Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, positioned as a robust and capable workhorse and personal vehicle.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K series (Silverado/Sierra), GMC Sierra.
Powertrain Options:
Renowned Magnum V8 engines and the legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel offer strong performance and durability.
Build Quality:
Known for rugged construction and long-term reliability, especially the diesel models.
Capability:
Class-leading towing and payload capacities, especially in 2500 and 3500 configurations.
Coverage Overview:
Comprehensive service, repair, and workshop information for all Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured in 1995.
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 (estimated based on typical factory manuals for this era and scope)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine:
V8 Magnum 5.2L (318 ci), V8 Magnum 5.9L (360 ci), L6 Cummins Turbo Diesel 5.9L (359 ci)
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (46RH, 47RH), 5-speed Manual (NV4500)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems (NV235 transfer case)
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear drum (ABS availability varies by trim/model)
Suspension:
Front: Independent front suspension (IFS) with torsion bars (1500) or solid front axle (2500/3500), Rear: Leaf springs
Steering:
Power-assisted recirculating ball
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, instrument cluster, body controls, power accessories
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation and service
Fuel:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, vapor management
Cooling:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, cooling system maintenance
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems, fault code diagnosis (OBD-I)
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Overhaul:
Detailed overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic charts, component testing procedures
Calibration:
Wheel alignment specifications, basic sensor calibration where applicable
Depth:
Full factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine 1 Displacement:
5.2L (318 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
V8, OHV, Magnum
Engine 1 Horsepower:
~230 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
~295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.9L (360 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8, OHV, Magnum
Engine 2 Horsepower:
~230 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
~330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.9L (359 cubic inches) Turbo Diesel
Engine 3 Configuration:
Inline-6, OHV, Cummins Turbo Diesel
Engine 3 Horsepower:
~160 hp @ 2500 rpm (early 12-valve)
Engine 3 Torque:
~400 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm (early 12-valve)
Engine Management:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for V8s, Mechanical Injection Pump for Diesel.
Fuel Delivery V8:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (for V8s), Diesel Fuel (for Turbo Diesel)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
~20-34 gallons depending on configuration
Transmission 1 Type:
4-speed Automatic (46RH / 47RH)
Transmission 1 Provider:
Chrysler (46RH/47RH)
Transmission 2 Type:
5-speed Manual (NV4500)
Transmission 2 Provider:
New Venture Gear (NV4500)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+3 (for automatic), GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (for manual, specific weight varies)
Clutch Type Manual:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate (for NV4500)
Wheelbase:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 131" for regular cab, short bed; 164.5" for crew cab, long bed)
Overall Length:
Varies significantly with configuration
Overall Width:
~79.1 inches
Overall Height:
Varies by configuration, generally ~75 inches+
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,500 - 6,500 lbs depending on configuration and powertrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges from 6,050 lbs (1500) to 9,750 lbs (3500)
NHTSA Ratings 1995:
Likely not rated under current comprehensive NHTSA standards; focus on individual component safety.
ABS:
Available on some models, typically rear-wheel anti-lock (RWAL).
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Gauges:
Standard analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature, and oil pressure. Some models may have more basic instrumentation.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (diesel engine oil filters are typically larger and oil changes are more frequent than gasoline engines).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatics, 60,000-100,000 miles for manuals (refer to manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for conventional coolant.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4, SAE 15W-40 recommended (heavy-duty diesel engine oil).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Common on both gasoline and diesel engines, especially as mileage increases.
Automatic Transmission Overheating:
Can occur under heavy load; ensuring proper cooler operation and fluid levels is crucial.
Front Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and torsion bar bushings can wear on 1500 models due to IFS.
Diesel Glow Plugs:
Can fail over time, affecting cold starting performance.
Radiator And Water Pump:
Leaking or failing components are common maintenance items.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century.
Second Gen Ram:
The 1995 model is part of the second generation Ram, introduced in late 1993. This generation featured a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and stylish appearance, improved interior comfort, and the introduction of the highly regarded Cummins Turbo Diesel option.
Engine Introduction:
The Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel became a hallmark of the Ram lineup, known for its durability and torque.
Manufacturing Location:
Various Chrysler Corporation plants in North America.
