Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, individuals requiring towing and hauling capability.
Competitors:
Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD.
Capability:
Renowned for its robust construction, towing capacity, and powerful engine options, particularly the Cummins turbodiesel.
Reliability:
The Cummins engine is particularly lauded for its durability and longevity.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (HEMI 5.7L V8, Cummins 5.9L I6 Diesel), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (4-speed automatic 48RE, 6-speed manual G56), transfer case, drive shafts, axles (Dana 60 front/rear or Chrysler 9.25 rear depending on configuration), differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front: independent front suspension or solid axle depending on configuration, rear: leaf springs), steering system, brake system (front discs, rear discs or drums), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), trailer brake controller wiring.
Body:
Body structure, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, inspection schedules.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, diagnostic flowcharts.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, wiring diagrams, component locations.
Depth:
Extensive detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers from basic adjustments to complete overhauls and complex diagnostics.
Gas Engine Option:
5.7L HEMI V8 (345 cu in)
Diesel Engine Option:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (359 cu in)
Hemi Horsepower:
325 hp @ 5400 rpm
Hemi Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Cummins Horsepower:
305 hp @ 2600 rpm (for manual transmission), 325 hp @ 2600 rpm (for automatic transmission)
Cummins Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (for manual transmission), 610 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (for automatic transmission)
Hemi Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Cummins Fuel Delivery:
High-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel system
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron (both HEMI and Cummins)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug for HEMI; Compression ignition for Cummins.
Standard Transmission:
6-speed manual G56 (often paired with Cummins)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic 48RE (often paired with HEMI and Cummins)
Transfer Case:
NV271 (Manual 4WD), NV273 (Electronic Shift 4WD)
48Re Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
G56 Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent spec)
Wheelbase Std:
134.7 inches (Regular Cab 8-foot box)
Wheelbase Long:
140.5 inches (Club Cab 8-foot box), 160.5 inches (Crew Cab 8-foot box)
Overall Length Std:
228.5 inches (Regular Cab 8-foot box)
Overall Length Long:
234.3 inches (Club Cab 8-foot box), 254.3 inches (Crew Cab 8-foot box)
Curb Weight Approx:
5,500 - 6,500 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Gvwr Approx:
8,510 - 9,600 lbs
Payload Capacity Approx:
2,000 - 4,000 lbs
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 12,100 lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 Star (for most configurations, check specific VIN for exact rating)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Trailer Brake Controller:
Available integrated trailer brake controller
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional side curtain airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Gas:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe service); Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (normal service).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months with Rotella T6 or similar synthetic diesel oil.
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Every 15,000 miles or as per manual recommendation, crucial for preventing injector damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles depending on usage (towing/heavy loads). ATF+4 for 48RE, specific manual fluid for G56.
Engine Oil Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or higher, Chrysler MS-6395 approved)
Engine Oil Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated synthetic diesel oil recommended for longevity)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (blue color) or equivalent HOAT.
Hemi Intake Manifold Gasket:
Potential vacuum leaks from intake manifold gaskets, leading to rough idle and poor performance.
Cummins Lift Pump:
Failure of the stock lift pump can lead to fuel starvation and potential engine damage.
Transmission Overheating 48Re:
The 48RE can be prone to overheating under heavy towing if not properly serviced or equipped with an auxiliary cooler.
Rear Axle Seal Leaks:
Common to develop leaks at the rear axle pinion seal or axle shaft seals.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long-standing history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate being synonymous with heavy-duty performance.
Third Generation:
The 2005 Ram 2500 belongs to the third generation (2002-2008), which introduced a significantly redesigned exterior and interior, improved chassis, and the introduction of the 5.7L HEMI engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
