🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Model Variant:

Full-Size Pickup Truck

Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Platform Code:

Second Generation Ram (BR/BE)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, known for its ruggedness and towing capability.

Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (later models)

Engine Variety:

Wide range of engine choices, from efficient V6 to powerful V8s and the iconic Cummins turbodiesel, offering significant versatility.

Durability:

Renowned for its robust construction and durability, particularly the Cummins diesel variant.

Towing Hauling:

Strong emphasis on towing and hauling capabilities across all engine options.

Benefits:

Provides essential information for DIY mechanics and professional technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle, saving time and money.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

3.9L Magnum V6, 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 8.0L Magnum V10, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel

Chassis Options:

2WD, 4WD

Body Styles:

Standard Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), Chassis Cab

Trim Levels:

ST, SLT, Laramie, Sport

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Scope:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) equivalent

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, component testing), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (injection, components), ignition system, emissions control, intake and exhaust systems

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500, NV5600), Automatic transmission (42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE), transfer case (New Process/BorgWarner models), driveline components

Brakes:

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

Suspension Steering:

Front independent suspension (ball joints, control arms, springs), rear leaf spring suspension, steering gear (power steering pump, steering column, linkage), steering knuckle, wheel bearings

Electrical Systems:

Battery, starting system, charging system (alternator), lighting system, ignition system, fuel injection control module (PCM), body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, HVAC controls, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, trailer wiring

HVAC System:

Air conditioning (compressor, refrigerant lines, evaporator, condenser), heating system (heater core, blower motor), climate controls

Body Structure:

Frame, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, weatherstripping, glass replacement

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, differential fluid), lubrication points, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission problems, brake system malfunctions, HVAC complaints, drivability issues

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code interpretation, diagnostic scan tool usage, component testing procedures, circuit tracing

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, engine timing, diagnostic parameter values

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and step-by-step instructions.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including pinpoint tests for electrical systems and systematic troubleshooting flows.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically, depending on PDF origin)

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

3.9L Magnum V6:

Displacement: 3.9L (239 ci); Configuration: OHV V6; Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI); Approx. HP: 175-180 hp; Approx. Torque: 230-240 lb-ft

5.2L Magnum V8:

Displacement: 5.2L (318 ci); Configuration: OHV V8; Fuel System: MPI; Approx. HP: 220-230 hp; Approx. Torque: 295-300 lb-ft

5.9L Magnum V8:

Displacement: 5.9L (360 ci); Configuration: OHV V8; Fuel System: MPI; Approx. HP: 245-255 hp; Approx. Torque: 340-345 lb-ft

8.0L Magnum V10:

Displacement: 8.0L (488 ci); Configuration: OHV V10; Fuel System: MPI; Approx. HP: 300-310 hp; Approx. Torque: 450-455 lb-ft

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel:

Displacement: 5.9L (359 ci); Configuration: OHV Inline-6 Turbocharged Diesel; Fuel System: Rotary Injection Pump (VE or P7100); Approx. HP: 180-215 hp; Approx. Torque: 420-470 lb-ft

Timing Belt Chain:

Timing chain for all Magnum gasoline engines. Timing gear drive for Cummins Diesel.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Magnum engines), Diesel fuel (Cummins engine)

Injection Type:

MPI for gasoline, Direct injection (indirect injection in some very early models, but predominantly direct for this generation) with rotary injection pump for diesel.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

NV3500 (5-speed) for V6 and smaller V8 engines; NV4500 (5-speed heavy-duty) for larger V8 and diesel engines.

Automatic Transmission:

42RE (3-speed w/overdrive) for V6; 44RE/46RE (4-speed w/overdrive) for V8 engines; 47RE/48RE (4-speed w/overdrive heavy-duty) for large V8 and diesel engines.

Transfer Case:

New Process NP231 (2WD/4WD part-time), NP241DLD (2WD/4WD part-time heavy duty), NP241DHD (2WD/4WD part-time heavy duty with larger output shafts), NP271 (manual shift 4WD, later models), NP273 (electronic shift 4WD, later models).

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios vary by transmission model and axle ratio, detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

134.7 inches (Standard Cab), 154.7 inches (Extended Cab), 134.7/154.7/178.7 inches (Chassis Cab)

Bed Length Options:

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

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration, typically 4,500 - 6,000 lbs.

Gvwr:

Varies by configuration, from 6,300 lbs to 8,800 lbs or higher for heavy-duty models.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 11,500 lbs, depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (as per 1990s standards, specific ratings for all configurations may vary).

ABS:

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

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim and cab style.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trim levels.

Trailer Brakes:

Factory provision for trailer brake controller wiring on many models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type).

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil quality and usage).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic transmissions, check manual for specific type. Manual transmissions typically less frequent, check fluid level.

Spark Plugs Gasoline:

Typically 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., platinum).

Fuel Filter Gasoline:

Every 30,000 miles.

Fuel Filter Diesel:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (crucial for diesel longevity).

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API Certified SAE 15W-40 CJ-4 or higher (for Cummins).

Coolant:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler spec). Check specific transmission for exact type.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust components (rust), ABS sensors, power steering pump, water pump, radiator.

Dodge Specific:

Rear main seal leaks (on some transmissions), intermittent ABS/brake warning lights, potential for oil cooler line leaks (diesel).

Cummins Diesel:

Lift pump issues (earlier models), injector pump wear (depending on maintenance), potential for vapor canister issues. Generally very robust.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.

Ram Second Gen:

The second-generation Ram (1994-2001) introduced a distinctive 'big rig' styling, significantly boosting its market appeal. This generation saw the introduction of the V10 and the refinement of the Cummins diesel.

Manufacturing Locations:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.

Production Period:

1994-2001 (Second Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

The Dodge Ram (especially this generation) was well-regarded and often competed for or won automotive publication 'Truck of the Year' awards from various sources during its production run.

Diesel Engine Rank:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel is widely considered one of the most reliable and durable diesel engines ever put in a pickup truck.