Vehicle Class:
Full-Size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY Enthusiasts, Independent Repair Shops, Fleet Maintenance
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (early models)
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, strong towing and hauling capabilities, wide range of engine options, comfortable ride for a truck of its era
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-accurate information for DIY repairs, maintenance, and diagnostics, saving on labor costs and ensuring correct procedures.
Vehicle Years Covered:
1996, 1997
Body Styles Covered:
1500, 2500, 3500 Series (Light Duty and Heavy Duty)
Cab Configurations Covered:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Drivetrain Covered:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)
Estimated Page Count:
2000+ (typical for a complete factory service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), potentially printable sections
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (Front Axle, Rear Axle, Transfer Case)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear, ABS), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Gauges, Audio System, Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Starter, Fuses & Relays
Body:
Body & Frame, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Cruise Control
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Tune-up Procedures, Belt & Hose Inspections
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Charts, Electrical System Diagnostics
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Differential Service, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, HVAC Component Repair
Installation Replacement:
Component Replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, radiator), Sensor Replacement, Exterior/Interior Trim Installation
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level Diagnostics, Repair, and Overhaul Procedures
Engine Option 1:
3.9L (239ci) Magnum V6 (e.g., 3.9L OHV)
Engine Option 2:
5.2L (318ci) Magnum V8 (e.g., 5.2L OHV)
Engine Option 3:
5.9L (360ci) Magnum V8 (e.g., 5.9L OHV)
Engine Option 4:
8.0L (488ci) Magnum V10 (for heavy-duty models, especially 2500/3500)
Engine Option 5:
5.9L (359ci) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (for heavy-duty models, especially 2500/3500)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 175-300 hp (depending on engine)
Torque Range:
Approx. 230-470 lb-ft (depending on engine)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (for V6/V8), Diesel (for Cummins)
ECU:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
Transmission Option 1:
4-Speed Automatic (e.g., 46RE, 47RE)
Transmission Option 2:
5-Speed Manual (e.g., NV4500 for heavy duty, Getrag for lighter duty)
Overdrive:
Yes (on automatic transmissions)
Transfer Case Types:
Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac (Full-time 4WD available)
Wheelbase Options:
Varied based on cab and bed length (e.g., 115", 135", 145")
Bed Length Options:
e.g., 6.5 ft (short bed), 8 ft (long bed)
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 6000 lbs to 11000+ lbs (depending on model/configuration)
Payload Capacity Range:
Approx. 1500 lbs to 5000+ lbs (depending on model/configuration)
Towing Capacity Range:
Approx. 4000 lbs to 10000+ lbs (depending on model/configuration)
NHTSA Ratings 1996:
Mixed - Frontal impact ratings were generally good, but side impact and rollover resistance varied.
NHTSA Ratings 1997:
Mixed - Similar to 1996.
ABS:
Available/Standard on some models (Rear-wheel ABS standard on most, 4-wheel ABS optional)
Airbags:
Driver side airbag standard, Passenger side airbag optional or standard on higher trims for some years.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point lap belts for rear passengers (center may vary).
Audio Systems:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Available/Standard on many models.
Antilock Brakes:
As noted in Safety section, available/standard.
Aux Inputs:
None (pre-USB/Bluetooth era).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type recommendations).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: typically much longer or as needed based on use.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG/SH or better (e.g., SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40 depending on temperature and engine). Refer to manual for precise spec.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-5 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90, 75W-140 depending on application).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Corporate Type 2 (HOAT) or similar.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust components, brake pads/rotors, radiator, water pump.
Powertrain Considerations:
Transmission issues (especially 46RE/47RE in heavy use), potential for plenum gasket leaks on Magnum V8s, injector issues on some early EFI systems, head gasket leaks on some Magnum engines.
Electrical Quirks:
Intermittent gauge operation, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, power window/lock issues, PCM failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the early 1900s.
Second Gen Launch:
The second-generation Ram (BR/BE) was introduced for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive styling and improved interior comfort.
Key Updates 1996-1997:
Minor updates, potential for new trim levels or feature packaging. The core design and powertrains remained consistent with the early second generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri (various assembly plants were used).
Truck Of The Year Awards:
While specific awards for the '96-'97 models might be less prominent than later generations, the second-gen Ram received acclaim for its styling and capability upon introduction.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Ratings varied, with some praise for powertrain reliability (especially Magnum V8s) but criticisms sometimes directed at electrical components and interior build quality.
