Service Intervals | 1989 - 1998 Dodge Ram, Cummins Turbodiesel
Note - All service intervals are the maximum recommended period before the service procedure should be performed. Always adhere to the OEM recommendations regarding alternative maintenance schedules for vehicles falling under the "severe duty" or "heavy duty" conditions. Severe driving conditions include, but are not limited to, excessive idling, frequent short trips that keep the engine from reaching normal operating temperature, driving in dusty environments, driving off-road or in conditions that require 4 wheel drive, and frequent towing or hauling. If unsure which service category your vehicle falls under, follow the "severe" maintenance schedule.
Service Procedure |
Interval |
Replace engine oil & oil filter |
6,000 miles/6 months under normal driving conditions |
Replace fuel filter |
12,000 miles/12 months under normal driving conditions |
Flush engine cooling system |
Replace engine coolant initially at 52,500 miles/36 months then routinely every 24,000 miles/24 months |
Replace automatic transmission fluid & filter |
30,000 miles |
Adjust automatic transmission bands |
24,000 miles/24 months |
Replace manual transmission fluid |
60,000 miles |
Replace transfer case fluid |
120,000 miles |
Replace front differential fluid (4x4) |
15,000 miles under severe driving conditions |
Replace rear differential fluid |
15,000 miles under severe driving conditions |
Check & adjust valve lash |
24,000 miles/24 months |
5.9L Cummins 6BT Service Part Numbers
Description |
Part Number(s) |
|
Engine air filter |
1989 - 1992 |
|
1993 |
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1994 - 1998 |
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Engine oil filter |
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Oil pan drain plug |
1989 - 1993 |
|
1994 - 1998 |
||
Oil fill cap |
||
Fuel filter |
1989 - 1993 |
|
1994 - 1996 |
Fleetguard FS19519 (replaces FS1253) |
|
1997 - 1998 |
||
Fuel tank cap |
1989 - 1993 |
|
1994 - 1998 |
||
Serpentine belt |
1989 - 1991.5 |
Gates K080816 (single alt w/ AC) |
1991.5 - 1993 |
Gates K080830 (single alt w/ AC) |
|
1994 - 1998 |
Gates K080653 (single alt w/ AC) |
|
Belt tensioner assembly |
||
Lift pump (fuel pump) |
1989 - 1993 |
Carter M73060 (OEM, mechanical pump) |
1994 - 1998 |
Carter M73104 (OEM, mechanical pump) |
|
Thermostat |
1989 - 1993 |
|
1994 - 1998 |
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Thermostat housing gasket |
||
Radiator cap |
||
Upper radiator hose |
1989 - 1991 (non-intercooled) |
|
1991 - 1993 (intercooled) |
||
1994 - 1998 |
||
Lower radiator hose |
1989 - 1993 |
|
1994 - 1998 |
||
Water pump |
||
Automatic transmission filter |
Mopar 3515996 (47RH/47RE) |
|
Automatic transmission pan gasket |
Mahle W39003TC (727/47RH/47RE) |
|
Differential pan gasket |
Mahle/Victor Reinz P18562 (Dana 60/70) |
|
Oil & Fluid Capacities & Specifications | 1989 - 1998 Dodge Ram, Cummins Turbodiesel
Item |
Oil/Fluid Specification |
Capacity [1] |
|
Engine oil |
Ambient temp > 10° F |
SAE 15W-40 diesel oil |
12.0 qts w/ filter change |
Ambient temp 0° to 30° F |
SAE 10W-30 diesel oil |
||
Ambient temp < 0° F |
|||
Ambient temp < 0° F |
SAE 5W-30 diesel oil |
||
Engine coolant |
50/50 ethylene glycol coolant, distilled water |
24.0 - 26.0 qts capacity |
|
Automatic transmission fluid |
MOPAR ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid, MOPAR 68218057AA |
~ 4.0 qts service refill capacity |
|
Manual transmission fluid |
GETRAG G360 |
SAE 5W-30 motor oil |
3.5 qts (7 pts) |
NV4500 HD |
75W-90 Castrol Syntorq [3], MOPAR 4874459or GM 12346190 Recommend Amsoil synthetic 75W-90 GL-4 manual transmission fluid |
4.0 qts (8 pts) |
|
Transfer case fluid |
NV231/NV231HD |
MOPAR ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid, MOPAR 68218057AA |
1.25 qts (2.5 pts) |
NV241 |
2.4 qts (4.7 pts) |
||
NV241HD |
3.25 qts (6.5 pts) |
||
Front differential fluid |
SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil |
3.15 qts (6.3 pts) |
|
Rear differential fluid |
Dana 70 2WD |
SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil |
3.5 qts (7.0 pts) |
Dana 70 4WD |
3.9 qts (7.8 pts) |
||
Dana 80 2WD |
3.2 qts (6.4 pts) |
||
Dana 80 4WD |
4.8 qts (9.6 pts) |
||
[1] Listed capacities are nominal; always fill to proper dipstick, fill plug, or fluid level indicator. Oil and fluid levels should be rechecked after driving.
[2] Fleetguard ES COMPLEAT ELC extended life engine coolant is a low silicate formulation that requires no SCA/DCA on initial fill and has an estimated service life of 150,000 miles.
[3] The fluid specification for the NV4500 transmission is highly specific. The (3) listed manual transmission oils are the only known fluids that meet the factory Castrol Syntorq specification. Failure to use a compatible fluid will result in synchronizer failure or other transmission problems. Highly recommend Amsoil synthetic 75W-90 GL-4 manual transmission fluid; it is the most readily available option, OE fluids are becoming increasingly difficult to find and expensive to purchase.