Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck
Target Use:
Work, towing, hauling, and general-purpose heavy-duty truck applications.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities, proven reliability in heavy-duty applications.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth technical information for maintaining and repairing these robust vehicles, saving time and money on professional service.
Engine Mechanical:
All engine types, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and torque specifications.
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery, ignition system, emission controls, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, diagnosis, fluid specifications, and internal components.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, transfer case operation and repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, parking brake, component replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, power distribution, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, frame inspection and repair.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretations.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspection/replacement.
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for removing and installing virtually all major and minor vehicle components.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies.
Wiring Diagrams:
Full electrical system wiring diagrams with component locations and circuit descriptions.
Depth:
Extremely high. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed specifications and tolerances.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Option 1:
8.0L (488ci) V10 OHV 20-Valve (Triton)
Engine Option 2:
5.9L (360ci) Magnum V8 OHV 16-Valve
Engine Option 3:
5.9L (359ci) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 OHV 24-Valve
V10 Horsepower:
310 hp @ 4000 rpm
V10 Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Magnum V8 Horsepower:
245 hp @ 4800 rpm
Magnum V8 Torque:
335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Cummins Horsepower:
235 hp @ 2600 rpm (Standard), 275 hp @ 2600 rpm (High Output)
Cummins Torque:
460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (Standard), 525 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (High Output)
V10 Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Magnum V8 Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cummins Fuel Delivery:
Bosch High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Direct Injection
Transmission Option 1:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual (for some diesel and V10 models)
Transmission Option 2:
47RE 4-Speed Automatic (for V8 and diesel models)
Transmission Option 3:
48RE 4-Speed Automatic (heavy-duty diesel models)
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive
Transfer Case:
2-speed transfer case with electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) or manual shift options.
Wheelbase 2500:
Various (e.g., 134.5 in, 140.5 in, 160.5 in for Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Long Bed configurations)
Wheelbase 3500:
Various (e.g., 134.5 in, 140.5 in, 160.5 in for Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Long Bed configurations, including dually options)
Gvwr 2500:
8,800 lbs to 9,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr 3500:
9,500 lbs to 12,500 lbs (depending on configuration, including dually)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine, cab, and bed configuration (typically 6,000 - 7,500+ lbs)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Varies by configuration, typically 3-star or 4-star. Higher center of gravity for heavy-duty trucks.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles, or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specifics).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 7,500 - 15,000 miles, or 12 months, depending on oil and filter quality, and driving conditions.
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Recommended every 15,000 miles or annually.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on use (severe service dictates more frequent changes).
Engine Oil V8 V10:
API Certified SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 5W-30 (check viscosity for temperature range, refer to manual for exact specs).
Engine Oil Cummins:
API CI-4 or CH-4 rated heavy-duty diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended (e.g., Cummins CES 20076/20077).
Transmission Fluid 47Re/48Re:
ATF+4 (Mopar specification) is required.
Transmission Fluid Nv4500:
Manual Transmission Fluid, SAE 75W-90 (GL-4 specification).
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar part # 05013457AA or equivalent.
Cummins Injection Pump Failures:
Early models could experience VP44 injection pump failures due to low fuel pressure or contaminated fuel.
Nv4500 2Nd Gear เฎชเฏเฎชเฏเฎเฎณเฏ:
Some NV4500 transmissions are known for the '2nd gear pop-out' issue, often related to worn synchronizers or linkage.
V10 Oil Consumption:
Some V10 engines may exhibit higher oil consumption, particularly with high mileage.
Automatic Transmission Overheating:
Heavy towing can lead to automatic transmission overheating, necessitating auxiliary coolers.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with strength and utility.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2002 model year is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, which introduced a completely redesigned chassis and body, offering improved aerodynamics and styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Truck Of The Year:
While specific awards vary, the Ram line has consistently been recognized for its capability and design in the heavy-duty segment.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for this generation can vary; the Cummins diesel is generally considered very robust.
