🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Model Generation:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

Model Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Chassis Code:

BR/BE

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Tradespeople, fleet owners, individuals requiring heavy-duty capability and towing capacity.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (introduced later).

Design Philosophy:

Robust construction, powerful engine options, substantial towing and payload capabilities, traditional truck styling.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential DIY repair and maintenance information, enabling cost savings and extending vehicle lifespan for owners.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options Covered:

5.2L Magnum V8 (318 ci), 5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci), 8.0L Magnum V10 (488 ci), 2.5L I4 Diesel (DSM), 3.9L Magnum V6 (239 ci)

Transmission Options Covered:

4-speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE, 47RE), 5-speed Manual (NV3500, NV4500)

Drive Types Covered:

2WD, 4WD

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine variants, including cylinder heads, blocks, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, and cooling.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAP, TPS, O2, coolant temp), starter, alternator, wiring diagrams.

Transmission Manual:

NV3500 and NV4500 gearbox overhauls, clutch system, shifter linkage, gear ratios, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

42RE, 44RE, 47RE transmission disassembly, inspection, repair, torque converter, valve body diagnostics, shift solenoids, external adjustments, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle assemblies, differentials (open, limited-slip), transfer case (NV231, NV241), CV joints, driveshafts, U-joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front independent front suspension (IFS) with torsion bars, rear solid axle with leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear box, tie rods, drag link, steering column, steering wheel removal.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (vented rotors), rear drum brakes (ABS optional), hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS control module (if equipped), parking brake, bleeding procedures, specifications.

Electrical System:

12V battery, charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, interior electronics, fuse box locations, circuit protection, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling, control panels, ducting.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seat removal, glass replacement, weatherstripping, corrosion protection.

Chassis:

Frame construction, body mounting, exhaust system, fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, emissions control systems.

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections, belt and hose inspections, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission slippage, brake problems, and more, often including symptom-based troubleshooting charts and DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) explanations.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, high-quality wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, essential for electrical diagnostics and repairs.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners, crucial for proper assembly and preventing damage.

Specifications Charts:

Charts containing all necessary technical data, including clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.

Emissions Control:

Information on emission control systems, diagnostic procedures, and component functions.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic strategies.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely includes searchable text for efficient information retrieval.

Printable:

Designed to be printable for workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics for clarity.

Binding For Physical Copy:

N/A (PDF format)

Paper Quality For Physical Copy:

N/A (PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Code:

5.2L Magnum V8 (318 ci)

Engine 1 Type:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Engine 1 Bore Stroke:

3.91" x 3.58"

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Engine 2 Code:

5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci)

Engine 2 Type:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Engine 2 Bore Stroke:

4.00" x 3.58"

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

245 hp @ 4,000 rpm (later models 2001 may have slightly higher)

Engine 2 Torque:

335 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (later models 2001 may have slightly higher)

Engine 3 Code:

8.0L Magnum V10 (488 ci)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

300 hp @ 4,500 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

440 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Engine 4 Code:

3.9L Magnum V6 (239 ci)

Engine 4 Horsepower:

175 hp @ 4,800 rpm

Engine 4 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Engine 5 Code:

2.5L I4 Diesel (DSM)

Engine 5 Horsepower:

114 hp @ 3,200 rpm

Engine 5 Torque:

190 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Fuel Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6/V8, premium may be recommended for V10 for optimal performance)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Distributor-less Ignition System (DIS) and Coil-on-Plug (COP) on some later V10 models.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (42RE for 5.2L, 44RE for 5.9L, 47RE for 5.9L HO/V10)

Optional Transmission Type 1:

5-speed Manual (NV3500 for V6/5.2L V8)

Optional Transmission Type 2:

5-speed Manual (NV4500 for 5.9L V8, V10)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Overdrive, lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.

Manual Transmission Features:

Robust gearboxes designed for heavy-duty use, offering driver control and durability.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

134.9 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab:

164.1 inches

Overall Length Regular Cab:

204.5 inches (standard bed)

Overall Length Club Cab:

233.7 inches (standard bed)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,500 - 6,000 lbs, depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Ranges from 6,300 lbs to 8,800 lbs (depending on payload package).

Towing Capacity:

Up to 10,000+ lbs, depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration.

Payload Capacity:

Up to 4,000+ lbs, depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Likely 3-star rating in specific test conditions for this era.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, typically 4-wheel ABS on later models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants (if equipped).

Structural Reinforcement:

Integrated roll bar in roof structure, reinforced frame.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level. Basic HVAC controls.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Phone Integration:

No factory integration for modern smartphones. Aftermarket solutions available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on transmission type and usage (towing/heavy use may require more frequent changes).

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

50,000-100,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard copper, platinum, or iridium).

Engine Oil Specification:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific engine and temperature range).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (V6/5.2L V8), 6 quarts (5.9L V8/V10) with filter change.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 quarts (with converter).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (check manual for specific viscosity, e.g., 75W-90).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically Mopar® OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT for later models, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3.

Common Issues Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter adapter leaks, distributor/crankshaft sensor failures, exhaust manifold cracks (V8 engines).

Common Issues Transmission:

Overdrive planetary gear failure in 47RE, solenoid pack issues, torque converter shudder.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering stabilizer due to vehicle weight and usage.

Common Issues Brakes:

Warped rotors, rear brake cylinder leaks (drum brakes).

Common Issues Electrical:

Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, instrument cluster problems, HVAC blower resistor failure.

Common Issues Body:

Rusted rocker panels, cab corners, and bed supports, especially in rust-belt regions.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, establishing the 'Ram' as a distinct and respected nameplate.

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation (BR/BE) was introduced for the 1994 model year, featuring a significant redesign from its predecessor with more aerodynamic styling and improved interior comfort. The 1998-2001 models represent the latter half of this generation, with minor updates and refinements.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Saltillo, Mexico.

Sales Trend:

Consistently a strong seller in the full-size pickup market, known for its value and capability.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

While the 1994 model year of this generation won MotorTrend's Truck of the Year, subsequent years within this range often received strong reviews for capability and value.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Typically rated average to above average for predicted reliability in its class for the era, with some specific components noted for potential issues.