Market Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, positioned for commercial use, towing, and hauling applications.
Competitors:
Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500.
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust chassis, powerful engine options, significant towing and payload capacity, durable construction.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables owners to perform accurate diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services and ensuring longevity of the vehicle.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical Systems, Body & Frame, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Emissions Control, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications.
Troubleshooting Charts:
Includes detailed troubleshooting flowcharts for common drivability and electrical issues.
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, repair procedures for all engine variants, including cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, and emission control systems.
Transmission Systems:
Detailed repair and overhaul for manual transmissions (e.g., NV4500) and automatic transmissions (e.g., 46RH, 47RH), including torque converter and transfer case (NV241).
Drivetrain And Suspension:
Front and rear axle repair, differential service, driveshaft maintenance, U-joints, suspension components (leaf springs, shocks), steering system (power steering pump, steering gear).
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake system service, including disc and drum brake components, hydraulic system, parking brake, and ABS troubleshooting (if equipped).
Electrical Systems:
Comprehensive coverage of starting, charging, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, and other electrical accessories, including detailed wiring diagrams.
HVAC And Body:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, and exterior lighting.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacements, tire rotation, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter service.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-I and early OBD-II systems.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and complete rebuilding of major systems like engines, transmissions, differentials, and brake assemblies.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Alignment And Wheel Service:
Specifications and procedures for front-end alignment, wheel bearing service, and tire pressure recommendations.
Body And Interior Repair:
Instructions for body panel removal and installation, interior trim component replacement, and glass replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, often full-page, wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, color-coded for clarity.
Engine Option 1:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8 (LA series)
Engine Code 1:
360 Magnum
Displacement 1:
5.9 Liters (360 cubic inches)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 230-245 HP (varies by specific tuning)
Torque 1:
Approx. 320-335 lb-ft (varies by specific tuning)
Fuel System 1:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore Stroke 1:
4.02 in x 3.58 in (5.9L Magnum)
Engine Option 2:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8 (LA series)
Engine Code 2:
318 Magnum
Displacement 2:
5.2 Liters (318 cubic inches)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 220-230 HP (varies by specific tuning)
Torque 2:
Approx. 290-300 lb-ft (varies by specific tuning)
Fuel System 2:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Option 3:
8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10 (VIPER derived)
Displacement 3:
8.0 Liters (488 cubic inches)
Horsepower 3:
Approx. 300 HP
Torque 3:
Approx. 450 lb-ft
Fuel System 3:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Option 4:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Engine Code 4:
Cummins 6BT
Displacement 4:
5.9 Liters (359 cubic inches)
Configuration 4:
Inline 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Horsepower 4:
Approx. 160-175 HP (depending on specific turbo and tuning)
Torque 4:
Approx. 400-420 lb-ft (depending on specific turbo and tuning)
Fuel System 4:
Inline Injection Pump (Bosch VE, early models), Bosch P7100 (later models)
Bore Stroke 4:
4.02 in x 4.72 in (5.9L Cummins)
Fuel Type:
Gasoline (MPI), Diesel (Turbo Diesel)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based with coil packs for gasoline engines.
Wheelbase Options:
134.7 inches (Regular Cab), 154.7 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., approx. 230-250 inches)
Height:
Varies by configuration (approx. 73-77 inches)
Width Without Mirrors:
Approx. 79.1 inches
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine, drivetrain, and cab configuration (e.g., 5,500 - 7,500 lbs).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Typically around 8,800 lbs to 9,600 lbs, depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 14,000+ lbs with appropriate configuration (hitch, axle ratio, engine).
Payload Capacity:
Up to 4,000+ lbs, depending on configuration.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo. Optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), typically on rear wheels.
Cruise Control:
Optional electronic cruise control.
Instrument Panel:
Standard analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltmeter.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles for gasoline engines, 5,000-7,500 miles for diesel engines, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual: Inspect periodically, change if signs of wear or contamination.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific temperature ranges).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CD or CE, SAE 15W-40 (preferred for Cummins).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
NV4500: GL-4 75W-90 gear oil.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent.
Common Complaints Gasoline:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor issues, power steering pump wear, potential for plenum gasket failure (on some V8s).
Common Complaints Diesel:
VP44 injection pump failures (later models, less common on '95), injector line leaks, front gear cover seal leaks, and potential for clutch wear on manual transmissions.
General Issues:
Rust on cab corners, bed sides, and frame; HVAC blower motor resistor failure; power window motor issues; dashboard cracks.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history in the pickup truck market, with the 'Ram' nameplate becoming synonymous with heavy-duty capability and reliability.
Third Generation Ram:
The 1995 model year falls within the second generation of the Dodge Ram pickup (1994-2001), known for its significant redesign featuring a bolder grille and more aggressive styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri.