🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 Series

Model Years Covered:

1996, 1997

Vehicle Type:

Full-Size Pickup Truck

Chassis Code:

BR/BE

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, popular for work, towing, and personal use

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing capability, available 4x4, versatile platform

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving time and money

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Content Focus:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis

Transmission Manual:

NV3500, NV4500 manual transmission service and repair

Transmission Automatic:

42RE, 44RE, 47RE automatic transmission service and repair, including hydraulic system and torque converter

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, U-joints, axle shafts, differentials (front and rear), transfer case (4x4 models)

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf spring), steering components, shock absorbers, springs

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components and diagnosis, parking brake

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering linkage, steering gear/rack and pinion

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, horn, wipers, power accessories

Body And Frame:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair

Body Electronics:

Instrument cluster, dashboard controls, body control module (BCM) functions

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all mechanical and electrical components

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for easy tracing and diagnosis

Specification Charts:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures utilizing OBD-II scan tools and troubleshooting flowcharts

Repair Complexity:

Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls

Information Source:

Official factory service information, providing the most accurate and complete data

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for on-the-go reference

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics

Binding Type:

Digital (N/A for PDF)

Paper Type:

Digital (N/A for PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

5.2L (318 cu in)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Magnum V8, OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder

Engine 1 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

5.9L (360 cu in)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Magnum V8, OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder

Engine 2 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Displacement:

3.9L (239 cu in)

Engine 3 Configuration:

Magnum V6, OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder

Engine 3 Horsepower:

175 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500) - common on V6 and 5.2L V8 models

Optional Transmission Type 1:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE) - common on V6 and 5.2L V8 models

Optional Transmission Type 2:

4-Speed Automatic (44RE) - typically paired with 5.9L V8

Optional Transmission Type 3:

4-Speed Automatic (47RE) - heavy-duty, typically paired with 5.9L V8 (often found on 2500/3500 but could be optional on heavy-duty 1500 applications)

Optional Transmission Type 4:

5-Speed Manual (NV4500) - Heavy-duty, often found on 2500/3500, but possible on heavy-duty 1500 applications

Transfer Case 4X4:

Command-Trac (NV231) or Selec-Trac (NV244) for 4x4 models

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 2Wd:

131.1 inches (Regular Cab), 143.1 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)

Wheelbase 4Wd:

131.1 inches (Regular Cab), 143.1 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)

Bed Lengths:

6.5 ft (standard), 8 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

4,200 - 5,000 lbs (approx., varies by configuration)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 8,000 lbs (approx., depends on engine, configuration, and axle ratio)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (varies by configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, optional 4-wheel ABS

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system available.

OBD Ii Standard:

OBD-II compliant for diagnostic scanning.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (ATF+4 or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (gear oil).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher; SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 for most conditions, 10W-30 for warmer climates (refer to manual for precise OEM recommendation).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent, often ATF+4 compatible.

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5 (75W-90 or 80W-90, depending on temperature and axle type)

Common Complaints Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor issues (older ignition systems), oil filter adapter leaks.

Common Complaints Transmission:

Automatic transmission solenoid issues, torque converter shudder, potential overdrive clutch wear in 46RH/RE transmissions.

Common Complaints Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering gear play, U-joint wear.

Common Complaints Electrical:

Instrument cluster failures (especially odometer), power window motor failures, blower motor resistor failures.

Common Complaints Body:

Rust issues (particularly around wheel wells and cab corners), tailgate hinge wear, door panel detachment.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of building durable and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.

Second Generation Ram:

The 1994-2001 (second generation) Dodge Ram introduced a significantly bolder styling, earning it the nickname 'Big Rig' and revolutionizing the pickup truck market.

Assembly Locations:

St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Reviews:

While specific awards for the 1996-1997 models are not widely publicized, this generation of Ram was critically acclaimed for its bold styling and improved capability, revitalizing Dodge's truck line.