Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Market:
Commercial users, fleet owners, serious truck enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing and hauling capability
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to maintain, diagnose, and repair their heavy-duty truck effectively, saving on dealership costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (including diagnostics, overhaul, specifications)
Engine Electrical:
Yes (including ignition, fuel injection, sensors, PCM)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (all manual transmissions offered)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (all automatic transmissions offered)
Drivetrain:
Yes (4x4 system, transfer case, differentials, driveshafts)
Suspension:
Yes (front and rear suspension components, steering, alignment)
Brakes:
Yes (hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake, disc/drum components)
Electrical System:
Yes (wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories)
HVAC:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning system)
Body And Interior:
Yes (panels, doors, glass, seats, trim)
Chassis And Frame:
Yes (frame inspection and repair)
Fuel System:
Yes (fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors)
Cooling System:
Yes (radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications)
Exhaust System:
Yes (manifold, catalytic converter, muffler)
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Yes (extensive fault code diagnostics, symptom-based troubleshooting)
Preventive Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication)
Routine Repairs:
Yes (component replacement, adjustments)
Major Overhauls:
Yes (engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls)
Diagnostics:
Yes (step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all systems)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes (troubleshooting using wiring diagrams)
Specifications And Tolerances:
Yes (torque values, clearances, measurements)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (detailed schematics for all circuits)
Component Replacement:
Yes (detailed removal and installation instructions)
Depth:
Full Factory Service Manual Level
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Advanced DIYers
Engine Option 1:
8.0L V10 Triton (Gasoline)
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (I6)
Engine Option 3:
5.9L Magnum V8 (Gasoline - less common in 2500/3500 but possible)
8.0L V10 Horsepower:
305 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L V10 Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
235 hp @ 2400 rpm (standard output)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
460 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (standard output)
8.0L V10 Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
5.9L Cummins Fuel System:
Inline Injection Pump (Bosch VP44 or similar)
Wheelbase Standard Cab 2Wd:
134.9 inches
Wheelbase Mega Cab 4Wd:
154.7 inches
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Gvwr 2500:
Up to 8,800 lbs
Gvwr 3500:
Up to 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight Estimate:
5,500 - 7,000 lbs (varies by configuration)
Infotainment System Type:
Basic AM/FM Radio, CD Player (optional), Cassette Player (optional)
Speaker Configuration:
Standard 4-speaker system, optional premium system
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard, typically not available
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (diesel oil is critical, refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
30,000-60,000 miles (depends on towing and conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
60,000-100,000 miles
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG/SH/SJ or later, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact specs)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CH-4 or CG-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended (refer to manual for exact specs)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv4500:
GL-4 Gear Oil (specific viscosity required, e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) - Orange, 50/50 mix with distilled water
5.9L Cummins Vp44 Pump:
The VP44 injection pump is known for potential failure, often due to low fuel pressure or contamination.
Nv4500 5Th Gear Nut:
The reverse idler gear nut can loosen on early NV4500 transmissions, potentially causing significant damage. The manual will cover inspection and preventative measures.
Front Axle U Joints:
Wear in front axle universal joints can lead to steering looseness and vibration, especially on 4x4 models.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can develop leaks over time.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
Introduced in 1994, the third generation Ram (DB) saw significant updates and refinements. The 2002 model represents a mid-cycle refresh for this generation, often referred to as the '2nd refresh'.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA (specific plant can vary)
