Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians specializing in Dodge/Ram vehicles.
Competitors 1995:
Ford F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350), Chevrolet C/K Series (C1500, K1500, C2500, K2500, C3500, K3500), GMC Sierra.
Vehicle Strengths 1995:
Robust Magnum V8 engines, strong towing and hauling capabilities, increasingly refined interiors compared to previous generations, availability of the potent V10 engine.
Value:
Essential resource for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1995 Dodge Ram Truck, enabling cost savings for owners and ensuring proper service for technicians.
Powertrain:
Engine (5.2L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum, 8.0L V10 Magnum), Transmission (4-speed Automatic 46RH, 47RH; 5-speed Manual NV4500, Getrag 360), Driveline, Transfer Case (New Process NP231, NP241).
Chassis:
Suspension (Independent Front Suspension - Twin I-beam, Solid Rear Axle), Steering (Power Steering), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc depending on model/GVWR), Wheels, Tires.
Electrical:
Engine Control Systems (ECU/PCM), Ignition System, Fuel System (EFI), Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, Wiper/Washer System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Audio System, Body Control Modules, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Seats, Glass, Seals, Bumpers.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, tire rotation.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild/replacement, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system service, electrical component diagnosis and repair, exhaust system repair, cooling system service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit diagnosis, component testing, emissions troubleshooting.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical data, component identification.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic preventative maintenance and routine repairs to in-depth engine, transmission, and electrical system diagnostics and rebuilding procedures. Detailed schematics and wiring diagrams are included.
Quality:
Professional, clear illustrations, legible text, durable paper.
Binding:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (typical for service manuals to lay flat for ease of use).
Paper:
Heavy-duty, glossy paper designed to withstand shop environments.
Completeness:
Factory-originated content, 100% complete and intact as per product description, covering all specified model variants and systems for the year.
Engine Option 1:
5.2L (318 cu in) V8 Magnum
Engine Option 2:
5.9L (360 cu in) V8 Magnum
Engine Option 3:
8.0L (488 cu in) V10 Magnum
5.2L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4500 rpm
5.2L V8 Torque:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4400 rpm
5.9L V8 Torque:
Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
8.0L V10 Horsepower:
Approx. 300 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L V10 Torque:
Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all Magnum engines.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor ignition depending on specific engine variant and build date, with electronic control module (ECM/PCM) integration.
5.2L Engine Code:
Y (VIN 'Y')
5.9L Engine Code:
Z (VIN 'Z')
8.0L Engine Code:
V (VIN 'V')
Transmission 1:
4-speed Automatic (46RH - R for Overdrive, H for Hydraulic Control)
Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (47RH - Enhanced version of 46RH, often paired with V10)
Transmission 3:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 360 - G360)
Transmission 4:
5-speed Manual (New Venture Gear NV4500 - Heavy Duty)
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Chrysler Mopar specification) or equivalent.
Manual Fluid Type Getrag:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Manual Fluid Type Nv4500:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for specific NV4500 requirements).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab).
Bed Lengths:
Standard Bed (approx. 7.5 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8.0 ft).
Drive Type:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive).
Gvwr Range:
6,300 lbs to 8,800 lbs (varies by model and configuration).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 lbs to 5,500 lbs (varies by configuration).
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,800 lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio).
NHTSA Rating Driver Front 1995:
4-star for driver in frontal crash (for 1500/2500 2WD models).
NHTSA Rating Passenger Front 1995:
4-star for passenger in frontal crash (for 1500/2500 2WD models).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on rear wheels for 1500 and some 2500 models, often 4-wheel ABS on higher GVWR models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants (if applicable).
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions; refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 30,000 to 60,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil V8 5.2L 5.9L:
API SJ or SL, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil V10:
API SJ or SL, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity).
Coolant:
Chrysler Long Life (HOAT) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issue 1:
Cracked cylinder heads on early Magnum V8s (5.2L and 5.9L), though less prevalent on later production runs or those equipped with the V10.
Common Issue 2:
Lifter tick or noise, particularly on the V10 engine.
Common Issue 3:
Transmission cooler line leaks, especially on automatic transmissions.
Common Issue 4:
Rust and corrosion, particularly on rocker panels, cab corners, and bed sides, common in rust-belt regions.
Common Issue 5:
Water pump failures, especially on V10 engines.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of building robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Second Gen Ram Intro:
The second-generation Ram (1994-2001) marked a significant redesign with its aggressive styling, larger cab, and introduction of the Magnum V8 and V10 engines.
1995 Updates:
For 1995, the Ram continued the redesign, offering the new 8.0L V10 Magnum engine and the heavy-duty NV4500 5-speed manual transmission, further solidifying its position as a workhorse.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (primary assembly plant for this generation).