Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Work truck users, towing enthusiasts, families needing heavy-duty capability.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Engine Options:
Renowned Magnum V8s and the robust Cummins Turbo Diesel offered strong performance and towing capabilities.
Durability:
Known for its sturdy construction and long-term durability, especially with the Cummins engine.
Towing Hauling:
Class-leading towing and payload capacities in its class.
Design Philosophy:
Traditional body-on-frame construction, large interior space, and straightforward mechanicals.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul for 3.9L V6 Magnum, 5.2L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum, and 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Transmission:
Coverage for NV3500 (5-speed manual), 45RFE/545RFE (4-speed automatic), and NV4500/NV5600 (5-speed manual for HD models).
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle service, differential overhaul, driveshaft balancing and repair, U-joints, transfer case (NV235, NV241HD).
Brakes:
Front disc (solid or vented), rear drum or disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (IFS), rear solid axle, ball joints, tie rods, steering gear, power steering system, shocks/struts.
Electrical Electronics:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, trailer wiring.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant handling.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, tailgate, interior trim, body sealing, frame repair procedures.
Restraints:
Airbag system diagnosis, SRS components, seatbelt service.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections, tire rotation.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for powertrain and chassis systems.
Engine Repair:
Cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft bearings, timing chain/gear service, complete engine rebuilds.
Transmission Service:
Transmission fluid and filter changes, torque converter replacement, valve body service, internal component repair.
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake caliper overhaul, brake line bleeding, ABS component replacement.
Electrical Repair:
Wiring harness repair, sensor testing and replacement, module diagnostics and programming, lighting system troubleshooting.
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant system evacuation and recharging, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).
Suspension Steering Repair:
Ball joint replacement, control arm bushings, steering linkage service, power steering pump/rack replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and system diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
References to factory diagnostic scan tools (e.g., DRB III) and procedures for using generic OBD-II scanners.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.
Clearances Tolerances:
Detailed engine bearing clearances, ring gaps, piston-to-wall clearances, and other critical measurements.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems.
Illustrations Diagrams:
Abundant step-by-step illustrations, exploded views, and assembly diagrams.
Engine 1 Name:
3.9L V6 Magnum (239 cid)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.92 in x 3.38 in
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.9:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 175-180 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 230-235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Name:
5.2L V8 Magnum (318 cid)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.91 in x 3.31 in
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.7:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Name:
5.9L V8 Magnum (360 cid)
Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:
4.00 in x 3.58 in
Engine 3 Compression Ratio:
8.7:1
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 245-250 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 335-340 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 4 Name:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (ISB)
Engine 4 Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled
Engine 4 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp @ 2700 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
Approx. 460 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (for V6/V8), Diesel fuel (for Cummins)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Bosch VP44 High-Pressure Injection Pump for Cummins.
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug for some V8 variants, or distributor ignition for earlier models/V6.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic diesel oil recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on towing and heavy-duty use.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity by temperature).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CI-4 or CH-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended. Consider synthetic for extreme temperatures.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mopar OAT or HOAT type), 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Radiator:
Cracking plastic end tanks on original radiators, leading to leaks.
Heater Core:
Leaking heater cores are a common failure point, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Potential for vacuum leaks from intake manifold gaskets on Magnum V8 engines.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or noisy power steering pumps can occur over time.
Overhead Cam Timing Chain:
While Magnum engines are pushrod, some earlier Chrysler engines had timing chain issues; this is less common on the 360.
Cummins Lift Pump:
The Bosch VP44 injection pump is sensitive to fuel pressure; a weak stock lift pump can lead to VP44 failure.
Body Rust:
Susceptible to rust, particularly in the rocker panels, cab corners, and rear fenders, depending on climate.