Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Reputation:
Renowned for its robust construction, towing capacity, and powerful engine options, a workhorse in its class.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (later in the decade)
Engine Options:
V8 engines were dominant, offering strong performance for towing and hauling.
Durability:
Built with a heavy-duty frame and components suitable for demanding work and off-road use.
Interior Versatility:
Offered in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab) and bed lengths to suit different needs.
Manual Utility:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving time and money.
All Variants:
Yes, covers all 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models (light-duty and heavy-duty)
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, testing, and repair of all engine variants
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500, NV4500)
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., 46RE, 47RE, 48RE)
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle service, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, transfer case (if applicable)
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS diagnostics, disc and drum brake service, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkage, steering gear diagnosis and repair
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, accessories
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim, exterior trim, frame straightening (structural repair guidance)
Body Control Module:
Diagnosis and repair of body electrical components and modules
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting procedures
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for all intervals
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues
Component Repair:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly instructions for virtually all vehicle components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
All critical torque specifications, clearances, and measurement tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.
Engine 1:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
Engine 1 Hp:
230 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Engine 2:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Engine 2 Hp:
245 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
330 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Engine 3:
8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10 (optional on 2500/3500 models)
Engine 3 Hp:
300 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm
Engine 4:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel (optional on 2500/3500 models)
Engine 4 Hp:
215 hp @ 2,800 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for Magnum V8/V10; Direct Injection for Cummins Diesel
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for Magnum V8/V10); Diesel Fuel for Cummins
Transmission 1:
5-speed Manual (NV3500 on 1500, NV4500 on 2500/3500)
Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (46RE on 1500, 47RE/48RE on 2500/3500)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system (241DHD/241DLD) available
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed in manual for each transmission type and axle ratio
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent) for automatics, gear oil for manuals and transfer cases
Wheelbase Options:
118.7 in (134.7 in for long bed)
Overall Length Options:
Approx. 203.5 in (standard bed) to 235.5 in (long bed)
Overall Width:
Approx. 79.1 inches
Overall Height:
Approx. 73.7 inches
Bed Length Options:
6.5 ft (standard), 8 ft (long)
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 6,500 lbs (varies significantly by configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,000 lbs (depending on configuration, engine, and axle ratio)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for models tested)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most models)
Traction Control:
Optional on some configurations
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (automatic), every 60,000-100,000 miles (manual)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Spark Plugs:
100,000 miles (Magnum V8/V10, Platinum tip spark plugs)
Engine Oil:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Common Issues 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8s)
Common Issues 2:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V8 engines)
Common Issues 3:
Water pump failures
Common Issues 4:
Transmission cooler line leaks (especially on automatics)
Common Issues 5:
Rust issues on body panels, especially rear fenders and cab corners.
Common Issues 6:
Power steering pump whine or failure.
Common Issues 7:
Fuel pump failures (common in many vehicles of this era)
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks for work and personal use.
Second Generation:
The 1997 Ram is part of the second generation (BR/BE platform, 1994-2001), which marked a significant redesign with its distinctive 'crosshair' grille and aggressive styling.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico)
Sales Figures:
Popular model with strong sales in the full-size pickup segment throughout the 1990s.