Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, and individuals requiring robust towing, hauling, and off-road capability.
Key Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500, GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500.
Vehicle Strengths:
Exceptional towing and hauling capacities, powerful engine options (especially the Cummins diesel), robust chassis and suspension design.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 2005 Ram 3500 effectively, reducing reliance on external repair services.
Engine:
All Gasoline (5.7L HEMI, 8.3L V10) and Diesel (5.9L Cummins) engines; including diagnosis, overhaul, and component testing.
Transmission:
Manual (NV4500, G56) and Automatic (48RE, 47RE) transmissions; including removal, installation, overhaul, and diagnostic procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, and transfer case; including lubrication, inspection, and repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, shocks, steering linkage, sway bars); alignment specifications and procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake; including component replacement and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear; including diagnosis and repair of leaks and play.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, starting and charging systems, lighting, accessories, body control modules, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, and associated hardware; including removal, installation, and adjustment.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, and diagnosis.
Fuel:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, and emissions control systems.
Cooling:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, and coolant specifications.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and general upkeep.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, and interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, disassembly, assembly, and installation.
Rebuild:
Complete overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, and differentials, including specifications and tolerances.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and critical measurements for all serviceable components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and color-coded electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Professional-level diagnostic and repair information suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Base Engine:
5.7L HEMI V8 (345 cu in)
Diesel Engine:
5.9L Cummins ISB Turbo Diesel (359 cu in)
V10 Engine:
8.3L V10 Magnum (505 cu in)
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
325 hp @ 5400 rpm
5.7L Hemi Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
305 hp @ 2800 rpm (with High Output option)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (with High Output option)
8.3L V10 Horsepower:
360 hp @ 4600 rpm
8.3L V10 Torque:
500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Hemi Fuel System:
Sequential Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Cummins Fuel System:
Bosch High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Injection System
V10 Fuel System:
Sequential Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Oil Capacity 5.7L:
7 US quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change
Oil Spec 5.7L:
API SP, SAE 5W-20
Oil Capacity 5.9L Cummins:
11 US quarts (10.4 liters) with filter change
Oil Spec 5.9L Cummins:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 PLUS, SAE 15W-40 (or 5W-40 synthetic for cold weather)
Oil Capacity 8.3L V10:
7 US quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change
Oil Spec 8.3L V10:
API SN, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Standard Transmission:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission Manual:
G56 6-Speed Manual Transmission (late production)
Optional Transmission Automatic:
48RE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Overdrive)
48Re Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up clutch.
Nv4500 Features:
Robust design, direct gear engagement, durable construction for heavy-duty use.
Fluid Type 48Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Fluid Capacity 48Re:
Approx. 13 US quarts (12.3 liters) drain and fill
Fluid Type Nv4500:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant
Fluid Capacity Nv4500:
Approx. 2.5 US quarts (2.4 liters)
Wheelbase 2500 Hd:
140.5 inches (3569 mm) for Regular Cab 8-ft Bed
Wheelbase 3500 Hd:
160.5 inches (4077 mm) for Crew Cab 8-ft Bed, 140.5 inches (3569 mm) for Regular Cab 8-ft Bed
Bed Length Standard:
8 ft (2.4 m)
Gvwr Max:
Over 11,000 lbs (4990 kg), depending on configuration
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,000+ lbs (5900+ kg), depending on configuration and trailer brake control
Max Payload Capacity:
Over 5,000 lbs (2270 kg), depending on configuration
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles (8,000 to 16,000 km) or 6 months for Cummins diesel, using appropriate CJ-4 or CK-4 oil.
Transmission Fluid Change 48Re:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Nv4500:
Every 50,000 to 100,000 miles (80,000 to 160,000 km)
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) HOAT, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Problems Diesel:
Lift pump failures, injector issues (in some early models), potential for crankshaft flex (under extreme load/modification).
Common Problems Gas:
Exhaust manifold leaks (HEMI), occasional ignition coil failures.
Common Problems Transmission:
NV4500 clutch wear, potential for 5th gear nut issue (rare but documented), 48RE torque converter shudder or clutch pack wear.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and leaf spring bushings due to heavy use.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long-standing history in the truck market, known for ruggedness and capability, with the Ram brand established in 1981.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 Ram 3500 is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of Ram trucks, characterized by a significant redesign, larger size, and improved powertrains.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA