Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Design:
Bold, distinctive styling; robust construction; three cab configurations (Regular, Quad Cab, Mega Cab); two bed lengths (6.3 ft, 8 ft)
Powertrain Options:
Renowned for powerful engine choices, including V8 gasoline and Cummins turbodiesel
Capability:
Strong towing and hauling capabilities, available 4x4 drivetrain
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Extensive troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures
Maintenance Coverage:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Repair Coverage:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE, 48RE) and Manual Transmission (NV3500, NV4500) service, overhaul, diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, 4WD system operation and service
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (IFS), rear leaf spring suspension, steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system operation and diagnosis, parking brake system
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, bumpers
Chassis:
Frame, crossmembers, exhaust system mounting
General Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly
Engine Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, torque specifications, piston ring end gap, bearing clearance
Transmission Rebuild:
Automatic and manual transmission component replacement and adjustment
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup and interpretation
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all systems, color-coded and detailed
Depth Level:
Expert-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Data Accuracy:
Factory-level specifications and procedures
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (PZEV Certified in some states)
Engine Option 1 Power:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel
Engine Option 2 Power:
250 hp @ 2900 rpm (later models up to 325 hp)
Engine Option 2 Torque:
460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (later models up to 555 lb-ft)
Engine Option 3:
5.7L HEMI V8 (introduced in 2003 model year)
Engine Option 3 Power:
345 hp @ 5400 rpm
Engine Option 3 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure Common Rail - HPCR) for Cummins
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converters, O2 sensors, EGR (diesel)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (42RE for 4.7L, 45RFE/48RE for 5.7L HEMI and some 4.7L, 44RE for earlier 5.9L V8)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual (NV3500 for lighter duty, NV4500 for heavy duty applications with Cummins)
4X4 System:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic transfer case shift (241DHD)
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (for automatic transmissions), GL-5 gear oil (for manual transmissions)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
134.4 inches (3414 mm)
Wheelbase Quad Cab:
148.9 inches (3782 mm)
Bed Length Standard:
78.0 inches (1981 mm) / 6.5 ft
Bed Length Long:
98.3 inches (2497 mm) / 8 ft
Curb Weight Approx:
4,500 - 6,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
6,000 - 10,500+ lbs (depending on model and configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2002-2004 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for 2002-2004 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Standard front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years, depending on transmission type and usage (consult manual)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (refer to manual)
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on temperature), API Certified (e.g., MS-6395 for 4.7L)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CI-4 or CJ-4 rated 15W-40 synthetic or synthetic blend (for Cummins)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Differential Fluid Front:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant (API GL-5), friction modifier may be required for limited-slip differentials
Differential Fluid Rear:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant (API GL-5), friction modifier may be required for limited-slip differentials
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, front suspension components, brake pads/rotors
Powertrain Specific Issues:
Valve spring issues on early 5.7L HEMI engines, potential injector issues on early Cummins models, radiator leaks
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues with power windows, door locks, or instrument cluster can occur, often related to grounding or connector corrosion
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and powerful trucks, with the Ram nameplate dating back to 1981.
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation Ram (DB/DH/DM) was introduced for the 2002 model year, marking a significant redesign with a larger, more imposing presence and an updated interior.
Key Updates 2002 2004:
2003 saw the introduction of the powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 and the Mega Cab option. The 5.9L Cummins received power upgrades in subsequent years.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
