Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, auto repair shops, truck enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma (though Tacoma launched later), Nissan Hardbody.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Offered V6 engines and available 4WD in a compact package when many competitors only offered 4-cylinders or RWD, providing a strong blend of utility and capability.
Vehicle Strengths:
Strong V6 engine options, available 4WD, robust build quality for its class, competitive towing and payload capacity.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authoritative, OEM-level repair and maintenance information directly from the manufacturer, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all service needs.
Geographical Coverage:
North America (USA, Canada)
Vehicle Variants Covered:
All trim levels, cab configurations (Regular Cab, Club Cab), and drivetrain options (2WD, 4WD)
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count varies based on printing, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECM/PCM)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case (4WD), axles, driveshafts, CV joints
Brakes Suspension Steering:
Brake system (disc/drum, ABS), suspension components (front independent, rear solid axle), steering system, wheels and tires
Electrical Lighting Accessories:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks, wipers, horn, audio system, climate control
Body Chassis Structure:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, chassis frame, corrosion protection
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams for fault finding
Adjustment Procedures:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (manual transmission), idle speed adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Included, highly detailed for all electrical systems.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive coverage of all critical torque values for engine, chassis, and drivetrain components.
Diagnostic Charts:
Provided for common problems and symptoms.
Illustrations Diagrams:
Abundant diagrams, exploded views, and illustrations to clarify procedures.
Format Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchable:
Yes, text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
High resolution, designed for clear printing of text and diagrams.
Digital Format Benefit:
Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual for convenient in-garage use.
Digital File Type:
Digital (PDF), no physical paper type.
Base Engine Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cu in)
Base Engine Cylinders:
4-Cylinder (I4)
Base Engine Horsepower:
Approx. 100-120 hp (varies slightly by specific configuration)
Base Engine Torque:
Approx. 130-140 lb-ft
Optional Engine Displacement:
3.9 Liters (238 cu in)
Optional Engine Cylinders:
6-Cylinder (V6)
Optional Engine Code:
3.9L Magnum
Optional Engine Horsepower:
Approx. 170-175 hp
Optional Engine Torque:
Approx. 220-225 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based system depending on engine variant.
Engine Cooling:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator, fan, and coolant reservoir.
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR valve, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag G360 or similar)
Optional Transmission Type:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (A500/40RH) or 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (A518/46RH) depending on engine and GVWR.
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with manual or automatic hubs/transfer case.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific fluid types (e.g., ATF+3 for automatics, gear oil for manuals and transfer case).
Wheelbase Short Bed:
Approx. 112 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
Approx. 124 inches
Bed Lengths:
Standard (approx. 6 ft) and Long (approx. 7.5 ft)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically 3,400 - 4,000 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Ranges from approximately 4,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs depending on configuration and payload package.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Limited official ratings available for this era; primarily rely on manufacturer safety features.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional on rear wheels or all four wheels.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (3-point front, 2-point center), reinforced cab structure, crumple zones (basic implementation).
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, engine temperature, oil pressure. Warning lamps for critical systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models.
Anti Lock Brakes ABS:
Available, typically on rear wheels for 2WD, or all four for 4WD.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on power accessories and basic vehicle functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or as specified in the Owner's Manual (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on spark plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatics, or as specified.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, u-joints, brake wear components, exhaust systems.
Engine V6 Specific:
Potential for intake manifold gasket leaks in Magnum V6 engines, though less common in the early 3.9L compared to later iterations.
Transmission Automatic:
Earlier automatic transmissions may exhibit wear, requiring fluid changes and potential internal component service.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on grounds, aging wiring harnesses, and failing relays can cause intermittent electrical faults.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of building robust and capable trucks, including the Ram series, establishing a reputation for durability and power.
First Generation Debut:
Introduced for the 1987 model year, marking Dodge's entry into the compact pickup truck market.
1993 Model Year Updates:
Minor styling updates may have occurred, but the core design remained from the 1987 introduction. Focus on engine refinement and powertrain options.
Manufacturing Location:
Likely Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.
Production Years:
1987-1996 (First Generation)