Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, competing with Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Key Selling Points:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, significant towing and payload capacity, distinctive styling.
Advantages:
Often praised for ride quality among competitors for its era, strong engine performance, and durable chassis.
Cab Configurations:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab).
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft).
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive).
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain operation, and basic maintenance.
Chassis Systems:
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, and tires.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, starting system, fuses, and basic wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, safety restraints.
Driver Information:
Instrument cluster, warning lights, gauges, and driver alerts.
Basic Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks, tire pressure, filter replacements.
Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, using vehicle controls, trailer towing guidelines.
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting warning lights, basic diagnostic tips for common issues.
Safety Features:
Operation of airbags, seatbelts, ABS, and other safety systems.
Emergency Procedures:
Jumper starting, changing a flat tire, safety in case of accident.
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not typically include advanced diagnostics or complete rebuild procedures, which are found in service manuals.
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.7L (285 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), 16-valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.7L (345 cu in) HEMI
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), 16-valve, HEMI
Engine 2 Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.7L (226 cu in)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V6, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC), 12-valve
Engine 3 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine 3 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Wheelbase Short Bed:
134.7 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
144.5 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
224.1 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
233.9 inches
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 4,600 lbs (V6, 2WD)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 5,300 lbs (V8 HEMI, 4WD, Quad Cab)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 8,700 lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars (may vary slightly by configuration)
ABS:
Standard Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (often part of Electronic Stability Control - ESP)
Stability Control:
Optional (ESP)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats (Quad Cab).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, especially under severe usage.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions. SAE 10W-30 may be used in warmer climates, check manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0 quarts (4.7L V8), 7.0 quarts (5.7L HEMI V8), 4.7 quarts (3.7L V6) with filter. Verify with manual.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology), or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Avoid mixing types.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Common failure causing no-start or stalling issues on 4.7L V8 engines.
Heater Core:
Can be prone to leaks over time, leading to interior fogging or coolant smells.
Ignition Coils:
Can fail, causing misfires and rough running, particularly on V8 models.
Transmission Slipping:
Some transmissions (especially with higher mileage) may exhibit slipping or delayed engagement; regular fluid changes are crucial.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century. The Ram name was introduced in 1981.
Third Generation:
The 2004 model year falls within the third generation of the Dodge Ram (2002-2008), which introduced a significant redesign with a more aggressive and imposing exterior styling, and the return of the HEMI V8 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA
