🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Model Variant:

1500, 2500, 3500

Production Years Covered:

2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Chassis Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet operators, tradespeople, and consumers seeking robust and versatile work trucks.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.

Key Selling Points:

Powerful engine options (especially Cummins diesel), robust chassis, towing and hauling capability, variety of configurations, distinctive styling.

Truck Design:

Bold styling, prominent grille, high ground clearance, durable construction.

Powertrain Options:

Renowned Cummins turbodiesel for heavy-duty models, powerful V8 gasoline engines.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

4.7L V8 (Magnum), 5.9L V8 (Magnum), 5.7L V8 (HEMI), 5.9L Inline-6 Turbo Diesel (Cummins)

Transmission Variants:

4-speed automatic (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE, 48RE), 5-speed manual (NV3500, NV4500), 6-speed manual (G56)

Drivetrain:

2WD, 4WD

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab)

Trim Levels:

ST, SLT, Laramie, Sport, SXT (and others depending on year)

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (all variants), cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/PCM), torque converter, transmission (all types), transfer case, driveline (axles, driveshafts).

Chassis:

Brake systems (ABS, hydraulic, parking), suspension systems (front and rear), steering system, steering column, power steering.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), gauges and instruments, body control module (BCM), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), infotainment system, trailer wiring.

Body:

Body structural components, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, windows, bumpers, collision repair information, body panel replacement.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics.

Repair Replacement:

Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major and minor components, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component replacement, body panel repair and replacement.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine specifications (bore, stroke, compression ratio), alignment specifications, electrical specifications (voltages, resistance), fluid capacities, specifications for special tools.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to complete engine and transmission overhauls and body restoration).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution (suitable for printing clear diagrams and text)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

4.7L V8 Magnum:

Displacement: 4.7 liters (287 cu in), Configuration: V8, Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection, Horsepower (approx.): 235-245 hp, Torque (approx.): 295-330 lb-ft.

5.9L V8 Magnum:

Displacement: 5.9 liters (360 cu in), Configuration: V8, Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection, Horsepower (approx.): 245-250 hp, Torque (approx.): 345-355 lb-ft.

5.7L V8 Hemi:

Displacement: 5.7 liters (345 cu in), Configuration: V8 (OHV with HEMI head design), Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection, Horsepower (approx.): 345-350 hp, Torque (approx.): 375-380 lb-ft, Features: MDS (Multi-Displacement System) on some models.

5.9L Inline-6 Turbo Diesel (Cummins):

Displacement: 5.9 liters (359 cu in), Configuration: Inline-6, Turbocharged: Yes, Fuel Delivery: Direct Injection (High Pressure Common Rail from 2003 onwards), Horsepower (approx.): 235-325 hp, Torque (approx.): 460-555 lb-ft.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 10,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and engine, especially Cummins)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 3,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and GVWR)

Gasoline Injection:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Injection:

Direct Injection (Rotary Pump for 2001-2002, Common Rail for 2003-2006)

🔧 Transmission

Automatic Transmissions:

42RE (for smaller engines/RWD), 44RE (for larger engines/4WD), 45RFE/48RE (more robust, used with larger engines including HEMI and early Cummins).

Manual Transmissions:

NV3500 (5-speed, for lighter duty), NV4500 (5-speed heavy-duty manual for diesel and some gas), G56 (6-speed manual, introduced for Cummins diesel from 2005.5+).

Transmission Choices:

Wide range of automatic and manual options based on engine and trim level.

Overdrive:

Most automatics are 4-speed with overdrive; manual transmissions offer 5 or 6 speeds.

Transfer Case:

Electronic shift (NV241DHD-E) or manual shift (part-time 4WD systems) depending on model and configuration.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by configuration (e.g., 130.5" for Regular Cab SWB, 140.5" for Quad Cab SWB, 160.5" for Long Bed models).

Length:

Varies by configuration (e.g., 219.1" to 247.8")

Width:

Approx. 79.6 inches

Height:

Approx. 74.5 inches (Varies with trim and suspension)

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,500 - 6,500 lbs (varies significantly with engine, drivetrain, and configuration).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Gvwr):

Ranges from approximately 6,350 lbs for 1500 models to over 11,500 lbs for 3500 models.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for models equipped with side airbags and certain configurations).

NHTSA Side Impact:

4-star front, 4-star rear (with side airbags).

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good (for models tested, though testing protocols evolve).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, optional side curtain airbags (availability varies by year and trim).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point belts for outboard rear occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player, optional Infinity premium audio system, optional Sirius Satellite Radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.

Trailer Tow Package:

Available trailer tow package including hitch receiver, trailer wiring harness, and sometimes integrated trailer brake controller wiring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Gasoline:

Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type used and driving conditions). Consult manual for specific recommendations for synthetic oils.

Oil And Filter Diesel (Cummins):

Every 7,500-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific oil and filter recommendations for Cummins engines).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).

Fuel Filter Gasoline:

Replace every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (check specific engine variant).

Fuel Filter Diesel (Cummins):

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (critical for common rail systems).

Transmission Fluid:

Automatic: Check every 15,000 miles, change fluid and filter every 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect fluid level periodically, change as per manual recommendations.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type).

Engine Oil Gasoline:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature). API certified oil. Consult manual for specific viscosity grades.

Engine Oil Diesel (Cummins):

CJ-4 or CK-4 rated Diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (depending on temperature). Use specifically formulated oils for Cummins engines.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid) is commonly specified for 42RE, 44RE, 45RFE, 48RE transmissions.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Varies by transmission model. Typically SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 synthetic gear oil for NV3500/4500, and specific fluids for G56.

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT or HOAT coolant recommended.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on system requirements. Check manual for exact specification.

Automatic Transmission Problems:

Overdrive issues, solenoid failures, torque converter clutch shudder, particularly with the 45RFE/48RE under heavy use.

Cummins Diesel Issues:

Injector issues (especially on early common rail), VP44 injection pump failures (on pre-2003 models), exhaust manifold cracks, fuel heater issues.

Engine Problems (Gasoline):

Spark plug issues (especially on 5.7L HEMI with early ignition systems), occasional oil leaks, intake manifold gaskets.

Suspension And Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering stabilizer issues, front end shimmy, particularly on models with larger tires.

Electrical Issues:

BCM (Body Control Module) glitches, instrument cluster problems, power window motor failures, sometimes issues with grounding points.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.

Third Generation:

The 2002-2008 generation (DR platform) represented a significant redesign, offering a more modern interior, improved aerodynamics, and new powertrain options like the HEMI V8. This manual covers the initial years of this generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

Sales Figures:

The Ram truck line was consistently a strong seller in the North American pickup truck market during this period.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

The Dodge Ram won MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award multiple times, including for its redesigned third generation.

Cummins Engine Reputation:

The Cummins 5.9L turbodiesel engine is highly regarded for its durability, longevity, and towing capability, often considered a benchmark in its class.