Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck
Key Selling Points:
Towing capacity, payload capacity, robust powertrain options, heavy-duty construction.
Primary Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing one of Dodge's most capable heavy-duty trucks, ensuring longevity and performance.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, clutch system, driveline, axles, driveshafts, differentials.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear disc/drum, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, wipers and washers, HVAC controls, power distribution, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, electronic control modules (ECM, TCM, BCM).
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, chassis frame, collision repair procedures, corrosion prevention.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, belt and hose inspection/replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation and balancing.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation and clearing, component testing, fuel system diagnosis, ignition system diagnosis, electrical system diagnosis.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, transmission overhaul and rebuilding, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, driveline component repair, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve adjustments, parking brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, alignment specifications and adjustments.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, diagnostic procedures, and wiring diagrams.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Engine Options:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in), 8.0L V10 Magnum (488 cu in), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.9L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 245-250 hp (varies by year)
5.9L V8 Torque:
Approx. 330-345 lb-ft (varies by year)
8.0L V10 Horsepower:
Approx. 300-310 hp (varies by year)
8.0L V10 Torque:
Approx. 450-455 lb-ft (varies by year)
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
Approx. 215-235 hp (varies by year and configuration)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 420-460 lb-ft (varies by year and configuration)
5.9L V8 Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
8.0L V10 Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
5.9L Cummins Fuel System:
High-pressure common rail direct injection (later years), rotary injection pump (earlier years)
Oil Capacity 5.9L V8:
5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter (check manual for exact spec)
Oil Type 5.9L V8:
API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact spec)
Oil Capacity 8.0L V10:
7 quarts (6.6 L) with filter (check manual for exact spec)
Oil Type 8.0L V10:
API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for exact spec)
Oil Capacity 5.9L Cummins:
10 quarts (9.5 L) with filter (check manual for exact spec)
Oil Type 5.9L Cummins:
API CH-4 or CG-4, SAE 15W-40 (check manual for exact spec)
Standard Transmission Offering:
5-speed manual (NV4500 heavy-duty transmission for Cummins and V10, possibly Getrag for V8)
Optional Transmission Offering:
4-speed automatic (47RE for Cummins/V10, 46RE for V8)
Transmission Features:
Overdrive gear, electronic control for automatics, provision for 4WD transfer case.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (or equivalent) for 47RE/46RE (check manual for exact spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on transmission model, check manual)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab (later years)
Wheelbase Options:
Multiple, including 134.5" (3416mm), 154.5" (3924mm), 166.5" (4229mm), 179.5" (4559mm) (depending on cab and bed configuration)
Gvwr Range:
Over 9,000 lbs up to 11,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 5,500 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating:
Typically 4-star for driver and passenger (check specific year/model for exact ratings)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Varies; generally good for its class, but data may be limited for this era.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models, Trailer Brake Controller (optional).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags, three-point seat belts, reinforced safety cage construction.
Infotainment Features:
Base audio systems (AM/FM, cassette, CD player), optional premium audio systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (standard), cruise control, trailer brake controller (optional).
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions and entertainment. No integrated Bluetooth or advanced smartphone connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine, driving conditions, and oil type (Cummins diesel may have longer intervals, check manual)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
30,000-100,000 miles for automatic transmissions (depending on use, check manual); Manual transmissions typically checked at 30,000 miles and fluid replaced as needed or at higher mileage intervals.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 5 years/100,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles (check manual for specific coolant type/interval)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolant (check manual for specific requirement)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Common Issues V8 Engines:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor issues, spark plug ejection (early 5.9L V8), oil filter housing leaks.
Common Issues V10 Engines:
Spark plug ejection, ignition coil issues, intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common Issues Cummins Diesel:
Lift pump failure, injector issues (especially in later models with common rail), injector O-ring leaks, water pump leaks, crankshaft sensor failures, exhaust manifold cracking (less common in this era).
Common Issues Transmission:
Overdrive band failure in automatic transmissions (47RE/46RE), wear in manual transmission synchros, clutch wear.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, steering stabilizer issues, worn control arm bushings, track bar issues.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with heavy-duty work.
Third Gen Ram Introduction:
The third generation of the Ram pickup was introduced for the 1994 model year, with the 3500 series representing the heavy-duty offering. The 1998-2001 models fall within this generation, featuring significant updates and engine options.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Saltillo, Mexico
