🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram Generation Name: Third Generation Ram (DR/DH/D1) Platform Code: DR 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size pickup truck, heavy-duty capability, towing and hauling focus. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra. Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Robust construction, powerful engine options, impressive towing capacity, available four-wheel drive, distinct styling. Manual Value Proposition Target Audience: Dodge Ram owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge. Benefits: Empowers DIY repairs, reduces maintenance costs, improves vehicle longevity, facilitates accurate diagnostics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Models Covered: Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 Page Count Estimated Page Count: 3000+ Manual Type Type: Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust system, fuel system Chassis: Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires Electrical: Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, instruments, body control modules, infotainment, diagnostic connectors Body: Interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair Rebuilds: Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild procedures Installation: Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidelines Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages. Print Quality Print Recommendation: Suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding Recommendation: Digital format offers easy access; for printed versions, consider a durable comb or spiral binding for lay-flat usability. Paper Type Paper Recommendation: For printed copies, heavy-duty or glossy paper is recommended for durability in a workshop environment. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: Magnum V8, Magnum V10, Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine Options 3.9L V6 (Naturally Aspirated): 175 hp @ 4800 rpm, 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Early models) 5.2L V8 Magnum (Naturally Aspirated): 230 hp @ 4800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm 5.9L V8 Magnum (Naturally Aspirated): 245 hp @ 4000 rpm, 345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm 8.0L V10 Magnum (Naturally Aspirated): 305 hp @ 4000 rpm, 450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (I6): 215-235 hp @ 2700-2900 rpm, 420-460 lb-ft @ 1600-1700 rpm (depending on year and specific variant) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Rotary injection pump (VP44) or Common Rail Injection (CRI) for diesel engines. Ignition System Type: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) for gasoline; Glow plug system for diesel. Cooling System Type: Pressurized liquid cooling system with fan. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Types: 4-speed automatic (42RE, 44RE, 47RE, 48RE), 5-speed manual (NV3500, NV4500) Optional Optional Transmissions: 6-speed manual (NV5600 for heavy-duty models) available in later years. Features Overdrive: All automatic transmissions feature overdrive. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) is the recommended fluid for most automatic transmissions, superseding earlier ATF+3 specifications. Manual transmissions typically use GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: Standard (approx. 134.7 inches), Long Wheelbase (approx. 154.7 inches for 2500/3500), Crew Cab (approx. 140.5 inches for later models). Body Styles: Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab (later models). Cargo Bed Lengths: 6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed). Weights Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwrs: Varies by model (e.g., 1500: 6000-7000 lbs, 2500: 7000-8800 lbs, 3500: 9000+ lbs). Curb Weight: Approximately 4500-7000 lbs depending on configuration. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Variable depending on year and configuration. Consult individual year's NHTSA data for specific ratings. Active Features Anti Lock Braking System: Standard ABS on all wheels. Traction Control: Available on some models/trims, especially with 4WD. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags were not standard and less common in this generation. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD players, some with cassette tape functionality. Higher trims offered premium Infinity sound systems. Navigation: Factory navigation systems were not widely available or common in this generation. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Parking Sensors: Available as an option on some later models. Connectivity Auxiliary Inputs: No standard auxiliary audio input (3.5mm jack) or USB ports in this generation. Aftermarket solutions are common. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Gasoline: Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendations based on oil viscosity). Oil Change Interval Diesel: Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins diesel engines, but can vary significantly based on oil quality and operating conditions. Transmission Fluid...
6-speed manual (NV5600 for heavy-duty models) available in later years.
Features
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) is the recommended fluid for most automatic transmissions, superseding earlier ATF+3 specifications. Manual transmissions typically use GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
Standard (approx. 134.7 inches), Long Wheelbase (approx. 154.7 inches for 2500/3500), Crew Cab (approx. 140.5 inches for later models).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab (later models).
Cargo
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed).
Weights
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwrs:
Varies by model (e.g., 1500: 6000-7000 lbs, 2500: 7000-8800 lbs, 3500: 9000+ lbs).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4500-7000 lbs depending on configuration.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Variable depending on year and configuration. Consult individual year's NHTSA data for specific ratings.
Active Features
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard ABS on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available on some models/trims, especially with 4WD.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags were not standard and less common in this generation.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD players, some with cassette tape functionality. Higher trims offered premium Infinity sound systems.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were not widely available or common in this generation.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Available as an option on some later models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Inputs:
No standard auxiliary audio input (3.5mm jack) or USB ports in this generation. Aftermarket solutions are common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendations based on oil viscosity).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins diesel engines, but can vary significantly based on oil quality and operating conditions.
5W-30 or 10W-30 for most gasoline engines (check owner's manual for specific engine and climate recommendations).
Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:
15W-40 for Cummins Turbo Diesel engines (API CI-4 or newer recommended).
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar P/N 05010885AA (Orange).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problem 1:
Death wobble (front-end shimmy) in 4WD models, often related to worn steering and suspension components (track bar, ball joints, tie rods).
Common Problem 2:
Fuel lift pump failure in 1998.5-2002 5.9L Cummins (VP44 injection pump). Location of lift pump on the frame rail makes it susceptible to cooling issues and failure.
Common Problem 3:
Cracked exhaust manifolds on V8 gasoline engines, leading to ticking noises and loss of power.
Common Problem 4:
Transmission cooling issues, especially for heavy towing, may require aftermarket cooler upgrades.
Common Problem 5:
Interior trim quality and durability can be a concern, with common wear on seats, door panels, and the dashboard.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation of the Dodge Ram was introduced for the 1994 model year, with significant updates and platform changes leading into the 1999-2006 period.
Updates During Coverage Years:
Key updates include introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 in 2003, revised interior and exterior styling in 2002, and the addition of the Mega Cab body style.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year:
While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards varied by publication, the Dodge Ram consistently ranked high for its bold styling and capability in this era.
Ratings
Towing Hauling Performance:
Highly regarded for its towing and hauling capabilities, especially with the V10 and Cummins diesel engines.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with EPA emissions standards for the respective model years.