🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 Truck

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

DR

Vin Digit 8 Engine Code:

N (4.7L V8), X (5.7L V8 - HEMI)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a robust, versatile, and capable workhorse for towing, hauling, and general use.

Key Competitors 2004:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.

Powertrain Options:

Renowned for its powerful V8 engine options, including the popular 5.7L HEMI.

Towing Hauling Capability:

Class-leading towing and payload capacities for its segment.

Durability:

Known for its rugged construction and ability to withstand demanding use.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, cooling.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensors, emissions controls.

Engine Management And Emission Controls:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module), sensors (MAF, MAP, TPS, O2, CKP, CMP), actuators, OBD-II diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Automatic:

42RLE (4-speed automatic), control systems, torque converter, internal components, fluid, filter, seals.

Transmission Manual:

NV3500 (5-speed manual), NV4500 (5-speed heavy duty manual), clutch system, gearbox, driveshaft, U-joints.

Drivetrain:

Rear axle assembly, differential, front axle (4x4 models), CV joints, transfer case (4x4 models).

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic system, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors.

Suspension:

Independent front suspension (IFS), coil springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, control arms, steering knuckles, rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage, wheel alignment specifications.

Wheels And Tires:

Tire sizes, wheel specifications, lug nut torque, tire rotation, balancing.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, horns, wipers, power windows, power locks, charging system.

Body And Frame:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, upholstery, glass, weatherstripping.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, cabin air filter.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, piston and ring replacement, bearing replacement, valve job.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission rebuild, clutch replacement (manual), seal replacement, valve body service, torque converter replacement.

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake caliper service, brake fluid flush, ABS diagnostics and repair.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, control arm bushing replacement, shock/strut replacement, power steering pump/rack replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical circuits, component testing, wiring diagrams, starter/alternator testing and replacement.

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant system leak detection, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor replacement, HVAC control module diagnostics.

Bodywork And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, tailgate repair, bumper replacement, glass replacement, interior trim installation/repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, including scan tool usage, live data interpretation, and specific component testing. Covers OBD-II system.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions with torque specifications, special tool recommendations, and diagrams for most major components and systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Comprehensive procedures for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials, including necessary clearances and specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-the-go use or traditional workshop environments.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and images for clarity.

Physical Format If Printed:

N/A (assuming digital PDF for this product)

Physical Format If Printed:

N/A (assuming digital PDF for this product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EHD

Engine Displacement:

4.7L (285 cu in)

Engine Configuration:

4.7L V8 SOHC Magnum

Horsepower 4.7L:

230 hp @ 4,500 rpm

Torque 4.7L:

295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Engine Code:

EAZ

Engine Displacement:

5.7L (345 cu in)

Engine Configuration:

5.7L V8 OHV HEMI

Horsepower 5.7L:

345 hp @ 5,000 rpm

Torque 5.7L:

375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, higher recommended for HEMI)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (NV3500)

Heavy Duty Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (NV4500) on select heavy-duty configurations

Overdrive Gears:

3rd and 4th gear in automatic; 5th gear in manual

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

130.2 inches (3307 mm)

Wheelbase Long:

140.5 inches (3569 mm) (Quad Cab)

Overall Length:

Approx. 220-230 inches (5588-5842 mm) depending on cab/bed configuration

Width:

Approx. 79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Height:

Approx. 73.4-75.8 inches (1864-1925 mm)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (1.92 m) standard, 8.0 ft (2.44 m) long bed

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,600 - 5,200 lbs (2087 - 2359 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

6,500 - 8,500 lbs (2948 - 3856 kg) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 stars (2004 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 stars (2004 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5 stars (2004 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5 stars (2004 model year)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (2004 model year, structure: Good)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems with subwoofer.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear park assist system

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions often available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (severe duty) or 6,000 miles (normal duty) with synthetic oil, or per Owner's Manual recommendation (typically 3,000-7,500 miles).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:

Typically around 100,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval).

Spark Plug Replacement 5.7L Hemi:

Typically around 100,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on towing and heavy use. Filter should be replaced.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or as specified by coolant type.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40 (depending on climate and load, refer to manual for exact specification)

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L Hemi:

Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler)

Common Issues 4.7L:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially on early models), occasional intake manifold gasket leaks, camshaft position sensor failures.

Common Issues 5.7L Hemi:

Valve spring failures (on early HEMI engines), exhaust manifold cracks, lifter issues (Multi-Displacement System related, though less prevalent on 2004).

Transmission Issues:

42RLE: Occasional solenoid pack failures, torque converter shudder. NV3500/NV4500: Generally robust, but clutch wear is normal.

Suspension And Steering:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links. Power steering pump leaks can occur.

Electrical:

Blend door actuator failures in HVAC system, power window motor failures, intermittent wiper issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and reliable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram brand, spun off from Dodge in 2009, built upon this strong truck foundation.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2004 model year belongs to the third generation of the Dodge Ram pickup truck (2002-2008), characterized by its distinctive aggressive styling, updated interior, and introduction of the HEMI V8 engine.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

While not specific to the 2004 model year, the Ram platform has historically been recognized in automotive awards, reflecting its strong market presence and capabilities.