🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500 Series

Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Model Generation:

Second Generation (BR/BE Ram Pickup)

Chassis Codes:

BR (2WD), BE (4WD)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck

Key Appeal:

Towing, hauling, durability, capability for commercial and personal heavy-duty use.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD.

Robust Construction:

Renowned for its heavy-duty frame and suspension components, suitable for demanding tasks.

Engine Options:

Offered powerful V8 gasoline and inline-6 diesel engines to handle heavy workloads.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair for Dodge Ram 3500 Series

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, Maintenance, Overhaul, Troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (gasoline & diesel), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emission controls, engine performance diagnostics.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmissions (NV4500), Automatic transmissions (46RE, 47RE, 48RE), Transfer cases (NP241, NP271, NP273), Axles (Dana 60, Dana 70HD, Dana 80), driveshafts, CV joints.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc/drum brakes, ABS system, hydraulic system, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front independent suspension (IFS) for 4x4, Solid front axle for 4x2, Rear leaf spring suspension, Power steering system, Steering linkage.

Electrical Electronic:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wipers, HVAC controls, ECU/PCM diagnostics.

Body Chassis:

Body construction, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, frame, unibody construction (if applicable for specific components), rust prevention.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate controls.

Safety Restraints:

Airbag system, seat belts, body integrity related to safety.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement (oil, fuel, air), fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, tune-up procedures, battery maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (pistons, rods, valves, etc.), transmission overhaul and replacement, brake caliper/rotor/pad replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, ball joints, tie rods), steering gear replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for electrical issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup and interpretation.

Diagnostic Procedures:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, component testing, circuit testing, sensor testing.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, and serious automotive enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR)

Printability:

Printable pages

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Gasoline Engines:

5.2L Magnum V8 (LA variant), 5.9L Magnum V8 (Magnum variant), 8.0L V10 "Viper" V10

Diesel Engine:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (ISB series)

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:

Approx. 215-235 hp (depending on year and trim)

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:

Approx. 420-475 lb-ft (depending on year and trim)

8.0L V10 Viper Horsepower:

Approx. 300-310 hp

8.0L V10 Viper Torque:

Approx. 450-455 lb-ft

Diesel Fuel System:

Bosch VP44 Injection Pump, High-Pressure Common Rail (later variants)

Gasoline Fuel System:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Cooling System Capacity:

Approx. 18-23 quarts (varies by engine)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Gas:

5-Speed Manual (NV4500)

Standard Transmission Diesel:

5-Speed Manual (NV4500)

Optional Transmission Gas:

4-Speed Automatic (46RE, 47RE, 48RE)

Optional Transmission Diesel:

4-Speed Automatic (46RE, 47RE, 48RE)

Nv4500 Gear Ratios First:

5.61:1 (typical)

47Re Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Transfer Case Options:

New Process NP241DLD (part-time 4WD), NP271D (manual shift 4WD), NP273D (electric shift 4WD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

134.5" (Regular Cab), 154.5" (Club Cab), 164.5" (Crew Cab)

Bed Length Options:

8.0 ft (standard), 9.25 ft (Mega Cab - later 2002+ model, but applicable chassis)

Gvwr Range:

9600 lbs to 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 6,000 - 7,500 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 13,000 lbs (when properly equipped)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star (based on contemporary testing for similar vehicles)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel, with rear-wheel ABS optional on some trims)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM stereo, CD player, cassette player (optional on some models).

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control.

Towing Features:

Integrated trailer brake controller wiring provisions (may require aftermarket installation), trailer tow mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months (using high-quality diesel-specific oil)

Fuel Filter Diesel:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (crucial for VP44 pump longevity)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and usage)

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity)

Engine Oil Diesel 5.9L Cummins:

API CI-4 or CH-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 (preferred for Cummins)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based (Chrysler HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), typically Mopar HOAT Antifreeze/Coolant

Diesel Injection Pump:

VP44 injection pump failures are a known weak point in early models, often related to lift pump failure and fuel pressure issues.

Automatic Transmission:

Overdrive unit failure, torque converter issues in automatic transmissions, especially under heavy load.

Front Suspension 4X4:

Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering stabilizer on 4x4 models due to heavy use and weight.

Frame Corrosion:

Potential for frame rust in areas with road salt, especially around rear axle and crossmembers.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line evolving significantly over the decades.

Second Generation Ram:

The 1994-2001 generation introduced significant styling changes and powertrain updates, including the introduction of the potent Cummins diesel option in heavier duty models.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis Assembly Plant, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Cummins Engine Reputation:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is widely regarded as one of the most robust and reliable diesel engines ever put in a pickup truck.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Generally positive for its core capabilities, though minor electrical gremlins and specific powertrain weak points were noted by owners.