🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

DR

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet owners, and individual truck buyers prioritizing utility and capability

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra

Powertrain Options:

Robust V8 engine options, available 4WD, heavy-duty chassis

Utility Focus:

Strong towing and hauling capabilities, durable construction

Manual Advantage:

Provides in-depth technical knowledge for DIY repairs and maintenance, saving on labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete Engine Overhaul, Timing, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel Delivery (MPI)

Engine Electrical:

Ignition System, Starting and Charging System, Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnosis, Sensors and Actuators

Transmission Manual:

Service, Repair, and Overhaul for manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500, NV4500)

Transmission Automatic:

Service, Repair, and Overhaul for automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RE, 46RE, 47RE)

Drivetrain:

Front Axle, Rear Axle, Driveshafts, CV joints, Transfer Case (4WD models)

Suspension:

Front Suspension (Independent Front Suspension - IFS), Rear Suspension (Solid Axle), Springs, Shocks, Bushings

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Gear, Tie Rods, Steering Column

Brakes:

Front and Rear Brake Systems (Disc/Drum configurations), ABS System, Parking Brake

Electrical System:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Distribution, Body Control Modules (BCM)

Body And Chassis:

Body Panel Removal/Installation, Door Mechanisms, Interior Trim, Frame Repair, Emissions Control System

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC System Components, Refrigerant Handling, Diagnosis and Repair

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Component Replacement and Repair

Rebuilding Procedures:

Engine, Transmission, and Axle Rebuild Guides

Installation Procedures:

Installation of Major Components and Accessories

Specification Setting:

Torque Specifications, Alignment Specifications, Gap Settings

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear exploded views and diagrams

Binding Method:

Digital (N/A for printed)

Paper Quality:

Digital (N/A for printed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

360 (5.9L Magnum V8)

Displacement:

5.9 Liters (360 cubic inches)

Configuration:

V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), Pushrod Actuated Valves

Horsepower:

Approx. 235 hp @ 4,000 RPM

Torque:

Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM

Engine Code:

273 (4.7L Magnum V8 - early V8 model, sometimes listed as 5.0L equivalent)

Displacement:

4.7 Liters (approx. 287 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

Approx. 235 hp @ 4,800 RPM

Torque:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE / 46RE / 47RE variations)

Transmission Type 2:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500 / NV4500 variations)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (e.g., GL-3/GL-4)

Transfer Case Fluid Spec 4Wd:

Mopar NV241 Transfer Case Fluid or equivalent (e.g., ATF Dexron-III)

Transfer Case Type 4Wd:

NV241 (part-time, chain-driven)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 1500:

131.0 inches (3327 mm)

Wheelbase 2500/3500:

134.5 inches (3416 mm) for Quad Cab / 154.5 inches (3924 mm) for Long Bed

Overall Length Typical:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., ~230 inches for standard bed)

Overall Width:

Approx. 79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Overall Height:

Approx. 77.4 inches (1966 mm)

Curb Weight 1500:

Approx. 4500-5000 lbs (2041-2268 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr 1500:

Approx. 6300-6600 lbs (2858-2994 kg)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 8,900 lbs (4037 kg) depending on configuration and engine

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to 2,200 lbs (998 kg) depending on configuration and engine

Bed Length Standard:

6.3 feet (76 inches)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (96 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

4-star (check specific configuration)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

4-star (check specific configuration)

IIHS Frontal Impact:

Good (check specific configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, rear seat belts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard, but seat belts can be used for child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM cassette and CD player. Premium Infinity sound systems available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Aftermarket navigation systems were common; factory navigation was not a widespread option in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were not standard, but available as an option on some trims or as an aftermarket accessory.

Auxiliary Inputs:

No standard auxiliary audio inputs; aftermarket solutions (e.g., FM transmitters, cassette adapters) were common.

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Automatic:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:

Every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km)

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature). API Certified (e.g., API SN or newer)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter for 5.2L and 5.9L V8 engines

Coolant Specification:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent) meeting Chrysler MS-9769 (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Common Issue Radiator:

Cracked plastic end tanks or leaks in the radiator core.

Common Issue Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Vacuum leaks due to degraded intake manifold gaskets, leading to rough idle and poor performance.

Common Issue Overhead Cam Phaser:

While this generation typically uses OHV engines, some later models might have had different designs. However, for OHV, camshaft lobe wear can occur.

Common Issue Transmission Cooler Lines:

Leaking transmission cooler lines, especially at the connection points.

Common Issue Rear Main Seal:

Oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.

Common Issue Front Suspension Components:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings due to the heavy nature of the truck and typical use.

Common Issue Wheel Speed Sensors:

Malfunctioning ABS or traction control due to faulty wheel speed sensors.

Importance Of Fluid Checks:

Regularly checking and replacing engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid is critical for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Lineage:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate signifying durability and workhorse performance.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2001 model is part of the third generation of the Dodge Ram (DN platform), which ran from 1994-2001. This generation introduced the distinctive, aggressive styling with a large grille and prominent hood.

Key Updates 2001:

Minor updates may have occurred, but the core design and powertrains remained largely consistent with prior years of this generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Production Period:

1994-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While specific awards for the 2001 model year might vary, the Dodge Ram line consistently received accolades for its design and capability from various automotive publications throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for this era varied. The manual is essential for understanding common issues and performing proper maintenance to mitigate potential problems.

OBD Ii Compliance:

Compliant with the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) standard for emissions monitoring and diagnostic code retrieval.