Dodge›RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup›2004›5.7L V8/dodge/ram-1500-2500-pickup/2004/5-7l-v8/
DR platform

2004 Dodge RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup — 5.7L V8

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup 5.7L V8.

Engine 5.7L V8Transmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 and 2500 Pickup, built on the DR platform and motivated by a 5.7L V8 paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, represents a heavy-duty workhorse era where capability took priority over efficiency, as evidenced by its EPA ratings of just 12 city and 17 highway mpg. Under the hood, the HEMI-era powerplant demands a substantial 7.0 quarts of 10W-30 or 5W-30 API-spec oil at service intervals, reflecting the sheer displacement and thermal load of a big-block-era V8 in a full-size truck chassis. From a reliability standpoint, this model year sits among the more problematic entries in the Ram's history, having accumulated 580 owner complaints with power train issues leading the list and 9 recalls on record — a profile that researchers and prospective owners should weigh carefully, as it signals a model year where drivetrain durability concerns are well-documented rather than anecdotal.

Model year20042003

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type10W-30 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque135 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy12/17/14 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory fuel filter is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP265-70R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter05281090AB alt 04781452BF
Engine air filter68441763AA alt 05029703AA
Fuel filter52021983AB discontinued · alt 04897498AA
Spark plug68303918AA
Battery56028472AC alt BB65F121AA
Front wiper blades55077100AE
Serpentine belt53032037AM alt 05037206AE
Thermostat68174083AA alt 05037344AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length228.7 in
Overall width78.7 in
Overall height79.5 in
Wheelbase127.2 in
Curb weight4482 lb
Track (front / rear)66.9 / 65.7 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined12 / 17 / 14 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7.0 qt of 10W-30 / 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity4
Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.5
Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.5
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-90 · GL-5

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts129 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8.8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)110.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts135 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts155 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts135 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug30.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug30.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub175 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub185 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.045 in
Spark Plug Torque11-15 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.00 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeSP-15
Oil Capacity6.00 oz

Service checks

Pressure Test15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)56.0-60.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance13-16 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression100 Minimum psi
Engine Oil Pressure25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket24 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle130 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs / 24 ft-lbs / 11 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle145 ft-lbs / 250 ft-lbs
OtherDUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle100 ft-lbs
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0005 in

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 15,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi.

Every 6,000 miEngine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 12,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 15,000 miEngine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 18,000 miBrake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · PCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miPCV Valve (inspect)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plug Wires (replace)
At 90,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 90,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2004 Dodge RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup top in one area — the power train, 95 of 580 reports (16%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 9 recall campaigns target the power train, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 48 of the reports describe a crash and 6 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the power train pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
39
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
8
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
580
Owner complaints
48 involved a crash · 6 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 580 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train95
Air Bags79
Steering72
Suspension49
Steering,Suspension41
Structure25
Engine & Engine Cooling17
Electrical System16

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

14V770000Air BagsReported 03/12/2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida…

11V350000Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod AssemblyReported 06/07/2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 39 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S1203000003 REV.A2026-06-26Service BrakesTrac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
1012322024-10-29Power TrainPlate - Planetary
S22080001362022-07-09Electrical SystemSecurity Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module…
S22080001362022-07-09Electrical SystemSecurity Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module…
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 batteryVehicles taking 7.0 qtDR-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 05281090ABEngine air filter 68441763AAFuel filter 52021983ABSpark plug 68303918AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup 5.7L V8 take?

7.0 qt of Above 0F: 10W-30 API, Below 100F: 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 5.7L V8 get?

EPA figures are 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined mpg.