🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck 3500 Series

Year:

2002

Vehicle Type:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Chassis Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram Pickup)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck, primarily for commercial, towing, and heavy hauling applications.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.

Target Audience:

Owners of 2002 Dodge Ram 3500, independent repair shops, fleet managers, DIY mechanics.

Value Proposition:

Provides authoritative, detailed information essential for accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, reducing labor costs and ensuring vehicle longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models/Engine Variants

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific document, typically 1500-3000+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (Gasoline & Diesel), Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4x4 systems, axles, differentials), Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, hydraulics, components), Wheels & Tires

Electrical System:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses & Relays, Body Control Modules (BCM)

Body & Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Dashboard, Trim, Bumpers, Glass

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points, Fluid Checks and Replacements

Diagnosis & Troubleshooting:

Symptom-based diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical Schematics interpretation, Component Testing Procedures

Repair Procedures:

Component Removal and Installation, Rebuilding Procedures, Adjustments, Torque Specifications, Alignment Procedures

Technical Specifications:

Engine tolerances, Piston ring end gap, Valve lash, Spark plug gap, Fluid capacities, Torque values for all fasteners, Wheel alignment specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, typically scannable text for searchability, often with bookmarks for easy navigation.

Printable:

Printable pages for on-site use in a workshop environment.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF Download)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Gasoline Option 1:

8.0L OHV V10 (488 ci)

Gasoline Option 1 Power:

305 hp @ 4000 rpm

Gasoline Option 1 Torque:

450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Diesel Option 1:

5.9L OHV I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel (360 ci)

Diesel Option 1 Power:

235 hp @ 2600 rpm (for manual transmission), 250 hp @ 2600 rpm (for automatic transmission)

Diesel Option 1 Torque:

460 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (for manual transmission), 475 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (for automatic transmission)

Gasoline Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Fuel Delivery:

Bosch High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Injection System

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT - Organic Additive Technology), or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) meeting Chrysler MS-9769

Oil Type Gasoline:

API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature, refer to manual)

Oil Type Diesel:

API CJ-4 or newer (or older specs like CI-4 Plus), SAE 15W-40 (low ash content recommended for emissions systems)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

NV4500 5-speed manual transmission (for some engine/drivetrain configurations)

Transmission Type:

47RE 4-speed automatic transmission (with V10 gasoline)

Manual Fluid:

NV4500: Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) meeting Chrysler spec MS-9224, typically a GL-3 or GL-4 rated fluid (e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-140)

Automatic Fluid:

48RE/47RE: ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent.

Drivetrain Options:

2WD (Rear Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

Approximately 134.7 inches (Regular Cab), 144.5 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)

Overall Length Approx:

Approximately 229.7 inches (Standard Bed)

Bed Length Options:

6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Gvwr Min:

Approximately 10,000 lbs

Gvwr Max:

Up to 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gcwr Max:

Up to 20,000 lbs (when properly equipped)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 13,200 lbs (properly equipped, varies by configuration)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (varies by configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Often rated 3-star for rollover resistance (typical for high-center-of-gravity trucks of this era)

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, premium audio systems available on higher trims. Auxiliary input jack may be present.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Trailer Brakes:

Provisions for integrated or aftermarket trailer brake controllers were common due to the truck's intended use.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on usage and oil type (refer to manual for exact recommendations).

Oil Change Diesel:

Typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or 12 months with synthetic oil and filter, but strongly dependent on operating conditions (heavy towing/idling can reduce interval).

Fuel Filter Diesel:

Recommended replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles for diesel trucks to prevent injection system damage.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, or more frequently under severe towing conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Inspect and potentially change every 50,000-100,000 miles, depending on manufacturer recommendations and usage.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid, meeting Chrysler MS-5771.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (PSF) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid, meeting specification MS-5901.

Transfer Case Fluid:

NV241 DHD/DLD: Mopar NV241 Transfer Case Lubricant or equivalent specification (e.g., Dexron III/VI ATF or specialized transfer case fluid).

Rear Axle Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Limited slip differentials require friction modifier additive (check manual).

Diesel Injection Pump:

Early 5.9L Cummins engines can experience issues with the injection pump (VE pump) if not properly maintained or if fuel quality is poor. The 2002 models typically feature the P7100 or early common rail system which are generally robust, but still require good fuel and filter maintenance.

Transmission Overdrive Clutches:

Automatic transmissions (47RE/48RE) can develop issues with overdrive clutch packs or solenoid failures, particularly with higher mileage or heavy use.

Front Suspension Components:

Heavy-duty trucks can experience wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering linkages due to load and use. Regular inspection is crucial.

Cooling System Radiator:

Radiator leaks or core degradation can occur over time, especially in harsh environments or with improper coolant maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with heavy-duty performance and durability.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2002 model year represents the third generation of the Dodge Ram pickup (DB series, 1994-2001, DR series, 2002-2008). This generation introduced significant styling updates and chassis refinements, with the DR series starting in 2002.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The Dodge Ram 3500 series consistently received accolades for its strong powertrain options, particularly the Cummins turbodiesel, and its towing capabilities within the heavy-duty truck segment during its production run.