Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet owners, towing enthusiasts, individuals requiring robust towing and hauling capabilities
Key Competitors 1998-2001:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Vehicle Strengths:
Exceptional towing capacity, robust chassis, powerful engine options, durable construction
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative, factory-accurate information for DIY repairs, maintenance, and diagnostics, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Differentials, Transfer Case
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Antitheft Systems
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Air Conditioning
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with PIDs and explanations
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Specification Adjustments:
Torque specifications, alignment procedures, timing adjustments
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using OBD-II scanners, multimeter usage, and specialized tools
Engine Code Gas 1:
5.9L V8 Magnum (LA Engine Family)
Engine Code Gas 2:
8.0L V10 Magnum (Triton/Viper derived)
Engine Code Diesel 1:
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (12-valve and later 24-valve)
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-245 hp
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 330-345 lb-ft
8.0L V10 Magnum Horsepower:
Approx. 300-310 hp
8.0L V10 Magnum Torque:
Approx. 450-470 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 215-235 hp (depending on 12v vs. 24v and specific year)
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel Torque:
Approx. 420-475 lb-ft (depending on 12v vs. 24v and specific year)
Gas Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Bosch VP44 injection pump (1998.5+), Rotary Injection Pump (early 1998 and some earlier models)
Standard Transmission Gas:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500 for V8, potentially Getrag for some earlier models)
Standard Transmission Diesel:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500)
Optional Transmission Gas:
4-Speed Automatic (47RE)
Optional Transmission Diesel:
4-Speed Automatic (47RE, often with upgraded torque converter for diesel duty)
Transfer Case:
Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) or Manual 4WD lever systems
Wheelbase Options:
Standard Cab (134.7"), Extended Cab (154.7" or 166.7")
Bed Length Options:
8-foot (Standard), 6-foot (Quad Cab)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Ranges from approximately 8,800 lbs to 10,000+ lbs depending on configuration
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not applicable for rating by modern standards; anecdotal evidence suggests robust construction.
IIHS Ratings:
Not typically rated by IIHS due to vehicle classification and era.
ABS:
Standard on rear wheels; optional or standard on all four wheels depending on year and trim.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts; 3-point belts for front occupants.
Infotainment System Type:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional CD player, cassette player. Analog gauges and controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Very limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on mechanical systems. Cruise control available.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact spec.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months for conventional oil; extended with synthetic. Refer to manual for exact spec.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Generally every 30,000-60,000 miles, with a filter change. More frequent for heavy towing. Refer to manual.
Engine Oil Gas Spec:
API SG or higher; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for ambient temp specific)
Engine Oil Diesel Spec:
API CG-4 or CH-4; SAE 15W-40 (conventional) or 5W-40 (synthetic). Refer to manual for specific Cummins spec.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) for later models. Refer to manual for correct type.
Transmission Fluid Auto Spec:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual Spec:
NV4500: SAE 50W GL-1 or GL-4 gear oil (specific formulation is critical for longevity)
Common Issues Gas Engines:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, exhaust manifold cracks, distributor issues (older models), occasional camshaft wear.
Common Issues Diesel Engines:
VP44 injection pump failure (1998.5-2002), injector line issues, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) problems, lifting injection pump (due to low lift pump pressure).
Common Issues Transmissions:
NV4500: Input shaft bearing failure, 5th gear nut issue (can be rectified with updated parts). 47RE: Torque converter shudder, solenoid failures.
Common Issues Front Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar bushings due to heavy vehicle weight and use.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building rugged and durable trucks, often emphasizing capability and power.
Second Gen Ram Launch:
Introduced in 1994, the 'B-series' Ram represented a significant redesign with its distinctive 'big rig' styling and improved aerodynamics. The 2500 model offered enhanced payload and towing capacities over the 1500.
Updates 1998-2001:
Key updates during this period included the introduction of the 24-valve Cummins engine (1998.5 onwards), improved interior ergonomics, and minor styling tweaks. The 8.0L V10 became a prominent option for heavy-duty applications.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, USA.
Vehicle Awards:
While specific awards for the 1998-2001 models are not prominently publicized, the Dodge Ram consistently received praise for its styling, towing prowess, and the robust nature of the Cummins diesel engine.
Diesel Engine Ratings:
The 5.9L Cummins diesel from this era is highly regarded in the automotive community for its durability, reliability, and tunability.
