technical specification Ram 2500 2018 User Guide
Page 559 of 700
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials
1500 Model rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential require that 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip
Additive be added to the gear lubricant. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specification” for further
information. The Mopar Limited Slip Additive should be
added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is
made to an axle equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.
2500/3500 Model axles DO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: When refilling an axle with a Limited Slip Differ-
ential, (which requires a Limited Slip Additive), the Lim-
ited Slip Additive should be added before the gear lubri-
cant is added to insure proper additive fill.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler plug.
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the filler
plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 557
Page 593 of 700
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...................593
▫ Vehicle Identification Number .............593
BRAKE SYSTEM ........................593
▫ Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon) ...................593
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . .594
▫ Torque Specifications ....................594
FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................596
▫ 3.6L Engine .......................... .596
▫ 5.7L Engine .......................... .596
▫ 6.4L Engine .......................... .597
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ..................597
▫ Materials Added To Fuel .................597
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ...............598 ▫
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . .598
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ......599
▫ MMT In Gasoline .......................599
▫ Fuel System Cautions ....................599
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...............600
FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) ........600
▫ E-85 General Information .................600
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ..................... .600
▫ Fuel Requirements .....................601
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ..............601
▫ Starting ............................ .602
▫ Cruising Range ........................602
▫ Replacement Parts ..................... .602
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Page 594 of 700
▫Maintenance ..........................602
FLUID CAPACITIES ..................... .603
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................604 ▫
Engine ............................. .604
▫ Chassis ............................ .607
592 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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IDENTIFICATION DATA
Vehicle Identification Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle
frame and underbody as well as the Automobile Informa-
tion Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle,
the vehicle registration and title.
NOTE:It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated
brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still
function. However, you will experience a substantial in-
crease in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still function
with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation
of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning
Light” (if equipped) during brake use.
Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon)
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
Vehicle Identification Number
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 593
Page 596 of 700
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle, the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly cali-
brated torque wrench using a high quality six sided (hex)
deep wall socket.
Torque Specifications
Lug Nut/
Bolt Torque Lug Nut/
Bolt Type **Lug Nut/
Bolt Size Lug Nut/
Bolt Socket Size
130 Ft-Lbs (176 N·m) Cone M14 x 1.50 22 mm
140 Ft-Lbs (190 N·m) Flanged
**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening. NOTE:
Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted. The
lug nuts are a two-piece assembly. When the tires are being
rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and add two drops
of oil at the interface between the lug nut/bolt and the
washer. Do not oil wheel studs.
Two-Piece Lug Nut
594 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Page 597 of 700
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the
tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.
Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until each
nut/bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure that the socket is
fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt (do not insert it half-
way).
After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt torque to be
sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are properly seated against
the wheel.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result in
personal injury.Wheel Mounting Surface
Four And Five Lug Nuts/Bolts Torque Pattern
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 595
Page 598 of 700
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L Engine
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded “Regular”
gasoline having an octane rating of 87 as
specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The
use of higher octane “Premium” gaso-
line will not provide any benefit over “Regular” gasoline in
these engines.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
5.7L Engine
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater than
15% in this engine.
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance
when using high-quality unleaded gaso-
line having an octane range of 87 to 89 as
specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The
use of 89 octane “Plus” gasoline is rec-
ommended for optimum performance and fuel economy.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
596 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Page 599 of 700
6.4L Engine
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater than
15% in this engine.This engines is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satis-
factory fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having a posted octane number
range of 87 to 89 as specified by the
(R+M)/2 method. The use of 89 octane
“Plus” gasoline is recommended for optimum performance
and fuel economy.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are specifi-
cally blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air
quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Prop-
erly blended reformulated gasoline will provide improved
performance and durability of engine and fuel system
components.
Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines that
have these additives will help improve fuel economy,
reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle performance.
Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gaso-
line contains a higher level of detergents
to further aide in minimizing engine
and fuel system deposits. When avail-
able, the usage of Top Tier Detergent
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 597
Page 600 of 700
gasoline is recommended. Visit www.toptiergas.com for a
list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should be
avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum and
varnish removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket and dia-
phragm materials.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxygen-
ates such as ethanol.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use E-85, gasoline containing methanol, or
gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15). Use
of these blends may result in starting and drivability
problems, damage critical fuel system components,
cause emissions to exceed the applicable standard,
and/or cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to
illuminate. Please observe pump labels as they should
clearly communicate if a fuel contains greater than 15%
ethanol (E-15).Problems that result from using gasoline containing more
than 15% ethanol (E-15) or gasoline containing methanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
void or not be covered under New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible with gasoline
containing up to 15% ethanol (E-15). Use of gasoline with
higher ethanol content may void the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85 fuel,
the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•
Operate in a lean mode.
• OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on.
• Poor engine performance.
• Poor cold start and cold drivability.
• Increased risk for fuel system component corrosion.
598 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications
Modifications that allow the engine to run on compressed
natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane (LP) may result in
damage to the engine, emissions, and fuel system compo-
nents. Problems that result from running CNG or LP are
not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may void or
not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
MMT In Gasoline
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT) is
a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended
into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline blended
with MMT provides no performance advantage beyond
gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gaso-
line blended with MMT reduces spark plug life and
reduces emissions system performance in some vehicles.
The manufacturer recommends that gasoline without
MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of
gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump;
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. MMT is prohibited in Federal
and California reformulated gasoline.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold
as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of
these products contain high concentrations of metha-
nol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems resulting from the use of such fuels or
additives is not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer and may void or not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 599