🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Model Line:

1500, 2500, 3500

Year:

1995

Platform Code:

BR/BE (Second Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Work trucks, commercial use, towing and hauling, general consumers seeking ruggedness and capability.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350), Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (C/K series).

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

Robust, durable, powerful, utilitarian, often with a distinctive 'bold' styling.

Manual Utility:

Provides the necessary technical information to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle effectively, reducing reliance on expensive dealer services.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service and repair for all systems of the 1995 Dodge Ram 1500-3500.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, often exceeding 1000 pages for comprehensive factory service manuals.

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, troubleshooting, overhaul, specific engine variants (5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 8.0L Magnum V10, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel).

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel delivery, fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel tank, evaporative emission control (EVAP), diagnosis.

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, hoses, diagnosis.

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, diagnosis.

Engine Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, emissions control.

Engine Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, oil specifications, oil pressure diagnosis.

Transmission Automatic:

42RE (RWD), 44RE (4WD), 47RE (Diesel/HD) transmission overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications, torque converter.

Transmission Manual:

NV3500 (5-speed), NV4500 (5-speed Diesel/HD) transmission overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain Transfer Case:

NP231 (part-time 4WD), NP241HD (heavy-duty part-time 4WD), NP243 (full-time 4WD) service, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain Axles Differentials:

Front and rear axle assembly, differential service, fluid specifications, axle ratios.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), rear disc brakes (optional on some models), ABS system (optional), brake fluid specifications, bleed procedures, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul.

Steering System:

Power steering system, steering gear/box, tie rods, ball joints, power steering fluid specifications, diagnosis.

Suspension System:

Front independent suspension (twin I-beam), rear solid axle with leaf springs, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, diagnosis.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery specifications, testing procedures.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, starter solenoid, ignition switch, testing and diagnosis.

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb specifications.

Electrical System Wiring Diagrams:

Complete wiring schematics for all major systems (engine control, lighting, HVAC, power windows, etc.).

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim.

Body Interior:

Dashboard removal, seat removal, interior trim panels, headliner, floor coverings, HVAC controls.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning (A/C) system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant specifications.

Safety Features ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components, sensors, control module, diagnosis.

Safety Features Airbags:

Airbag system components, sensors, control module, precautions for handling.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, lubrication, battery checks.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for all common and uncommon issues, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code interpretation.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and adjustment of all vehicle systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Complete engine and transmission rebuilding instructions, including specifications for machining and assembly.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

In-depth guidance on diagnosing electrical faults using wiring diagrams and test equipment.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components.

Depth Of Coverage:

Full factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans or digitally created text for clear readability and printability.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine Option:

5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8

Mid Engine Option:

5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8

Heavy Duty Gas Engine Option:

8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10

Diesel Engine Option:

5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (ISB designation)

5.2L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 230 hp @ 4,000 rpm

5.2L V8 Torque:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm

5.9L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 230 hp @ 4,000 rpm

5.9L V8 Torque:

Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

8.0L V10 Horsepower:

Approx. 300 hp @ 4,000 rpm

8.0L V10 Torque:

Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

5.9L Cummins Horsepower:

Approx. 175-215 hp @ 2,500 rpm (depending on application)

5.9L Cummins Torque:

Approx. 420-460 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm (depending on application)

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Bosch VE rotary injection pump for 5.9L Cummins.

Recommended Fuel Gasoline:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Fuel Diesel:

API Service CD or CE Diesel Fuel (or equivalent) meeting ASTM D975.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Light Duty:

NV3500 5-speed manual (RWD/4WD)

Optional Transmission Light Duty:

42RE 4-speed automatic (RWD)

Optional Transmission Hd Gas:

44RE 4-speed automatic (4WD)

Optional Transmission Diesel Hd:

47RE 4-speed automatic (Diesel/HD models)

Optional Transmission Diesel Manual:

NV4500 5-speed manual (Diesel/HD models)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler Specification MS-9229) or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent, e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5) for NV3500; NV4500 typically requires SAE 5W-30 synthetic or 10W-30 synthetic.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 2Wd Std Cab:

118.8 inches

Wheelbase 4Wd Std Cab:

118.8 inches

Wheelbase 2Wd Club Cab:

134.8 inches

Wheelbase 4Wd Club Cab:

134.8 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,300 - 6,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Ranges from 6,050 lbs (1500) to 10,000+ lbs (3500 Diesel).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

NHTSA ratings vary by year and specific test, generally considered robust for its era. Frontal impact tests were common. Side impact testing and specific ratings for this generation are less consistently available in digital format.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels or all four wheels.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger-side airbag became optional or standard later in the generation.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with height adjusters for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.

Speaker Systems:

Standard speaker configurations, optional premium sound systems on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

OBD Ii Standard:

Compliant with OBD-II standards for emissions and diagnostic troubleshooting, using the 16-pin diagnostic connector.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000 miles for conventional oil, 5,000-7,500 miles for synthetic oil (consult manual for exact recommendation based on engine and oil type).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as specified in the manual, particularly under heavy use.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:

Recommended inspection every 30,000 miles, change every 60,000 - 100,000 miles.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles, or every 2-3 years, using the correct Mopar coolant or equivalent.

Spark Plug Replacement Gas Engines:

Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Specification Gas:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual based on ambient temperature). API Service SJ or SL rated.

Engine Oil Specification Diesel:

API Service CD/CE or CF-4, SAE 15W-40 for most conditions. Consult manual for specific Cummins requirements.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Radiator Cracks:

Early models experienced radiator tank cracking, especially the plastic end tanks.

Transmission Cooler Lines:

Leaking transmission cooler lines were a common issue.

Interior Heater Core Leaks:

Heater core leaks leading to coolant smell inside the cabin.

Cylinder Head Gasket Issues:

Some reports of cylinder head gasket failures on the Magnum V8 engines, particularly under heavy towing or overheating.

Dodge Ram Towing Capacity Issues:

While rated for high towing, ensure proper maintenance of transmission, brakes, and cooling system for consistent heavy-duty performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing capable and durable trucks, establishing a strong presence in the pickup market.

Second Generation Ram:

The 1994-2001 second-generation Dodge Ram marked a significant redesign with a bold, distinctive styling and improved powertrains, including the introduction of the V10 and enhanced Cummins diesel.

Key Improvements Over Previous Gen:

New chassis, updated engine options (Magnum V8s, V10, Cummins), improved aerodynamics, and a more modern interior. The 'Big Rig' styling became an iconic element.

Production Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Magazine Awards:

While specific awards for the 1995 model year are less cataloged digitally, the Dodge Ram trucks of this generation were often praised for their bold styling and powerful engine options, particularly the Cummins diesel, which earned a strong reputation in the trucking community.