Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul procedures, component identification, torque specifications, timing, lubrication systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems.
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery, ignition timing, emission controls, intake manifold, throttle body, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2), diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Overhaul, clutch replacement, gearshift mechanisms, fluid specifications, bearing replacement, shift fork adjustments.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, fluid service, torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, seals, band adjustments, cooling lines, electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, axle shafts, CV joints, U-joints, driveshafts, transfer case (2WD/4WD models).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (ball joints, control arms, coil springs, leaf springs, shock absorbers/struts), steering linkage, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS system components, hydraulic lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering pump, steering gear/rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, power steering fluid.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis components, frame straightening (basic guidance).
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
Component diagnosis and replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), refrigerant handling, system evacuation and charging.
Emissions Control:
EGR system, catalytic converter, evaporative emission system (EVAP), PCV system, diagnosis and testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection, fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues, electrical system diagnostics.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential rebuilds.
Alignment Specifications:
Front and rear wheel alignment angles, camber, caster, toe settings.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Extremely high. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code:
3.9L Magnum V6 (239 cu in)
Displacement:
3.9 Liters / 239 Cubic Inches
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 175-180 hp
Torque Range:
Approx. 230-235 lb-ft
Engine Code:
5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in)
Displacement:
5.2 Liters / 318 Cubic Inches
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 220-230 hp
Torque Range:
Approx. 290-300 lb-ft
Engine Code:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in)
Displacement:
5.9 Liters / 360 Cubic Inches
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 235-245 hp
Torque Range:
Approx. 330-335 lb-ft
Engine Code:
8.0L Magnum V10 (488 cu in)
Displacement:
8.0 Liters / 488 Cubic Inches
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 300-310 hp
Torque Range:
Approx. 450-460 lb-ft
Engine Code:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Displacement:
5.9 Liters / 359 Cubic Inches
Configuration:
Inline 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 160-215 hp (varying by year and specific model)
Torque Range:
Approx. 400-440 lb-ft (varying by year and specific model)
Fuel Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines. Rotary injection pump for Cummins diesel.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane typical). Diesel fuel for Cummins engines.
Standard Transmission 1500
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 46RE, 47RE variations)
Optional Transmission 1500
Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Standard Transmission 2500 3500
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (46RE, 47RE, 48RE variations)
Optional Transmission 2500 3500
Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500)
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system (NV231, NV241, NV243, NV271 variations) with manual or electronic shift options depending on trim and year.
Wheelbase Standard:
131 inches (Regular Cab, Long Bed)
Wheelbase Short:
111.7 inches (Regular Cab, Short Bed)
Wheelbase Quad Cab:
138.7 inches (Quad Cab)
Wheelbase Standard:
134.7 inches (Regular Cab, Long Bed)
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
140.5 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)
Wheelbase Dually:
134.7 or 140.5 inches (depending on cab configuration)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (short bed), 8 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 6,500 lbs (approx., depending on configuration and engine)
Gvwr Range:
6,000 - 9,500 lbs (approx., depending on model 1500/2500/3500)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
4-star (Good/Acceptable, varies by model year and specific test)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
4-star (Good/Acceptable, varies by model year and specific test)
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Acceptable/Good (varies by model year)
ABS:
Standard on most models, 4-wheel ABS available or standard depending on year and trim.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in front, lap belts in rear (depending on cab).
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, cassette player, CD player (optional on higher trims/later years), basic speaker systems.
Gauges:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Tow Haul Mode:
Available on some automatic transmissions to optimize shifting for towing.
Oem Radio Features:
Limited connectivity. Auxiliary inputs were rare or non-existent until very late in the generation. Often requires aftermarket modifications for modern connectivity.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Service Intervals Air Filter
Interval:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Interval:
Approx. 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (conventional, platinum, iridium).
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid
Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on towing and severe usage.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Type Viscosity Gasoline:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (refer to manual based on temperature).
Type Viscosity Diesel:
API Service CD/CE/CF-4 or CF, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic for Cummins.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170 or MS-9769) or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix.
Fluid Specifications Transmission Auto
Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (depending on year and specific transmission type).
Fluid Specifications Transmission Manual
Type:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil for NV3500, GL-4 or GL-5 for NV4500 (check manual for specific requirements).
Fluid Specifications Differential
Type:
GL-5 hypoid gear oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 common).
Transmission Automatic:
Overdrive band failure, torque converter shudder, solenoid issues in older units.
Engine Magnum Series:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially 3.9L V6), oil pressure sensor issues, occasional head gasket leaks.
Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Lift pump failure, injector pump issues (VE pump on early models), connection issues on dashboard warning lights.
Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering gearbox play, potential for premature wear of U-joints.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster failures (especially on later models), ABS sensor failures, blower motor resistor issues.
Typical Repairs:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, exhaust system repair/replacement, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, shocks), coolant hose replacement, fuel pump replacement.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate being a cornerstone of their truck division.
Second Gen Introduction:
Introduced for the 1994 model year, this generation marked a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and rounded body style compared to its predecessors. It featured the distinctive Dodge 'Ram' grille emblem prominently.
Key Updates During Generation:
Introduction of the 8.0L V10 engine, Quad Cab configuration, improved interior comfort, enhanced safety features, and the introduction of the legendary Cummins turbodiesel engine for heavy-duty models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; and St. Louis, Missouri.
Sales Performance:
Consistently one of the top-selling full-size pickup trucks in North America during its production run.