🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

DR

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, positioned as a robust and capable workhorse and family vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.

Engine Power:

Offered with powerful V8 gasoline engines and the highly regarded Cummins Turbo Diesel option.

Towing Hauling:

Renowned for its strong towing and payload capacities, making it a popular choice for commercial use and heavy-duty tasks.

Durability:

Known for its rugged construction and durability, especially with the Cummins diesel engine.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

5.2L V8 Magnum (318 ci), 5.9L V8 Magnum (360 ci), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Drivetrain Options:

2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab)

Trim Levels:

ST, SLT, Laramie, Sport, NTM (Night Mare Trim)

Total Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Primary Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500), Automatic transmission (46RE, 47RE, 48RE), Transfer case (NV231, NV241), Driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on configuration), anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wipers, audio system, body control modules (BCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body Interior Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seats, dashboard, trim, HVAC system, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbags.

Maintenance:

Fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, battery service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC lookup, electrical circuit testing, fuel system pressure testing, compression testing.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gear service, electrical component repair.

Calibration Adjustment:

Wheel alignment, brake bleeding, idle speed adjustment, clutch adjustment (manual transmission).

Level Of Detail:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and component removal/installation procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Readability:

Searchable text within PDF for quick information retrieval. High-resolution scanned pages.

Resolution:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Gasoline Option 1:

5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8

Gasoline Option 1 Power:

Approx. 230 hp @ 4500 rpm

Gasoline Option 1 Torque:

Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Gasoline Option 2:

5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8

Gasoline Option 2 Power:

Approx. 245 hp @ 4500 rpm

Gasoline Option 2 Torque:

Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Diesel Option:

5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Diesel Option Power:

Approx. 235 hp @ 2700 rpm

Diesel Option Torque:

Approx. 460 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Engine Management:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for gasoline; Bosch P7100 Injection Pump for Cummins diesel.

Gasoline Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended

Diesel Fuel Type:

Low-sulfur diesel fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity:

34 US gallons (standard)

🔧 Transmission

Gasoline Transmission:

4-speed automatic (46RE)

Gasoline Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual (NV3500)

Diesel Transmission:

5-speed manual (NV4500), 4-speed automatic (47RE, 48RE for some later models/heavy duty)

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic or manual shift transfer case (NV231DHD, NV241DHD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

134.4 inches (3414 mm)

Wheelbase Club Cab:

160.5 inches (4077 mm)

Wheelbase Quad Cab:

176.2 inches (4475 mm)

Bed Length Standard:

6.3 feet (76.7 inches)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (96.3 inches)

Curb Weight Gas 2Wd:

Approx. 4,500 - 5,000 lbs (2041 - 2268 kg)

Curb Weight Diesel 4Wd:

Approx. 5,500 - 6,000 lbs (2495 - 2722 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 6,300 - 8,800 lbs (2858 - 3992 kg) depending on configuration

Towing Capacity:

Up to 8,000 lbs (3629 kg) or more with appropriate packages.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4 out of 5 stars (Varies slightly by configuration)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (Varies by configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with CD player or cassette player. Optional Infinity speaker systems available.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, allowing for consistent speed on highways.

Trailer Wiring:

Factory trailer wiring harness for connecting trailers.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months for severe duty; 7,500 miles or 6 months for normal duty with synthetic oil. Consult manual for exact type.

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months with diesel-specific oil.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (for HOAT coolant).

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on usage (check manual).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API SL or SM; SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30. Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations.

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CI-4 or CH-4; SAE 15W-40 (preferred). Use oil meeting Cummins CES 20071/20076 specifications.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (Type 7176) for 46RE/47RE/48RE. Earlier may use ATF+3.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

NV3500: Manual Transmission Lubricant (GL-4) 75W-90. NV4500: Manual Transmission Lubricant (GL-3) 50W or 5W-50 Synthetic.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based (HOAT) coolant. Mopar OAT or equivalent. 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Diesel Injector Pump:

Failure of the P7100 injection pump on Cummins engines can occur, often due to contaminated fuel or wear. Rebuild or replacement is necessary.

Automatic Transmission:

The 46RE/47RE transmissions can experience solenoid issues, torque converter problems, or planetary gear wear over time, especially under heavy use.

Rear Main Seal Leak:

Common on both gas and diesel engines, the rear main seal can develop leaks, requiring engine removal for replacement.

Power Steering Pump:

Premature wear or failure of the power steering pump can lead to noise and loss of assist.

Radiator Support:

The radiator support can rust and corrode, particularly in areas with heavy road salt usage, impacting front-end alignment and structural integrity.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust and reliable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981, quickly establishing itself as a significant player in the pickup truck market.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2001 model year falls within the second generation of the Dodge Ram (DN platform, 1994-2001). This generation introduced a significant styling overhaul with its distinctive 'big rig' inspired grille and bold design.

Manufacturing Plants:

Primary manufacturing plants included Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Cummins Diesel Reputation:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine has a legendary reputation for reliability and longevity, often considered a benchmark in the diesel pickup market.

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2001 model year are less prominent, the Ram line generally received positive reviews for its styling and capability during this generation.