🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2000

Series:

BE Series

Vehicle Platform:

Second Generation Ram (DR)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Primary Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (later models).

Vehicle Appeal:

Renowned for its robust construction, towing capacity, and powerful engine options, catering to both work and personal use.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

Parts Catalog

Specific Systems:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical, HVAC, Body, Interior, Chassis, Emissions

Estimated Pages:

500-800 (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era)

Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Components:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valvetrain, oil pump, water pump, timing components, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers.

Drivetrain Components:

Transmission (manual/automatic), transfer case, drive shafts, universal joints, axles, differentials, CV joints, wheel hubs.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension components (control arms, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shocks), rear suspension components (leaf springs, shocks, control arms for coil spring variants), steering gear, power steering pump, steering column.

Brake System:

Brake rotors, brake pads, brake calipers, wheel cylinders, brake drums, brake shoes, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS components.

Electrical System:

Alternator, starter motor, battery, ignition system components (spark plugs, coils, distributor), lighting components (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, sensors.

HVAC Components:

Air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, climate control panels.

Body Exterior:

Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, tailgate), bumpers, grilles, mirrors, glass, seals, trim pieces, bed liners, tow hitches.

Interior Components:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpets, seat belts, airbags, interior trim, floor mats.

Part Identification:

Detailed diagrams with exploded views and part numbers for every component.

Assembly Disassembly:

Illustrative guidance for the correct order of assembly and disassembly of various vehicle systems.

Interchangeability:

Information regarding part interchangeability between different trim levels or configurations.

Fasteners Specifications:

Details on bolt sizes, thread types, and torque specifications for critical fasteners (often found in conjunction with assembly procedures).

Depth:

Component-level identification and numbering for all serviceable parts.

Application:

Essential for parts ordering, identification, and understanding of vehicle component relationships.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text for efficient part number lookup.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (for heavy-duty variants).

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 230-245 hp (Magnum V8s), 215 hp (Cummins Turbo Diesel)

Torque Range:

Approx. 300-330 lb-ft (Magnum V8s), 420 lb-ft (Cummins Turbo Diesel)

Injection Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, direct injection for diesel.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/150

Oil Type Gasoline:

SAE 5W-30 API certified, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395

Oil Capacity Gasoline:

Approximately 5 quarts (4.7 L) for 5.2L V8, 7 quarts (6.6 L) for 5.9L V8 (with filter)

Oil Type Diesel:

SAE 15W-40 API CI-4 or CH-4, meeting Cummins CES 20071/20076

Oil Capacity Diesel:

Approximately 10 quarts (9.5 L) (with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic (46RE, 47RE), 5-speed manual (NV4500)

Transmission Types:

4-speed automatic (45RFE - later in the generation)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent meeting MS-9602), often specified as Dexron III/Mercon for earlier models.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar NV241 Fluid (specific blend, often a proprietary ATF or light gear oil formulation)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

134.9 inches (standard cab), 164.5 inches (Quad Cab)

Bed Length Options:

6.3 feet (standard bed), 8.0 feet (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,500 - 6,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity Range:

Up to 10,000+ lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not extensively rated by modern standards, but generally considered robust.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on 4-wheel disc brake systems, standard on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts, lap belts for rear passengers.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette and/or CD player, optional premium audio.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Towing Features:

Integrated trailer brake controller wiring harness provisions on some models, factory tow package options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to specific vehicle service manual for exact intervals).

Transmission Service Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for fluid and filter change.

Coolant Change Interval:

Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000-60,000 miles thereafter.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (confirm with vehicle specifics)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4 (verify with service manual)

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, radiator, exhaust system components, fuel pump, transmission solenoids (especially on automatic transmissions).

Diesel Specific Issues:

Fuel injection pump (VP44), lift pump failures, occasional head gasket issues with high mileage or modification.

Gasoline Engine Issues:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (pre-2000 5.2/5.9), distributor less ignition systems can have sensor issues.

Oil Filter Example:

Mopar MO-899 or equivalent like Wix 51515, Fram PH8A

Air Filter Example:

Mopar PA4938 or equivalent like Wix 42776, Fram CA3950

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

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

Second Gen Ram:

The second generation Ram (1994-2001) was a significant redesign, introducing the distinctive 'big rig' styling and offering improved interiors and a wider range of powertrains, including the popular Cummins turbodiesel for heavy-duty models.

Manufacturing Location:

Likely Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Michigan, USA) or St. Louis Assembly Plant (Missouri, USA).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

The Dodge Ram has received various 'Truck of the Year' awards throughout its generations from publications like MotorTrend and Four Wheeler.

Engine Durability:

Magnum V8 engines and the Cummins diesel are generally regarded as very durable and long-lasting.