Target Audience:
Families and towing users needing 7-8 passenger SUV capability
Segment:
Mid-size/full-size SUV
Key Advantage:
Body-on-frame durability with truck-based towing capacity and available V8 power
Derived From:
Dodge Dakota pickup platform
Engine Options:
3.9L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8
Seating:
Up to 8 passengers with third-row seat
Towing:
Up to approximately 8,700 lbs properly equipped
Drivetrain Options:
2WD and part-time/full-time 4WD configurations
Coverage Areas:
Engine, transmission, driveline, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, HVAC, body, diagnostics
Manual Type:
Factory-style service repair workshop manual
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Binding:
Digital PDF document
Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, tablet, smartphone with PDF reader
Engine Removal and Installation:
Complete step-by-step procedures
Cylinder Head Service:
Disassembly, inspection, valve job specifications
Timing Chain Service:
4.7L timing chain and 5.2L/5.9L timing gear procedures
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat replacement and testing
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values for all fasteners
Transmission and Driveline
Automatic Transmission:
44RE, 45RFE/545RFE service, disassembly, and rebuild
Transfer Case:
NP231 and NP242/247 service and rebuild
Axles:
Front and rear differential service, bearing replacement
Driveshafts:
U-joint replacement and balance procedures
Brakes:
Disc/drum service, ABS diagnostics, bleeding procedures
Suspension:
Front coil and rear leaf spring service, shock replacement
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering gear and power steering pump service
Wheel Alignment:
Factory alignment specifications and procedures
Electrical and Diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete circuit diagrams for all systems
DTC Diagnostics:
Onboard diagnostic troubleshooting codes and tests
Charging and Starting:
Alternator, starter, battery testing and replacement
Body Electrical:
Lighting, gauges, power accessories, HVAC controls
HVAC:
Heater core, evaporator, blower motor service
Body Panels:
Panel replacement, adjustments, and trim service
Restraint Systems:
Airbag and seatbelt service procedures and precautions
Technical Depth:
Written for professional technicians and advanced DIY owners
Parts Information:
Torque specs, part clearances, and fluid capacities included
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Base Engine:
3.9L V6 (2000 only, MAGNUM V6)
Mid Engine:
4.7L SOHC V8 (introduced 2000)
Larger V8:
5.2L V8 (through 2001)
Top Engine:
5.9L V8 (through 2002)
2003 Options:
3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.9L V8
4.7L V8 Output:
Approximately 235 hp / 295 lb-ft
5.9L V8 Output:
Approximately 245 hp / 335 lb-ft
5.9L Torque Peak:
335 lb-ft at approximately 3,200 rpm
Compression Ratio 5.9L:
Approximately 9.0:1
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded gasoline, 87 octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 gallons
Ignition:
Electronic distributorless or coil-near-plug depending on engine
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (44RE) with 3.9L V6 and 5.2L/5.9L V8
Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (545RFE/45RFE) with 4.7L V8
Manual Option:
N/A - automatic transmissions only for this model
Transmission Type:
Hydraulic automatic with electronic control on 4.7L models
Overdrive:
Yes, on all applications
4WD Transfer Case:
NP231 part-time or NV242/NV247 full-time options
Low Range Ratio:
Approximately 2.72:1
Wheelbase:
Approximately 115.9 inches
Overall Length:
Approximately 193.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 71.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 72.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 8 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,300 to 4,700 lbs depending on drivetrain
GVWR:
Approximately 6,050 lbs
Maximum Towing:
Up to approximately 8,700 lbs properly equipped
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
4-star driver and passenger ratings (typical for this era)
Rollover Rating:
N/A - formal rollover ratings not published for these years
Front Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard
Side Airbags:
Optional side-impact airbags on later years
Seatbelts:
Three-point belts in front and outboard rear positions
Structure:
Body-on-frame with front and rear crumple zones
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock brakes available
Traction Control:
Limited-slip differential option rather than electronic traction control
Brake Distribution:
Rear load-sensing proportioning
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette; CD and premium Infinity systems available
Speakers:
Up to 7 speakers with premium Infinity audio option
Auxiliary Input:
N/A - not offered in this era
Backup Camera:
N/A - not available on this generation
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Driver Assistance Systems:
N/A - no electronic aids offered in this era
Oil and Filter:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Approximately 30,000-60,000 miles depending on engine
Coolant:
Approximately every 30,000 miles or 3 years
Transmission Fluid:
Approximately 30,000 miles under severe service
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (10W-30 acceptable in moderate climates)
Oil Capacity 4.7L:
Approximately 6.0 quarts with filter
Oil Capacity 5.9L:
Approximately 5.0 quarts with filter
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze, 50/50 mix
4.7L Timing:
Timing chain guide wear on higher-mileage engines
Ball Joints:
Front ball joint wear is a common higher-mileage item
Plenum Gasket:
5.2L/5.9L intake manifold plenum gasket leakage
Door Handles:
Exterior door handle breakage reported
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of DaimlerChrysler (formerly Chrysler Corporation)
Platform Origin:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup (DN platform)
First Generation:
1998-2003
2000 Change:
4.7L SOHC V8 introduced, replacing some V8 options
2003 Change:
3.7L V6 replaced the 3.9L V6; 5.2L and earlier 5.9L variants phased
Second Generation:
Introduced for 2004 as a larger, more refined SUV
Assembly Plant:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA