🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram Year: 1998 Generation Generation Name: Second Generation (BR/BE) Generation Start Year: 1994 Generation End Year: 2001 Codes Chassis Codes: BR/BE 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Full-size pickup truck, designed for work and utility, with strong towing and hauling capabilities. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (late entrant) Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Robust construction, powerful engine options, extensive payload and towing capacities, popular choice for trades and commercial use. Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle effectively, saving time and money on dealership services. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Body Styles Covered: 1500, 2500, 3500; Regular Cab, Club Cab, Extended Cab; 2WD and 4WD Page Count Page Count: Over 2000 pages (estimated for a comprehensive full service manual) Manual Type Manual Type: Full Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed (typically perfect bound or spiral bound for workshop durability) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain Components: Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain (transfer case, axles, driveshafts) Chassis Components: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear), wheels and tires Electrical And Body: Body and frame, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical system (wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, accessories), power accessories, safety restraints Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement Repair Procedures: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering component replacement, exhaust system repair Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, wiring harness troubleshooting, drivability issues diagnosis Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance, component-level repairs, complete system overhauls, and detailed diagnostic procedures Diagnostic Tools: Includes information on utilizing diagnostic scan tools (OBD-II), multimeter usage, and specialized test equipment 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Typically a professionally printed book, not a digital file unless specified otherwise Print Quality Print Quality: High quality paper and printing for durability in a workshop environment Binding Type Binding Type: Often perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, often coated or heavier stock paper to withstand grease and wear ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 4.7L Magnum V8 (optional), 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (24-valve) Performance 5.2L Magnum V8 Horsepower: 230 hp @ 4,000 rpm 5.2L Magnum V8 Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm 5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower: 245 hp @ 4,000 rpm 5.9L Magnum V8 Torque: 345 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower: 215 hp @ 2,600 rpm 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Injection Type: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Indirect Injection (IDI) for early Cummins, Direct Injection (DI) for later Cummins (though 1998 Cummins were typically 12-valve P7100 pump, 24-valve introduced in 1998.5) Recommended Fuel: 87 octane unleaded gasoline (Magnum V8); #2 Diesel Fuel (Cummins) Engine Internals Bore X Stroke 5.2L: 3.90 in x 3.57 in Bore X Stroke 5.9L: 4.01 in x 3.82 in Bore X Stroke 4.7L V8: 3.66 in x 3.40 in Bore X Stroke 5.9L Cummins: 4.49 in x 4.72 in 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission (NV4500 heavy duty for V8 and Diesel models, NV3500 for lighter duty V8) Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission (46RE for V8 models, 47RE for heavy duty/diesel) Features Transmission Fluid Spec Auto: ATF+4 (or equivalent, check specific application for ATF+3/ATF+4 transition) Transmission Fluid Spec Manual: API GL-5 gear oil (viscosity to be specified based on temperature, e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-140) Transfer Case Options: NV231 (light duty 2WD/4WD), NV241 (heavy duty 4WD) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Regular Cab: 111.9 inches (2842 mm) Wheelbase Club Cab: 134.7 inches (3421 mm) Bed Lengths: 6.5 ft (Short Bed), 8 ft (Long Bed) Cargo Payload Capacity Estimate: Varies widely by configuration, from ~1,500 lbs to over 5,000 lbs for 3500 series. Weights Curb Weight Estimate: Approx. 4,500 - 6,500 lbs depending on configuration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Estimate: Varies by model: 1500 series ~6,000-6,500 lbs, 2500 series ~6,500-8,500 lbs, 3500 series ~8,500-10,000+ lbs. Towing Towing Capacity Estimate: Up to 10,000+ lbs for properly equipped 3500 diesel models. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating Estimate: Generally rated 3 out of 5 stars for two-wheel-drive models, and 4 out of 5 stars for four-wheel-drive models. IIHS Ratings: Frontal offset crash test performance varied, often rated 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal'. Active Features Active Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on rear wheels, optional or standard on front depending on configuration and year updates. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Driver and passenger airbags, three-point seat belts, reinforced body...