Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Dodge Ram owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K series (Silverado/Sierra), GMC Sierra
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Heavy-duty construction, powerful engine options (especially the Magnum V8s and Cummins diesel), spacious cabin, and robust towing capabilities
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information essential for maintaining and repairing these durable trucks, covering a wide range of configurations.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engines offered during the specified production years (e.g., 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel)
Transmission:
Manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500, NV4500) and automatic transmissions (e.g., A500/42RH, A518/46RH, A727/37RH, A727/47RH)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, including transfer cases and differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system (power steering, steering gear, linkages)
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), parking brake, hydraulic systems, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, body control modules, instrument cluster, comfort and convenience features
Body:
Body and chassis repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, glass, cab and bed components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Fuel:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injection system (MPI for gasoline engines)
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I)
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle components and systems, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, ABS diagnostics
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid level checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed torque specifications, and electrical schematics
3.9L V6 Mpi:
Displacement: 3.9L (239 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.57 in, Compression Ratio: 8.9:1, Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Horsepower: ~170-175 hp @ 4000-4800 rpm, Torque: ~230-235 lb-ft @ 2400-3200 rpm
5.2L V8 Magnum Mpi:
Displacement: 5.2L (318 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 in, Compression Ratio: 8.7:1, Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Horsepower: ~200-230 hp @ 4000-4800 rpm, Torque: ~290-330 lb-ft @ 2400-3200 rpm
5.9L V8 Magnum Mpi:
Displacement: 5.9L (360 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 4.00 x 3.58 in, Compression Ratio: 8.7:1, Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Horsepower: ~230-250 hp @ 4400-4800 rpm, Torque: ~330-370 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Displacement: 5.9L (359 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 4.02 x 4.72 in, Fuel System: Direct Injection, Turbocharged, Horsepower: ~160-180 hp @ 2500-2800 rpm, Torque: ~400-440 lb-ft @ 1600-1800 rpm
Engine Options Overview:
Choice of reliable and powerful gasoline V6 and V8 engines, as well as the legendary Cummins inline-6 turbo-diesel, known for durability and torque.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (for V6/V8 MPI), Diesel fuel (for Cummins)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline, Direct Injection with turbocharging for diesel.
Standard Transmission:
Varies by model and engine. Common standard was often a 5-speed manual (e.g., NV3500) or a 4-speed automatic.
Optional Transmissions:
4-speed automatic transmissions (A500/42RH, A518/46RH, A727/47RH), heavy-duty 5-speed manual (NV4500) available on some models, particularly diesel.
Transmission Features:
Overdrive gear for improved fuel economy on automatic transmissions, robust construction for towing and hauling.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab)
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.5 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft)
Wheelbase:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 112" for Regular Cab SWB, 124.7" for Club Cab SWB, 134.9" for Regular Cab LWB, 164.3" for Club Cab LWB)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,000+ lbs depending on configuration, engine, and axle ratio.
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 4,000 lbs to over 6,500 lbs depending on configuration.
Infotainment Systems:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, CD player (later models), analog gauges, manual HVAC controls. Limited electronic features compared to modern vehicles.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option and became more common over the years. No electronic stability control or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available in this era.
Connectivity Features:
Minimal. Some models might have offered power windows, power door locks, and basic cruise control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil, or potentially longer with synthetic oil, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for exact recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, less frequently for manual transmissions, depending on usage.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine type (e.g., copper vs. platinum), often 30,000-100,000 miles. Diesel engines use glow plugs.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (consult manual for specific viscosity and capacity).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CD or CE, SAE 15W-40 (consult manual for specific viscosity and capacity).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for specific transmission's fluid requirement, e.g., Mopar ATF+3 is common for early 4xRH transmissions).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual for specific type and capacity).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant may be specified for later models.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Issues Gasoline Engines:
Cracked exhaust manifolds on Magnum V8s, intake manifold gasket leaks, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) issues, distributor drive gear wear.
Common Issues Diesel Engines:
Piston cooling jet issues (early models), fuel injection pump (VE44), cracked cylinder heads (less common), overheating potential under heavy load if cooling system is neglected.
Common Issues Transmission:
Torque converter issues on automatics, input shaft bearing failure on manual transmissions (NV4500), clutch wear.
Common Issues Chassis Body:
Rust issues (especially on cab corners, rocker panels, and bed), worn ball joints and tie rod ends, sagging leaf springs, HVAC blower motor failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of building robust and capable trucks, evolving from early panel trucks to the iconic Ram line.
Second Generation Ram Introduction:
The second generation Ram (AB/AN platform) was introduced for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive 'big rig' styling that became its signature. This generation is often referred to as the 'Second Generation Ram'.
Key Changes 1994:
Major styling overhaul, introduction of the Magnum V8 engines (5.2L and 5.9L), optional club cab configuration, and enhanced interior comfort.
Diesel Option:
The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel became a highly popular option, particularly for heavy-duty applications and towing, cementing the Ram's reputation in the work truck market.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing was in Warren, Michigan (Warren Truck Assembly Plant) and also Saltillo, Mexico (Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant).
Truck Of The Year:
The second-generation Dodge Ram received numerous accolades, including being named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 1994.
Diesel Engine Reputation:
The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine consistently received high praise for its durability, torque, and longevity, becoming a benchmark in the diesel truck market.
Towing Performance:
Consistently rated highly for its towing and hauling capabilities, making it a popular choice for commercial use and RV enthusiasts.
