🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Year:

1996

Sub Models:

1500, 2500, 3500

Chassis Code:

BR/BE

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The definitive DIY and professional mechanic's guide for the 1996 Dodge Ram, a highly popular and robust full-size pickup truck.

Comparison:

This workshop manual offers a level of detail comparable to or exceeding factory service manuals, providing essential information for maintaining and repairing these workhorses.

Manual Benefits:

Empowers owners and technicians with in-depth knowledge for diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, saving time and money.

Technical Accuracy:

Presents accurate technical data, diagrams, and procedures essential for the correct servicing of the vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair Coverage for 1996 Dodge Ram Trucks (1500, 2500, 3500 Series)

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, timing gear/chain/belt, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharging (if applicable), diagnosis and testing.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair of NV3500, NV4500 manual transmissions, clutch system, drive axles.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair of 46RE, 47RE automatic transmissions, torque converter, transmission control system.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), anti-lock braking system (ABS), hydraulic system, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension (independent front suspension on 1500, solid front axle on 2500/3500), springs, shocks, steering linkage, alignment.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack, troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power distribution, fuses, relays.

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, bumpers, frame structure, collision repair basics.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.

Comfort Convenience:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, seat adjustment, cruise control.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical schematics for fault finding.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed procedures for disassembling and reassembling components for repair or replacement.

Specifications Torque:

Torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine service, advanced diagnostics, and complete engine/transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

High-resolution digital document, likely searchable text-based PDF for ease of navigation and keyword searching.

Print Quality Recommendation:

Printable on standard office printers; optimized for clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Downloadable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Downloadable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.2L Magnum V8 (318 ci), 5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci), 3.9L Magnum V6 (239 ci), 8.0L Magnum V10 (488 ci - 2500/3500), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (359 ci - 2500/3500 HD).

Horsepower Torque 5 2L:

Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm / 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Varies slightly by model year and application).

Horsepower Torque 5 9L:

Approx. 245 hp @ 4400 rpm / 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Varies slightly by model year and application).

Horsepower Torque 8 0L V10:

Approx. 300 hp @ 4400 rpm / 450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

Horsepower Torque 5 9L Cummins:

Approx. 215 hp @ 2600 rpm / 420 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm.

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Direct Injection for Cummins Diesel.

Cooling Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled system with electric cooling fan or viscous fan clutch.

Oil Capacity 5 2L:

6 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact capacity).

Oil Capacity 5 9L V8:

7 US quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact capacity).

Oil Capacity Cummins:

11 US quarts (10.4 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact capacity).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission 1500:

NV3500 5-speed manual (typically on 5.2L models).

Optional Transmission Gas:

46RE 4-speed automatic, 47RE 4-speed automatic (heavy-duty).

Optional Transmission Diesel:

NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy-duty), 47RE 4-speed automatic (heavy-duty).

4Wd Transfer Case:

New Process NP231 (part-time, 2-speed) or NP241 (part-time, 2-speed with more robust options for HD models).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler material number 05010162AA) or equivalent specification.

Manual Transmission Fluid Nv3500:

GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid or Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (GL-3 specification).

Manual Transmission Fluid Nv4500:

Synchromesh Transmission Fluid or Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (GL-3 specification).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

134.7 inches (Standard Bed), 164.7 inches (Long Bed), 179.7 inches (Mega Cab - late 90s variant, less common in '96).

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Chassis Cab.

Bed Lengths:

6.5 ft (Standard), 8 ft (Long Bed).

Gvwr Range:

6,000 lbs to 11,500 lbs (depending on model and configuration).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by specific configuration and year, typically focused on frontal impacts. Safety standards of the era.

Active Safety:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels or all four wheels.

Passive Safety:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), three-point seat belts, reinforced passenger cage.

Headlight Type:

Composite headlights.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Optional CD player. Basic analog gauge cluster.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily ABS, cruise control. No electronic stability control or advanced driver aids.

Connectivity Features:

Basic electrical systems. No factory integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket solutions common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months under normal driving conditions; 7,500 miles or 6 months under severe conditions (refer to manual for specific engine).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 30,000 - 60,000 miles; Manual: 60,000 - 100,000 miles (refer to manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Magnum engines often used platinum-tipped plugs with longer intervals, around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (refer to manual).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API certified for gasoline engines; SAE 15W-40 API CH-4 for Cummins Diesel (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate).

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler specific green ethylene glycol coolant or equivalent Mopar HOAT coolant.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Common Problems Gas Engines:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on older Magnum V8s), distributorless ignition system (DIS) coil pack issues, occasional fuel injector problems.

Common Problems Diesel Engines:

Lift pump failure, injector line issues, potential for cracking exhaust manifolds on early Cummins. Transmission temperature issues on automatics under heavy load.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Wear in ball joints and tie rod ends, especially on trucks used for heavy work. Power steering pump leaks.

Common Problems Electrical:

Corrosion on grounds, failure of body control modules or instrument cluster components over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate signifying power and utility.

Third Generation Ram:

The 1996 model year is part of the second generation of Dodge Ram trucks (BR/BE platform), introduced in 1994, which featured a significant redesign including a more aerodynamic and distinctive 'big rig' styling.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis Assembly, Missouri, USA; Saltillo Engine Plant, Coahuila, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

The Dodge Ram, particularly models equipped with the Cummins diesel engine, consistently received praise for its towing capacity, durability, and powertrain performance in its class.