Target Audience:
Professional Automotive Technicians and serious DIY enthusiasts.
Value Proposition:
Provides the same level of detail as original dealer service manuals, offering significant cost savings over dealership repairs.
Completeness:
Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair for the specified model year.
Accessibility:
Instant download format allows for immediate access to critical repair information.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, and repair procedures for all available engines.
Engine Performance:
Ignition system, fuel delivery, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair for manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500).
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions (46RE, 47RE).
Driveline And Axles:
Front and rear axle service, differential repair, transfer case operation and repair (NV235, NV241).
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment specifications, shock absorber and spring service.
Steering System:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column and linkage service.
Brake System:
Front and rear brake service (disc and drum), ABS system diagnostics and repair, hydraulic system maintenance.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting system, accessory circuits.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, door and window service, interior trim removal and installation, chassis lubrication.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning and heating system service, component replacement, refrigerant handling.
Preventative Maintenance:
Detailed scheduled maintenance tables and procedures.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major components.
Rebuilding Overhaul:
Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Specifications Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications, clearances, and measurements for all components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed and accurate electrical schematics for all circuits.
Depth:
Expert-level diagnostics, complete mechanical and electrical system overhauls, and detailed component rebuilds.
Engine Options:
5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
5.2L Magnum V8 Torque:
330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
245 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Horsepower:
180 hp @ 2500 rpm (approx.)
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Bosch VE rotary injection pump for diesel.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended), Diesel Fuel
Standard Transmission Type:
NV3500 5-speed Manual (typically on 1500 and lighter duty 2500)
Optional Transmission Types:
46RE 4-speed Automatic, 47RE 4-speed Automatic (heavy duty), NV4500 5-speed Manual (heavy duty)
46Re 47Re Features:
Electronic overdrive, lock-up torque converter.
Wheelbase Options:
118.7" (Regular Cab), 134.7" (Club Cab/Quad Cab), 164.7" (Long Bed)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (Standard), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Gvwr Range:
6,000 lbs to 10,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and axle)
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally fair to good for the era; specific ratings for 1998 are varied based on configuration and testing focus.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on many models, optional on others.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts in front seating positions.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Navigation:
Not available from the factory.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option.
Towing Features:
Integrated tow hooks, optional trailer brake controller wiring, heavy-duty cooling and suspension packages available.
Phone Integration:
Not available from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine type and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check manual, but often recommended around 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
API SG or SH rated. 5W-30 or 10W-30 typically recommended for gasoline engines. Diesel engines may require specific diesel-rated oils.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for precise spec).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, steering components, brake components, u-joints, radiator, water pump.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Cylinder head gasket leaks on some Magnum V8s; injector O-ring issues; potential for camshaft wear on high-mileage engines. Cummins: Injector pump issues, lifting injector lines.
Transmission Specific Concerns:
Torque converter shudder or failure in automatics; clutch wear in manuals.
Electrical Concerns:
Alternator failures, PCM issues, wiring harness chafing.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a cornerstone of their commercial and personal vehicle offerings.
Third Generation Ram:
The 1998 model is part of the second generation (1994-2001) Ram trucks, which introduced significant styling and engineering advancements over its predecessors, including the iconic 'Big Rig' styling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
