Model Generation:
Second Generation (BR/BE)
Production Years Covered:
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, popular for work and personal use. Competed against Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Silverado, and GMC Sierra.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K, GMC Sierra, Toyota T100 (later Tundra).
Platform Strength:
The second-generation Ram featured a bold, aggressive styling and a more robust chassis compared to its predecessors, improving ride quality and payload capacity.
Powertrain Options:
Known for its powerful V8 engine options and the legendary Cummins turbodiesel, offering excellent towing and hauling capabilities.
Diy Support:
Provides the essential information for DIY mechanics and professional technicians to perform accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on these durable trucks.
Engines Covered:
All gasoline and diesel engines offered during the specified production years.
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels including base, SLT, Sport, and others.
Body Styles Covered:
All body styles including Regular Cab, Club Cab, Chassis Cab, Van (B-Series), and potentially early Durango variants if applicable to the platform overlap.
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500+ (indicative of comprehensive factory-level detail)
Type:
Complete Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system (injection & carburetion), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmissions (A500, A518, NV3500, NV4500), Automatic transmissions (42RH, 44RE, 46RH, 47RH), Transfer cases (2WD, 4WD, NP205, NP208, NP231, NP241, NP242), Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear independent/solid axle), Steering system (power steering, steering gear), Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, drum, disc), Wheels and tires.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Body Interior:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), body sealing.
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul and rebuild, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, springs), steering gear repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission problems, brake system malfunctions, guided by symptom-based troubleshooting trees.
Special Tools Procedures:
Identification and usage of specific tools required for certain repair operations, torque specifications for critical fasteners, diagnostic scan tool procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance tasks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic charts and wiring diagrams.
Engine Options Gasoline:
3.9L V6 (5.2L V8 (318), 5.9L V8 (360))
Engine Options Diesel:
5.9L Cummins Turbodiesel I6
Horsepower Range:
140-235 HP (Varies significantly by engine and year)
Torque Range:
220-450 lb-ft (Varies significantly by engine and year, especially for Cummins)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most V8s and V6s during this period; some early models may have had throttle body injection (TBI) or carburetion.
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct Injection with Bosch P7100 Injection Pump (mechanical) for Cummins.
Cooling Type:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 L) for V8 engines; 7 quarts (6.6 L) for Cummins diesel. Varies by specific engine.
Standard Transmission Type:
Varies by model and configuration; typically a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Optional Transmission Types:
Multiple automatic transmission options (e.g., 42RE, 44RE, 46RH, 47RH) and robust manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500, NV4500 heavy-duty).
Overdrive Gears:
Many automatic transmissions featured overdrive (4th gear) for improved fuel economy.
Transfer Case Options:
Part-time 4WD systems with various transfer case models (e.g., NP231, NP241), some with electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF).
Wheelbase Options:
Various, including standard cab (approx. 112-131 inches), club cab (approx. 135-155 inches), and long bed variants.
Overall Length:
Varies significantly by body style and bed length (e.g., 197-237 inches).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,000 - 6,000+ lbs (depending on configuration, engine, and drivetrain).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges from approximately 5,500 lbs to over 8,800 lbs for heavy-duty models.
NHTSA Ratings:
Information varies by specific model year and testing protocols of the era. Generally, trucks of this period had less advanced safety features and testing compared to modern vehicles.
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Available on many models, particularly 4WD and higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard on many models from mid-90s onward; passenger airbag became more common later in the generation.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear passengers.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. The manual will specify exact intervals based on oil quality (e.g., conventional vs. synthetic).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, depending on load and operating conditions. Manual transmissions may have less frequent fluid change recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG or higher; viscosity grades typically SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40, depending on ambient temperature. Diesel engines may require different specifications (e.g., CK-4).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent for most Chrysler-built automatics of this era. Cummins diesels may use specific heavy-duty transmission fluids.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (green) meeting Chrysler MS-7170 or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Issues Engine Gas:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, spark plug blow-out on some Magnum engines, cooling fan clutch failure, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V8s).
Common Issues Engine Diesel:
Injection pump failure (P7100 can be sensitive to fuel quality), injector issues, occasional turbocharger problems if not maintained, exhaust manifold cracking.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, torque converter shudder, manual transmission clutch wear, transfer case chain wear/slippage.
Common Issues Chassis:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, front suspension component wear leading to alignment issues, brake component wear, rust on frame and body panels (especially in salt-belt regions).
Common Issues Electrical:
Alternator failure, voltage regulator issues, dashboard indicator light malfunctions, wiring harness chafing/corrosion.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and reliable trucks, building a reputation for strength and capability.
Second Gen Launch:
The second generation (BR/BE) launched for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign with a bolder 'big rig' inspired grille and increased interior space.
Continuation From Previous:
These years represent the transition and continuation of the Ram's strong performance and utility in the pickup market. The 1989-1993 models are often considered part of the first generation's later iterations or a transitional phase, while 1994 onwards is the distinct second generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in the United States (e.g., Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan).
