🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Year:

1995-1996

Chassis Code:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The second-generation Dodge Ram (1994-2001) was a significant redesign, introducing a bold, aggressive styling and improved capabilities, competing directly with Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K series (Silverado), GMC Sierra.

Design Era:

Known for its distinctive 'big rig' styling and powerful engine options.

Utility:

Renowned for its towing and hauling capabilities, making it a popular choice for work and recreation.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks (Full Size)

Covered Trims:

All available trim levels for 1995-1996 models (e.g., Work Truck, SLT, Laramie)

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000+ (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (likely bound book)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for engine removal/installation, internal component inspection and repair, timing systems, cooling system, lubrication system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition systems, exhaust systems, emission controls, diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for NV3500 5-speed manual transmission, including clutch system.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for 46RH, 47RH (4-speed automatic transmissions), including torque converter, valve body, and internal components.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle assemblies, differential service, propeller shafts, U-joints, 4WD transfer case (New Process NP231, NP241).

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (torsion bar), rear leaf spring suspension, steering system components, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs), ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, wiring diagrams.

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, chassis and frame inspection, corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service, diagnosis, and component replacement.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures using diagnostic tools.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, and inspections.

Engine Repair:

Engine rebuild procedures, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod replacement, crankshaft service.

Transmission Overhaul:

Complete overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, including component replacement and adjustment.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, brake line repair, ABS bleeding.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for electrical issues using wiring diagrams and diagnostic techniques.

Steering And Suspension Repair:

Replacement of ball joints, tie rods, control arms, shock absorbers, steering box service.

Body Work:

Panel alignment, door hinge adjustment, glass replacement, bumper repair.

Diagnostics And Testing:

Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and electrical components.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and chassis work.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting trees for various systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Includes detailed specifications and procedures for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

N/A (specified as Print)

Quality:

High (expected for factory manuals, clear diagrams and text)

Binding:

Likely Perfect Binding or Spiral Binding for lay-flat usability

Paper:

Durable paper stock, often gloss or semi-gloss for diagrams and photographs

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

5.2L Magnum V8 (318 ci)

Engine Code Base:

P

Base Engine Hp:

Approx. 230 hp @ 4,800 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Optional Engine:

5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci)

Engine Code Optional 1:

Z

Optional Engine 1 Hp:

Approx. 245 hp @ 4,500 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Optional Engine 2:

8.0L Magnum V10 (488 ci) - Introduced in 1996

Engine Code Optional 2:

W

Optional Engine 2 Hp:

Approx. 300 hp @ 4,500 rpm

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm

Optional Engine 3:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (359 ci) - Introduced in 1994

Engine Code Optional 3:

C

Optional Engine 3 Hp:

Approx. 160-175 hp @ 2,500 rpm (depending on year/spec)

Optional Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 400-420 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm (depending on year/spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Bosch VE rotary injection pump for Cummins Diesel.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for 5.2L, 89 octane for 5.9L V8 and V10); Diesel fuel for Cummins.

🔧 Transmission

Standard 2Wd:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag/NV3500)

Standard 4Wd:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag/NV3500) with NP231 or NP241 Transfer Case

Optional Automatic:

4-Speed Automatic (46RH for 5.2L/5.9L V8, 47RH for 5.9L Diesel/V10 in later models)

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions and the NV3500 manual feature overdrive.

Transfer Case 4Wd:

New Process (NP) 231 (part-time) and NP 241 (part-time with optional slip-yoke eliminator/heavy-duty variants) manual shift transfer cases.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

117.7 inches (2990 mm)

Wheelbase Club Cab:

134.7 inches (3421 mm)

Wheelbase Crew Cab:

134.7 inches (3421 mm) (Less common/available in early second gen, more prevalent later)

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration, typically 210-235 inches (5334-5969 mm).

Overall Width:

Approx. 79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Overall Height:

Approx. 73.5-77.5 inches (1867-1969 mm), depending on 2WD/4WD and configuration.

Bed Length Short:

6.5 feet (1981 mm)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (2438 mm)

Curb Weight:

Varies widely, typically 4,500-6,000 lbs (2041-2722 kg) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Ranges from 6,050 lbs (2744 kg) for light-duty models up to 9,500 lbs (4309 kg) for heavy-duty configurations (3500 series).

Towing Capacity:

Up to approximately 10,000-11,000 lbs (4536-4990 kg) for properly equipped heavy-duty models.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front:

Adequate to Good (IIHS ratings varied, but generally considered robust for its era).

NHTSA Passenger Front:

Adequate to Good.

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels (standard on some later models) and 4-wheel ABS on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard; Passenger airbag optional or standard depending on year and trim.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in front, lap belts in rear (standard).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.

Controls:

Manual climate controls, physical buttons and knobs for audio and other functions.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trim levels.

Oem Connectivity:

Very limited by modern standards; no factory Bluetooth or integrated navigation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months for severe service; 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal service (check manual for specific recommendations).

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months (severe service) or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months (normal service) using appropriate diesel oil.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (severe service), 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months (normal service).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 for 5.2L/5.9L V8; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for V10; SAE 15W-40 for Cummins Diesel.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or higher for gasoline; API Service CD or CE for diesel.

Coolant:

Mopar 5/150 Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

NV3500: SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil; NV4500 (often found in diesel conversions): SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar NV241/NP231 Transfer Case Lubricant or Dexron III ATF.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Problems 1:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially 5.2L/5.9L V8), plenum gasket leaks, differential pinion seal leaks, death wobble (front suspension/steering component wear), heater core issues, automatic transmission valve body problems.

Common Problems 2:

Cummins: Injector pump failures, older turbocharger issues, radiator hose leaks. Electrical gremlins can occur in aging vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Ram Design Philosophy:

The second-generation Ram was designed to be bolder and more distinct than its predecessors, targeting a more style-conscious buyer while retaining traditional truck capabilities.

Generation Launch:

The second generation (BR/BE platform) debuted for the 1994 model year, representing a complete overhaul.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo Truck Assembly, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly, Michigan, USA.

Production Span:

1994-2001 (This manual covers the early part of this generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the '95-'96 models are less documented publicly than some later iterations, the second-generation Ram platform was generally well-received for its capabilities and styling, contributing to strong sales.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied by engine and specific components, often rated average to below average for its era, with some powertrain components showing higher than average issues.