Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional service technicians.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Vehicle Attributes:
Renowned for its robust build, towing capacity, and choice of powerful V8 and HEMI engines.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for all covered engines.
Engine Performance:
Tuning, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition systems, cooling, lubrication.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair for manual transmissions (if applicable to specific models covered).
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid service for automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, 4WD systems.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkage, and components.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, disc and drum brake service, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, structural components, doors, glass, interior trim.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics and repair.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Rebuilding:
Complete rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and other major components.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and more.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7L Magnum V6
Engine 1 Configuration:
V6, SOHC, 12 valves
Engine 1 Approx Hp:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Approx Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7L Magnum V8
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8, SOHC, 16 valves
Engine 2 Approx Hp:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Approx Torque:
305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.7L HEMI V8
Engine 3 Configuration:
V8, OHV, 16 valves, HEMI
Engine 3 Approx Hp:
345 hp @ 5400 rpm
Engine 3 Approx Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 4 Displacement:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Engine 4 Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, OHV, 24 valves, Turbocharged Diesel
Engine 4 Approx Hp:
325 hp @ 2800 rpm
Engine 4 Approx Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Engine 5 Displacement:
8.3L V10 (Viper-derived)
Engine 5 Configuration:
V10, OHV, 20 valves
Engine 5 Approx Hp:
500 hp @ 5600 rpm (SRT-10 variant)
Engine 5 Approx Torque:
525 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (SRT-10 variant)
Fuel System Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Direct Injection for diesel.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel Fuel (ULSD for Cummins).
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Manual (NV5600 for some diesel, Getrag for gasoline models)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-speed Automatic (42RLE for V6/4.7L V8)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (48RE for 5.7L HEMI, 5.9L Diesel)
Optional Transmission 3:
6-speed Automatic (68RFE became available later, but 48RE was prevalent in 2006)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with transfer case.
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 130.2" for 1500 Regular Cab, 140.5" for 2500/3500 Regular Cab, etc.)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab.
Bed Lengths:
Standard Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8.0 ft).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 lbs to 7,000+ lbs depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 10,000+ lbs (for properly equipped 3500 models with diesel).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Generally 4-star or 5-star (varies by specific crash test).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Generally 4-star or 5-star (varies by specific crash test).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (typical for well-designed trucks of this era).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles depending on engine and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, inspect manual transmission fluid.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-5 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN/SP, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific engine requirement).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent) for 48RE and 42RLE.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific manual transmission fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Issue 1:
5.7L HEMI: Valve spring issues (lifter tick), piston wash issues in early models.
Common Issue 2:
4.7L Magnum: Head gasket failures, spark plug ejection.
Common Issue 3:
5.9L Cummins: Injector issues, VP44 injection pump failures (earlier models), some turbo issues.
Common Issue 4:
Transmission: Overdrive planetary gear failure in 48RE, torque converter shudder.
Common Issue 5:
Electrical: Alternator failures, CAN bus communication issues.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2006 model year represents the third generation of the Ram pickup (2002-2008), known for its distinctive styling and expanded engine options.
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
