Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Key Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options (including HEMI and Cummins), towing capacity, traditional truck utility.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Design:
Bold styling, large grille, aggressive stance, distinctive Ram's head emblem.
Utility:
Essential for accurate diagnostics, efficient repairs, and preventative maintenance.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engines (e.g., 3.7L Magnum, 4.7L Magnum, 5.7L HEMI, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel).
Transmission:
Automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RLE, 48RE, 47RE) and manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500, NV4500).
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, transfer cases, driveshafts, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, springs, shocks/struts, control arms, steering components.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, body electrical, instrument cluster, Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and operation.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, interior trim, bumpers, chassis components.
Fuel:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes.
Cooling:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant hoses.
Emissions:
Diagnosis and repair of emissions control systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom charts, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system testing and analysis.
Adjustments:
Calibration and adjustment of various systems.
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete procedures for component removal and installation.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and other critical measurements.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and diagnostics.
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel.
3.7L Magnum V6 Hp:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm
3.7L Magnum V6 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
4.7L Magnum V8 Hp:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm (early models), 260 hp @ 5200 rpm (later models)
4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (early models), 325 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (later models)
5.7L Hemi V8 Hp:
345 hp @ 5000 rpm
5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel Hp:
305 hp @ 2900 rpm
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Induction Gasoline:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Induction Diesel:
High-pressure common rail fuel injection system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel fuel.
ECU:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) / Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Automatic Standard:
42RLE 4-speed automatic (with 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8)
Automatic Optional Heavy Duty:
48RE 4-speed automatic (with 5.7L HEMI and 5.9L Cummins)
Manual Standard:
NV3500 5-speed manual (with 3.7L V6)
Manual Optional Heavy Duty:
NV4500 5-speed manual (with 5.9L Cummins)
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive.
4X4 System:
Electronic shift transfer case (2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low) on most models.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6-12 months with synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid:
Check every 15,000 miles, change typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (varies by transmission type and usage).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Spark Plugs Gasoline:
3.7L/4.7L V8: 100,000 miles (iridium), 5.7L HEMI: 100,000 miles (specific iridium plugs).
Engine Oil 3.7L/4.7L:
SAE 5W-30, API certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395.
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 (some early models may spec 5W-30).
Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:
CJ-4 rated heavy-duty diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended.
Transmission Fluid 42Rle/48Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602).
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or Mopar transfer case fluid.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Common Issues Gasoline Engines:
Head gasket leaks (4.7L V8), intake manifold gasket leaks, spark plug blowouts (early 5.7L HEMI).
Common Issues Diesel Engine:
Injectors, lift pump issues (less common on 2004 than earlier models), fuel supply issues.
Common Issues Transmission:
Torque converter shudder (48RE), planetary gear set failure (42RLE).
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links due to vehicle weight and usage.
Common Issues Electrical:
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures, blower motor resistor failures.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line establishing itself as a significant player in the market.
Third Generation:
The 2004 Ram is part of the third generation (2002-2008), characterized by a major redesign featuring a distinctive, bold exterior and a significantly upgraded interior.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly, Michigan, USA.