Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Target Audience:
Owners performing DIY maintenance, independent repair shops, dealerships
Value Proposition:
Enables comprehensive understanding and execution of all service and repair tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions, engine control systems
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch, driveline
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, multiplex systems
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, frame structure
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Restraints:
Airbag systems and related components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom analysis
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair procedures for all major systems
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, wiring diagrams, circuit testing
Rebuild:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, component specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds
Engine 1:
2.5L Magnum L4 (42A)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2499 cc (2.5 Liters)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
120 hp @ 5200 rpm (estimated, varies slightly by source)
Engine 1 Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (estimated, varies slightly by source)
Engine 2:
3.9L Magnum V6 (318 Magnum)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3906 cc (3.9 Liters)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm (estimated, varies slightly by source)
Engine 2 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (estimated, varies slightly by source)
Engine 3:
4.7L Magnum V8 (287 Magnum)
Engine 3 Displacement:
4701 cc (4.7 Liters)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm (estimated, varies slightly by source)
Engine 3 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (estimated, varies slightly by source)
Compression Ratio 3.9L:
8.7:1 (typical)
Compression Ratio 4.7L:
8.7:1 (typical)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or waste spark (depending on engine)
Transmission Standard L4:
5-speed manual (NV3500)
Transmission Standard V6 3.9L:
5-speed manual (NV3500)
Transmission Optional V6 3.9L:
4-speed automatic (42RE)
Transmission Optional V8 4.7L:
5-speed automatic (45RFE)
Drive Layout:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
New Process (NP) 231 (or similar) part-time 4WD system
Wheelbase Short Bed:
111.7 inches (2837 mm)
Wheelbase Long Bed:
124.7 inches (3167 mm)
Overall Length Short Bed:
191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Overall Length Long Bed:
204.1 inches (5184 mm)
Curb Weight Estimate:
Approximately 3,700 - 4,500 lbs (1678 - 2041 kg), depending on configuration
Towing Capacity Estimate:
Up to 6,000 lbs (2722 kg), depending on engine and configuration
Payload Capacity Estimate:
Up to 1,700 lbs (771 kg), depending on configuration
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Estimate:
3-star rating (typical for trucks of this era, specific year data may vary)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some base configurations
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound system available on higher trims.
User Interface:
Basic analog gauges, physical buttons and knobs for climate and audio control.
Cruise Control:
Available, typically as an option or on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard for this model year; aftermarket solutions may exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement V6 V8:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs.
Engine Oil Spec 2.5L 3.9L:
API SN or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Spec 4.7L:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent (e.g., Pentofrost G12).
Transmission Fluid Auto 42Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Auto 45Rfe:
ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602)
Common Problems:
Ignition coil failures (especially older DIS systems), rear main seal leaks (especially on V8), minor electrical gremlins, potential for rust on frame and body panels in certain climates.
Dodge Trucks Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.
First Generation:
1998-2004 (The AN platform Dakota was introduced for the 1998 model year, representing a significant redesign over its predecessor.)
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
