1988 Dodge Ram 50 Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1988 Dodge Ram 50 covers two cab lengths, the 2-door extended cab pickup and the 2-door standard cab pickup, in Base, Custom and Sport trims. Both engines are gasoline inline-fours with a single overhead cam and no forced induction, sized at 2.0L (122 cu in) and 2.6L (156 cu in). Choosing between them mostly comes down to displacement, since the layout and fuel match.

Engines covered

• 2.0L inline-four (122 cu in) — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 2.6L inline-four (156 cu in) — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 2-door extended cab pickup
• 2-door standard cab pickup

Trims covered

• Base
• Custom
• Sport

Known issues on the 1988 Ram 50. In the 1 recall filed against the 1988 Ram 50, certain 1988 Ram 50 trucks with front belts from one supplier were called back. The belts' plastic release buttons could fracture, and loose pieces could jam the buckle so it failed to hold. Owners were asked to check both buckles and have them fixed free if faulty. Of 9 complaints, 6 concern the seat belts, with one each on engine and engine cooling, the fuel system and tires; 1 complaint reported a crash and 1 an injury. The manual gives procedures and torque values for the seat belts, plus engine, fuel system and cooling system diagnostics and specifications.