Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, heavy-duty work truck
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Series
Vehicle Focus:
Robust construction, towing and hauling capability, V8 engine options
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform a wide range of repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service Repair
Model Variant Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Full Workshop Manual)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Delivery Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine diagnosis, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel systems (carbureted and injected)
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, electronic engine controls (ECU), sensors, actuators
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions (e.g., A500, NV4500, Getrag)
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., A500, A518)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, universal joints, rear axle assemblies, differential service, four-wheel drive system service
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering gear, power steering, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS system (if equipped)
Electrical Body:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, chassis lubrication, frame inspection
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, differential rebuilds, suspension component replacement
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, timing adjustments, brake adjustments
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full component overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Options:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6, 5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 5.9L (360 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel (D250/D350)
Horsepower Range:
Varies by engine, typically 150-230 HP for gasoline V8s, ~160 HP for Cummins Diesel
Torque Range:
Varies by engine, typically 250-350 lb-ft for gasoline V8s, ~400 lb-ft for Cummins Diesel
Gasoline Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for Magnum engines
Diesel Fuel System:
Mechanical Diesel Injection (inline injection pump)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based ignition depending on specific engine and option packages
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with engine-driven fan or fan clutch
Standard Transmission Gasoline:
4-speed Automatic (A500/A518), 5-speed Manual (Getrag G360)
Standard Transmission Diesel:
5-speed Manual (Getrag G360), 4-speed Automatic (A518 with diesel calibration)
Optional Transmission:
NV4500 5-speed manual (later models), Heavy-duty automatic transmissions
Transmission Fluid Gasoline:
ATF+3 or equivalent for automatic transmissions (check specific manual for exact spec)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5 (check specific manual)
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Part-time Four-Wheel Drive)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (Standard), 8 ft (Long Bed)
Gvwr:
Ranges from approximately 6,000 lbs to over 10,000 lbs depending on model (D150, D250, D350) and configuration
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly based on configuration, typically 4,000 - 6,000 lbs
NHTSA Ratings:
Not readily available for this era of trucks in detailed online formats; manual will provide specific safety system information.
Braking System:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes; optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels for some models
Restraints:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts for front occupants)
Chassis Construction:
Body-on-frame construction for durability and load-carrying capacity
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim and cab type.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltmeter. Warning lights for various systems.
ABS:
Rear-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an option on some models, primarily affecting rear wheel braking.
Factory Connectivity:
Limited to factory-installed radio features; no advanced telematics or Bluetooth connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months for conventional oil; consult manual for synthetic oil and specific engine recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs and filters typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on engine and component type.
Transmission Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles; manual transmission fluid service as needed or at higher mileage intervals.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Diesel:
CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, viscosity typically 15W-40 (check manual for specific Cummins recommendations)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Mopar coolant recommendations should be followed.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
U-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, water pump, radiator, alternator, starter motor, fuel pumps (especially in older EFI systems)
Diesel Specific Issues:
Potential for injector pump issues, turbocharger wear (with high mileage), and exhaust manifold cracking on older Cummins engines.
Body Corrosion:
Rust can be a concern on body panels, frame rails, and cab corners, especially in areas with road salt.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, building on the legacy of Dodge Power Wagon and earlier Ram models.
Third Generation Ram:
The 1989-1993 generation (BR/BE) represented a significant redesign for the Ram, featuring a more aerodynamic and modern appearance, improved interiors, and the introduction of the Magnum engine line and the Cummins Turbo Diesel option.
Manufacturing Plant:
Various Chrysler Corporation plants in North America (specific locations may vary).
Cummins Diesel Recognition:
The optional Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel engine in these trucks gained a strong reputation for durability, longevity, and torque, often cited as a key selling point.
Truck Of The Year:
While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for these exact years might vary, the third-generation Ram was generally well-received for its redesign and the introduction of the Cummins engine.
