🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 2500 Year: 1996 Product Type: Service Repair Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Heavy-duty pickup truck market Target Audience: Owners, professional technicians, DIY mechanics Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD Key Features Vehicle Strength: Robust construction, towing capacity, versatile powertrain options Manual Value: Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing a reliable workhorse vehicle 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Vehicle Make: Dodge Vehicle Model: Ram 2500 Vehicle Year: 1996 Body Styles Covered: All body styles including Standard Cab, Extended Cab, Chassis Cab Engine Variants Covered: All gasoline and diesel engine options available for the 1996 Ram 2500 Transmission Types Covered: All manual and automatic transmission options available for the 1996 Ram 2500 Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Print Print Quality: High-quality printing on durable paper for workshop use Binding Type: Sturdy binding, often spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat use Paper Type: Heavy-duty paper to withstand grease and shop environments Searchable Text: If provided in digital format (e.g., PDF), typically includes searchable text for quick information retrieval. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: All engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and exhaust systems Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, operation, and diagnostics Drivetrain: Transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials, and CV joints Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, steering linkage, shock absorbers, springs, bushings Brakes: Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, power booster, ABS components Steering: Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, linkages Electrical: Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays Body And Chassis: Frame, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, tailgate Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC: HVAC system components, refrigerant circuits, blower motor, controls Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors (for gasoline engines) Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes Emissions Control: Emissions control systems and components Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems Diagnostics: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, component testing Overhaul: Complete overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions Adjustment: Component adjustments, alignment procedures, brake adjustments Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, tolerances Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds Detail Level: Detailed, step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations Diagnostic Tools: Information on using common diagnostic tools and equipment Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems are included. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Gasoline Engine Option 1: 5.2L (318 cu in) V8 Magnum Gasoline Engine Option 1 Horsepower: 230 hp @ 4400 rpm (approx.) Gasoline Engine Option 1 Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.) Gasoline Engine Option 2: 5.9L (360 cu in) V8 Magnum Gasoline Engine Option 2 Horsepower: 245 hp @ 4400 rpm (approx.) Gasoline Engine Option 2 Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.) Diesel Engine Option: 5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Diesel Engine Option Horsepower: 180-215 hp (depending on configuration, approx.) Diesel Engine Option Torque: 420-440 lb-ft (depending on configuration, approx.) Fuel System Gasoline Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) Diesel Fuel Delivery: Bosch inline injection pump Performance Engine Displacement Options: 5.2L, 5.9L (Gasoline); 5.9L (Diesel) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual (NV4500 for many models) Optional Optional Transmission 1: 4-speed automatic (47RH/48RE for gasoline, 47RH for diesel) Features Transmission Fluid Gas Auto: ATF+4 (or equivalent, consult manual for exact spec) Transmission Fluid Diesel Auto: ATF+4 (or equivalent, consult manual for exact spec) Transmission Fluid Manual: Gear oil (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5, specific weight depends on transmission type, consult manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: 134.7 inches (Regular Cab), 160.5 inches (Club Cab), 175.1 inches (Dually models) Bed Length Options: 8.0 ft (standard), 6.0 ft (short bed on some trims) Weights Gvwr Range: 8,800 lbs to 10,000 lbs (depending on configuration) Curb Weight Range: 5,000 - 6,500 lbs (approx., highly variable) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Availability: Limited comprehensive official crash test data available for this specific year and class, but designed for heavy-duty use. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels, often 4-wheel ABS on higher trims. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control systems Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 3,000-5,000 miles for gasoline, 5,000-7,500 miles for diesel, consult manual for exact recommendation and oil type. Transmission Service: Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles, manual transmission...
8.0 ft (standard), 6.0 ft (short bed on some trims)
Weights
Gvwr Range:
8,800 lbs to 10,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight Range:
5,000 - 6,500 lbs (approx., highly variable)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Availability:
Limited comprehensive official crash test data available for this specific year and class, but designed for heavy-duty use.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels, often 4-wheel ABS on higher trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles for gasoline, 5,000-7,500 miles for diesel, consult manual for exact recommendation and oil type.
Transmission Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles, manual transmission fluid inspection and potential change at higher intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, API SG or SH (consult manual for precise grade and capacity)
Engine Oil Diesel:
Diesel engine oil, API CF-4 or CG-4, SAE 15W-40 (consult manual for precise grade and capacity)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT type for diesel, consult manual for specifics)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, U-joints, radiator, water pump, brake components, lift pump (diesel)
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving into a distinct brand.
Model Evolution
Second Generation Ram:
The 1996 model is part of the second-generation Ram (1994-2002), a significant redesign that introduced the distinctive Ram grille and more aerodynamic styling.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year:
Second-generation Ram trucks received various accolades around their launch, though specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for the 1996 model are not as prominent as later generations.