🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram Year: 1998 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Professional Automotive Technicians and serious DIY enthusiasts. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides the same level of detail as original dealer service manuals, offering significant cost savings over dealership repairs. Key Features Completeness: Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair for the specified model year. Accessibility: Instant download format allows for immediate access to critical repair information. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Service and Repair Vehicle Variants Covered: All 1998 Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks (1500, 2500, 3500) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, and repair procedures for all available engines. Engine Performance: Ignition system, fuel delivery, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics. Transmission Manual: Service and repair for manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500). Transmission Automatic: Service and repair for automatic transmissions (46RE, 47RE). Driveline And Axles: Front and rear axle service, differential repair, transfer case operation and repair (NV235, NV241). Suspension System: Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment specifications, shock absorber and spring service. Steering System: Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column and linkage service. Brake System: Front and rear brake service (disc and drum), ABS system diagnostics and repair, hydraulic system maintenance. Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting system, accessory circuits. Body And Frame: Body panel repair, door and window service, interior trim removal and installation, chassis lubrication. HVAC System: Air conditioning and heating system service, component replacement, refrigerant handling. Procedures Included Preventative Maintenance: Detailed scheduled maintenance tables and procedures. Troubleshooting Diagnostics: Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Component Replacement: Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major components. Rebuilding Overhaul: Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilding. Specifications Tolerances: Precise torque specifications, clearances, and measurements for all components. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed and accurate electrical schematics for all circuits. Technical Depth Depth: Expert-level diagnostics, complete mechanical and electrical system overhauls, and detailed component rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text. Printable: Yes, pages are printable. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Performance 5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower: 230 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.) 5.2L Magnum V8 Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.) 5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower: 245 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.) 5.9L Magnum V8 Torque: 345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.) 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Horsepower: 180 hp @ 2500 rpm (approx.) 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Injection Type: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Bosch VE rotary injection pump for diesel. Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended), Diesel Fuel 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: NV3500 5-speed Manual (typically on 1500 and lighter duty 2500) Optional Optional Transmission Types: 46RE 4-speed Automatic, 47RE 4-speed Automatic (heavy duty), NV4500 5-speed Manual (heavy duty) Features 46Re 47Re Features: Electronic overdrive, lock-up torque converter. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: 118.7" (Regular Cab), 134.7" (Club Cab/Quad Cab), 164.7" (Long Bed) Bed Length Options: 6.3 ft (Standard), 8.0 ft (Long Bed) Weights Gvwr Range: 6,000 lbs to 10,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and axle) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Generally fair to good for the era; specific ratings for 1998 are varied based on configuration and testing focus. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on many models, optional on others. Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard. Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts in front seating positions. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations. Navigation: Not available from the factory. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option. Towing Features: Integrated tow hooks, optional trailer brake controller wiring, heavy-duty cooling and suspension packages available. Connectivity Phone Integration: Not available from the factory. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine type and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations. Transmission Fluid Change: Check manual, but often recommended around 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Viscosity: API SG or SH rated. 5W-30 or 10W-30 typically recommended for gasoline engines. Diesel engines may require specific diesel-rated oils. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol based coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent). Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for precise spec). Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90). Power Steering Fluid: Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3. Known Issues Common Wear...
6,000 lbs to 10,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and axle)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally fair to good for the era; specific ratings for 1998 are varied based on configuration and testing focus.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on many models, optional on others.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts in front seating positions.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Navigation:
Not available from the factory.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option.
Towing Features:
Integrated tow hooks, optional trailer brake controller wiring, heavy-duty cooling and suspension packages available.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Not available from the factory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine type and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check manual, but often recommended around 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
API SG or SH rated. 5W-30 or 10W-30 typically recommended for gasoline engines. Diesel engines may require specific diesel-rated oils.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for precise spec).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, steering components, brake components, u-joints, radiator, water pump.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Cylinder head gasket leaks on some Magnum V8s; injector O-ring issues; potential for camshaft wear on high-mileage engines. Cummins: Injector pump issues, lifting injector lines.
Transmission Specific Concerns:
Torque converter shudder or failure in automatics; clutch wear in manuals.
Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a cornerstone of their commercial and personal vehicle offerings.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Ram:
The 1998 model is part of the second generation (1994-2001) Ram trucks, which introduced significant styling and engineering advancements over its predecessors, including the iconic 'Big Rig' styling.