🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500

Model Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001

Generation Name:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

Generation Years:

1994-2001 (with facelift in 1998)

Chassis Codes:

BR (2WD), BE (4WD)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Target Audience:

Heavy-duty users, fleet owners, DIY mechanics, and automotive enthusiasts requiring in-depth technical information.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing capability, spacious cabin, durable platform.

Benefits For Owner:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and complete repairs, saving on labor costs and improving vehicle longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Service and Repair Manual

Manual Scope:

Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance, repair, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed page count not provided, but typically service manuals for this era are extensive (1000+ pages).

Delivery Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Language:

English

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of all gasoline and diesel engines, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair.

Transmission:

Service and repair for automatic (e.g., 46RE, 47RE, 48RE) and manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500, NV4500).

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axles, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints (if applicable), transfer cases (NV231, NV241, NV243, NV271, NV273).

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS, hydraulic components, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical:

Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel tanks, fuel filters.

Cooling System:

Radiator, cooling fans, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, emissions control.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, exterior components, frame inspection and repair.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and service, seat belts.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, system overhauls, and major repairs.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic strategies for all major vehicle systems, including use of scan tools.

Specifications:

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

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Depth Of Information:

Extremely high. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Details on using OBDI/OBDII scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital format suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1500:

5.2L Magnum V8 (Used in early 1999 models, less common)

Common Engine 1500 2500:

5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci)

Performance 5.9L Magnum:

Approx. 245-250 horsepower, 330-335 lb-ft torque (varies by year and tune)

Optional Engine 2500 3500:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Performance 5.9L Cummins:

Approx. 215-235 horsepower, 420-460 lb-ft torque (varies by year and trim)

Optional Engine 2:

5.7L Magnum V8 (HEMI - introduced late in this generation, more common in 2003+ models, but might appear in late 2001 builds)

Base Engine 1500 Alternative:

3.9L Magnum V6 (3.9L)

Performance 3.9L Magnum:

Approx. 175-180 horsepower, 230-235 lb-ft torque

Fuel Delivery Gasoline:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Mechanical Injection Pump (Bosch VE or VP44 depending on specific 5.9L Cummins variant)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard 1500:

4-Speed Automatic (e.g., 42RE, 46RE)

Transmission Optional 1500:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500)

Transmission Standard 2500 3500:

4-Speed Automatic (e.g., 47RE, 48RE - stronger for diesel applications)

Transmission Optional 2500 3500:

5-Speed Manual (NV4500 - Heavy Duty)

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific manual for early 1999)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil for NV3500; GL-3 or GL-4 for NV4500 (check manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std Cab:

134.7 inches

Wheelbase Ext Cab:

160.1 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.25 ft (Quad Cab) and 8 ft

Gvwr 1500:

Approx. 6,300 - 7,200 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gvwr 2500:

Approx. 8,500 - 8,800 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gvwr 3500:

Approx. 9,600 - 10,000+ lbs (varies by configuration, often dually)

Curb Weight Range:

4,800 lbs to 6,500+ lbs depending on configuration and engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating 2Wd:

3 out of 5 stars (for 1999 models, subject to configuration)

NHTSA Rollover Rating 4Wd:

4 out of 5 stars (for 1999 models, subject to configuration)

ABS:

Standard on most models, four-wheel ABS available.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts (on bench seats).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player options. Optional Infinity audio system available.

Navigation:

No integrated factory navigation system available for these model years.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Towing Features:

Factory trailer brake controller not standard; provisions for aftermarket installation. Towing mirrors often optional or aftermarket.

Bluetooth:

No factory Bluetooth connectivity.

Usb:

No factory USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Typically 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically 3,000 to 6,000 miles for 5.9L Cummins, depending on oil quality and usage.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, often longer for manuals, depending on use.

Engine Oil Gas:

API Service SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API Service CD, CE, CF, CF-2, or CG-4 (e.g., Cummins CES 20076 or later for later models). SAE 15W-40 is common.

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) Antifreeze/Coolant (typically orange or yellow).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Common Issue Cummins Vp44:

Failure of the VP44 injection pump, often due to fuel pressure issues or poor fuel quality.

Common Issue Automatic Trans:

Overheating and premature wear on 46RE/47RE transmissions, especially under heavy towing.

Common Issue Front End:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering gearbox due to the truck's weight and intended use.

Common Issue Cluster:

Intermittent gauge failures or dead pixels in the instrument cluster (particularly for some 1999-2001 models).

Common Issue Ac Blower:

Failure of the blower motor resistor or blower motor itself.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing history in the truck market, with the Ram nameplate originating in 1981, evolving into a distinct Dodge brand in 1993.

Second Gen Launch:

The second-generation Ram (BR/BE) debuted for the 1994 model year, featuring a distinctive, bold styling. It received a significant facelift for the 1998 model year, enhancing aerodynamics, interior features, and powertrain options.

Production Location:

Primarily Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, USA.

Ram Brand Separation:

The Ram Truck brand was spun off from Dodge as a separate division by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2010.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

The Ram 1500/2500/3500 models have historically received numerous 'Truck of the Year' awards from various automotive publications and organizations over their production runs, although specific awards for these precise years would need to be cross-referenced.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Generally good consumer satisfaction for the 5.9L Cummins diesel variant, often praised for durability and longevity. Gasoline V8s are considered reliable but less fuel-efficient.