Target Audience:
Dodge Ram 3500 4x2 owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Vehicle Focus:
Towing, hauling, heavy-duty work applications
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth, accurate information for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection systems, ignition systems, emissions control systems, engine diagnostic procedures, sensor testing
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, driveline components (propeller shafts, U-joints)
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), fluid and filter service
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), power assist, disc and drum brake service, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering knuckles, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, ball joints
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, linkage, wheel alignment procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body controls
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnosis, and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, latches, hinges, bumpers, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, part replacement
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Engine Options:
5.7L HEMI V8 (255 hp @ 4600 rpm, 335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (325 hp @ 2900 rpm, 555 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm - specific output may vary by configuration)
Bore Stroke Hemi:
93.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Bore Stroke Cummins:
98.9 mm x 120.0 mm
Compression Ratio Hemi:
9.6:1
Compression Ratio Cummins:
17.2:1
Fuel Delivery Hemi:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Hemi:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery Cummins:
High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) direct injection
Fuel Type Cummins:
Diesel
Standard Transmission:
6-speed manual (NV5600 or G56)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (545RFE)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, multiple overdrive gears
Manual Transmission Features:
Heavy-duty construction for towing and hauling
Wheelbase Options:
140.5 inches (Regular Cab), 160.5 inches (Club Cab), 172.4 inches (Crew Cab)
Overall Length Options:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., approx. 228.4" for Regular Cab SWB)
Bed Length Options:
6'4" (short bed), 8'0" (long bed)
Curb Weight Approx:
6,000 - 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
10,500 - 11,500 lbs (typical for 3500)
Gcwr Gross Combined Weight Rating:
Up to 23,000 lbs (diesel with appropriate towing package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not directly rated for this specific configuration in a comprehensive manner; general scores available
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Generally good for its class, check specific IIHS reports for 2006 Ram 3500
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger
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 5,000-10,000 miles or 6 months (use appropriate diesel-specific oil)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; often every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, less frequent for manual
Engine Oil Gas Spec:
API SN or equivalent, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact viscosity)
Engine Oil Diesel Spec:
API CJ-4 or equivalent heavy-duty diesel engine oil (e.g., 15W-40)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) type, long-life coolant (typically HOAT/OAT hybrid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Mopar specific)
Common Diesel Issues:
Injector issues (especially with higher mileage), potential for injector pump wear, EGR system concerns on later models
Common Gas Issues:
Lifter tick (HEMI), occasional oil pressure sensor issues, throttle body cleaning
Suspension Wear:
Ball joint and tie rod wear due to heavy load, control arm bushings
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues with door locks, windows, or dash lights can occur, often related to grounding or body control modules.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with heavy-duty performance.
Third Gen Ram:
The third generation saw significant styling and engineering updates, introducing the HEMI engine option and enhancing towing/hauling capabilities.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA (depending on specific configurations)
Truck Of The Year:
While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards vary by publication, the Dodge Ram 3500 consistently received recognition for its capability and towing prowess within the heavy-duty segment during this era.
Towing Haulng Capability:
Highly rated for towing and hauling capacity, making it a strong contender for commercial and demanding personal use.
Emissions Certification:
Meets relevant EPA and CARB emissions standards for the 2006 model year.
