🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 Years Covered: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 Codes Chassis Code: Second Generation Ram (BR/BE) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Target Audience: Owners and mechanics of Dodge Ram 2500/3500 trucks from 1994-1997 seeking reliable repair and maintenance information. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD Key Features Manual Advantage: Provides in-depth factory-level procedures for a robust and popular generation of Dodge Ram trucks. Vehicle Heritage: Represents the significant redesign of the Ram truck line, moving away from the 'D' series nomenclature and establishing the 'Ram' brand identity. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive service and repair for Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks Secondary Coverage: Diagnostic procedures, maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system Drivetrain: Transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear), wheels and tires Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, powertrain control modules (PCM), ignition system, fuel injection control Body: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body hardware Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter changes, lubrication points, tune-up procedures Repair: Component removal and installation, troubleshooting specific failures, assembly and disassembly Diagnostics: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, component testing Specifications: Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts; covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10, 5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Performance 5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower: Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm 5.2L Magnum V8 Torque: Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm 5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower: Approx. 245 hp @ 4800 rpm 5.9L Magnum V8 Torque: Approx. 335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm 8.0L Magnum V10 Horsepower: Approx. 300 hp @ 4000 rpm 8.0L Magnum V10 Torque: Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower: Approx. 190-215 hp @ 2500 rpm (depending on year/tune) 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque: Approx. 420-470 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (depending on year/tune) Fuel System Gasoline Engines: Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Diesel Engine: Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump (later models may have P7100, check specific VIN) Engine Management PCM: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters. 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission Options: Getrag 5-speed manual (NV4500 and NV3500) Optional Automatic Transmission Options: 47RH 4-speed automatic (with diesel and V10), 46RH 4-speed automatic (with V8 gasoline engines) Features Transfer Case: New Process NP231 (2WD/4WD part-time), NP241DHD (heavy-duty part-time 4WD for 2500/3500) Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity varies by transmission model, consult manual) Transfer Case Fluid: ATF+3 or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: 134.5 inches (standard cab), 154.5 inches (long bed), 167.2 inches (crew cab/dual rear wheel) Body Styles: Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab), Crew Cab Bed Lengths: 6.5 ft (standard cab long bed), 8 ft (regular cab short bed, club cab, crew cab) Weights Gvwr Range: 8800 lbs to 10500 lbs (depending on configuration and axle) Curb Weight Range: Approximately 5000-6500 lbs Towing Capacity Range: Up to 13,000+ lbs (depending on configuration, axle ratio, and engine) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: No specific ratings readily available for this generation in the same format as modern vehicles, but designed for heavy-duty use. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, standard on some configurations. Traction Control: Not commonly available or a primary feature for this generation. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags (SRS) standard on most models. Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts for front occupants. Frame Construction: Body-on-frame construction for enhanced durability and towing/hauling capability. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Dashboard Controls: Basic analog gauges, manual climate controls. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option on most models. Connectivity Wiring Diagrams: Manual includes detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change...
Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts; covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10, 5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Performance
5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm
5.2L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4800 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
8.0L Magnum V10 Horsepower:
Approx. 300 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L Magnum V10 Torque:
Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 190-215 hp @ 2500 rpm (depending on year/tune)
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
Approx. 420-470 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (depending on year/tune)
Fuel System
Gasoline Engines:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Engine:
Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump (later models may have P7100, check specific VIN)
Engine Management
PCM:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters.
6.5 ft (standard cab long bed), 8 ft (regular cab short bed, club cab, crew cab)
Weights
Gvwr Range:
8800 lbs to 10500 lbs (depending on configuration and axle)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 5000-6500 lbs
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 13,000+ lbs (depending on configuration, axle ratio, and engine)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific ratings readily available for this generation in the same format as modern vehicles, but designed for heavy-duty use.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, standard on some configurations.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available or a primary feature for this generation.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS) standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for front occupants.
Frame Construction:
Body-on-frame construction for enhanced durability and towing/hauling capability.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player.
Dashboard Controls:
Basic analog gauges, manual climate controls.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models.
Connectivity
Wiring Diagrams:
Manual includes detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions; consult manual)
Transmission Fluid Change:
30,000-60,000 miles (automatic and manual; consult manual for specific intervals and procedures)
Coolant Change:
30,000 miles or 2 years (conventional coolant)
Fuel Filter Replacement:
15,000-30,000 miles (diesel), dependent on gasoline filter type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (for gasoline engines in moderate climates), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (for gasoline engines in colder climates or heavy use), SAE 15W-40 (for Cummins diesel engine)
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Mopar 5/30 Anti-Freeze or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Diesel Injection Pump:
VE rotary injection pump on earlier Cummins can develop leaks or wear.
Heater Core:
Heater core can be prone to leaks or clogging.
Transmission Failures:
Automatic transmissions (46RH/47RH) can experience wear in clutch packs and torque converters.
Dashboard Cracking:
Vinyl dashboards can be prone to cracking due to sun exposure.
Rear Axle Bearings:
Rear axle bearings can wear, particularly on heavily used trucks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks, evolving from their early commercial vehicles.
Model Evolution
Second Gen Ram:
Introduced in 1994, this generation marked a significant departure with its bold, aggressive styling and the introduction of the 'Magnum' engine family and the Cummins turbodiesel option, solidifying its reputation as a workhorse.
Powertrain Introduction:
The 8.0L V10 and the popular 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel were key additions to the heavy-duty lineup.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri
Production Period:
1994-2001 (Second Generation Ram)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year:
While not specific to this manual, the second-generation Ram received various 'Truck of the Year' awards from automotive publications during its tenure.
Ratings
Diesel Engine Reputation:
The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel is renowned for its durability and longevity, often cited as a key reason for the truck's enduring appeal.