🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Model Generation:

Third Generation (DR/DH/D2)

Covered Years:

2002, 2003, 2004

Chassis Codes:

DR/DH/D2

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Dodge Ram owners, DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians

Value Proposition:

Cost-effective solution for maintaining and repairing the vehicle, empowering users with factory-level information

Competitor Manuals:

Haynes, Chilton (often less detailed than factory WSRM)

Primary Benefit:

Empowers users to perform complex repairs and diagnostics accurately

Information Source:

Based on official Chrysler/Dodge factory service information

Comprehensiveness:

Covers virtually all mechanical and electrical aspects of the vehicle

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service and Repair

Trim Level Coverage:

All available trim levels for the specified years

Body Style Coverage:

All body styles including 1500, 2500, 3500; Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Mega Cab (where applicable for model year)

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual (WSRM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), searchable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, emission control systems

Transmission:

Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500), Automatic transmission (45RFE, 48RE, 47RE)

Drivetrain:

Transfer case, front and rear axles, drive shafts, CV joints, differential systems

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes (depending on model/GVWR), ABS, parking brake system

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (SLA on some models), rear leaf spring suspension, steering components

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, linkage

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, Body Control Module (BCM)

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, tailgate, frame

Chassis:

Frame construction, mounting points, underbody components

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, OBD-II system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points

Routine Repair:

Component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, spark plugs)

Major Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system rebuilding

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for various symptoms

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools for specific repair procedures

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities

Reassembly:

Detailed instructions for component disassembly and reassembly

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced, including sensor data interpretation, electrical circuit testing, and system-level diagnostics

Detail Level:

High, with clear exploded views, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for hands-on workshop use

Image Quality:

High-resolution illustrations and diagrams

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Physical Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4.7L Magnum V8 (P-Code), 5.7L HEMI V8 (4th Gen, late 2003/2004 models), 5.9L Magnum V8 (2500/3500 models), 4.7L Magnum V8 (2500/3500 models), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (2500/3500 models)

Engine Displacement 1500:

4.7L (285 cu in), 5.7L (345 cu in)

Engine Displacement 2500 3500:

4.7L (285 cu in), 5.9L (359 cu in), 5.9L Turbo Diesel (359 cu in)

Horsepower 4.7L V8:

Approx. 235-240 hp

Torque 4.7L V8:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft

Horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8:

Approx. 345-348 hp

Torque 5.7L Hemi V8:

Approx. 375-380 lb-ft

Horsepower 5.9L Magnum V8:

Approx. 245-250 hp

Torque 5.9L Magnum V8:

Approx. 330-335 lb-ft

Horsepower 5.9L Cummins Diesel:

Approx. 235-250 hp (depending on tuning)

Torque 5.9L Cummins Diesel:

Approx. 460-505 lb-ft (depending on tuning)

Injection Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for Cummins Diesel

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel Fuel (for Cummins)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500 on 1500, NV4500 on 2500/3500)

Optional Transmission 1500:

4-Speed Automatic (45RFE)

Optional Transmission 2500 3500:

4-Speed Automatic (47RE, 48RE)

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD (NV243, NV244), Full-time 4WD (NV271, NV273), 2WD available

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

NV3500: Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-4, SAE 75W-90), NV4500: Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-3, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

134.0 inches

Wheelbase Quad Cab:

154.7 inches

Wheelbase Mega Cab:

160.5 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Curb Weight 1500:

Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gvwr 1500:

Approx. 6,000 - 6,500 lbs

Curb Weight 2500 3500:

Approx. 5,500 - 7,500+ lbs (varies significantly by configuration and engine)

Gvwr 2500:

Approx. 7,000 - 8,500 lbs

Gvwr 3500:

Approx. 8,800 - 11,000+ lbs (including dually configurations)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver 2002:

Five Stars (NHTSA)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2002:

Five Stars (NHTSA)

IIHS Frontal Offset 2002:

Good (IIHS - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) available on some models

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags; optional side airbags available

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Base AM/FM/CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system, available navigation systems (less common in this era), rear-seat entertainment systems (rare)

Driver Assistance Features:

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) standard, optional traction control (ESP)

Connectivity Options:

Basic connectivity; features like Bluetooth, USB, or AUX inputs were not standard and typically aftermarket additions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on visual inspection

Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:

4.7L Magnum: 100,000 miles (platinum plugs); 5.7L HEMI: 100,000 miles (platinum plugs)

Coolant Flush:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5 years (depending on coolant type)

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (depending on towing and driving conditions)

Engine Oil 4.7L V8:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 (API certified)

Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:

CJ-4 rated Diesel Engine Oil, SAE 15W-40

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue (50/50 mix)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

4.7L Magnum V8:

Head gasket failures (especially early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, spark plug blow-out

5.7L Hemi V8:

Exhaust manifold cracks, lifter/camshaft wear (multi-displacement system issues in later years of this gen, less common in 03-04)

5.9L Cummins Diesel:

VP44 injection pump failure (mid-life issue), lifting of cylinder head (especially with higher performance tunes), aging fuel lines

Transmissions:

Overheating and failure of automatic transmissions (especially 47RE/48RE under heavy load), manual transmission synchro issues (NV3500)

Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, front sway bar end link issues

Electrical:

Instrument cluster failures, TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) issues (more common in later years of this generation)

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, establishing the Ram nameplate as a serious contender in the pickup market.

Third Generation Introduction:

The third generation Ram (DN/DM platform) debuted for the 2002 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a bolder, more muscular exterior and a more refined interior. Introduced a larger cab configuration (Mega Cab) and the HEMI V8 engine.

Key Changes 2002:

Complete redesign, new chassis, introduction of Quad Cab and Mega Cab options, 4.7L V8 standard on most 1500 models, 5.9L V8 and Cummins Diesel available on heavier duty models.

Key Changes 2003:

Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, offering a significant power upgrade.

Key Changes 2004:

Minor refinements, further availability of HEMI engine across trims, potential minor feature packaging changes.

Manufacturing Locations:

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

Production Period:

2002-2008 (for the third generation platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Recognition:

Consistently ranked among the top heavy-duty pickups for its towing and hauling capabilities.

Engine Awards:

5.7L HEMI V8 often cited for its power and performance.