Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing and hauling capability, available 4WD
Manual Benefits:
Authoritative information for maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, reduces reliance on expensive dealership service, empowers users to perform their own repairs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine fuel, engine cooling, engine lubrication, engine electrical, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control, transmission (automatic & manual), transfer case (4WD models), driveline, axles, final drive
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front & rear), steering system, brake system (front & rear, ABS), wheels, tires
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, roof, seats, cargo area, bumpers
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instruments and gauges, wipers and washers, horn, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), entertainment system, climate control system, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, schematics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, specifications for critical fasteners and clearances
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters, pressure readings, diagnostic data
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and structural repairs.
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-Code)
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp (depending on year/tune)
Engine Option 1 Torque:
Approx. 295-305 lb-ft (depending on year/tune)
Engine Option 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (E-Code)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 345-350 hp (depending on year/tune)
Engine Option 2 Torque:
Approx. 375-380 lb-ft (depending on year/tune)
Engine Option 3:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (ISB, I6)
Engine Option 3 Displacement:
5.9 Liters (359 cubic inches)
Engine Option 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-250 hp (depending on year/tune)
Engine Option 3 Torque:
Approx. 460-505 lb-ft (depending on year/tune)
Gasoline Injection:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)
Cylinder Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum (Magnum V8), Cast Iron (HEMI V8, Cummins Diesel)
Transmission 1500 Gas:
4-speed automatic (42RE, 45RFE/48RE)
Transmission 1500 Gas Manual:
6-speed manual (NV3500)
Transmission 2500 3500 Gas:
4-speed automatic (48RE)
Transmission 2500 3500 Diesel:
5-speed manual (NV5600), 5-speed automatic (47RE/48RE)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (NV243, NV271D)
Wheelbase Std:
134.7 inches (1500)
Wheelbase Long:
154.7 inches (1500), 140.5 inches (2500/3500), 162.1 inches (2500/3500)
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (Regular Cab), 8.0 ft (Standard/Crew Cab)
Curb Weight Range:
4,700 lbs to 7,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvw Range:
6,000 lbs to 13,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
N/A (Typically not rated extensively in this era)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2003-2004 models as 'Dodge Ram 1500')
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Available (Electronic Traction System - ETS)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver & passenger)
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette, optional Infinity speaker system.
Navigation:
Rarely equipped, but could be factory or aftermarket options.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard, typically aftermarket additions.
Usb Ports:
Not available from factory.
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (varies by oil type and driving conditions)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles or 6 months (varies by oil type and driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Interval Auto:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on fluid type and manufacturer recommendation)
Engine Oil Spec Gas:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or equivalent (refer to owner's manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4, SAE 15W-40 (preferred for Cummins)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or Mopar NV243/NV271 specification
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (color may vary, consult manual)
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, wheel bearings, exhaust components, radiator, water pump.
Common Engine Issues:
Valve cover gasket leaks (Magnum V8), intake manifold gasket leaks (HEMI), injector issues (diesel), fuel pump failures, crank position sensor failures.
Common Transmission Issues:
Torque converter shudder, solenoids failure (automatic transmissions), clutch wear (manual transmissions).
Electrical Quirks:
Power window regulators, interior light failures, gauge cluster issues.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
This generation (2002-2008, with a refresh in 2006) introduced significant styling and engineering changes, including the iconic crosshair grille and improved interiors. The 2006 model year saw minor updates and the introduction of the HEMI as more widespread. This manual covers the pre-refresh and early post-refresh period.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
