Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Key Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra
Strengths 2005 Model:
Powerful HEMI engine option, robust towing capacity, comfortable ride for a truck
Engine Options:
3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.7L HEMI V8
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab, Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
Short bed (6'3"), Long bed (8'0")
Engine:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (45RFE/48RE), 6-speed Manual (NV3500)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Suspension:
Front independent suspension, Rear solid axle
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear disc (ABS optional)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, tailgate
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Recalibration:
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) calibration, steering angle sensor calibration
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems
Torque Specifications:
Complete list of all fastener torque values
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific procedures
Transmission Standard:
45RFE 4-speed Automatic (V6 and 4.7L V8)
Transmission Optional 1:
48RE 4-speed Automatic (5.7L HEMI V8)
Transmission Optional 2:
NV3500 6-speed Manual (some 3.7L V6 models)
Overdrive:
Yes (all automatic transmissions)
Transfer Case:
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system (NV244)
Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Type Manual:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
130.5 inches
Wheelbase Club Cab:
140.5 inches
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
140.5 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
227.7 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
247.7 inches
Width Excluding Mirrors:
79.1 inches
Curb Weight Range:
4,700 - 5,500 lbs (approx.)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,500 lbs (approx., varies by configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 8,950 lbs (approx., varies by configuration)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions; refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar: MO-090 or equivalent
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.7L/4.7L: 100,000 miles; 5.7L HEMI: 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact types)
Engine Oil Type 3.7L/4.7L:
SAE 5W-20 (API certified)
Engine Oil Type 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20 (API certified with Chrysler approval)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:
7.0 quarts (6.6 L)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-Year/100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent)
Common Issue 1:
Death Wobble (steering/suspension components) requiring inspection and potential replacement of ball joints, tie rods, track bar, and steering stabilizer.
Common Issue 2:
Water pump leaks (especially on HEMI engines) often necessitating replacement.
Common Issue 3:
Interior electronic module failures (e.g., power window regulators, power seat modules).
Common Issue 4:
Heater core leaks can cause cabin fogging and coolant loss.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Ram Generation:
Third Generation Ram (2002-2008)
2005 Updates:
Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine with Multi-Displacement System (MDS), updated interior and exterior styling, improved aerodynamics.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA