Category:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Dodge Ram owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (later in the generation).
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust powertrain options, strong towing and hauling capabilities, comfortable ride for a truck, distinctive styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authorized repair procedures and specifications, enabling DIY repairs and accurate servicing, saving on dealership costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, powertrain control module (PCM).
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE), manual transmission (e.g., NV3500, NV4500, NV5600), transfer case, driveline components.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels, tires, frame.
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, audio system, trailer towing wiring.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and operation.
Body:
Interior trim, exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals.
Diagnostic:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, tune-ups.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter), brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, transmission repair, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, circuit diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts.
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild procedures.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Base Engine:
3.9L Magnum V6 (e.g., 3.9L 230 cu in)
Optional Engine 1:
5.2L Magnum V8 (e.g., 5.2L 318 cu in)
Optional Engine 2:
5.9L Magnum V8 (e.g., 5.9L 360 cu in)
Optional Engine 3:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (1994-1998)
Optional Engine 4:
24-Valve 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (1998.5-2002)
Horsepower 3.9L V6:
Approx. 175-180 hp
Torque 3.9L V6:
Approx. 230-235 lb-ft
Horsepower 5.2L V8:
Approx. 220-230 hp
Torque 5.2L V8:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft
Horsepower 5.9L V8:
Approx. 230-245 hp
Torque 5.9L V8:
Approx. 330-350 lb-ft
Horsepower 5.9L Cummins 12V:
Approx. 180-215 hp (depending on year/application)
Torque 5.9L Cummins 12V:
Approx. 420-470 lb-ft (depending on year/application)
Horsepower 5.9L Cummins 24V:
Approx. 215-235 hp (depending on year/application)
Torque 5.9L Cummins 24V:
Approx. 440-500 lb-ft (depending on year/application)
Gasoline Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) on Magnum V6/V8 engines.
Diesel Injection:
Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump (12-valve), Bosch VP44 Rotary Injection Pump (24-valve).
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with distributor for some earlier models, Coil-on-plug for later models or specific engines.
Manual Option:
Getrag NV3500 5-speed manual (most common for V6/smaller V8), NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy-duty applications, often with V8/Diesel), NV5600 6-speed manual (later heavy-duty, often with Cummins).
Automatic Option 1:
Chrysler 42RE 4-speed automatic (for 3.9L V6 and some 5.2L V8)
Automatic Option 2:
Chrysler 44RE 4-speed automatic (for 5.2L V8)
Automatic Option 3:
Chrysler 46RE 4-speed automatic (for 5.9L V8)
Automatic Option 4:
Chrysler 47RE 4-speed automatic (for 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, later versions)
Automatic Option 5:
Chrysler 48RE 4-speed automatic (later models, evolution of 47RE, primarily for Cummins)
Transfer Case:
New Process NV231 (part-time 2-speed), NV241 (part-time 2-speed, heavier duty), NV243 (part-time 2-speed, electric shift), NV244 (full-time 4WD, electric shift), NV271 (heavy-duty manual shift), NV273 (heavy-duty electric shift).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab), Quad Cab (four-door crew cab starting circa 1998).
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.5 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft).
Wheelbase Ranges:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 118.7" to 164.5")
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges typically from 6,000 lbs to 9,000+ lbs depending on configuration and payload.
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, generally starting around 4,500 lbs.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Acceptable (for its era)
IIHS Offset Frontal:
Poor to Marginal (for earlier models, improved over time)
ABS:
Available, standard on some higher trims or later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from 1994.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, shoulder belts with retractors.
Audio Options:
AM/FM radio with cassette and/or CD player. Optional premium sound systems.
Navigation:
Not typically available from the factory for most of this generation, aftermarket solutions common.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Trailer Towing Features:
Integrated trailer brake controller systems (optional/later models), heavy-duty alternators, tow packages available.
Phone Integration:
No factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement Magnum:
Approx. 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on towing and driving conditions. Manual transmission fluid changes typically every 60,000-100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (e.g., conventional or extended-life).
Engine Oil Magnum:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature), API SJ or higher. Cummins diesel: SAE 15W-40, API CI-4 or CH-4.
Transmission Fluid 42Re/44Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid 46Re/47Re/48Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent.
Transfer Case Fluid:
NP231/241: ATF+3 or Dexron III. NP244/271/273: ATF+4 or Dexron III.
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (5/150 formula) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. For Cummins, specific diesel coolant might be recommended.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common on Magnum engines, particularly intake manifold gaskets and valve cover gaskets.
Transmission Overheating:
Automatics, especially those used for towing, can be prone to overheating; auxiliary coolers are often recommended.
Cylinder Head Gaskets:
Can fail on Magnum V8s, leading to coolant leaks or internal coolant contamination.
Cummins Fuel Pump:
VP44 injection pump failures are a known issue on later 24-valve Cummins engines.
Electrical Gremlins:
Body control modules, instrument clusters, and wiring harnesses can experience intermittent issues.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in areas with harsh winters, affecting body panels, frame, and brake lines.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (until 2009).
Generation Introduction:
The second generation Dodge Ram debuted for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling, and the introduction of the Magnum engine family.
Updates:
Minor styling refreshes occurred, most notably around 1998 (often referred to as '98.5' for the Cummins engine change from 12-valve to 24-valve) and again for 2002. Quad Cab introduced in 1998.
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.
