Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, towing enthusiasts, and individuals requiring robust hauling and towing capabilities.
Key Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD.
Heavy Duty Capability:
Known for its robust chassis, powerful engine options, and exceptional towing and payload capacities.
Engine Options:
Offered with a choice of potent engines, including gasoline V8s and the highly regarded Cummins turbodiesel, providing significant power and torque for demanding tasks.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, with robust transfer cases and axle assemblies suitable for heavy-duty use.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including V8 and V10 gasoline, and Cummins turbodiesel), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine electrical, starting and charging systems.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmissions (NV4500, G56), automatic transmissions (48RE, 47RE), transfer case, driveshafts, differentials (front and rear), axle shafts, wheel hubs, axle seals.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension (solid front axle, leaf springs), steering system (power steering pump, steering gear), brake system (ABS, front disc, rear drum/disc), parking brake.
Electrical Chassis:
Body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, lighting system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, trailer wiring, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and procedures.
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, climate control, interior lighting, exterior trim, bumpers.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, and performance complaints. Includes wiring diagrams and component testing procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems. Includes torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics including OBD-II scan tool data interpretation, circuit testing, sensor signal analysis, and module programming considerations.
Engine Rebuild:
Comprehensive engine overhaul procedures, including cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing replacement, and camshaft timing.
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed steps for rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch pack replacement, valve body diagnostics, torque converter service, and gear train assembly.
Gasoline Engine Options:
8.0L V10 (360ci) Magnum, 5.9L V8 Magnum (less common in 3500 for this era, but some may exist).
Diesel Engine Option:
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbodiesel (ISB).
8.0L V10 Horsepower:
Approx. 305-315 hp
8.0L V10 Torque:
Approx. 450-455 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
Approx. 235-305 hp (depending on model year and configuration)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 460-555 lb-ft (depending on model year and configuration)
Gasoline Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Diesel Fuel System:
High-pressure common rail (HPCR) injection system (later models) or rotary injection pump.
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with engine-driven fan or electric fan.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (NV4500), 6-speed manual (G56 on later models).
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (47RE, 48RE).
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic or manual shift transfer case.
Rear Axle Options:
Dana 70HD or Dana 80 rear axle, often with limited-slip differential (LSD) as an option.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (e.g., GL-3/GL-4 for NV4500, specific fluid for G56).
Wheelbase Options:
Various, including 134.5", 144.5", 162.5", 175.5" (for Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab configurations).
Bed Length Options:
8ft (standard), 6.3ft (short bed, less common on 3500).
Gvwr:
Typically ranges from 9,200 lbs to 11,500 lbs, depending on configuration.
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, but generally around 6,000-7,500 lbs.
Payload Capacity:
Up to ~4,000-5,000 lbs or more.
Towing Capacity:
Up to ~10,000-15,000 lbs or more, depending on configuration, trailer brakes, and hitch type.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not directly rated by NHTSA for this specific generation/configuration as a heavy-duty truck.
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Not directly rated by NHTSA for this specific generation/configuration as a heavy-duty truck.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front and rear wheels.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all outboard occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Gasoline: 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months. Diesel: 7,500-15,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact Cummins recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: 50,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Gasoline Viscosity:
5W-30 (preferred), 10W-30 (suitable for warmer climates).
Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:
15W-40 (heavy-duty diesel engine oil, API CI-4 or higher).
Coolant Type:
Conventional Green (Ethylene Glycol) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, consult manual for specific type.
Cummins Fuel Filter Housing:
Potential for cracking on the fuel filter housing, leading to fuel leaks or hard starting.
Automatic Transmission Overheating:
47RE/48RE can be prone to overheating under heavy towing loads; auxiliary transmission coolers are often recommended.
Front Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and track bar bushings can experience wear due to the heavy-duty nature and solid front axle.
Dodge Electrical Gremlins:
Common electrical issues can include faulty instrument clusters, door lock actuators, and power window motors.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with heavy-duty performance.
Third Generation Ram:
This era represents the third generation of the Ram pickup (DN platform, internal code for facelifted 2nd gen). It featured updated styling, improved interiors, and enhanced powertrains compared to earlier generations.
Facelift Details:
These years fall within the significant facelift of the second-generation Ram, which introduced a more aerodynamic front-end design, updated interior features, and the introduction of the 6.0L V8 (less common in 3500) and the 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel with higher output.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri; and other Chrysler assembly plants.
Cummins Engine Reputation:
The 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel engine is widely recognized for its durability, reliability, and longevity, often considered one of the best diesel engines ever produced for pickup trucks.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The Ram platform has historically won MotorTrend's Truck of the Year awards in various iterations, indicating strong industry recognition.
