Vehicle Class:
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, tradespeople, fleet owners, serious DIY mechanics
Competitors:
Ford F-250/F-350, Chevrolet/GMC C/K 2500/3500
Robustness:
Renowned for its rugged construction and heavy-duty capabilities
Engine Options:
Choice between the potent 5.9L Magnum V8 and the legendary 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Primary Coverage:
1992 Dodge W350 Service & Repair
Engine Coverage:
5.9L V8 Magnum, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Transmission Coverage:
A518 Automatic, NV4500 Manual
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD, 4WD (Part-time)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)
Engine Mechanical:
Disassembly, inspection, assembly, torque specifications, timing, cooling, lubrication
Engine Fuel System:
Gasoline Injection (MPI), Diesel Injection Pump and Injectors
Engine Ignition System:
Distributor ignition system, spark plugs, coils, timing
Transmission Automatic:
A518: Component identification, hydraulic controls, torque converter, valve body, overhaul procedures
Transmission Manual:
NV4500: Gearbox assembly, clutch, flywheel, overhaul procedures
Drivetrain:
Transfer case (New Process NP205 for 4x4), driveshafts, U-joints, rear axle, front axle (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front: Independent Front Suspension (IFS) with torsion bars; Rear: Leaf springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front: Disc brakes; Rear: Drum brakes. ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components and service
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, frame construction, corrosion protection
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication points, belt inspection
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, illustrated instructions for component removal, repair, and installation
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete overhaul instructions for engines and transmissions
Alignment:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (factory-level detail)
Detail Level:
Includes disassembly, assembly, specifications, and diagnostic information for major components
Gasoline Engine:
5.9L (360 cu in) V8 Magnum
Diesel Engine:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel (12-valve, mechanically injected)
Gasoline Horsepower:
~230 hp @ 4000 rpm
Gasoline Torque:
~330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Diesel Horsepower:
~160-180 hp @ 2500 rpm (varies by rating)
Diesel Torque:
~400-420 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm (varies by rating)
Gasoline Fuel Injection:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel System:
Bosch inline fuel injection pump, mechanical injectors
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant)
Oil Type Gasoline:
API SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temp)
Oil Type Diesel:
API CD or CE, SAE 15W-40 (diesel specific)
Oil Capacity V8:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
Oil Capacity Cummins:
12 Quarts (11.4 Liters) with filter
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (early generations)
Gauges:
Basic analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, oil pressure, coolant temperature. Some may have tachometers.
Power Options:
Optional power windows and door locks on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using diesel-rated oil).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic; Check manual for manual transmission fluid change intervals.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 (or equivalent)
Transfer Case Fluid:
New Process NP205: ATF (Dexron II/III)
Rear Axle Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check differential cover for specific requirements)
Diesel Injection Pump:
Potential for aging seals on the Bosch VE injection pump (common on earlier 12V Cummins).
Frame Rust:
Corrosion, particularly in areas with road salt, can affect frame rails and body mounts.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracks in the exhaust manifold are not uncommon, especially on the Cummins diesel due to thermal cycling.
A518 Transmission:
Early versions could experience issues with the torque converter lock-up clutch or valve body.
Suspension Wear:
Torsion bar front suspension can wear out bushings and ball joints over time.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and reliable trucks, known for their workhorse capabilities.
Ram Trucks:
The 'W' series trucks were part of Dodge's heavy-duty lineup, evolving into the Ram trucks brand starting with the 1994 model year.
Production Era:
The second generation of Dodge trucks (DN platform) ran from 1972 to 1993, with significant updates in 1993. The W350 is part of this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, Missouri; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan