Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet managers, and truck owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (early years).
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, significant towing and hauling capabilities, comfortable ride for a truck of its era.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the essential technical data and procedures required for maintaining and repairing the Dodge Ram truck, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine performance diagnostics.
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, and control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshafts, universal joints, differentials (front and rear), axle assemblies, 4WD transfer case operation and repair.
Brake Systems:
Front disc, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, hydraulic components, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Independent front suspension (IFS), solid rear axle, steering gear, power steering system, alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition, gauges, instrument cluster, body electrical, power accessories, wiring diagrams.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, frame diagnosis and repair.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt and hose inspection/replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-II for later models), symptom-based diagnosis.
Repair Procedures:
Complete disassembly and reassembly instructions for all major components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and brake system repairs.
Specification Tables:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, bearing clearances, valve clearances, timing specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics.
Engine Options:
3.9L Magnum V6, 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (available in later years for 2500/3500).
Engine Code 3 9L:
3.9L V6 Magnum
Engine Code 5 2L:
5.2L V8 Magnum
Engine Code 5 9L Gas:
5.9L V8 Magnum
Engine Code 5 9L Diesel:
5.9L 12V Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Horsepower 3 9L V6:
Approx. 175-190 hp (varies by year)
Torque 3 9L V6:
Approx. 225-230 lb-ft (varies by year)
Horsepower 5 2L V8:
Approx. 220-230 hp (varies by year)
Torque 5 2L V8:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft (varies by year)
Horsepower 5 9L V8:
Approx. 230-245 hp (varies by year)
Torque 5 9L V8:
Approx. 330-345 lb-ft (varies by year)
Horsepower 5 9L Cummins:
Approx. 180-215 hp (varies by year and configuration)
Torque 5 9L Cummins:
Approx. 400-440 lb-ft (varies by year and configuration)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Bosch VE rotary injection pump for 12V Cummins.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended), Diesel Fuel for Cummins.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab (introduced later).
Bed Lengths:
Short bed (6.3 ft), Long bed (8.0 ft).
Gvwr Ranges:
Ranges from approximately 6,000 lbs for 1500 models to over 10,000 lbs for 3500 HD models.
Curb Weight Approx:
Approximately 4,500 - 6,500 lbs depending on configuration.
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by year and specific crash test conducted; typically received 3-4 star ratings for frontal impact for driver and passenger depending on year.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, typically 4-wheel ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from 1994 onwards.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in front and rear seating positions.
Audio Systems:
Factory AM/FM cassette or CD players, optional premium sound systems.
Controls:
Manual HVAC controls, basic dashboard layout.
Cruise Control:
Optional electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available on models from this era.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (dependent on oil type and driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage. Manual transmissions typically check at 30,000-50,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on temperature (refer to manual for precise application). Cummins Diesel: API CG-4 or CH-4, 15W-40.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) for 42RE/46RE/47RE. Consult manual for exact fluid type for specific transmission.
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, viscosity dependent on temperature (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90). Cummins NV4500 spec is typically GL-4.
Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (typically a green ethylene glycol based coolant). Check manual for specific type and mixture ratio.
Common Issues Gasoline Engines:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (3.9L/5.2L), plenum gasket failures (5.9L V8), distributor gear wear, spark plug blow-out (early models).
Common Issues Diesel Engines:
Lift pump failures, injector pump (VE) issues, overheating (especially with towing), 53 Block casting issues (1998.5-2001 24V Cummins).
Common Issues Transmissions:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, torque converter clutch issues, manual transmission clutch wear.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering box looseness, U-joint wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Instrument cluster failure, power window motor issues, ABS sensor failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving significantly since its introduction.
Second Gen Introduction:
The second generation (BR/BE) launched in 1994 with a radical redesign, marking a significant departure from previous generations and introducing the iconic crosshair grille.
Mid Cycle Refresh:
Received a significant facelift for the 1998 model year, with updated interior, exterior styling, and powertrain enhancements, including the introduction of the 47RE transmission and the 24-valve Cummins.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, Fenton, Missouri.
Production Years For This Manual:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.
