🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 2500 Series

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

BR Series (Second Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for work, towing, and hauling applications.

Target Audience:

Commercial operators, fleet managers, towing enthusiasts, and individuals requiring robust truck capabilities.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD / GMC Sierra HD.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on durability, power, towing capacity, and ruggedness, reflecting the 'Ram Tough' branding.

Body Style:

Available in various configurations including Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab), and Quad Cab (crew cab), with different bed lengths (e.g., 8 ft standard bed).

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete service and repair for Dodge Ram 2500 Series trucks.

Specific Systems:

Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical, HVAC, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Body, Emissions.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1000-1500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era).

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Detailed information on engine overhaul, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case, and axles.

Chassis And Suspension:

Comprehensive coverage of front and rear suspension systems, steering gear, wheel alignment, braking system (including ABS), and driveline components.

Electrical And Diagnostics:

Extensive electrical schematics, component locations, diagnostic procedures for sensors, actuators, engine control modules (ECM), body control modules (BCM), and interior/exterior lighting.

Body And HVAC:

Information on body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seat mechanisms, and a detailed breakdown of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilding, transmission overhauling, brake component replacement, suspension upgrades, and bodywork repairs.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Specifications And Torque Values:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, fluid capacities, wear tolerances, and electrical specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostic routines and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (assuming a well-digitized original manual).

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text, replicating original factory manual quality.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci)

Engine 1 Fuel Type:

Gasoline

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approximately 230 hp @ 4000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approximately 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (359 ci)

Engine 2 Fuel Type:

Diesel

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approximately 160 hp @ 2500 rpm (Intercooled versions may vary)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approximately 400 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm (Intercooled versions may vary)

Gasoline Engine System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Engine System:

Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump

ECM:

Various ECMs depending on engine and transmission (e.g., NGC for gas, Cummins ECM for diesel).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Gas:

4-speed Automatic (A500/A518)

Transmission Manual:

5-speed Manual (NV4500 is common on diesel, NP435 or AX15 on gasoline models).

Transmission Diesel:

4-speed Automatic (A518/47RH - electronically controlled overdrive) or 5-speed Manual (NV4500).

Transfer Case:

NV241DHD (heavy-duty part-time, manual or electric shift) or NV271D (full-time for certain diesel models).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (MS-7176) or equivalent (check specific transmission).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific NV4500 or NP435/AX15).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

134.7 inches (Standard Cab 8ft Bed), 154.7 inches (Club Cab 8ft Bed), 164.7 inches (Quad Cab 8ft Bed).

Length:

Varies by configuration (e.g., approx. 231 inches for Standard Cab 8ft Bed).

Curb Weight:

Starts around 5,500 lbs and goes up depending on configuration and engine.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically ranges from 8,800 lbs to 10,000 lbs or higher for the 2500 series.

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 14,000+ lbs (depending on configuration, axle ratio, and engine - especially Cummins diesel).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA in a format directly comparable to modern standards; focus was on structural integrity for heavy duty use.

IIHS Crash Tests:

Limited data available for this era, but designed with substantial body-on-frame construction for durability.

ABS:

Standard on rear wheels, optional on all four wheels for many configurations. Antilock Braking System.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger airbag may be optional or standard depending on trim and build date.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts, lap belts for rear occupants in extended/crew cabs.

Frame:

Heavy-duty C-channel steel frame designed for high torsional rigidity and load-bearing capacity.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player integration. Speaker configurations vary by cab style.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls. Optional automatic climate control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, electronically controlled.

Towing Features:

Factory trailer brake controller wiring harness often present as pre-wiring. Towing mirrors available.

Diagnostics Port:

OBD-I connector, typically located under the dash. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures and possibly specific scanner tool requirements for this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Gasoline: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months. Diesel: Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (using appropriate diesel oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on operating conditions.

Spark Plugs Replacement:

Gasoline: Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Check condition, typically every 50,000-100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for ambient temperature range). Capacity approx. 5 quarts.

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CD/CE or CF-4, SAE 15W-40 (heavy-duty diesel oil). Capacity approx. 10-12 quarts.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar brand or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769 (for diesel) or MS-7170 (for gas).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Issues Gasoline:

Spark plug blowout (especially early 5.9L Magnum), distributor less ignition system components, occasional PCM failures, exhaust manifold cracks.

Common Issues Diesel:

VP44 injection pump failures (later models, less common on '95), injector line issues, lift pump failures (common in later years, but '95 uses a different system), potential for cracked cylinder heads on very early non-intercooled versions.

Common Issues Chassis:

Wear on ball joints and tie rod ends, potential for rear axle seal leaks, rust on body panels and frame rails in corrosive climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, evolving from civilian versions of military vehicles to purpose-built workhorses.

Second Generation Ram:

The 1995 model is part of the second generation (BR/BE) Ram, introduced in 1994. This generation marked a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive styling, and the introduction of the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine across more of the lineup.

Key Updates 1995:

Minor refinements and potential updates to engine options or features compared to the 1994 launch model.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA (Ram truck assembly plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Diesel Engine Recognition:

The 5.9L Cummins inline-six diesel engine from this era is highly regarded for its durability, reliability, and torque output, often praised by automotive publications and owners.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered a highly reliable platform, especially with the Cummins diesel, known for longevity when properly maintained.