🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Pickup 1500

Year:

1999

Platform Code:

BR/BE

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Owners and independent repair shops performing maintenance and repairs on the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan (later models)

Vehicle Design:

Bold styling, powerful Magnum V8 engines, comfortable interior for its class, robust towing and payload capacity.

Manual Utility:

Provides the essential technical data required to maintain and repair the 1999 Ram 1500, enabling cost-effective ownership.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

5.2L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum, 3.9L V6 Magnum

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic (42RE, 47RE), 5-speed manual (NV3500)

Drivetrain:

2WD, 4WD

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 1000-1500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, intake and exhaust systems, emission controls

Engine Performance:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), electronic control modules (PCM/ECM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), powertrain control module (PCM) diagnosis

Transmission Manual:

NV3500: Disassembly, assembly, internal components, clutch system, shifter mechanism

Transmission Automatic:

42RE, 47RE: Hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, internal components, external controls, diagnostic procedures, fluid service

Drivetrain Components:

Front and rear axles, differential assemblies, driveshafts, U-joints, transfer case (for 4WD models)

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (short/long arm), rear leaf spring solid axle, shocks, springs, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering fluid specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (vented), rear drum brakes, parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and components, brake fluid specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, gauges, horns, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body And Frame:

Body construction, frame components, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, body hardware, corrosion protection

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant charging, component testing (compressor, condenser, evaporator), diagnosis

Interior:

Seats, seat belts, dashboard, center console, door panels, headliner, carpet, interior lighting, power accessories (windows, locks)

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals and specifications, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, OBD-II diagnostic trouble code lookup and interpretation

Repair Rebuild:

Engine component removal and installation, transmission overhaul, differential repair, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component testing and replacement

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, PCM/ECM diagnostics

Calibration Adjustment:

Wheel alignment procedures and specifications, brake adjustment (if applicable), throttle body cleaning and idle air control valve (IACV) relearn procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic strategies.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Considerations:

If digital: Searchable PDF, high-resolution scans, bookmarked chapters.

Print Quality Considerations:

If printed: Durable binding, clear diagrams, high-quality paper, smudge-resistant ink.

Binding Type Considerations:

If printed: Lay-flat binding is ideal for workshop use.

Paper Type Considerations:

If printed: Heavy-duty paper stock to withstand shop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

5.2L (318 cu in) V8 Magnum

Engine 1 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Engine 2:

5.9L (360 cu in) V8 Magnum

Engine 2 Horsepower:

245 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

345 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Engine 3:

3.9L (239 cu in) V6 Magnum

Engine 3 Horsepower:

175 hp @ 4,800 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Bore Stroke 5 2L:

3.92 in x 3.57 in

Bore Stroke 5 9L:

4.02 in x 3.58 in

Bore Stroke 3 9L:

3.66 in x 3.57 in

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity Standard:

20 gallons (standard cab), 25 gallons (club cab/long bed)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-speed automatic (42RE)

Transmission Type Opt1:

4-speed automatic (47RE - typically with 5.9L)

Transmission Type Opt2:

5-speed manual (NV3500)

Automatic Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear)

Transmission Fluid 42Re 47Re:

ATF+4 (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON)

Transmission Fluid Nv3500:

Manual transmission fluid (MTF) - consult manual for specific type/viscosity

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std:

118.7 inches (Standard Cab)

Wheelbase Ext:

134.7 inches (Club Cab/Long Bed)

Overall Length Std:

203.3 inches (Standard Cab, 6.5 ft bed)

Overall Length Ext:

219.3 inches (Club Cab, 6.5 ft bed)

Overall Width:

79.1 inches

Overall Height:

73.5 inches (approx.)

Bed Length Std:

78.0 inches (6.5 ft bed)

Bed Length Opt:

96.0 inches (8.0 ft bed)

Curb Weight Avg:

4,500 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gvwr Avg:

6,000 - 6,500 lbs

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to approx. 8,800 lbs (with proper equipment and engine)

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to approx. 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating Driver:

4/5 stars (1999 models)

NHTSA Rollover Rating Passenger:

4/5 stars (1999 models)

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel disc on some models, rear drum with optional ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point active seatbelts for front occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

ABS Availability:

Available on certain trims and configurations.

Oem Connectivity:

Limited; typically no integrated Bluetooth or navigation. Auxiliary inputs for aftermarket devices may be present.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - refer to manual for specific recommendations)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type - original equipment may vary significantly)

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type)

Engine Oil Spec:

API Service SG or higher; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific temperature ranges)

Engine Oil Capacity 5 2L:

5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 5 9L:

5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 3 9L:

4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant recommended)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or equivalent power steering fluid

Common Problems Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributorless ignition system (DIS) coil pack failures, cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V8s), plenum gasket leaks

Common Problems Transmission:

Torque converter shudder, failure of the overdrive band or solenoid in automatic transmissions, clutch wear in manual transmissions

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings; steering box play; rear leaf spring sag

Common Problems Electrical:

Instrument cluster failure (speedometer, tachometer), power window motor failure, door lock actuator issues, O2 sensor failures, PCV valve issues

Common Problems Brakes:

Warped front brake rotors, premature wear of brake pads and drums, ABS sensor issues

Common Problems HVAC:

Blend door actuator failure, refrigerant leaks, AC compressor clutch failure

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Third Generation Ram:

The 1999 Ram 1500 is part of the third generation of Dodge Ram pickups (introduced for the 1994 model year), characterized by its distinctive 'big rig' styling and improved interiors compared to previous generations.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Context:

While specific awards for the '99 model year are not as widely documented as modern vehicles, the Dodge Ram series consistently received praise for its design and capability. The 1994 redesign set a strong precedent for the brand in the full-size truck market.