Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, positioned for commercial use, towing, hauling, and off-road capability.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD/GMC Sierra HD, and similar heavy-duty trucks from other manufacturers.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Robust construction, strong V8 engine options, high towing and payload capacities, four-wheel-drive capability, durable chassis and suspension, straightforward mechanical design.
Manual Benefit:
Provides owners and technicians with the precise information needed for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, reducing guesswork and ensuring correct procedures are followed.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, overhaul), fuel system (carburetion/injection, pumps, filters), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control systems.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmissions (NV4500, Getrag), Automatic transmissions (46RE, 47RE, 48RE), Transfer cases (NV241HD, NV243, NV244), Clutches, drive shafts, axles, differentials, CV joints.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems (front disc, rear drum/disc), ABS, parking brake, brake fluid specifications, troubleshooting, component replacement (calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, wheel cylinders).
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (twin I-beam, independent front suspension on some models), rear suspension (leaf springs), shocks, springs, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), gauges, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, horn, trailer wiring harness, fuses, relays, basic diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Body Chassis:
Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, glass, seals, bumpers, rust prevention, corrosion control, chassis lubrication.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-up procedures, lubrication, tire rotation, brake inspection, battery maintenance.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem identification and resolution strategies.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Use of diagnostic tools (OBD-I/OBD-II, though mostly OBD-I for early years), reading trouble codes, pinpoint tests for electrical systems, testing of sensors and actuators.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair.
Engine Options:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8 (360 V8), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (24-valve), 8.0L (488 cu in) V10 Magnum V10.
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 V8) Power:
Approx. 245-250 hp @ 4800-5200 rpm; Approx. 345-350 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Power:
Approx. 215-235 hp @ 2400-2600 rpm; Approx. 420-460 lb-ft @ 1600-2000 rpm
8.0L V10 Magnum Power:
Approx. 300-310 hp @ 4000-4400 rpm; Approx. 450-455 lb-ft @ 2400-3200 rpm
5.9L V8/V10 Fuel System:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
5.9L Cummins Fuel System:
Bosch VE or VP44 Rotary Injection Pump (depending on exact year and sub-model), Turbocharged
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 16.7 quarts (15.8 L) for V8/V10; Approx. 22.5 quarts (21.3 L) for Diesel (check manual for exact specification).
Standard Transmission Type:
Varies by configuration, but often a 4-speed automatic (46RE/47RE/48RE) or 5-speed manual (NV4500).
Optional Transmission Type:
Opposite of standard; manual or automatic as available.
Transfer Case Options:
New Process NV241HD (manual shift), NV243 (electronic shift), NV244 (full-time 4WD).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on transmission and ambient temperature, e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-140).
Wheelbase Options:
Regular Cab: 134.5 inches (3416 mm); Club Cab: 147.3 inches (3741 mm); Quad Cab (introduced later): 164.5 inches (4178 mm).
Bed Length Options:
8-foot (standard), 6-foot (short bed on some configurations).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 6,000 - 7,500 lbs (2722 - 3402 kg), depending on engine, cab, and drivetrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically ranges from 8,800 lbs to 9,600 lbs (3992 - 4354 kg) or higher for certain configurations.
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Information for this era typically focused on frontal impact, but detailed ratings are less consistently available compared to modern vehicles. Consult specific government databases if available.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard on front wheels, optional on rear wheels, or full 4-wheel ABS depending on configuration and year.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard from late 1998/1999 model years).
Seat Belts:
Three-point active seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles for gasoline engines, 5,000-7,500 miles for diesel engines (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Consult manual for exact recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatics, depending on towing and load usage. Manual transmissions typically have longer intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years for conventional coolant; longer for OAT coolants if applicable.
Engine Oil Specification:
Gasoline: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SJ or higher). Diesel: SAE 15W-40 (API CH-4 or CI-4 for Cummins).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Ram Issues 1998-2001:
Cummins: VP44 injection pump failures (due to loss of lubrication from fuel), injector line leaks, exhaust manifold cracks. Gasoline: Plausible fuel pump issues, distributor cap/rotor wear, intake manifold gasket leaks. General: HVAC blend door actuator failures, body rust (especially on rockers and cab corners), front end component wear (ball joints, tie rods).
Oil Filter Example:
Mopar: MO-090 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH8A, Wix 51515) - specific number varies by engine.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, often emphasizing strength and utility.
Second Gen Ram Introduction:
The second generation Ram (BR/BE) was introduced for the 1994 model year, featuring a distinctive aerodynamic design and improved interiors. Significant updates occurred throughout its production run, including the introduction of the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel and the 8.0L V10 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
