Market Position:
The Dodge Ram 2500 Series of 1995 was a heavy-duty pickup truck positioned in the competitive full-size truck market, known for its towing and hauling capabilities, and the introduction of the formidable V10 engine and the robust Cummins turbodiesel option. This manual caters to owners and technicians servicing this robust workhorse.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with the Ford F-250/F-350 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500. The Ram's distinctive 'Big Rig' styling and powertrain options, particularly the Magnum V8s and the Cummins diesel, gave it a strong presence. This manual ensures users can maintain and repair these specific attributes.
Key Features:
Introduction of the 8.0L V10 Magnum engine, optional 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, updated interior and exterior styling over previous generations, improved chassis and suspension. This manual covers the specific engineering of these enhancements.
Engine Coverage:
5.2L V8 Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum, 8.0L V10 Magnum, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Transmission Coverage:
4-speed Automatic (46RH, 47RH), 5-speed Manual (NV4500)
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD, 4WD
Body Style Coverage:
Regular Cab, Club Cab, Chassis Cab
Trim Level Coverage:
All trim levels
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling systems
Engine Fuel And Emissions:
Fuel delivery, injection systems (MPI/CR), exhaust systems, emissions controls (catalytic converter, EGR)
Transmission Mechanical:
Automatic transmission overhaul (46RH/47RH), manual transmission overhaul (NV4500), clutch system
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, differentials, transfer case (241 DHD)
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension (twin I-beam), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering gear, power steering system
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) components and service
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, frame
Driver Information System:
Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and complete overhaul
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics
Torque Specifications:
Torque values for all critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical system wiring diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and specifications. Equivalent to factory service manuals used by dealerships.
Engine Options:
5.2L (318 ci) V8 Magnum, 5.9L (360 ci) V8 Magnum, 8.0L (488 ci) V10 Magnum, 5.9L (359 ci) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.2L V8 Magnum Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4500 rpm
5.2L V8 Magnum Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L V8 Magnum Horsepower:
245 hp @ 4000 rpm
5.9L V8 Magnum Torque:
335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
8.0L V10 Magnum Horsepower:
300 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L V10 Magnum Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
175 hp @ 2500 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Fuel System Gasoline:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel System Diesel:
Direct Injection, Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump (prior to common rail)
Engine Code 5.9L Diesel:
5.9L Cummins
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (NV4500) on some models/trims
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (46RH or 47RH)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic overdrive, torque converter lock-up
Manual Transmission Features:
Heavy-duty design, popular for diesel applications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-140
NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating:
Not rated (typical for trucks of this era)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Rear wheels only on most models, optional 4-wheel ABS on some.
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on most models), seat belts, reinforced cabin structure.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette tape player, optional CD player. Analog gauges and controls typical for the era.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. ABS was the primary electronic driver aid. Cruise control was optional on many trims.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Antennas for radio reception. Some may have factory trailer brake controller pre-wiring.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
3,000 miles or 3 months
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
3,000 miles or 3 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty)
Coolant Change Interval:
30,000 miles or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal)
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal)
Engine Oil Gasoline 5.2L/5.9L:
10W-30 (API SG/SH)
Engine Oil Gasoline 8.0L:
10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH)
Engine Oil Diesel 5.9L Cummins:
15W-40 (API CG-4 or CH-4 rated diesel engine oil)
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water
Common Issues Gasoline Engines:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor issues, throttle position sensor (TPS) failures, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V10).
Common Issues Diesel Engines:
Lift pump failures, injector pump issues (VE pump), exhaust manifold cracking, turbocharger wear, cooling system leaks.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear (especially under heavy load), torque converter issues, manual transmission clutch wear.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints and kingpins on the twin I-beam front suspension, sagging rear leaf springs.
Oil Filter 5.2L/5.9L V8:
Mopar PH178 (or equivalent Wix 51515, Fram PH373/PH50, Purolator L30001)
Oil Filter 8.0L V10:
Mopar PH3600 (or equivalent Wix 57975, Fram PH3500, Purolator L40001)
Oil Filter 5.9L Cummins:
Mopar 3907067 (or equivalent Fleetguard LF777, Wix 51880, Baldwin BT287)
Brand Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a cornerstone of their commercial and personal vehicle offerings. The 1995 model year represents a significant evolution in the Ram's design and engineering.
Model Evolution 1994-2001:
This generation (BR/BE) marked a radical redesign from the previous generation, introducing the iconic 'Big Rig' styling with its prominent grille and aerodynamic lines. The 1995 model year introduced the powerful V10 engine and refined the existing engine offerings, including the Cummins diesel.
Production Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Years For This Generation:
1994-2001
Truck Of The Year Nominations:
While not a specific award winner for 1995, the Dodge Ram platform in this generation was highly regarded for its design and powertrain, laying the groundwork for future awards and sales success.
Towing Capacity Ratings:
Varies by configuration, but heavy-duty 2500 models were rated for significant towing and payload, often exceeding 10,000 lbs in properly equipped configurations.
Certification Type:
This manual is not a certification, but it provides the necessary technical documentation for service and repair, adhering to industry standards for automotive repair information.