Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD
Durability:
Renowned for its robust construction and heavy-duty capabilities, suitable for towing and hauling.
Engine Options:
Offered with powerful gasoline and legendary Cummins turbodiesel engines.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, dealership technicians.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical System, Body, Chassis, Diagnostics, Emissions
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Cooling, Lubrication, Fuel Delivery, Ignition, Emissions Control, Turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Systems:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (48RE, NV4500), Transfer Case, Driveline
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear, ABS)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Starting, Charging, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Distribution, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Seats, Trim, Glass, Bumpers, Exterior Lighting
General Repair:
Component removal and installation, Adjustments, Reassembly
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, Symptom-based diagnosis, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacements
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Option 1:
8.0L V10 Magnum (488 cu. in.)
Engine Option 1 Power:
305 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel (359 cu. in.)
Engine Option 2 Power:
305 hp @ 2800 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (with manual transmission), 555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (with automatic transmission)
Fuel Type V10:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Type Cummins:
Diesel
Injection System Cummins:
Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI)
Transmission Option 1:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual
Transmission Option 2:
48RE 4-Speed Automatic
Transfer Case:
NV271 Manual Shift / NV273 Electronic Shift Transfer Case
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent specification GL-4 rated)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent specification)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
134.1 inches
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
144.2 inches
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
160.3 inches
Bed Length Standard:
8.0 ft
Gvwr Gas:
8,800 - 9,000 lbs (approx.)
Gvwr Diesel:
9,000 - 9,700 lbs (approx.)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 4,170 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,100 lbs (depending on configuration and hitch)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (2004 model year testing)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2004 model year testing)
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, though side airbags were often optional)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard); Optional Side Curtain Airbags for front occupants on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; Three-point rear seat belts in all seating positions.
Oil Change Gas:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using CJ-4 rated diesel engine oil).
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Engine Oil V10:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Cummins:
API CJ-4 SAE 15W-40 (or SAE 5W-40 for colder climates)
Coolant:
Mopar 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent HOAT coolant, typically orange)
Diesel Injector Problems:
Some 5.9L Cummins engines may experience injector issues over time, particularly with higher mileage.
V10 Spark Plugs:
The 8.0L V10 can be prone to spark plug blow-out issues if not properly torqued during replacement.
Transmission Overdrive:
The 48RE automatic transmission can sometimes develop issues with the overdrive circuit.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Reports of rear main seal leaks on both engine types over extended service life.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate dating back to 1981.
Third Generation:
The 2004 model year belongs to the third generation of the Dodge Ram (2002-2008), which introduced a significant redesign with a more aggressive styling and enhanced capabilities.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri (assembly plants for Dodge Ram trucks).
Cumming Diesel:
The 5.9L Cummins engine is widely acclaimed for its durability, reliability, and performance, often considered one of the best diesel engines ever produced for light-duty trucks.
Towing Capability Recognition:
Consistently praised by automotive media for its strong towing and hauling capabilities in its class.
