Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors 1996 97:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota T100
Design Era:
Second Generation Ram (1994-2001), known for its bold, distinctive styling
Powertrain Options:
Robust V6 and V8 engine choices, capable transmissions, and 4x4 availability
Utility Focus:
Designed for heavy-duty work, towing, and hauling
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively
Engine Mechanical:
V6 and V8 Gasoline Engines
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection, Ignition, Emissions Control
Transmission Manual:
NV3500, NV4500, Getrag 5-Speed Manual Transmissions
Transmission Automatic:
42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE Automatic Transmissions
Drivetrain:
Front and Rear Axles, Transfer Case, Driveshafts
Suspension:
Front Independent Front Suspension (IFS), Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, ABS System
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Bumpers
Chassis:
Frame, Body Mounts
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations
Engine Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures
Transmission Repair:
Rebuild procedures for automatic and manual transmissions
Brake Service:
Pad replacement, rotor machining/replacement, caliper service, bleeding
Suspension Component Replacement:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, shock absorbers, springs
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting common electrical faults
HVAC System Repair:
Component replacement, refrigerant servicing (where applicable and permitted)
Body Panel Repair:
Dent removal, panel alignment, rust repair guidance
Troubleshooting Guides:
Specific fault diagnosis and repair steps for common issues
Torque Specifications:
All critical fastener torque values
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for repairs
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostics and repair procedures
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams and illustrations
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD-I and OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Base Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
Optional Engine 1:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Optional Engine 2:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8 (also available in some models)
Optional Engine 3:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6
5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm
5.2L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4400 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
3.9L Magnum V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 175 hp @ 4800 rpm
3.9L Magnum V6 Torque:
Approx. 225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack depending on exact build date/engine variant
Standard Transmission Light Duty:
NV3500 5-Speed Manual
Standard Transmission Heavy Duty:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual (with granny gear)
Optional Automatic Light Duty:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic
Optional Automatic Medium Duty:
44RE 4-Speed Automatic
Optional Automatic Heavy Duty:
46RE / 47RE 4-Speed Automatic (Heavy Duty)
Transfer Case Options:
New Process NV241 (manual shift) and NV243 (electronic shift) transfer cases
Axle Ratios:
Various, typically 3.55, 3.91, 4.10 depending on configuration and axle type (Dana 44 front, Dana 60/70 rear)
Wheelbase 2Wd Regular Cab:
118.7 inches
Wheelbase 4X4 Regular Cab:
118.7 inches
Wheelbase 2Wd Club Cab:
134.7 inches
Wheelbase 4X4 Club Cab:
134.7 inches
Bed Lengths:
6.5 ft (Standard Bed), 8 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,200 - 5,500 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Range:
Approximately 6,100 - 8,800 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Generally rated 4 out of 5 stars (varies by configuration)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels for most models, 4-wheel ABS optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on load and conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs
Engine Oil Recommendation:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ certified oil, viscosity 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:
ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Mtf:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 (check manual for specific transmission)
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Common Issues 1:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V8s), transmission cooler line leaks, steering gear box wear
Common Issues 2:
Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), catalytic converter issues, rear main seal leaks
Common Issues 3:
Interior trim durability, gauge cluster failures, HVAC blower motor issues
Electrical Issues:
Ground strap corrosion, intermittent electrical gremlins due to age
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks since the 1930s.
Second Generation Ram Introduction:
The second generation Ram (BR/BE) was introduced for the 1994 model year, representing a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling, earning it the nickname 'Big Rig'.
Key Updates 1996 97:
Minor updates and refinements to engines, transmissions, and features during these years. The 5.9L Magnum V8 became more prevalent. Introduction of OBD-II diagnostics in 1996.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA