Introduction
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Market Position
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Vehicle Segment:
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Compact/Mid-size pickup truck, competing with Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma
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Unique Selling Proposition:
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Offered V6 engines and longer bed options not always available in smaller competitors, known for its robust design and higher towing capacity in its class
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Competitive Analysis
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Key Competitors 1999:
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Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
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Key Features
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Design:
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Second generation (AN) design introduced in 1998, featuring a more modern and aerodynamic styling than its predecessor, available in regular cab and club cab configurations
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Powertrain Options:
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Available with a range of engines, including the 2.5L I4, the popular 3.9L Magnum V6, and the powerful 5.2L Magnum V8 (in the R/T model)
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Drivetrain Options:
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Available in 2WD (RWD) and 4WD configurations
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Suspension Design:
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Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and a solid rear axle with leaf springs, offering a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capability
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine performance diagnostics, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
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Transmission:
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Manual and Automatic transmission (including NV3500, 42RE, 44RE, 45RFE) removal, installation, internal components, hydraulic and electronic controls, diagnosis
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Drivetrain:
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Driveshafts, U-joints, differentials (2WD/4WD), axle shafts, wheel bearings
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Suspension:
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Front independent suspension (SLA), rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications
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Steering:
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Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid specifications
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Brakes:
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Front disc brakes (solid or ventilated), rear drum brakes, parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnosis, brake fluid specifications
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Electrical:
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12-volt system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams (detailed schematics), body control modules, power windows, power locks, mirrors
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HVAC:
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Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant types, charging procedures, diagnosis and repair
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Body And Frame:
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Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, tailgate, bumpers, chassis frame inspection and repair, rust prevention, underbody coatings
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Safety Systems:
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Seat belt systems, airbag system components (SRS), diagnosis and precautions
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections, tune-up procedures, belt and hose replacement
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Diagnostics:
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Component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-II system, circuit testing, using diagnostic tools
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Repair And Overhaul:
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Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, starter/alternator replacement, HVAC component replacement, body panel repair
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Adjustment And Calibration:
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Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, idle speed adjustment (if applicable)
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Installation And Replacement:
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Component installation, replacement of wear items (spark plugs, filters, belts, hoses), replacement of major systems (engine, transmission, axles)
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams
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Target Audience:
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Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine 1
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Engine Code And Displacement:
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2.5L (150 cu in) Magnum I4 (4-cylinder)
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Horsepower:
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Approx. 122 hp @ 4800 rpm
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Torque:
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Approx. 155 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
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Primary Engine 2
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Engine Code And Displacement:
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3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6
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Horsepower:
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Approx. 175 hp @ 4800 rpm
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Torque:
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Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
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Primary Engine 3
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Engine Code And Displacement:
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5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8 (R/T model)
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Horsepower:
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Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm
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Torque:
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Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
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Performance
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Compression Ratio 3.9L:
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8.9:1
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for I4 and V6, 89 octane recommended for V8)
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Engine Management
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OBD Ii Standard:
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Compliant with OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) standards
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type recommendations)
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Transmission Fluid Change:
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Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles; Manual: Inspect periodically, change if contaminated or at higher mileage intervals.
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Coolant Flush:
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Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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I4: Approx. 100,000 miles; V6/V8: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type specified)
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Recommendation:
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API SG/SH certified, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate/engine specifics)
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification MS-9602) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricant (verify specific requirements)
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Coolant Type:
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Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (AF) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix)
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3
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Known Issues
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Common Problems:
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Radiator leaks, AC compressor failure, ball joint wear, differential pinion seal leaks, transmission solenoid issues (automatic), exhaust manifold cracks (V8 models), minor electrical gremlins, rust on body panels (especially rear wheel arches and rocker panels).
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