Segment:
Full-size pickup truck market.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota T100/Tundra.
Design Philosophy:
Robust, durable, and capable for heavy-duty work and towing, with increasing comfort and features for daily use.
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of V6, V8, and V10 gasoline engines, plus the renowned Cummins turbodiesel, offering class-leading towing and hauling capabilities.
Engine Options Covered:
3.9L Magnum V6, 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 8.0L Magnum V10, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels (e.g., SLT, Sport, Laramie, Work) for both 1500, 2500, and 3500 series trucks.
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (all variants), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500), automatic transmissions (42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE), transfer cases, drivelines, differentials (front and rear).
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (solid axle), steering system (power steering), wheels, tires, braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on model).
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), anti-theft systems, trailer wiring, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II).
HVAC Body:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tune-ups.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul procedures, transmission overhaul and repair, differential rebuilding, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, brake system repair, electrical component repair.
Installation Adjustment:
Component installation and removal (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), suspension alignment procedures, brake caliper bleeding, clutch adjustment (manual transmission).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, clearances, and step-by-step instructions.
3.9L Magnum V6:
Displacement: 3.92L (239 cu in), Configuration: OHV V6, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 175-180 hp, Torque: Approx. 230-235 lb-ft.
5.2L Magnum V8:
Displacement: 5.21L (318 cu in), Configuration: OHV V8, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 200-205 hp, Torque: Approx. 290-295 lb-ft.
5.9L Magnum V8:
Displacement: 5.899L (360 cu in), Configuration: OHV V8, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 235-240 hp, Torque: Approx. 330-335 lb-ft.
8.0L Magnum V10:
Displacement: 7.993L (488 cu in), Configuration: OHV V10, Fuel Delivery: MPI, Horsepower: Approx. 300-310 hp, Torque: Approx. 450-455 lb-ft.
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Displacement: 5.899L (359 cu in), Configuration: OHV I6, Fuel Delivery: Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump, Turbocharged, Horsepower: Approx. 180-215 hp (depending on specific configuration), Torque: Approx. 420-440 lb-ft.
Towing Capacity:
Varies significantly by engine and configuration, up to 13,000 lbs or more for diesel models.
Gasoline Engines:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with electric fuel pump.
Diesel Engine:
Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump, mechanical fuel injection.
Manual:
New Venture Gear NV3500 (5-speed) common on V6 and smaller V8 models.
Automatic:
Chrysler 42RE (3-speed + OD) and 44RE (4-speed OD) for V6/small V8.
Manual:
New Venture Gear NV4500 (5-speed heavy-duty) common on V8 and diesel models.
Automatic:
Chrysler 46RE (4-speed OD) and 47RE (4-speed OD heavy-duty) for V8, V10, and diesel models.
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD (NV231, NV241) and full-time 4WD (NV244) options.
Wheelbase Options:
Short Bed (131 inches), Long Bed (139 inches), Chassis Cab/Long Bed (160 inches).
Bed Length Options:
6.3 feet (regular cab short bed), 8.0 feet (regular cab long bed/club cab short bed), 9.75 feet (club cab long bed).
Gvwr Range:
6,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs+ (depending on series and configuration).
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (for certain configurations, refer to specific NHTSA data for model year).
Braking:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard on most) or rear disc brakes (on some heavy-duty/optional configurations).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available or standard on higher trims/later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard for these years.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, with shoulder belts for front occupants.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used; refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (diesel-specific oil recommended; refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage and fluid type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API Service SG or SH, viscosity grade typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact specs and temperature ranges).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API Service CD or CE (or Cummins CES 16784) typically SAE 15W-40 (heavy-duty diesel oil).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT coolant for some models.
Dodge Ram 1996-1997:
Heater core leaks, radiator issues, dashboard cracking, transmission cooler line leaks, universal joint wear, occasional fuel pump failures, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V8s).
Cummins Diesel Specific:
Lift pump failures, injector issues, occasional turbocharger wear, potential for front axle U-joint wear.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line evolving from the Dodge D-Series.
Second Gen Ram:
Introduced for the 1994 model year, the second generation Ram featured a radical new design with a distinctive 'big rig' inspired front end, marking a significant departure from previous generations.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
