Market Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians working on Dodge Ram 3500 trucks.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Vehicle Strengths:
Renowned for its robust construction, powerful engine options, and towing/hauling capabilities.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing these durable trucks, saving time and money.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engine overhauls, diagnostics, component testing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, overhaul, diagnostics, clutch service, driveline components.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system service, ABS diagnostics and repair, front and rear brake component replacement, fluid specifications.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component repair and replacement, steering system diagnostics, power steering service, alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete electrical schematics, lighting systems, starting and charging systems, instrument cluster, comfort and convenience features, body control modules, wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door and latch mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, frame straightening, collision repair information.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Emissions:
Emission control system components, diagnostics, and specifications.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including component removal and installation.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, diagnostic tool usage.
Rebuilding:
Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including torque specifications and assembly instructions.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Option 1:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci) Gasoline
Engine Option 2:
8.0L Magnum V10 (488 ci) Gasoline
Engine Option 3:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (359 ci)
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4400 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
8.0L Magnum V10 Horsepower:
Approx. 300 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L Magnum V10 Torque:
Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
Approx. 190-230 hp @ 2500-2800 rpm (depending on specific engine code/tune)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 400-460 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (depending on specific engine code/tune)
Gasoline Engines:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Engine:
Rotary injection pump (VE or P7100 depending on sub-model/year for 5.9L Cummins), electronically controlled injection pump (ECI) on later 5.9L models.
Diesel:
5.9L Cummins (Various specific engine codes apply)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500 for most models, especially diesel)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-Speed Automatic (47RH for early 5.9L Cummins, 48RE for later models/gasoline)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic (for Gasoline V8/V10)
Manual Transmission Features:
Heavy-duty construction, integrated overdrive, optional PTO provision (NV4500).
Automatic Transmission Features:
Torque converter lock-up for improved efficiency, electronically controlled shift points (on 48RE).
Wheelbase Options:
135" (Regular Cab), 160" (Club Cab/Quad Cab), 174" (Crew Cab)
Bed Length Options:
8.0 ft (Standard Bed), 9.25 ft (Long Bed)
Gvwr Range:
10,000 lbs to 13,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 5,500 lbs to 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Side Impact:
Refer to specific model year and configuration NHTSA data; generally good for its class, but side airbags were not standard.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels for 2WD, four-wheel ABS available/standard on 4WD models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (SRS).
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, shoulder belts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific recommendations based on oil type and driving conditions).
Oil Change Diesel Cummins:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (using appropriate diesel oil). Cummins recommended 10W-30 synthetic blend or 15W-40.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles, depending on towing and driving conditions. Use ATF+4 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Check manual for specific interval, often around 60,000 miles. Use appropriate gear oil (e.g., NV4500 typically uses GL-4 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG or higher; SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 5W-30 depending on climate (check owner's manual).
Engine Oil Diesel Cummins:
API CH-4 or higher; SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 (synthetic blends or full synthetic recommended for heavy use).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) for later models; consult manual for specific type and capacity. Pre-mixed 50/50 is common.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Lift pump failures (Cummins), fuel sender unit issues, heater core leaks, HVAC blend door actuator problems, front end wear (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust manifold cracks (Cummins), dashboard pad delamination.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, particularly with the Ram line, known for their workhorse reputation.
Second Generation Ram:
This generation (1994-2001) marked a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and modern exterior, introduction of the Magnum V8 and V10 engines, and the popular 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
