🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Year:

1998

Series:

1500, 2500, 3500

Platform:

BR/BE Ram Pickup

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, known for robust construction and towing/hauling capabilities.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Strong V8 engine options, durable chassis, spacious cab options, and significant towing capacity.

Utility:

Indispensable tool for owners and independent repair shops to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1998 Dodge Ram Truck effectively and economically.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, powertrain control, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, body electrical, HVAC, interior, exterior, frame, emissions control, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, chassis, body repair.

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and scope)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (e.g., PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all engine variants, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, and cooling.

Powertrain Control:

Engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor identification, actuator testing, wiring diagrams, emission control systems, and on-board diagnostics (OBD-II).

Transmission:

Service and repair for automatic (e.g., 46RE, 47RE) and manual transmissions, including hydraulic controls, valve bodies, torque converters, clutches, bands, and gears. Drivetrain components like U-joints, driveshafts, differentials, and axle shafts.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension component service (ball joints, tie rods, control arms, springs, shocks/struts), steering gear repair, power steering system, and alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service (disc and drum), ABS diagnostics and repair, hydraulic components, parking brake system, and brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, component location, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrument panel, power windows, locks, mirrors, and trailer wiring.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning (A/C) system service, heater core replacement, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant charging, and system diagnostics.

Body And Interior:

Door panel removal, seat adjustment/removal, dashboard disassembly, body panel alignment, glass replacement, bumper service, and interior trim components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, and tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete step-by-step instructions for component repair and full system rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and special tool requirements.

Diagnostics:

Detailed guidance on using diagnostic tools (scan tools), reading trouble codes (DTCs), and interpreting sensor data for precise fault identification.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications and tolerances for precision work.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, allowing for quick keyword access to specific procedures and components.

Quality:

Digital format allows for high-resolution viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6.

Horsepower 5 2L:

Approx. 230 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque 5 2L:

Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 5 9L V8:

Approx. 245 hp @ 4000 rpm

Torque 5 9L V8:

Approx. 335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 5 9L Diesel:

Approx. 215 hp @ 2700 rpm

Torque 5 9L Diesel:

Approx. 420 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Injection Type Gasoline:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel fuel

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (NV4500) for some models, particularly diesel and heavy-duty.

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (46RE, 47RE)

Automatic Features:

Electronic overdrive, torque converter lock-up clutch for improved fuel economy.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Regular Cab (134.0 in), Club Cab (164.0 in), Quad Cab (164.0 in for early models, later 164.5 in).

Bed Length Options:

6.5 ft bed, 8.0 ft bed.

Gvwr Range:

Varies by model (e.g., 6,050 lbs to 10,000+ lbs for 3500 series).

Towing Capacity:

Up to 10,000+ lbs depending on configuration (engine, axle ratio, chassis).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

N/A (tests not conducted in the same manner as modern vehicles)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, typically on rear wheels or 4-wheel ABS depending on configuration.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger airbag not typically available on this generation.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, two-point seatbelts for rear occupants in Club/Quad cabs.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

Trailer Connector:

Standard or available trailer wiring harnesses for lighting and brake control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (severe duty may require more frequent service).

Engine Oil 5 2L 5 9L:

API Service SN or SP, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for temperature-dependent viscosity).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API Service CJ-4 or CK-4, SAE 15W-40.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol antifreeze, meeting Chrysler MS-9769 (typically a Mopar OAT coolant).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Manual Nv4500:

NV4500-specific fluid, often GL-4 rated.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Diesel Injector Washers:

Potential failure of injector hold-down clamp washers on the 5.9L Cummins leading to coolant loss into cylinders.

Transmission Governor Pressure:

Symptom of slipping or delayed shifts in automatic transmissions can be governor pressure related.

Dodge Tick:

Characteristic ticking sound from the 5.9L Cummins, often related to valve train noise or exhaust leaks.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Common wear item on higher mileage examples, requiring transmission removal for replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.

Second Generation Ram:

The 1994-2001 generation (second generation) of the Dodge Ram introduced a bold, aggressive styling that significantly differentiated it from competitors and revitalized the brand's truck lineup.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily St. Louis Assembly Plant, Fenton, Missouri, and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While not specific awards for this exact model year, the Dodge Ram generation received positive reviews and was a strong contender in the truck market.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports and other automotive publications generally rated the Dodge Ram as a capable and competitive truck, though sometimes with mixed reviews on reliability compared to some competitors.