Front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, transfer case (manual and electronic shift)
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent on 1500, solid axle on 2500/3500), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles, sway bars
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, intermediate shaft
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (and rear drums on some 3500), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical Body:
Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, power locks, power mirrors, wipers, horns, security system, keyless entry, remote start
Component removal and installation, component overhaul, sub-assembly repairs, part replacement procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem diagnosis
Wiring:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Wiring Harness Diagrams, Connector Views, Component Location Charts for all electrical systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, alignment specifications, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Engine Timing:
Detailed procedures for setting ignition timing (if applicable on specific engines) and mechanical timing (e.g., timing chain/belt for gas, camshaft timing for diesel)
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment, camber, caster, toe adjustments.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools Required:
OBD-II Scan Tool, Multimeter, Test Light, Pressure Gauges (fuel, oil, coolant, AC), Vacuum Gauge, Injector Test Kit (diesel)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine Gas
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (SOHC)
Displacement 4.7L:
4.7 Liters (287 cu in)
Horsepower 4.7L:
Approx. 235-240 hp @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by model year/tune)
High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) fuel injection (starting with 5.9L common rail in 2003, but manual covers diagnostic aspects potentially for earlier non-HPCR versions if they existed for export or specific configurations for 2002, though 2002 was transition to common rail)
Engine Notes
Engine Variants:
Manual covers both gasoline (4.7L Magnum V8) and the highly regarded 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel. Some 2002 models may still have the older 24-valve 5.9L VE pump or early common rail depending on production date.
🔧 Transmission
Standard Gas
Transmission Option 1:
45RFE 4-Speed Automatic
Optional Gas
Transmission Option 2:
NV3500 5-Speed Manual
Standard Diesel
Transmission Option 3:
47RE 4-Speed Automatic (with Diesel engines, sometimes 48RE on heavier duty)
Optional Diesel
Transmission Option 4:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual (with Diesel engines, typically 2500/3500)
Features
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (OD) gears for improved fuel economy at highway speeds
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD systems with manual or electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer cases (NV241DLD, NV241DHD, NV244G, NV271D, NV273D)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase 1500:
Standard Cab: 131.1 inches; Quad Cab: 148.1 inches
API GL-5 (e.g., 75W-90 for front/rear, 75W-140 for heavy duty/towing)
Known Issues
Gas Engine 4.7L:
Spark plug blowout (early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, potential head gasket issues under severe use
Diesel Engine 5.9L:
Lift pump failures (early models), injector issues (especially with incorrect fuel or additives), occasional turbocharger issues, exhaust manifold cracks (less common on 2002 models than later ones), transmission issues (47RE can have torque converter clutch or solenoid problems)
Electrical:
Instrument cluster failure (HVAC controls, gauges), body control module (BCM) issues, power window regulators, ignition switch problems
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends on solid front axles (2500/3500), steering box looseness, front end shimmy or wander
Brakes:
Premature rotor warping on heavy-duty models, parking brake adjustment
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing capable and rugged trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving significantly since its introduction in 1981.
Model Evolution
Third Generation:
The 2002 model year marks the introduction of the third generation of the Dodge Ram (2002-2008), a complete redesign featuring a more aggressive 'Big Rig' grille, improved interior, and updated chassis and powertrain options. This generation saw the introduction of the Common Rail Cummins in 2003.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Cummmins Diesel Reputation:
The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is widely celebrated for its durability, longevity, and strong performance, often considered one of the best diesel engines of its era.
Truck Of The Year:
While specific awards for the 2002 model vary, the Ram platform consistently received accolades for its towing and hauling capabilities, and styling.