Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, known for its robust build and towing capabilities.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Durability:
Renowned for its heavy-duty construction and reliable powertrains, especially in higher trim levels.
Towing Capacity:
Excellent towing and payload capacities across various configurations.
Engine Options:
Wide range of V6 and V8 gasoline engines, and a powerful turbodiesel option.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500), Automatic transmission (42RLE, 48RE, 545RFE) repair, overhaul, and diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Axles, driveshafts, differentials, four-wheel-drive system (NV244, NV271, NV273 transfer cases).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc, drum), ABS, traction control, parking brake.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power distribution.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, interior trim, bumpers, glass.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system diagnostics and repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, SRS system.
Diagnostic And Emissions:
OBD-II diagnostics, emission control systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement.
Repair:
Engine repair, transmission overhaul, brake replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault finding based on symptoms.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all serviceable components.
Adjustments:
Torque specifications, belt tension adjustments, linkage adjustments.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilding, including electrical diagnostics and body repairs.
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L (4.7L) High Output Magnum V8, 6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel (in Ram 2500/3500).
3.7L V6:
Displacement: 3.7 Liters (226 cu in), Power: ~215 hp @ 5200 rpm, Torque: ~235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
4.7L V8:
Displacement: 4.7 Liters (285 cu in), Power: ~235-260 hp @ 5200-5300 rpm, Torque: ~300-325 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm.
5.7L Hemi V8:
Displacement: 5.7 Liters (345 cu in), Power: ~345-350 hp @ 5000-5400 rpm, Torque: ~375-390 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm.
6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel:
Displacement: 6.7 Liters (408 cu in), Power: ~305 hp @ 3000 rpm, Torque: ~555-610 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm.
Engine Management:
MPI (Multi-Point Injection) for gasoline engines, Common Rail Direct Injection for diesel.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6/V8, 89 octane for HEMI), Diesel (ULSD for Cummins).
Standard Transmission:
Varies by trim and engine. Likely a 5-speed manual (NV3500) with the V6, or a 4-speed automatic (42RLE) with the 4.7L V8.
Optional Transmissions:
5-speed manual (NV4500 HD), 4-speed automatic (48RE, 545RFE), 6-speed manual (G56 - likely with Cummins).
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive gearing for improved fuel economy.
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD (NV244, NV271) or Full-time 4WD (NV271/NV273) on 4x4 models.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab.
Bed Lengths:
6-foot (standard bed), 8-foot (long bed).
Gvwr:
Varies significantly by configuration, ranging from approximately 6,000 lbs for light-duty to over 12,000 lbs for heavy-duty models.
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically starting around 4,500 lbs for a regular cab V6 and exceeding 6,500 lbs for a crew cab diesel.
NHTSA Front Driver:
Generally rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for frontal impact in most configurations.
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Generally rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for frontal impact in most configurations.
IIHS Offset Frontal:
Varies, often rated 'Acceptable' or 'Good' for offset frontal crash tests.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, especially those with higher trim levels or specific engine options.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags on some models.
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional CD changer, optional Sirius Satellite Radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system.
Power Outlets:
Standard 12V auxiliary power outlets.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most trims, often standard on higher levels.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil, or 5,000-7,500 miles for synthetic oil, depending on driving conditions and engine. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid:
Intervals vary; often around 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage. Diesel transmissions may have shorter intervals.
Engine Oil:
API SN, SAE 5W-20 (most V6/V8), SAE 5W-30 (some V8/heavy-duty), SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (Cummins diesel).
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Color: Orange.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 42RLE, 48RE, 545RFE. Refer to manual for specific transmission fluid type.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and type (e.g., Manual Transmission Lubricant GL-3 or GL-4).
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Can fail, leading to no-start or stalling issues.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some automatic transmissions may exhibit harsh shifting; often related to fluid issues or solenoid pack problems.
Heater Core Leaks:
Can be a common issue, particularly on models with the 4.7L V8, leading to coolant loss and foggy windows.
Fuel Pump:
Can fail over time, causing starting problems or stalling.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds, especially on the 5.7L HEMI, can cause ticking noises.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing capable and rugged trucks, with the Ram line evolving over decades.
Third Generation:
The 2006 model is part of the third generation (2002-2008), characterized by its distinctive crosshair grille, redesigned interior, and significantly updated powertrains (including the introduction of the HEMI).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily assembled in the United States (e.g., Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan).