🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck 1500, 2500, 3500

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Ram (later Ram Truck) series has historically been a dominant player in the full-size pickup truck market, known for its robust construction, towing capacity, and broad range of configurations.

Competitive Analysis:

Competes directly with heavyweights like the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. The 2500 and 3500 models specifically target the commercial and heavy-duty towing/hauling segments.

Key Features:

Renowned for its Hemi V8 and Cummins Turbo Diesel engine options, coil-spring rear suspension (on many models for improved ride quality), and a wide array of trims and capability packages.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides professional-grade information essential for owners who perform their own maintenance, independent repair shops, and anyone needing in-depth technical knowledge of the Dodge Ram truck.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Included:

Yes

All Engines Included:

Yes

Geographic Coverage:

North America (typical for Dodge Ram)

Coverage Scope:

Complete repair, maintenance, and diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

Varies significantly by generation and specific model year; typically 2,000+ pages for a comprehensive manual

Manual Type:

Official Factory Service Manual (likely a compilation of OEM workshop manuals)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All Gasoline and Diesel engines, including diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and component specifications.

Transmission:

Automatic and Manual Transmissions, transfer cases, drivelines, including repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic, ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), parking brake systems. Includes component testing, replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension, steering systems, alignment specifications, component replacement, and troubleshooting.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification, lighting systems, starting and charging systems, power distribution, body control modules (BCM), engine control modules (ECM), and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling, component diagnosis, and repair.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, interior trim, bumpers, and associated hardware. Includes repair and replacement procedures.

Chassis:

Frame, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system, and emissions control systems.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid flushes, filter replacements, brake inspections, tire rotations.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, and DTC interpretation for various systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all components and systems.

Diagnostics:

Extensive diagnostic information, including use of scan tools, live data interpretation, and component testing.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, and diagnostic parameters.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electronic diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable by text due to PDF format.

Print Quality:

High-resolution images and diagrams, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

The manual will cover a wide range of engines depending on the specific generation it covers. Common options include: 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L Hemi V8, 6.4L Hemi V8 (for 2500/3500), and the iconic 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel and 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (for 2500/3500).

Horsepower Torque Range:

Varies significantly by engine and year. For instance, a 5.7L Hemi might produce around 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, while a 6.7L Cummins could range from 350-400 hp and 800-1000 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel System Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for gasoline engines; High-pressure common rail (HPCR) injection for diesel engines.

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with engine-driven fan or electric fans.

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors (O2), evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems, Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for diesel models.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Varies by model and year. Likely includes 4-speed, 5-speed, and 6-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., 48RE, 68RFE, 69RFE) and potentially manual transmissions (e.g., NV4500, G56).

Optional Transmission:

Depending on the model year and configuration, could include heavy-duty manual transmissions or different automatic transmission options, and 4WD transfer cases.

Transmission Features:

Tow/haul modes, electronic range select, integrated trailer brake controller compatibility, and robust designs for heavy-duty use.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Specific ATF (e.g., ATF+4, ATF+3) for automatics, manual transmission fluid (MTF) meeting API GL-3 or GL-4 for manuals. Diesel transmissions often use specialized fluids.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Highly variable based on cab configuration (Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab), bed length (short, standard, long), and drive type (2WD/4WD). Lengths can range from ~230 inches to ~260 inches, widths ~79 inches, and heights ~75-80 inches.

Interior Dimensions:

Ample interior space, particularly in Quad and Crew Cab configurations, designed for comfort and utility. Specific legroom, shoulder room, and headroom figures vary by cab type.

Cargo Bed Dimensions:

Available in various bed lengths, commonly 6'4" and 8'0". Payload capacity varies significantly, from ~1,500 lbs for 1500 models to over 5,000 lbs for 3500 models.

Curb Weight:

Typically ranging from 4,500 lbs to over 7,000 lbs depending on configuration and powertrain.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Ranges from approximately 6,000 lbs (1500) to over 10,000-12,000 lbs (2500/3500).

Towing Capacity:

Ranges from ~7,000 lbs for 1500 models to over 20,000 lbs for properly equipped 3500 models (fifth-wheel/gooseneck).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by year and specific model tested. Historically, Ram trucks have achieved good ratings in frontal and side impacts, though rollover resistance can be a factor in pickup trucks.

Active Safety Features:

Available features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control, and available advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking on later models.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags, advanced seatbelt systems, and robust body structure.

Recalls:

The manual may reference common recall campaigns for specific model years. Owners should always check official NHTSA or manufacturer databases for active recalls.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Features can range from basic AM/FM/CD players with auxiliary inputs to advanced Uconnect systems with touchscreens (e.g., 8.4-inch), navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM.

Driver Assistance Systems:

Availability depends on trim level and model year. Includes ParkSense parking assist, ParkView rear backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB ports for device charging and media playback, and available Wi-Fi hotspot functionality on later models.

Powertrain Management Systems:

Sophisticated Engine Control Modules (ECM) and Transmission Control Modules (TCM) manage engine performance, fuel delivery, emissions, and transmission shifting based on numerous sensor inputs.

🔧 Maintenance

Recommended Maintenance Schedule:

The manual will detail recommended intervals for oil changes (e.g., 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for gasoline, 7,500-10,000 miles for diesel), tire rotations, brake inspections, fluid checks, filter replacements (air, fuel, cabin), coolant flushes, and spark plug/glow plug replacements, based on mileage and time.

Engine Oil Specifications:

Commonly requires SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic for gasoline engines. Diesel engines (Cummins) typically require 15W-40 or 5W-40 heavy-duty diesel engine oil meeting specific API CJ-4 or CK-4 classifications.

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula, or equivalent. Diesel models may have specific coolant requirements.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on the specific system.

Common Maintenance Issues:

Potential issues addressed in the manual might include: intermittent electronic module failures, exhaust manifold leaks on Hemi engines, fuel injector issues on older diesel models, EGR cooler failures on newer diesels, and suspension component wear on high-mileage units.

Oil Filter Part Numbers:

Part numbers vary by engine. Example for 5.7L Hemi might be Mopar 68157291AA or equivalent from Wix (57899), Fram (CH10092), etc. Cummins diesel filters are specific to the engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with strength and capability since its introduction in 1981.

Model Evolution:

The Ram truck has undergone several generations of significant redesigns, introducing new powertrains, chassis technologies, and interior features. Key generations include the 'New Gen' (DN) in the early 2000s, the 'DS' generation, and the significant redesign for the current generation (often referred to as the 'DT' or 5th generation) launched in 2019, which saw the Ram Truck brand officially separate from Dodge.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in the United States, with major assembly plants including Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan and Saltillo Truck Assembly in Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

Ram trucks have frequently been recognized by automotive publications and organizations, often winning 'Truck of the Year' awards from sources like MotorTrend, KBB, and others for various model years and configurations.

Consumer Ratings:

Generally receive high marks from consumers for capability, durability, and ride comfort, particularly when equipped with the Cummins diesel or Hemi V8 engines.

Certifications:

The manual will adhere to industry standards for technical documentation, ensuring accuracy and clarity for professional repair and maintenance.