Market Position:
A compact pickup truck offering utility and affordability, positioned in a competitive segment against Japanese imports like the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Hardbody.
Competitive Analysis:
The Dodge Ram 50, a rebadged Mitsubishi Forte/Might Max, competed in the compact truck market where reliability, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity were key selling points.
Key Features:
Durable chassis, available 4WD, practical bed size, and a generally simple yet effective mechanical design, making it a popular choice for work and light-duty hauling.
Engine:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, Rear Axle, Differential
Suspension:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Springs, Shock Absorbers, Bushings
Steering:
Steering Gearbox, Power Steering System, Steering Linkage
Brakes:
Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Drum), Parking Brake, Brake System Hydraulic Components
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Starting System, Charging System, Ignition System, Gauges and Instruments, Power Accessories
HVAC:
Heating System, Air Conditioning System (Components and Service)
Body:
Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Adjustments, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, HVAC System Service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Finding Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete component overhauls.
Primary Engine:
2.4L 4G64 I4 SOHC
Engine Displacement:
2351 cc (143.5 ci)
Bore X Stroke:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical)
Horsepower Gross:
116 hp @ 5000 rpm (approximate)
Torque Gross:
135 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Recommended Oil:
API SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Refer to manual for seasonal variations)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic
Transfer Case:
2-Speed Manual Transfer Case (4WD models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (Refer to manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not explicitly rated for this year/model by modern standards; generally considered basic for its era.
Active Features:
Standard Brakes, Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels for some configurations.
Passive Features:
Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts (driver and passenger), Collapsible Steering Column.
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM Radio with cassette player. Optional CD player for higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; primarily focused on mechanical systems rather than electronic aids. Optional rear ABS on some models.
Connectivity Features:
None (No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or navigation systems)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first) for typical use. Severe duty may require shorter intervals. (Refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (Refer to manual for specific coolant type and capacity).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles for standard plugs, longer for platinum. (Refer to manual for exact type and gap).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000 miles. (Refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
Use ATF Dexron II or III (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water (Green traditional coolant). (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Known Issues:
Rusting of body panels and frame, particularly in areas with road salt exposure. Ignition coil failure, distributor issues, and carburetor (if applicable on older models) problems can occur. Suspension wear, especially ball joints and bushings, is common with age and mileage.
Brand Heritage:
Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation, historically offered a range of trucks, including compact pickups to compete in various market segments.
Model Evolution:
The Dodge Ram 50 was a result of Chrysler's partnership with Mitsubishi Motors. It was based on the Mitsubishi Forte/Might Max platform and was sold under the Dodge nameplate from 1979 to 1996. The 1993 model falls within the second generation of these trucks, which received styling updates and improved powertrains.
Production Location:
Japan (Assembled by Mitsubishi Motors)
Production Years:
1979-1996 (as Dodge Ram 50)