Vehicle Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, known for its ruggedness, towing capability, and powerful engine options.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Third Generation Ram:
Distinctive bold styling, comfortable interior, and a range of robust powertrain options, including the highly regarded HEMI V8.
Diy Support:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, reducing reliance on dealerships and saving costs.
Diagnostic Accuracy:
Provides accurate diagnostic procedures and specifications crucial for efficient troubleshooting.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (Hemi 5.7L, Magnum 5.9L V8, Magnum 4.7L V8), fuel and exhaust systems, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (4-speed 45RFE, 48RE) and manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500, G56) repair, overhaul, and diagnostics.
Drivetrain Systems:
Front and rear axles, transfer case (NV244, NV273), driveshafts, differentials, U-joints.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, coil springs, shocks, control arms), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake systems (disc, drum), ABS, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical Systems:
Complete electrical schematics, battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, frame, bumpers.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, exhaust system repair, fuel system servicing.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling major components and systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting flowcharts, and fault isolation procedures.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for engine, transmission, ABS, and other electronic control modules using OBD-II protocols.
Rebuild Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and assembly instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Engine Options:
5.7L V8 HEMI (P/N P5007022), 4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum.
Hemi 5.7L Output:
Approx. 345-360 hp, 375-395 lb-ft torque (varies slightly by application).
4.7L Magnum Output:
Approx. 235-260 hp, 295-325 lb-ft torque.
5.9L Magnum Output:
Approx. 245-250 hp, 335-345 lb-ft torque.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Recommended Fuel:
87 octane unleaded gasoline (check manual for specific octane requirements).
Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 synthetic or synthetic blend (refer to owner's manual or manual for exact specification).
Oil Type 4.7L 5.9L:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual or manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT - Organic Acid Technology) - typically pink or orange.
Standard Transmission:
NV3500 5-speed manual (light-duty), NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy-duty on 2500/3500).
Optional Transmission:
45RFE/48RE 4-speed automatic transmission.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Overdrive, torque converter lock-up.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and type (e.g., GL-5 gear oil).
Wheelbase Options:
Various wheelbases available depending on cab configuration (e.g., 134.7", 140.5", 160.5").
Cab Configurations:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (4-door).
Bed Length Options:
6'4" (short bed), 8'0" (long bed).
Gvwr Range:
Varies significantly by model and configuration (e.g., 6,300 lbs to 12,000+ lbs for 3500).
Curb Weight Range:
Varies by configuration, typically 4,500 lbs - 7,000+ lbs.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Good (for driver and passenger in frontal crash tests where applicable).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable to Good (depending on specific test year and configuration).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available on some configurations.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; HEMI often uses longer-life plugs (e.g., 100,000 miles), Magnum engines may require earlier replacement (refer to manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (refer to manual).
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual (often a specific ATF or gear oil).
Common Problems Hemi:
Valve spring issues (on early 5.7L HEMIs), oil sludge, occasional oil pump failures.
Common Problems Magnum:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (4.7L), EGR valve issues, distributorless ignition system (DIS) problems on some models.
Transmission Issues:
Overdrive solenoid issues, torque converter shudder in automatics.
Front End Issues:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering damper failure, front suspension component wear.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line dating back to 1981.
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation (2002-2008) represented a significant redesign with a more modern interior and chassis, and the introduction of the HEMI V8.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily assembled in North America (e.g., Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico).
