Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Key Competitors:
Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD.
Vehicle Purpose:
Designed for heavy-duty work, towing, hauling, and off-road capability. Known for its robust construction and powerful engine options.
Target Audience:
Dealership service departments, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance personnel, and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, internal components, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery (carburetor/injection), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions, including valve body, torque converter, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, universal joints, differentials, 4WD system components, hubs.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering linkage, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, front and rear brake pads, rotors, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, steering knuckles.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ignition switches.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, chassis, frame inspection and repair.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, controls, refrigerant handling.
Emissions Control:
Emission control systems, catalytic converter, EGR, O2 sensors, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault isolation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustments.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) information, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) definitions and clearing procedures, sensor testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, wear limits, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code:
8.0L V10 (VIN S)
Displacement:
7990 cc (488 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V-shaped, 10 cylinders, 90-degree bank angle
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
4.00 in x 3.88 in (101.6 mm x 98.5 mm)
Horsepower:
308 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pump Pressure:
49-60 psi
Optional Engine 1:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (VIN C)
Diesel Displacement:
5899 cc (359 cubic inches)
Diesel Horsepower:
235 hp @ 2700 rpm
Diesel Torque:
460 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Diesel Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection
Diesel Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Diesel Fuel System:
Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump
Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (47RE)
Torque Converter Lockup:
Electronically controlled
Transfer Case:
New Process NP241DHD (Heavy Duty) with Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) on some models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602), Capacity: 13.1 quarts (12.4 liters)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90, Capacity: 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar TF-97 (or equivalent), Capacity: 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters)
Wheelbase:
134.5 inches (3416 mm) for standard cab, 154.5 inches (3924 mm) for club cab, 164.5 inches (4178 mm) for quad cab
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., approx. 237 inches for standard cab, 8ft bed)
Overall Width:
79.1 inches (2009 mm)
Overall Height:
77.7 inches (1973 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,000 - 7,000 lbs (2722 - 3175 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
9,200 lbs (4173 kg) to 10,200 lbs (4627 kg)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 2,000 - 4,000 lbs (907 - 1814 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,000+ lbs (5897+ kg) depending on configuration and axle ratio.
Bed Length Standard:
8.0 ft (2.44 m)
Bed Length Short:
6.25 ft (1.91 m) - less common on 2500 models
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (4,800-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (synthetic recommended for heavier use).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (4,800-12,000 km) or 6 months, using CJ-4 rated diesel oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, especially in areas with potential fuel contamination.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on towing and load conditions.
Engine Oil Gasoline V10:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific API classification), Capacity: 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or equivalent heavy-duty diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common. Capacity: 10.0 quarts (9.4 liters).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: 26.0 quarts (24.6 liters).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Common Problems V10:
Spark plug blow-out (especially early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, camshaft position sensor failures, oil pressure sensor failures.
Common Problems Diesel:
VP44 injection pump failures (due to low lift pump pressure), injector line leaks, exhaust manifold gasket leaks, turbocharger issues, clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Common Problems General:
Heater core leaks, radiator leaks, AC system failures, front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), caliper piston seize.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line dating back to the 1980s.
Second Generation:
The 2001 model is part of the second generation (BR/BE) Ram trucks, which debuted in 1994. This generation marked a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive styling and improved aerodynamics.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Second Generation Run:
1994-2001