Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners and mechanics of Dodge Ram 2500/3500 trucks from 1994-1997 seeking reliable repair and maintenance information.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Manual Advantage:
Provides in-depth factory-level procedures for a robust and popular generation of Dodge Ram trucks.
Vehicle Heritage:
Represents the significant redesign of the Ram truck line, moving away from the 'D' series nomenclature and establishing the 'Ram' brand identity.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostic procedures, maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, powertrain control modules (PCM), ignition system, fuel injection control
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body hardware
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter changes, lubrication points, tune-up procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, troubleshooting specific failures, assembly and disassembly
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, component testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts; covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Options:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10, 5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm
5.2L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4800 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
8.0L Magnum V10 Horsepower:
Approx. 300 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L Magnum V10 Torque:
Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 190-215 hp @ 2500 rpm (depending on year/tune)
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
Approx. 420-470 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (depending on year/tune)
Gasoline Engines:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Engine:
Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump (later models may have P7100, check specific VIN)
PCM:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters.
Manual Transmission Options:
Getrag 5-speed manual (NV4500 and NV3500)
Automatic Transmission Options:
47RH 4-speed automatic (with diesel and V10), 46RH 4-speed automatic (with V8 gasoline engines)
Transfer Case:
New Process NP231 (2WD/4WD part-time), NP241DHD (heavy-duty part-time 4WD for 2500/3500)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity varies by transmission model, consult manual)
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON
Wheelbase Options:
134.5 inches (standard cab), 154.5 inches (long bed), 167.2 inches (crew cab/dual rear wheel)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab), Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (standard cab long bed), 8 ft (regular cab short bed, club cab, crew cab)
Gvwr Range:
8800 lbs to 10500 lbs (depending on configuration and axle)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 5000-6500 lbs
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 13,000+ lbs (depending on configuration, axle ratio, and engine)
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific ratings readily available for this generation in the same format as modern vehicles, but designed for heavy-duty use.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, standard on some configurations.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available or a primary feature for this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS) standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for front occupants.
Frame Construction:
Body-on-frame construction for enhanced durability and towing/hauling capability.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player.
Dashboard Controls:
Basic analog gauges, manual climate controls.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models.
Wiring Diagrams:
Manual includes detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions; consult manual)
Transmission Fluid Change:
30,000-60,000 miles (automatic and manual; consult manual for specific intervals and procedures)
Coolant Change:
30,000 miles or 2 years (conventional coolant)
Fuel Filter Replacement:
15,000-30,000 miles (diesel), dependent on gasoline filter type.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (for gasoline engines in moderate climates), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (for gasoline engines in colder climates or heavy use), SAE 15W-40 (for Cummins diesel engine)
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Mopar 5/30 Anti-Freeze or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Diesel Injection Pump:
VE rotary injection pump on earlier Cummins can develop leaks or wear.
Heater Core:
Heater core can be prone to leaks or clogging.
Transmission Failures:
Automatic transmissions (46RH/47RH) can experience wear in clutch packs and torque converters.
Dashboard Cracking:
Vinyl dashboards can be prone to cracking due to sun exposure.
Rear Axle Bearings:
Rear axle bearings can wear, particularly on heavily used trucks.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks, evolving from their early commercial vehicles.
Second Gen Ram:
Introduced in 1994, this generation marked a significant departure with its bold, aggressive styling and the introduction of the 'Magnum' engine family and the Cummins turbodiesel option, solidifying its reputation as a workhorse.
Powertrain Introduction:
The 8.0L V10 and the popular 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel were key additions to the heavy-duty lineup.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri
Production Period:
1994-2001 (Second Generation Ram)
Truck Of The Year:
While not specific to this manual, the second-generation Ram received various 'Truck of the Year' awards from automotive publications during its tenure.
Diesel Engine Reputation:
The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel is renowned for its durability and longevity, often cited as a key reason for the truck's enduring appeal.
