Positioning:
The Dodge Ram series in the early 2000s was a dominant force in the full-size pickup truck market, known for its robust build, powerful engine options (especially the HEMI and Cummins), and towing/hauling capabilities. This era represented a significant redesign and technological advancement for the Ram.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series (F-150, Super Duty), Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Vehicle Features:
Distinctive crosshair grille, strong chassis, various engine choices catering to different needs (work, performance), available Quad Cab and Mega Cab configurations offering increased passenger space.
Utility:
Essential for owners performing DIY maintenance, professional mechanics, and restoration projects. Provides the detailed technical information required to correctly diagnose, repair, and maintain these vehicles.
Engine:
3.7L V6 Magnum, 4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.7L V8 HEMI, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Transmission:
NV3500 Manual, 42RLE Automatic, 45RFE/545RFE Automatic, NV4500 Manual (Diesel), NV5600 Manual (Diesel)
Drivetrain:
4x2, 4x4, Transfer Case, Axles (Front/Rear), Differentials, Driveshafts
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Disc (most models), Rear Drum (some heavy duty), ABS, Parking Brake
Steering:
Power Steering, Steering Column, Wheel Alignment
Suspension:
Front Independent (IFS) with Torsion Bars, Rear Solid Axle with Leaf Springs
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Cluster, Diagnostics (OBD-II)
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Body:
Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Bed Components, Frame
Exhaust:
Exhaust Manifolds, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Tailpipe
Cooling:
Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat, Coolant Hoses
Fuel:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Filter, Fuel Lines
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Tire Rotation, Brake Pad Inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams
Repair:
Engine Component Replacement, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Installation, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Overhaul:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Differential Rebuild
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, PCM/BCM programming, Sensor testing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Base Engine:
3.7L V6 Magnum
Optional Gas Engine 1:
4.7L V8 Magnum
Optional Gas Engine 2:
5.7L V8 HEMI
Diesel Engine:
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (12-valve and 24-valve variants)
3.7L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 215 hp
3.7L V6 Torque:
Approx. 235 lb-ft
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 300-305 lb-ft
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
Approx. 345-349 hp
5.7L Hemi Torque:
Approx. 375-377 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
Approx. 250-325 hp (depending on year and configuration)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 460-555 lb-ft (depending on year and configuration)
Gasoline Injection:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for 24-valve Cummins, Rotary Injection Pump for 12-valve Cummins
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Coolant
Manual Trans 1500:
NV3500 5-speed Manual
Automatic Trans 2500 3500 Gas:
45RFE/545RFE 4-speed Automatic (heavy duty)
Manual Trans Diesel:
NV4500 5-speed Manual / NV5600 6-speed Manual
Automatic Trans 1500:
42RLE 4-speed Automatic
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual Nv3500:
MS-9224 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Spec Diesel Nv4500:
MS-9224 / GL-3 SAE 75W-90 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Spec Diesel Nv5600:
MS-9224 / GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Wheelbase 1500 Quad Cab:
Approx. 140.5 inches
Wheelbase 2500 3500 Quad Cab:
Approx. 140.5 inches (Standard Bed), 160.5 inches (Long Bed)
Wheelbase Mega Cab:
Approx. 160.5 inches
Bed Length Std:
Approx. 6.3 feet (76.3 inches)
Bed Length Long:
Approx. 8.0 feet (96.3 inches)
Curb Weight 1500 V6:
Starting around 4,700 lbs
Gvwr 2500 Diesel:
Starting around 8,510 lbs
Gcwr 3500 Diesel:
Can exceed 20,000 lbs
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific engine/oil type).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6 months with synthetic diesel oil. Consult manual for severe duty intervals.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (ATF+4 recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific fluid type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years for HOAT coolant.
Engine Oil 3.7L 4.7L:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer recommended)
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (or 5W-30 depending on application, consult manual)
Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:
API CI-4 or CJ-4 SAE 15W-40 (synthetic recommended for optimal performance).
Common Problems:
Heater core leaks (especially in early DR models), death wobble (suspension/steering component wear), intermittent electrical issues, exhaust manifold leaks (HEMI), lift pump failures (Cummins) on early CR models, torque converter issues (automatic transmissions) under heavy use.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing capable and rugged trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving significantly over decades to meet consumer demands for performance, utility, and comfort.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2002-2008 (DR platform) Ram marked a substantial redesign from the previous generation, featuring a bolder, more aggressive exterior design, significantly improved interior comfort and features, and the introduction of the powerful 5.7L HEMI V8. The Mega Cab was also introduced in this generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly was in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.
