Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Engine Options:
Diverse powertrain lineup including HEMI, Magnum V6/V8, and robust Cummins diesel
Body Styles:
Available in various cab configurations (regular, club cab, mega cab) and bed lengths
Capabilities:
Renowned for towing capacity, payload, and off-road capability (especially with 4WD models)
Engine Systems:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, 8.3L Viper V10 (gasoline and diesel variants)
Transmission Systems:
4-speed automatic (42RLE, 45RFE, 48RE), 5-speed manual (NV3500, NV4500), 6-speed manual (G56)
Drivetrain Systems:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering, brakes (ABS, RWD, 4WD), driveline components (axles, driveshafts, differentials)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM/PCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, interior trim, HVAC system, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system servicing, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork procedures
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts for various symptoms, fault code interpretation, step-by-step diagnostic routines
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data (e.g., sensor readings)
Depth Of Coverage:
Full factory-level coverage, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics
Engine 1 Displacement Liters:
3.7
Engine 1 Configuration:
V6
Engine 1 Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine 2 Displacement Liters:
4.7
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8
Engine 2 Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine 3 Displacement Liters:
5.7
Engine 3 Configuration:
V8 (HEMI)
Engine 3 Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine 4 Displacement Liters:
5.9
Engine 4 Configuration:
Inline 6 Turbo Diesel (Cummins)
Engine 4 Fuel Type:
Diesel
Engine 5 Displacement Liters:
8.3
Engine 5 Configuration:
V10 (Viper Engine)
Engine 5 Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine 3 Horsepower Est:
345 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Torque Lb Ft Est:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 4 Horsepower Est:
305 hp @ 2800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 4 Torque Lb Ft Est:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct Injection (High-pressure common rail)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Standard Transmission:
Varies by engine and trim (e.g., 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual)
Optional Transmission:
Varies by engine and trim (e.g., 4-speed automatic, 6-speed manual)
Automatic Transmission Codes:
42RLE, 45RFE, 48RE
Manual Transmission Codes:
NV3500, NV4500, G56
Transfer Case Options:
Part-time 4WD, Full-time 4WD (NV244/NV273/NV271)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-5 (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant)
Wheelbase Inches:
Varies (e.g., 139.0" for 140.5" bed, 160.5" for 163.2" bed)
Overall Length Inches:
Varies based on configuration
Front Track Width Inches:
Varies by configuration
Rear Track Width Inches:
Varies by configuration
Curb Weight Lbs:
Varies significantly by engine, cab, and drivetrain (e.g., ~4,700 - 6,500 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 6,050 lbs to 8,800 lbs)
Max Towing Capacity Lbs:
Up to 11,000 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Max Payload Capacity Lbs:
Up to 3,100 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-star (typical for this generation, varies by configuration)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available on some models
Electronic Stability Control:
Not widely available on 2005 models
Airbags:
Front airbags standard, side curtain airbags optional on some trims
Seat Belts:
All seating positions
Infotainment System:
Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, available premium audio, navigation system (optional on higher trims)
Display Type:
Basic LCD display for audio and climate controls
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available for 2005 models
Auxiliary Input:
Optional on some sound systems
Bluetooth:
Not available for 2005 models
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 5,000-10,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil quality and driving conditions
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Transmission Fluid Service:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatics, longer for manuals
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:
7 Quarts (6.6 Liters)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.9L:
15 Quarts (14.2 Liters)
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 (e.g., 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic)
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Mopar OAT or equivalent
Common Problems 3.7L 4.7L:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially on early 4.7L), intake manifold leaks, oil leaks
Common Problems 5.7L Hemi:
Valve spring issues (lifter tick), hemi tick (Multi-Displacement System related)
Common Problems 5.9L Cummins:
Injector issues, lift pump failure, potential for overheating if not maintained
Common Problems Transmission:
Overdrive clutch failure (48RE), torque converter issues, solenoid failures
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering gear play
Brand History:
Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building rugged and capable trucks
Third Generation Ram:
2002-2008 (DS/DH/D1 platform)
Design Changes 2005:
Minor updates, introduction of HEMI for some models, refreshed interior/exterior styling compared to earlier years
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo Truck Plant (Mexico), Warren Truck Assembly Plant (USA)
Truck Of The Year Awards:
This generation received various 'Truck of the Year' awards from different publications upon its debut
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to average reliability ratings for this generation, with specific powertrain issues noted
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA emission standards for 2005 model year vehicles