Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Vehicle Reputation:
Known for robust chassis, powerful engine options, and towing/hauling capabilities.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1998-2001 Dodge Ram Truck effectively, saving time and money on dealership service.
Coverage Summary:
Complete factory service and repair information for the 1998-2001 Dodge Ram Truck.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds of pages (exact number varies based on specific vehicle configurations covered).
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (Printable)
Powertrain:
Engine (Gasoline & Diesel), Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4x2, 4x4).
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS, non-ABS), Wheels, Tires.
Electrical:
Power Distribution, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), HVAC Controls, Power Accessories.
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Glass, Bumpers, Tailgate.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and repair for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostic procedures and component-level repairs.
Engine Displacement 1:
3.9L (239 ci) Magnum V6
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 175-180 hp
Torque 1:
Approx. 225-230 lb-ft
Engine Displacement 2:
5.2L (318 ci) Magnum V8
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 230-235 hp
Torque 2:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft
Engine Displacement 3:
5.9L (360 ci) Magnum V8
Horsepower 3:
Approx. 245-250 hp
Torque 3:
Approx. 330-335 lb-ft
Engine Displacement Diesel:
5.9L (359 ci) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (OHC)
Horsepower Diesel:
Approx. 215-235 hp (depending on year and specific model)
Torque Diesel:
Approx. 420-460 lb-ft (depending on year and specific model)
Fuel Delivery Gas:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) - Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Bosch VP44 Rotary Injection Pump (common rail system for later models, but VP44 common in this range).
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT) or equivalent with ethylene glycol base. Refer to manual for specific type and capacity.
Transmission Type Gas:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE, 46RE)
Transmission Type Gas Manual:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500, NV4500 HD)
Transmission Type Diesel:
4-Speed Automatic (47RE) or 5-Speed Manual (NV4500 HD).
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9224) or equivalent. Consult manual for exact type and capacity.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil. Consult manual for viscosity and capacity.
Wheelbase Options:
134.4 inches (Standard Cab), 160.8 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab).
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 6,500 lbs (depending on configuration).
Towing Capacity:
Up to 8,700 lbs (maximum, depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration).
Payload Capacity:
Up to 2,500 lbs (maximum, depending on configuration).
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Driver: 4 stars, Passenger: 4 stars (1998-1999 models, may vary by year).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on certain trims.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) available on some models, especially later years.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts (standard cab), three-point rear seatbelts (Club/Quad Cab).
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual recommendations based on usage.
Engine Oil Gas:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, refer to manual). API Service Category: SJ or higher.
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4 rated synthetic or semi-synthetic diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common. Refer to manual for specific Cummins recommendation.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 15-18 quarts (depending on engine and radiator size).
Gas Engine Issues:
Oil filter gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, plenum gasket failures (on early 5.2/5.9 Magnum), occasional distributor issues.
Diesel Engine Issues:
Lift pump failures (VP44 era), injector issues, potential for main bearing wear on high-mileage units, exhaust manifold cracking.
Transmission Issues:
Overdrive clutch failure in automatics, clutch wear in manuals, torque converter issues.
Chassis And Body Issues:
Frame rust, especially in northern climates, ball joint wear, brake component wear, fuel tank strap corrosion.
Electrical Issues:
Instrument cluster failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window/lock failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Second Generation Ram:
The second generation Ram (1994-2001) introduced a radical 'big rig' styling and significant mechanical updates, including the popular Magnum V8 engines and the Cummins turbodiesel option.
Second Facelift Updates:
The 1998-2001 models represent the second facelift of the second generation, bringing interior and exterior refinements, powertrain updates (especially for the diesel), and enhanced safety features.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo Truck Assembly (Mexico) and Warren Truck Assembly (Michigan, USA).
