I am looking to pick up a service manual, I basically see 2 out there, Haynes and Chiltons. I notice that most of you guys refer to the Haynes when you mention one.
Is there a really good reason for that or is just the one that has permeated the market better?

I did see Steve00's x-mas present but I waited to long although Rom's mirror is still there. I am sure that is better than nothing but being 2001 specific it may not have some of the particulars for my 97.

Just basically looking for thoughts on whether one is head and shoulders above the other or not.

 

I may get ragged for this, but I own a 71 Corvette. Had it for a few years. Service manuals are a HUGE help. Get both. I know they can get pricey. If you only get one, get the Haynes. However, with both, you'll have different approaches to doing whatever job you're trying to do. Start out with the Haynes though. It's very straight forward and detailed. Such as, any thing in the book starts out by telling you to unhook the battery under EVERY heading. Start out with the Haynes, but I would eventually get both.

 

Neither one is worth buying. Spend a little more and get a real factory service manual. 81-370-7108 1997 Ram 1500-3500 $90

https://techauthority.gltghosting.co...atalogId=10051

 

For the 1994-2001 2nd Gen Rams the Haynes manual is better written and has better pictures than the Chilton.

The Chilton is a way too much cut down and cut up version of the 1600 page official Ram 'Field Service Manual' or FSM

Go to this website:

http://hemitruckclub.com/

look on the left hand side and download the large .pdf file of the 2003 Ram official FSM on CD.

Why should a 2nd Gen Ram owner do this?

Because even though it is a '3rd Gen' Ram manual it has the updated sections on the:
Magnum 5.9V8,
the 46RE automatic transmission,
3500 manual trans,
the 9.25 differential,
etc.

By updated I mean these chapters have the corrections from all the TSB's from 1994 to 2003 that even the earlier 2nd Gen Ram FSMs don't have.

In 2004+ the sections on the earlier components are missing.

 

did u get the x-mas present from steve ram. It was a downloadable service manual in PDF form.. It was very nice ! MIght save you a few bucks

 

yea that pdf actually had info in it that my hayens didnt... i got 4 books.. 2 haynes and 2 chiltons... 1 of each in the truck and 1 of each on the shelf next to the nudy mags and above the hotrod and guns and ammo magazines...

 

where can i get a free downloadable transmission manual that is better than haynes for a 46re. have a 2001 ram 2500 4x4.

 

I prefer Haynes over Chilton do to the fact that Haynes is based on an entire breakdown and rebuild of the vehicle. Plus its got prettier pictures :P

 

I'd say this is pretty detailed https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-gen-rams.html

 

you might keep checking ebay for a shop manual from a delearship. I got mine for $10.00 off ebay.