Market Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target User:
Owners, fleet managers, professional mechanics, experienced DIYers
Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Key Selling Points:
Robust powertrain options, class-leading towing and hauling capabilities, durable chassis and suspension
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables efficient diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, reducing downtime and repair costs for owners and businesses.
Engine Coverage:
5.7L HEMI Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Transmission Coverage:
NV5600 6-speed manual, G56 6-speed manual, 48RE 4-speed automatic
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (4x4)
Body Styles Covered:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab
Wheelbase Options:
134.2", 154.2", 165.1"
Estimated Page Count:
~2000-3000+ pages (typical comprehensive service manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Authorized Service Repair Workshop Manual
Searchability:
Fully searchable text
Printability:
Printable pages
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM), turbocharger system (diesel)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission service (NV5600, G56), automatic transmission service (48RE), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials (front and rear), axle assemblies
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear leaf spring systems), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear disc/drum options), wheel bearings, chassis lubrication
Electrical:
12-volt battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body Interior:
Body construction, interior trim, seating systems, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), doors, windows, glass, bumpers, exterior trim
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures for all major systems, sensor testing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, tire rotation
Repair:
Engine rebuild, cylinder head removal/installation, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Name Gas:
5.7L HEMI Magnum V8
Displacement Gas:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Configuration Gas:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower Gas:
Approx. 325 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Gas:
Approx. 370 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Name Diesel:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Displacement Diesel:
5.9 Liters (359 cubic inches)
Configuration Diesel:
Inline 6-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 Valves per Cylinder, Turbocharged
Horsepower Diesel:
Approx. 305 hp @ 2900 rpm (HO variant)
Torque Diesel:
Approx. 555 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm (HO variant)
Fuel System Gas:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel System Diesel:
High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) fuel injection
Standard Transmission Type:
NV5600 6-speed manual (typically with 5.9L Cummins)
Optional Transmission Type:
G56 6-speed manual (replaced NV5600 in later 2005.5+ models), 48RE 4-speed automatic (available with both engines)
Transmission Cooling:
Automatic transmission includes auxiliary cooler
Overall Length:
Varies by wheelbase, approx. 239.9" to 259.4"
Overall Width:
Approx. 79.9"
Overall Height:
Approx. 76.2"
Bed Length Options:
8.0 ft (96 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,500 - 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
11,500 - 12,000 lbs (depending on specific configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 12,000+ lbs (when properly equipped)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
4-star (driver), 3-star (passenger) for 2WD models (typical for era)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
4-star (front), 3-star (rear) for 2WD models (typical for era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control (often linked to ABS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts
Infotainment System:
Base AM/FM radio with CD player, optional cassette player, optional Infinity premium audio system.
User Interface:
Analog gauges, physical button controls for radio and HVAC.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to ABS and available traction control. No advanced electronic driver aids like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.
Connectivity Options:
Optional satellite radio, basic auxiliary input for audio devices (depending on trim level).
Oil Change Interval Gas:
5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual)
Air Filter Replacement Gas:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (Cummins recommends specific oil, refer to manual)
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Refer to manual, typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles for primary and secondary filters.
Engine Oil Spec Gas:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 API SN/SM/SL (check manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 (e.g., 15W-40, 5W-40 synthetic) - consult manual for approved types.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific manual transmission fluid (MTF) type, often GL-3 or GL-4 rated.
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent)
Common Issues 5.9L Cummins:
Lift pump failures (older designs), injector issues, turbocharger wear, tracking issues (front end components), heater core leaks.
Common Issues 5.7L Hemi:
Head bolt issues (early 5.7L models, less prevalent in later 2nd gen), exhaust manifold leaks, oil cooler line leaks.
Common Issues Chassis:
Leaf spring sagging (especially under heavy load), ball joint wear, steering linkage wear, brake component wear.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.
Second Gen Ram Launch:
The second generation Ram (DN platform) debuted for the 1994 model year, significantly redesigning the truck with a more aerodynamic and distinctive cab design. The Heavy Duty (3500) models were introduced on this platform.
Second Gen Ram Updates 06-07:
The 2006-2007 models represent later iterations of the second generation, featuring updated engines (introduction of the 5.7L HEMI) and refinements. The 5.9L Cummins was still a dominant diesel option, with a high-output version available.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA (production locations varied for the Ram series)