Dodge MANUAL

Optimizing Your Ram Truck

Power, Capability & Reliability Guide

Unlock your Ram's full potential with expert maintenance schedules, proven performance upgrades, efficiency tips, and troubleshooting guides.

0 views
4 sections
1

RAM MAINTENANCE EXCELLENCE

The complete service schedule for longevity

Your Ram is built for tough work, but needs proper care:

���

EVERY 10,000 MILES (or 6 months):

Oil and filter change (0W-20 synthetic for 5.7L HEMI)

Tire rotation and inspection

Multi-point inspection

Battery test

���

EVERY 20,000 MILES:

Cabin air filter replacement

Engine air filter inspection

Brake system inspection

Steering and suspension check

���

EVERY 60,000 MILES:

Replace engine air filter

Replace spark plugs

Transmission fluid service

Coolant flush and fill

Rear differential service

���

EVERY 100,000 MILES:

Replace all fluids

Inspect and replace drive belts

Timing chain inspection (if applicable)

Full brake system service

PRO TIPS

Expert advice from real mechanics

2

HEMI POWER UPGRADES

Make your Ram even more beast

⚡

COLD AIR INTAKE ($300-500)

S&B, AFE, and Volant deliver proven gains. The HEMI responds incredibly well - expect 15-20 HP and aggressive sound. Installation is usually 30 minutes.

⚡

EXHAUST SYSTEM ($500-1200)

Flowmaster, MBRP, and Borla offer excellent options. Cat-back systems add 20-25 HP on the 5.7L HEMI. Sound is incredible.

⚡

PERFORMANCE PROGRAMMER ($400-700)

Diablosport and Superchips offer HEMI-specific tunes. Unlock 50+ HP, improve throttle response, and optimize shifting. Some disable MDS (cylinder deactivation) for smoothness.

⚡

HEADERS & MID-PIPES ($800-1500)

American Racing Headers or Kooks deliver serious gains. Expect 30-40 HP when combined with other mods. Professional installation recommended.

⚡

SUPERCHARGER KITS ($6000-8000)

ProCharger, Whipple, and Magnuson offer bolt-on kits. 550-650 HP is achievable. Requires supporting mods (fuel system, transmission upgrades).

HEMI Power Upgrades
REFERENCE IMAGE

PRO TIPS

Expert advice from real mechanics

3

FUEL ECONOMY OPTIMIZATION

Get better MPG without killing the fun

EXPERT TIP
💰 DRIVING TECHNIQUES • The HEMI rewards smooth inputs - be gentle on the throttle • Use cruise control on highway (can achieve 20-22 MPG) • Coast to stops instead of braking hard • Keep speeds at or below 65 MPH for best economy • Remove bed racks and accessories when not needed 💰 MAINTENANCE FOR MPG • Keep tires at 35 PSI (check monthly) • Replace air filter every 20k miles • Use full synthetic 0W-20 oil • Keep engine clean - carbon buildup kills efficiency • Fix check engine lights immediately 💰 MODIFICATIONS • Add tonneau cover (5-10% improvement) • Keep stock tire size (bigger tires = worse MPG) • Cold air intake helps slightly • Aerodynamic aids (air dam, bed cover) • Performance tune in economy mode 💰 MDS (MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM) • Runs on 4 cylinders during cruising • Keep enabled for best economy • Some prefer to disable it for smoothness (programmer required) • Works best on flat terrain at steady speeds
4

COMMON RAM ISSUES & FIXES

Know before you go

⚠

HEMI TICK/VALVE TRAIN NOISE

Symptoms: Ticking sound at idle, especially when cold

Solution: Often normal. Update to latest PCM calibration. Use quality synthetic oil.

⚠

EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS

Symptoms: Ticking that gets louder under load

Solution: Replace with upgraded bolts. Common 2009-2017. TSB available.

⚠

DEATH WOBBLE (SOLID AXLE)

Symptoms: Violent shaking at highway speeds

Solution: Inspect track bar, steering stabilizer, ball joints. Often caused by worn components.

⚠

TRANSMISSION ISSUES (68RFE)

Symptoms: Hard shifts, slipping, hesitation

Solution: Transmission fluid flush with Mopar ATF+4. Consider aftermarket valve body.

⚠

BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR

Symptoms: Clicking noise from dash, temperature control issues

Solution: Replace actuator ($50 part). Accessible through glove box.

⚠

LIFT PUMP FAILURE (DIESEL)

Symptoms: Hard starting, low power

Solution: Upgrade to aftermarket lift pump. Stock units known to fail.

PRO TIPS

Expert advice from real mechanics

FOUND THIS HELPFUL?

Join the brotherhood for exclusive guides, insider tips, and premium content.

Discover more
Find Chevy Deals
Compare Trucks
Find Gas Prices