Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, heavy-duty capability
Target Audience:
Owners, fleet managers, professional mechanics, DIY enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (though Tundra arrived later in the decade)
Design:
Second generation Ram design, characterized by its aggressive styling, large grille, and prominent 'Ram' hood ornament
Engine Options:
Robust V8 and inline-6 engines, known for their power and towing capability
Durability:
Built for work and heavy-duty applications, reflecting Dodge's reputation for robust trucks
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, can be printed)
Completeness:
Comprehensive, covering all details for repair, maintenance, and rebuilding
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, starting and charging system
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (46RE, 47RE), transfer case (NV241, NV243, NV244)
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, universal joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front suspension (solid beam axle with leaf springs or optional torsion bars for 4WD), rear suspension (solid beam axle with leaf springs)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering linkage
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) for certain configurations
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, body control modules, Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, audio system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilds
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, tolerances
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring schematics
Depth:
Extensive and detailed, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Searchable:
Likely searchable if a digital PDF
Printable:
Designed to be printed or accessed digitally
Illustrations:
Includes diagrams, schematics, and likely photographic illustrations
Text Clarity:
Professional technical writing with clear language
Physical Manual Binding:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (if printed)
Physical Manual Paper:
Durable paper suitable for workshop environments
Engine Code 1:
5.2L V8 Magnum (318 ci)
Engine Code 2:
5.9L V8 Magnum (360 ci)
Engine Code 3:
8.0L V10 Magnum (488 ci)
Engine Code 4:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (for 2500/3500 models)
Horsepower 5 2L V8:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 5 2L V8:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Horsepower 5 9L V8:
Approx. 245-250 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 5 9L V8:
Approx. 330-335 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Horsepower 8 0L V10:
Approx. 300 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 8 0L V10:
Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm
Horsepower 5 9L Cummins:
Approx. 215 hp @ 2,400 rpm
Torque 5 9L Cummins:
Approx. 420 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Fuel Injection Gasoline:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Injection Diesel:
Bosch inline injection pump
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel fuel (for Cummins)
Transmission Type Gasoline:
4-speed automatic (46RE) or 5-speed manual (NV4500) for gasoline engines
Transmission Type Diesel:
4-speed automatic (47RE) or 5-speed manual (NV4500) for Cummins Diesel
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic or manual shift options (NV241 DHD, NV243, NV244)
Gear Ratios:
Varies by transmission and axle ratio, detailed in manual
Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or equivalent for automatic transmissions, gear oil for manual transmissions and transfer cases (specifics in manual)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Wheelbase Regular Cab Short Bed:
134.9 inches
Wheelbase Regular Cab Long Bed:
154.9 inches
Wheelbase Club Cab Short Bed:
154.9 inches
Wheelbase Club Cab Long Bed:
174.9 inches
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,000 - 6,500 lbs depending on configuration
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 6,000 - 10,000+ lbs depending on model (1500, 2500, 3500)
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Varies by year and configuration, typically 4-star for frontal impacts in earlier models. Specific data for 1996 is often limited.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most configurations
Seatbelts:
Front lap and shoulder belts, rear lap belts for Club Cab
ABS:
Anti-lock braking system available, especially on higher trim levels or 4WD models
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, basic speaker systems.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most trims.
Tow Package Features:
Wiring for trailer brakes, heavier duty cooling, often integrated trailer hitch receiver.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise guidance)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins Diesel (refer to manual for precise guidance)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended for most conditions (check manual for specific viscosity)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4 rated diesel oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, idler/pitman arms (due to heavy-duty use), exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V8s), radiator leaks, water pump failures.
Diesel Specific Issues:
Injector pump issues (VE pump on earlier models), lifting pump failures, turbocharger wear (if equipped with aftermarket turbo).
Electrical Issues:
Instrument cluster failure (pry bar fix), aging wiring harness issues, fuel pump relay failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, evolving from the Power Wagon to modern pickups.
Second Generation Ram:
The 1994-2001 (BE/BR) generation represented a significant redesign, introducing the distinctive 'Big Rig' styling and updated powertrains, including the first generation of the Magnum V8s.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
