Hi all,

I had my old 1993 Ford F-150 4x4 for 16 years, and just traded it in on a '05 1500 Ram 4x4 Quad Cab with the 5.7L Hemi (Laramie package), it has 70,200 miles on it and 1 owner before me.

First off I have to say the power of the motor is amazing! Very pleased so far. I was wondering before I go by a repair manual is there any one manual to get over another (chiltons/hanes/ect..). I'm not used to all these modern features under the hood such as each cylinder having its own coil. SO a manual is a must for mantaince reasons.

Any other advice for a first time Ram owner would be appreciated! Looking forward to getting future mod advice from here too.

Jeff

 

Welcome to the site!

I would say Helms would be the way to go but they don't seem to make them for DCX...so a second best would be chiltons IMO.

 

this is the best piece of advice you'll ever get-enjoy your dodge and dont listen to the diehard ford and chevy guys, they will try to tell you"you made a bad purchase". you bought a great truck and have fun. welcome to ram nation

 

I have never been a fan of Haynes and I am not real bit on Chiltons. The later is fine, but, but I find the manufacturer's shop manuals to be better on average. I purchased a PDF of the manual for my 2008 Ram here: http://store.payloadz.com/str-asp-i....nd-detail.html

I also purchased it from Tech Authority (which I believe to be the official source): https://techauthority.gltghosting.co...atalogId=10051

Also really good is Alldata DIY: http://www.alldatadiy.com/index.html

 

Welcome to both the forum and the Dodge Fraternity!

As one who has had seven full size 4x4 trucks over the last 25 years (one Jeep J10, Two Fords, Two GMs and Two Dodge's) I feel somewhat qualified to say, you purchased the best vehicle currently available. Enjoy your new ride...

 

i'll drink to that Hammer-well put

 

I think we are too far apart to clang the glasses.

What part of Maine? I did a summer in Baxter State Park when I was in College. Was going to be in forestry but dropped out for a 2nd stint of minor league ball.
When I was young, I thought a career in forestry meant you could fish and hunt and get paid for it...

 

southern maine, near N.H border. one of the best( not the best), but one of the best deer hunting states on the east coast. hasnt been much of a summer here, so your not missing anything Hammer-the summer has sucked. mostly rain w/ flooding and very cold nights. thinking about moving to a warmer state-lol

 

you guys are makin me feel all warm and fuzzy. glad to hear two experienced guys sayin i made a good choice.

ram 04 manual available for free here:
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/devani/shared/melisa/04 Ram Manual.zip

should be pretty much same as 05

 

Come here so's I can smack you upside the head!!!