Vehicle Class:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Owners and professional technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for Dodge Ram trucks.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Value Proposition:
Offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, enabling cost savings and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.
Manual Scope:
Covers all aspects of vehicle service and repair, distinguishing it from owner's manuals or simplified repair guides.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engines, including internal components, fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., NV4500, NV5600, G56, 45RFE, 48RE, 47RE), transfer cases, drivelines, and associated components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic lines, and components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (solid front axle, independent front suspension on some models), steering system, shocks, struts, springs, and alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and body control modules.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, and chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, including components, refrigerant handling, and troubleshooting.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, and inspections.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components and systems.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon problems.
Rebuild:
Complete engine, transmission, and axle rebuild procedures with specifications.
Diagnostics Procedures:
Specific diagnostic steps for various systems, including electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic parameters.
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.7L Magnum V6 (1500), 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (2500/3500).
Horsepower Range:
170-345 hp (depending on engine and year).
Torque Range:
225-610 lb-ft (depending on engine and year).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for gasoline engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for Cummins diesel.
5.9L Cummins:
ISB (Interim Stage B)
5.7L Hemi:
EPE, EPD, EPG (depending on year and specific configuration)
Manual Transmission Options:
NV4500 (5-speed), NV5600 (6-speed) for HD models, G56 (6-speed) for later years.
Automatic Transmission Options:
45RFE (4-speed), 48RE (4-speed), 47RE (4-speed).
Transfer Case:
Manual or electronic shift transfer cases (e.g., NP241DHD, NV271D, NV273D).
Wheelbase Options:
Approx. 134.7" (1500 Regular Cab), 140.5" (1500 Quad Cab), 140.5" (2500/3500 Regular Cab), 160.5" (2500/3500 Quad Cab), 178.0" (2500/3500 Long Bed).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (4-door), various bed lengths (e.g., 6.3 ft, 8.0 ft).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges vary significantly by model (e.g., 6,000 lbs for 1500 to over 10,000 lbs for 3500 DRW).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Acceptable (for 2003-2006 models).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2003-2006 models).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for most models).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Available on some models/trims.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available side curtain airbags on later models.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to owner's manual for specific engine).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 - 15,000 miles or 6-12 months depending on severe/normal use and oil type (refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and usage).
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on engine and climate, e.g., 5.7L HEMI often uses 5W-20).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 rated 15W-40 diesel engine oil, or 5W-40 synthetic for extreme cold.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (MS-9602).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Manual transmission fluid (e.g., NV4500/NV5600 typically use GL-3/GL-4 rated gear oil).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 5/150 formula, often referred to as HOAT (Hybrid OAT) in this era. Typically a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Common Issues:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (HEMI), death wobble (solid front axle), transmission issues (various), fuel pump failures, ABS sensor failures, rust on body panels.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Third Generation Ram:
Introduced in 2002 (for the 2002 model year), this generation featured a significant redesign with a bolder exterior and improved interior comfort and functionality.
Engine Introductions:
The 5.7L HEMI V8 was a major addition for the 2003 model year, offering significantly more power and torque.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico.
