Truck owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Series, GMC Sierra.
Key Features
Vehicle Reputation:
Known for its ruggedness and utility.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential repair and maintenance information for a critical period of the Dodge Ram's history, enabling owners to maintain or repair their vehicles effectively.
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and diagrams, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), ignition switch.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard gauges, warning lights, switches, indicators, climate control system operation and diagnosis.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, door repair, window mechanisms, interior trim, chassis components, frame inspection and repair, rust prevention.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant types and capacities, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, climate control modules.
Emission Control:
EGR system, PCV system, oxygen sensors, catalytic converter function, evaporative emission control system (EVAP).
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problems and solutions.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension upgrades, brake system overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnosis, engine performance diagnosis, HVAC system diagnosis, brake system diagnosis.
Available on 4-speed automatics (A500/A518) and 5-speed manuals (NV4500).
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent (check specific year/model, ATF+4 is often backward compatible but consult manual).
Manual Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific weight and type dependent on transmission model).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
Various, typically 112-131 inches depending on cab and bed configuration.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab.
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.5 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft).
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly based on configuration, typically 4000-5500 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Ranges from 5000 lbs to 7500 lbs+ depending on GVWR class.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official government crash test data available for this specific generation from the era. Refer to contemporary road tests for comparative safety insights.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on rear wheels or four wheels on some models/trims.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts.
Structure:
Body-on-frame construction.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with cassette player; optional CD player on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on most trims.
Connectivity
Towing Features:
Factory tow packages available, including trailer wiring harnesses and hitch receivers.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or 5,000 miles/6 months under ideal conditions (refer to manual for specific engine).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (depends on oil type and usage, consult manual).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic, manual typically inspected and changed as needed or at higher mileage intervals.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine, typically 30,000-60,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for temperature specific viscosity).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API Service CD or CE, SAE 15W-40 (low ash content recommended for turbocharged diesel).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar or equivalent. Check for Mopar specific formulas.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF or specific power steering fluid (consult manual).
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Radiator leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (V8 Magnum), ball joint wear, power steering pump failure, rust on body panels and frame, transmission governor issues (automatic), exhaust manifold cracks (some V8s).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s, with the Ram nameplate becoming iconic for its durability and performance.
Model Evolution
Second Generation Facelift:
The AD series Ram trucks received a significant facelift for 1981 and continued with various updates through the 1993 model year. The period of 1989-1991 saw the introduction and refinement of the Magnum V6 and V8 engines and the availability of the Cummins Turbo Diesel, marking a substantial leap in powertrain technology for Dodge trucks.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Cummins Diesel Recognition:
The integration of the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine was a significant technological advancement and was highly praised for its power, durability, and fuel efficiency, helping to redefine the capabilities of American pickup trucks in this era.
Wenn du dich für eine Auswahl entscheidest, wird die Seite komplett aktualisiert.