Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1983 Ram 50.
The 1983 Dodge Ram 50 is characterized by an engine system requiring 5 quarts of oil with a filter and specified to operate on 10W-30, 10W-40, or 10W-50 API CF-4 viscosity grades. This broad spectrum of acceptable lubricants points to a powertrain engineered for versatile operational parameters rather than narrow, single-grade fluid constraints. Within the model's reliability history, this specific year sits as a practically maintainable benchmark, meaning that preserving the vehicle's mechanical longevity relies primarily on consistent adherence to these fundamental fluid specifications.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 5 qt w/ filter of 10W-30 / 10W-40 / 10W-50 API CF-4 engine oil, Front: 90 in the differential.
| Differential Gear Oil | Front: 90 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil | Front: 90 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 4 Pints, |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 10W-30 · 10W-40 · 10W-50 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5 qt w/ filter |
| Engine Oil | 20W-20 · 15W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40 |
Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith) |
| Why | Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module |
| When needed | After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement |
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool |
| Also required | The vehicle's four-digit PIN code |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 1 of 1 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9002688 | 2013-02-13 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
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Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
5 qt w/ filter of 10W-30, 10W-40 OR 10W-50 API CF-4, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.