Target Audience:
Dodge Ramcharger D350 owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Vehicle Segment:
Full-size, body-on-frame SUV, often catering to off-road enthusiasts and those requiring substantial towing and hauling capacity.
Value Proposition:
Provides authorized dealer-level information and procedures, enabling cost savings and empowering owners/technicians for quality service and informed repairs.
Features:
Detailed repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic information, maintenance schedules, special tool identification, proprietary component instructions.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Transmission (disassembly and overhaul)
Chassis:
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Drivetrain
Electrical:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams (implied by coverage)
Body:
Body Repair and Overhaul
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, hoses, and coolant flow diagnostics and repair.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering gear, tie rods, drag link, and related maintenance and repair.
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Brake System:
Front and rear brake components (discs/drums), hydraulic system, parking brake, and troubleshooting.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning and heating system operation, components, and service.
Drivetrain:
Transfer case (if 4WD), driveshafts, U-joints, axles, and differentials.
Emission Control:
Information related to the vehicle's emissions system and related diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, tune-ups, lubrication schedule, fluid checks
Repair Overhaul:
Removal and installation procedures, assemblies and disassemblies, component-level repair, extensive engine and transmission disassembly
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for troubleshooting issues
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees and problem-solving procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Engine Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including specifications for clearances and torque values.
Transmission Rebuilding:
Comprehensive procedures for the overhaul of automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, and gearset service.
Body Panel Replacement:
Procedures for removing and installing exterior body panels, doors, fenders, and hoods.
Interior Trim Removal:
Guidance on removing and reinstalling interior trim panels, dashboard components, and upholstery.
Torque Specifications:
Crucial torque values for all fasteners, bolts, and nuts throughout the vehicle, ensuring correct assembly and preventing component failure.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
While OBD-I was common, the manual would likely detail how to retrieve and interpret any diagnostic trouble codes specific to the vehicle's engine management system.
Depth:
Comprehensive; assumes technician familiarity with general automotive practices, focusing on specific product aspects; covers basic to advanced repairs including full engine/transmission overhaul.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific adjustments and repairs, often with Dodge's special tool numbers.
Engine Options:
While not explicitly detailed in the product description, the D350 designation typically implies heavy-duty components and likely a larger displacement gasoline or diesel engine. Common options for this era and model might include Magnum V8s (e.g., 5.2L, 5.9L) and potentially a Cummins turbodiesel for heavy-duty applications, although Ramcharger models were more commonly gasoline-powered. Specific engine displacement, horsepower, and torque figures would be detailed within the manual.
Engine Block Material:
Typically cast iron for heavy-duty applications.
Fuel Delivery System:
Likely a multi-port fuel injection (MPI) system for gasoline engines, or a robust injection pump system for diesel variants (if applicable).
Performance Data:
The manual will provide detailed performance specifications, torque figures, horsepower ratings, and engine tuning parameters relevant to the specified model years and engine configurations.
Fuel System Details:
Comprehensive coverage of fuel delivery, injection systems (if applicable), carburetion (if applicable), fuel pump, filters, and related diagnostics and repair procedures.
Recommended Intervals:
The manual provides detailed schedules for routine maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and component inspections at specific mileage or time intervals.
Engine Oil:
Specific viscosity grades (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40) and API service classifications for engine oil will be detailed, along with oil change intervals and capacities. For diesel engines, different specifications will apply. For example, a 5.9L Cummins diesel might require 15W-40 engine oil.
Transmission Fluid:
Type of automatic transmission fluid (e.g., ATF+4, Dexron III) or manual transmission gear oil, along with capacities and change intervals, will be specified. For example, the A518 automatic would use ATF+3 or ATF+4.
Coolant:
Recommended coolant type (e.g., conventional green ethylene glycol) and mixture ratio with water, along with flush and fill intervals.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid specifications and recommended replacement intervals.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific type of power steering fluid will be indicated in the manual.
Differentials And Axles:
Specifications for gear oil viscosity and capacity for front and rear differentials, as well as transfer case (if 4WD).
Common Wear Items:
The manual may implicitly or explicitly address common wear items such as u-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, brake pads/rotors, and exhaust components, providing guidance on inspection and replacement.
Electrical Gremlins:
Early generation electronics can be prone to issues; the manual's electrical system coverage would be crucial for diagnosing and repairing such faults.
Chassis Wear:
Guidance on inspecting and replacing wear items in the suspension and steering, which are critical for heavy-duty vehicles like the Ramcharger.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks and SUVs, with the Ram lineage known for its durability and towing prowess.
Ramcharger Evolution:
The Ramcharger was Dodge's answer to the popular SUV market, based on the Dodge Ram pickup platform. The second generation (1994-2001) brought significant styling and engineering updates, so the 1991-1993 models represent the latter part of the first generation before the major redesign in 1994. This manual covers the transition and specific years within this significant period.
Generational Differences:
The manual is crucial for understanding the nuances between the 1991-1993 models (late first generation) and the 1994 model (early second generation), as design and component changes occurred.
Production Period:
The Dodge Ramcharger was produced from 1981 through 1993, with the 1994 model year marking the introduction of a completely new generation that was also sold as the Ramcharger. This manual specifically covers the 1991-1994 model years, encompassing the final years of the first generation and the inaugural year of the second generation. It's important to note the potential for minor variations in specifications between 1993 and 1994 models due to this generational shift.