2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 215

STARTING AND OPERATING 215 Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KPH) Engine Model Axle Mode 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 3.7L 1500 3.55 ACCEL 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72) & & 3.92 CRUISE 4.7L 1500 All ACCEL 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72) & CRUISE Manual Transmission - 5-Speed (NV4500) 2500 and 3500 models are equipped with the NV4500 manual transmission. This transmission has a "creeper" 1st gear which should be used to start from a standing position when carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in 2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. For most city driving you may find it easier to use only 1st through 4th gear ranges. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, 5th gear is recommended. To shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward. When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down toward you in one motion. Do not pull the lever sharply left as you may shift accidentally into 2nd gear and damage the transmission. To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to stop. Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight across and back into Reverse. 5