a 3/4 ton payload capacity.

Production Years:

1989-1993 for the BR/BE generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards for the W250 model are scarce, the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine option introduced in 1989 was highly regarded for its durability and performance, significantly boosting the Ram's reputation.