Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for towing, hauling, and demanding work applications.
Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra HD 2500HD/3500HD.
Powertrain Options:
Renowned for robust engine options, including the powerful Cummins turbodiesel and strong HEMI V8s.
Design:
Distinctive Dodge Ram styling with a prominent grille and robust chassis construction.
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, diagnostics, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control systems.
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic (e.g., 48RE, 47RE) and manual transmissions (e.g., NV5600), transfer case operation.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brake service, drum brake service (rear), parking brake system.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical components, trailer wiring.
Body Chassis:
Frame repair, body panel replacement, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, bumpers.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core, blower motor, climate control.
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, catalytic converter, muffler.
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacement (oil, fuel, air), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts for common and uncommon problems, electrical system diagnostics.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and detailed diagnostic procedures.
Content Scope:
Covers routine maintenance, minor repairs, major overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and component replacement.
Engine Options:
5.7L HEMI Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins ISB Turbo Diesel I6, 8.3L V10 Viper.
5.7L Hemi V8 Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 cu. in.)
5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:
Approximately 345 hp @ 5400 rpm
5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:
Approximately 375 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Displacement:
5.9 Liters (359 cu. in.)
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
Approximately 305 hp @ 2800 rpm (with higher output variants available)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approximately 555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (with higher output variants available)
Fuel Delivery Gas:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
High-pressure common rail injection system (for 5.9L Cummins)
Standard Transmission:
May vary by specific configuration, often 6-speed manual (NV5600) for diesel models.
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (48RE for diesel, 47RE for gas)
Transmission Cooling:
Integrated transmission fluid coolers for heavy-duty applications.
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) or manual transfer case options.
Wheelbase:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 134.1" for standard cab, 160.3" for crew cab long bed)
Overall Length:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 229.7" for standard cab)
Overall Width:
Approximately 79.7"
Overall Height:
Approximately 77.7"
Bed Length Options:
8-foot "Long Bed"
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,000 - 7,500 lbs depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Up to 11,500 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,000 lbs (properly equipped)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 4,800 lbs (properly equipped)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not directly rated for heavy-duty trucks in the same manner as light-duty vehicles; emphasis on robust construction.
IIHS Crash Test:
Focus on structural integrity for heavy-duty use; specific ratings may vary.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels, often with trailer brake controller integration.
Traction Control:
Traction control systems available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD audio systems, with available premium sound options. Cassette player still common in base models.
Navigation:
Aftermarket navigation systems or basic trip computers were common; factory navigation was less prevalent.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Trailer Lights Interface:
Integrated wiring harness for trailer lights and electric trailer brake controllers.
Engine Control Module:
ECM (Engine Control Module) manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions for gasoline engines. Similar ECUs for diesel.
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 7,500 miles or 6 months for 5.9L Cummins, using diesel-specific oil.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles for the 5.9L Cummins.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on towing/hauling usage. Manual transmission fluid service intervals are longer.
Engine Oil Gas Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated 15W-40 or 5W-40 diesel engine oil (e.g., Shell Rotella T6).
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for 47RE/48RE transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil for NV5600 (e.g., Red Line MTL).
5.9L Cummins Injector Problems:
Potential issues with injector failure or VP44 injection pump failure on earlier models, though 2004 models generally have improved reliability.
Automatic Transmission Overheating:
47RE/48RE transmissions can be prone to overheating under heavy towing without auxiliary coolers.
Front End Components:
Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering linkage due to the weight and stresses of a heavy-duty truck.
Body Rust:
Common for trucks of this era, particularly in areas with road salt exposure; check frame rails and wheel wells.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks since the 1930s.
Ram Generation:
This 2004 model belongs to the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, characterized by its significant redesign.
Heavy Duty Focus:
The Ram 3500 specifically targets the heavy-duty market, offering enhanced towing and payload capabilities over its 1500 and 2500 counterparts.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Segment Popularity:
The 5.9L Cummins-equipped Ram trucks were highly regarded for their durability and towing prowess, earning a loyal following.
Engine Awards:
The Cummins turbodiesel engine is consistently praised for its longevity and performance in the trucking industry.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings vary by powertrain and specific components; the Cummins diesel generally scores well.