🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Model Variant:

1500, 2500, 3500

Year:

2005

Platform Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Heavy-duty pickup truck designed for work, towing, and hauling, positioned as a robust and capable option in its class.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.

Key Features:

Strong towing and payload capacity, versatile engine options including robust diesel power, durable construction, available in various configurations (1500, 2500, 3500) to suit different needs.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable

Page Count:

Likely extensive, often 1000+ pages for a complete workshop manual of this nature.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems, valve train.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, cooling, lubrication.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (if applicable for specific models/engines), clutch operation, linkages.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (4-speed and 5-speed variants), torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, internal clutch packs.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive system (NV244, NV243, NV271/NV273 transfer cases), front and rear axles, differentials, drive shafts, U-joints.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent short-long arm), rear suspension (leaf spring solid axle), shocks, springs, ball joints, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake hydraulics, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, brake pads.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, accessories.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, tailgate, chassis frame, collision repair guidelines.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, climate control, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), testing procedures, component diagnosis, wiring diagrams.

Maintenance:

Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication schedules.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.

Rebuilding:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with torque specifications and clearances.

Overhaul:

Detailed overhaul instructions for components like cylinder heads, transmissions, and differentials.

Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance, and pressure specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using diagnostic scan tools (e.g., OBD-II) and specialized equipment.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Downloadable format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Downloadable format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 3.7L:

3.7L Magnum V6 (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 4.7L:

4.7L Magnum V8 (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 5.7L:

5.7L HEMI V8 (Naturally Aspirated) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)

Engine 5.9L Diesel:

5.9L Cummins ISB Turbo Diesel I6 (Turbocharged)

Engine 8.3L:

8.3L V10 Viper SRT-10 (Naturally Aspirated) - Primarily for Ram SRT-10 models.

Engine 3.7L Hp Torque:

Approx. 215 hp / 235 lb-ft

Engine 4.7L Hp Torque:

Approx. 235 hp / 300 lb-ft

Engine 5.7L Hp Torque:

Approx. 345 hp / 375 lb-ft

Engine 5.9L Diesel Hp Torque:

Approx. 305 hp / 555 lb-ft (early 2005 models) to 325 hp / 610 lb-ft (later 2005 models)

Engine 8.3L Hp Torque:

Approx. 500 hp / 525 lb-ft

Fuel Type Gas:

Unleaded gasoline (regular and premium recommended for HEMI)

Fuel Type Diesel:

Diesel fuel

Injection System Gas:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)

Injection System Diesel:

Common rail direct injection (CRDI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Gas Std:

4-speed automatic (45RFE/48RE) or 6-speed manual (NV3500, NV5600 for HD)

Transmission Gas Opt:

5-speed automatic (545RFE for HEMI)

Transmission Diesel Std:

6-speed manual (NV5600) or 5-speed automatic (48RE)

Transfer Case Options:

Part-time 4WD (NV244, NV243) or Full-time 4WD (NV271/NV273 for HD)

Atf Fluid Spec 45Rfe 545Rfe:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Atf Fluid Spec 48Re:

ATF+4 (Mopar), often requiring a specific fluid for heavy duty applications.

Manual Gear Oil Spec:

Refer to manual, typically GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil for manual transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., ~130.5" to ~160.5")

Overall Length Options:

Varies significantly based on configuration (e.g., ~230" to ~260")

Gvwr Options:

Ranges from approx. 6,500 lbs (1500) to over 10,500 lbs (3500 Dually)

Curb Weight Options:

Varies widely based on configuration, engine, and drivetrain, typically 5,000 lbs to 7,500+ lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Typically 3-star or 4-star for 2WD and 4WD models (varies by specific configuration).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Front airbags for driver and passenger.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/CD player with available SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional premium audio systems and in-dash CD changers were available.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on safety features like ABS. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity as standard. Auxiliary input jacks might be present on some higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically 7,500-15,000 miles or 12 months for the 5.9L Cummins, but always consult the manual.

Engine Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years for the primary coolant.

Engine Oil Spec Gas 3.7L 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified) recommended, though 10W-30 might be acceptable in some climates.

Engine Oil Spec Gas 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 (API certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395)

Engine Oil Spec Diesel 5.9L:

API CJ-4 or CI-4 rated synthetic diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 depending on temperature. Specific Mopar specification is critical.

Coolant Spec:

Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically purple or orange.

Known Issues Hemi 5.7L:

Valve spring failures (heat issues), manifold crack/leak (especially exhaust), lifter tick/noise, oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected.

Known Issues 4.7L:

Spark plug seizure/breakage during removal, intake manifold gasket leaks, sludge buildup.

Known Issues 5.9L Cummins:

Fuel injector issues (especially on early common rail), EGR system clogging, potential for harmonic balancer failure, vibration damper failure.

Known Issues General:

U-joint wear, front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system corrosion, rust on rocker panels and cab corners, HVAC blower motor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

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

Model Evolution Third Gen:

This 2005 model represents the third generation of the Dodge Ram (2002-2008), which introduced a significantly redesigned exterior with a bolder, more aggressive styling and a more refined interior compared to its predecessor.

Production Location:

Saltillo Truck Plant, Saltillo, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2005 model year are not always highlighted, the third-generation Ram trucks were generally well-regarded for their aggressive styling and strong powertrain offerings, particularly the Cummins diesel.