Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, heavy-duty capability
Target Audience:
Individuals and businesses requiring towing, hauling, and off-road capability
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Distinctive Traits:
Robust chassis, powerful diesel engine options, strong towing and payload ratings
Significance Of Diesel:
Diesel engine provides superior torque for towing and better fuel economy under load compared to gasoline counterparts.
Powertrain:
Diesel Engine Operation, Coolant System, Fuel System basics, Exhaust System basics
Chassis:
Brake System Operation, Steering System Operation, Suspension System Overview
Electrical:
Lighting System, Wipers and Washers, Gauges and Indicators, Battery and Charging System basics
HVAC:
Climate Control Operation
Interior/Exterior:
Seats and Restraints, Doors and Locks, Mirrors, Body Care
Operator Actions:
Starting and Stopping the Engine, Shifting Gears, Parking Procedures, Towing Preparation
Basic Maintenance:
Checking Fluid Levels (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Washer Fluid), Tire Pressure Checks, Wiper Blade Replacement guidance
Emergency Procedures:
Jump Starting guidance (with caution for diesel), Tire Changing, Warning Light Interpretation
Safety Features:
Seat Belt Usage, Airbag System Explanation, Child Restraint System Installation guidance
Depth:
Focuses on owner operation, routine checks, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component-level repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Cummins Turbo Diesel (likely 5.9L or 6.7L depending on specific configuration)
Displacement:
5.9 Liters (359 cu in) or 6.7 Liters (408 cu in) - manual will specify which applies to the covered vehicle
Configuration:
Inline-6 Cylinder, Turbocharged
Horsepower Range:
~305-325 hp (for 5.9L), ~350 hp (for 6.7L)
Torque Range:
~555-600 lb-ft (for 5.9L), ~610-650 lb-ft (for 6.7L)
Injection Type:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)
Fuel Requirement:
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
Wheelbase Options:
131.3" (Regular Cab), 140.5" (Mega Cab/Quad Cab Short Bed), 160.5" (Quad Cab Long Bed)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
~5,700 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvw Range:
~8,800 - 9,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Likely 3 or 4 Stars (check manual for specific test results)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CD Player, optional cassette, auxiliary input, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for radio and climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Power Outlets:
12V Auxiliary Power Outlets
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual: typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 6 months for diesel, using appropriate diesel-specific oil.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual: typically every 15,000-25,000 miles for diesel fuel filters
Engine Air Filter:
Refer to manual: inspect regularly, replace as needed based on driving conditions (e.g., dusty environments require more frequent inspection/replacement).
Engine Oil Type:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated Diesel Engine Oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended (verify viscosity for climate in manual).
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange or Pink Coolant (Mopar P/N 05103558AA or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mopar ATF+4 (Type 9602)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, u-joints, brake components, exhaust system (rust/corrosion common in certain climates).
Diesel Specific Considerations:
Glow plug reliability, water in fuel potential, EGR valve issues (if applicable to specific engine variant), fuel injector longevity with poor fuel quality.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks.
Third Generation Ram:
This generation (2002-2008) introduced significant styling and engineering updates.
Diesel Powertrain Integration:
Cummins engines have been a staple in Ram trucks for their durability and performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico or Warren, Michigan, USA (for Ram trucks)
Diesel Engine Recognition:
Cummins engines are widely recognized for their durability and longevity in the heavy-duty truck market.
Segment Awards:
Ram trucks often received positive reviews for their ride quality, interior comfort, and capability within their class.
