Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts requiring robust towing and hauling capabilities
Primary Competitors 1996 1997:
Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 3500
Truck Type:
Full-size heavy-duty pickup truck
Capability:
Emphasis on towing, hauling, and durability for demanding work applications
Engine Options:
Powerful V8 gasoline and Cummins turbodiesel engines
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine diagnosis, overhaul, and repair for all available gasoline and diesel engines
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI/MPI), starting and charging systems, emissions control system diagnostics
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converter, clutch, and transfer case (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle service, drive shafts, universal joints, propeller shafts, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension system diagnosis, repair, and alignment specifications (leaf springs, shocks, control arms, steering linkage)
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system service (master cylinder, lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake system
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrument cluster, body electrical components, power windows, locks, mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, chassis frame inspection and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement and diagnosis
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cooling fan diagnosis and repair
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers inspection and replacement
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation and pressure checks, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for the removal, installation, and overhaul of virtually all vehicle components
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and differentials
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, voltage readings
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Depth:
Full workshop level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics
Gasoline Option 1:
8.0L Magnum V10 (488 cid)
Gasoline Option 1 Hp:
Approx. 300-310 hp @ 4000-4400 rpm (depending on specific year/tune)
Gasoline Option 1 Torque:
Approx. 450-470 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 rpm (depending on specific year/tune)
Gasoline Option 2:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cid)
Gasoline Option 2 Hp:
Approx. 230-245 hp @ 4000 rpm
Gasoline Option 2 Torque:
Approx. 330-345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Diesel Option 1:
5.9L Cummins Turbodiesel I6 (359 cid)
Diesel Option 1 Hp:
Approx. 215-235 hp @ 2500-2700 rpm (depending on specific year/tune)
Diesel Option 1 Torque:
Approx. 420-475 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (depending on specific year/tune)
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for gasoline, Bosch P7100 injection pump for Cummins diesel
Gasoline Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection, Mechanical Injection Pump (P7100)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab)
Wheelbase Options:
134.7 inches (Regular Cab), 154.7 inches (Club Cab), 170.7 inches (Long Bed Regular Cab)
Bed Length Options:
8.0 ft (standard), 9.25 ft (long bed)
Gvwr:
Up to 11,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 5,500 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, 60,000-100,000 miles for manual (consult manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Gasoline V8:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for exact viscosity and API service classification)
Engine Oil Gasoline V10:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 (consult manual for exact viscosity and API service classification)
Engine Oil Diesel Cummins:
API CG-4 or CH-4 SAE 15W-40 (Heavy Duty Diesel Oil) (consult manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Auto 46Re:
ATF+3 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Auto 47Re/48Re:
ATF+3 (Mopar) or equivalent specification for heavy-duty applications
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv4500:
GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (consult manual)
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, green type) (50/50 mix)
Diesel Injector Pump:
Potential issues with the Bosch P7100 injection pump on early Cummins engines, though generally robust.
Automatic Transmission:
Torque converter lock-up issues, overdrive issues on 47RH/RE and 48RE can occur with high mileage or heavy use.
Front Suspension:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to heavy loads and towing.
Rear Axle:
Bearing wear or differential issues with excessive towing or hauling.
Body Rust:
Common on vehicles used in areas with road salt, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame rails.