Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, specifications, and maintenance for all gasoline and diesel engines offered during 1987-1996, including V6 and V8 configurations. Covers fuel system, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
Covers manual and automatic transmissions. Includes diagnosis, repair, overhaul procedures, shift linkage adjustments, clutch service, torque converter replacement, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) driveline components. Covers drive axles, CV joints, universal joints, differential service, and propeller shafts.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum). Includes hydraulic system diagnosis, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, parking brake system, and ABS (if equipped).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including independent front suspension (IFS) and solid rear axle. Covers shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering gear, steering linkage, tie rods, and steering column.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system. Includes battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, wipers, horn, and accessory circuits. Detailed wiring diagrams are a key component.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, and frame straightening procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and climate controls.
Body Control Modules:
If applicable for later models within the range, coverage of body control modules and related electronic functions.
Preventive Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules, oil change procedures, filter replacements, tune-up specifications, and fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting charts, diagnostic flowcharts, and symptom-based repair guides for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for major vehicle systems.
Adjustment And Calibration:
Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, transmission shift linkage, steering alignment, and other critical parameters.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools for electrical system troubleshooting. Detailed wiring diagrams for tracing circuits and identifying faults.
Body Repair:
Procedures for dent repair, panel replacement, welding, and rust prevention.
Engine Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing components like head gaskets, intake/exhaust manifolds, water pump, oil pump, timing belt/chain, and engine mounts.
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete instructions for the disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of both manual and automatic transmissions, including torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Suspension Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing control arms, ball joints, tie rods, shock absorbers, struts, and bushings, along with procedures for wheel alignment.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using common diagnostic tools such as multimeters, pressure gauges, and specialized engine timing tools.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive listing of torque specifications for critical fasteners across all major mechanical and body components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed and accurate wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles (4,800-12,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on engine, oil type, and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs typically every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on type; distributor cap/rotor and wires as needed or at higher mileages.
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity grades vary by engine and temperature. Common recommendations include 5W-30, 10W-30, and 10W-40. Specific API service classification required (e.g., SF, SG).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Automatic Transmissions: ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler spec fluids). Manual Transmissions: Gear oil (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5) with specified viscosity. Transfer Case (4WD): Specific gear oil.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (green type) mixed with distilled water, typically a 50/50 solution.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on specific system requirements.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust systems, brake components, and U-joints due to typical truck usage.
Engine Specifics:
Some 4-cylinder engines could be prone to head gasket issues under heavy use. The 3.9L and 5.2L V8s are generally robust but require regular maintenance. Ignition system components (spark plugs, wires, distributors) can be a source of misfires.
Transmission Specifics:
Automatic transmissions may experience solenoid issues or wear on clutch packs. Manual transmissions are generally durable but can have clutch wear.
Electrical Common Faults:
Corroded grounds, faulty blower motor resistors, and issues with power window motors or door lock actuators can occur with age.