Market Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for towing, hauling, and demanding work applications.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350), Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500HD, 3500HD), GMC Sierra HD (2500HD, 3500HD).
Key Features Vehicle:
Robust chassis and suspension, powerful engine options (especially the Cummins turbodiesel), high towing and payload capacities, durable build quality, choice of transmissions, various cab and bed configurations.
Key Features Manual:
Unparalleled detail and accuracy for the specific model years, comprehensive system coverage, explicit diagnostic procedures, and extensive specification data essential for professional or serious DIY technicians.
Engine Mechanical:
All engine types, including Cummins Turbo Diesel and HEMI V8. Detailed disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and repair procedures for engine blocks, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, timing systems, lubrication, and cooling.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection systems (common rail diesel, gasoline MPI), ignition systems, emission control systems (EGR, DPF on diesel variants), turbocharger systems, engine control modules (ECM/PCM) diagnostics and reprogramming.
Transmission Manual:
NV5600 6-speed manual transmission. Disassembly, assembly, clutch system, gear selection mechanisms, input/output shaft service.
Transmission Automatic:
48RE 4-speed automatic transmission. Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, transmission control module (TCM), hydraulic circuits, fluid changes, rebuild procedures.
Drivetrain:
Transfer case (271D, 273D), rear differential, front differential (if applicable), axle shafts, U-joints, driveshafts. Lubrication, bearing replacement, gear inspection.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (IFS) with torsion bars, rear solid axle with leaf springs. Ball joints, tie rod ends, steering linkage, shock absorbers, springs, bushings. Wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes. Brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system, ABS system diagnostics, brake calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake system. Brake line repair and replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, power steering pump, fluid specifications, steering linkage components.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting systems, power accessories, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), ignition system.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system operation, refrigerant types and capacities, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control modules, cabin air filter replacement.
Body Interior:
Door mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, seat removal, dashboard assembly, headliner, floor coverings, sound deadening.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, fenders, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass replacement, seals, weatherstripping, paint codes, body repair techniques.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, belt and hose inspections, cabin air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement (diesel).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, starting problems, electrical faults, HVAC malfunctions, brake concerns, and transmission issues. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their meanings.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component of the vehicle, from major engine and transmission overhauls to minor component replacements like door handles or light bulbs.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures using scan tools, multimeters, and specialized testing equipment. Pressure tests, resistance tests, voltage checks, and signal tracing.
Specification Tables:
Comprehensive tables of torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, diagnostic values, clearances, alignment data, and component tolerances.
Depth:
Extremely comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, chassis and body repairs, and advanced electrical system diagnostics and component replacement.
Wheelbase Options:
Various, including 131.1" (Regular Cab), 140.5" (Crew Cab), 154.6" (Mega Cab), and longer for Chassis Cab models.
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration, up to 260" for long bed Crew Cab models.
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (short bed) and 8.0 ft (long bed).
Gvwr Max:
Up to 11,500 lbs (5216 kg) for certain configurations.
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration and engine, typically starting around 6,000 lbs.
Max Conventional Towing Capacity:
Up to 12,000 lbs (5443 kg).
Max Gooseneck Towing Capacity:
Up to 17,000 lbs (7711 kg) with appropriate fifth-wheel hitch and configuration.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the Cummins diesel, but recommended to follow manual specifics based on usage (e.g., severe duty). Use of a quality synthetic oil is highly recommended.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specifics. 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on engine and climate.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Recommended every 15,000 miles or annually for the Cummins diesel, critical for preventing injection system damage.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or specified power steering fluid. Check manual for exact type.
Common Issues Diesel 59:
VP44 Injection Pump failures (earlier models, though 2006/2007 have common rail), fuel supply issues (lift pump failure), injector problems, potential turbocharger wear, exhaust manifold leaks, steering component wear (ball joints, tie rods).
Common Issues Hemi 57:
Valve spring issues (in some specific VIN ranges, though less common in these specific years compared to later ones), lifter issues, oil sludge if not maintained properly, MDS system issues, exhaust manifold leaks.
Common Issues Transmission:
48RE automatic transmission can develop issues with the torque converter clutch solenoid, valve body issues, and heat buildup. NV5600 manual transmission is generally robust but can have clutch wear or bearing issues with heavy use.