Dodge Truck Reviews

Old Dodge trucks were, let's face it, not the best sellers in truckdom. We Dodge owners are few and far between, so trying to get information on how it looked back then is often an exercise in frustration. This book is packed with information for the rebuilder or restorer: which parts were used for which years, which engines, options, brakes, trannies, etc. Has been a great reference for getting my 55 and two 57 pickups roadworthy again!

This book really details the history of the Dodge pickup trucks through the years. I found it very useful when trying to distinguish the years in which parts could be interchangeable in my Dodge truck. The balance of pictures and text creates an enjoyable reading experience.

This is another Chilton manual that gives you all the critical information needed to keep your van in good running condition. This manual gives you all the essential torque specifications for the most common repairs, and covers every engine combination used on the early full-size vans. Diagrams of different components are also included, which makes this manual superior to other manuals that leave out diagrams and other technical information. Like other Chilton manuals, most of the engine specifications can be applied to all 1967-88 rear wheel-drive Chrysler products. If you have previous experience working on your vehicle, this is the perfect manual for maintaining your early Chrysler full-size van.

It was a Christmas gift wrapped in bridal shower paper, but that's My buddy's sense of humor at work. "Truck" really struck a chord with me,as it will with anyone who has ever taken anything apart with the hope of getting it back together. One of those moments was when he'd reached the point of only being able to walk out to the garage and rearrange the tools,then go inside to have a drink and think about it. Man, have I ever been there. There are some similarities with Chris Goodrich's "Roadster", but Jerome is motivated by a sturdy thriftiness,while Goodrich had other issues to deal with. Great book, one of the best gifts I've received and a good addition to the "Auto as Metaphor for Life" section in a gearhead's library.

I've read the book five times since buying it, as the humor camouflaged some of the practical gems about rebuilding old trucks. A wonderful curl-up-before-the fireplace read!

It's much more than story it's an experience!

Save your money on Chilton. They do not hold near the information, clarity and in depth detail, thus VALUE, that Haynes Repair Manuals do.
Having said that, I would like to address some complaints I've come across about both Haynes and Chilton's Manuals.
1.) If your manual suggests at a point to seek professional input it is because MOST NON mechanics don't possess the skill or tools or shop equipment to perform a certain procedure (be it correctly or safely). The publishers' lawyer insisted on the "seek professional input" so as not to take on legal liability for an unqualified person attempting to perform a critical step in their care care. The reason is valid. You can injure yourself and damage your vehicle as well as render your vehicle unsafe to be on the road.
2.) Prior to purchasing a repair manual, LOOK THROUGH IT. Almost every auto parts store in America sells Haynes and / or Chilton's. If the particular manual you need doesn't have the plastic removed, look for a manual that does and look through the sections. CAUTION most auto supply stores will get mad and make you buy anything you rip open. They're trying to sell information contained in the manual, not give it away. Some copies are USUALLY open and can be looked at. Does the manual seem logical, good pictures? Thorough? Then CHANCES ARE that brand will be a good choice for your repair. Also READ the cover front & back thoroughly. It will tell you if special vehicles aren't covered (AWD, Alternate Fuel Vehicles, etc) Know what vehicle you have so you get the RIGHT manual. The correct year, make, model, engine size.
3.) If you do encounter a problem in the middle of a repair, it's possible that it is YOUR not doing something correctly. Not the tool, or the repair manual. Go away from the car, get lunch or a cold glass of lemonade, read through the manual. Even start again in the morning.
4.) As automobiles become more sophisticated, there is truly less and less that a vehicle owner can do him or herself. It is a fact, you will need to take your vehicle into a dealership or well equipped shop for more things. In addition, used oil and other fluids are difficult to dispose of. DO NOT THROW DOWN YOUR DRAIN OR BURY IN YOUR BACKYARD!!!. Tires, batteries all have special disposal needs.
5.) There are some people WHO ARE NOT MECHANICAL. Buy them books, audio / video equipment, ties for Christmas. NOT A WRENCH SET!
6.) Neither Haynes nor Chilton are Professional Shop Manuals (these are available for hundreds of dollars).

As for the particular manual for the Haynes (30011)Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country from years 1996 through 2002:
This manual does NOT COVER All-Wheel Drive nor Alternative Fuel Models.
It compares favorably with other Haynes manuals for conciseness, clarity of both written instructions and photographs and is thorough. I used it step by step to replace horns, headlight bulbs and to go through a 30,000 mile check up and service. I also checked it's description for changing wiper blades, oil and oil filters, air filters and general repairs and found it both accurate and easy to understand.
I've been happy with Haynes manuals over the years and recommend all vehicle owners purchase one even if you don't expect to do any repair or service yourself. It helps to know the information, to be aware of how your car works and to talk in a reasonably intelligent manner (on your part anyway) when you take your vehicle in for service.
I'm happy with this purchase.
John Row

In a nutshell, don't ever buy chilton. they stink. they are always very generic, and never directed to the actual car you own. You simply can't cram 4 makes of dodge into the same book and expect a home mechanic to find it very useful. Haynes manuals have always been better. They show photos of the actual parts you're going to hold in your hand. the directions are to YOUR car, not some similar model. Buy Haynes. I don't know why auto parts stores even carry Chilton.

This is a good book for a classic collection, gives a good history of Dodge trucks, from Dodge Brothers to now. This is not a technical book by any means, and could use some more photos for reference. Gives some information on production numbers and options, but not in detail.

Like most books from Motorsport International this one has an abundance of professionally executed color photos that are reproduced well. Many black and white publicity photos from the manufacturer too. I especially liked the chapter on the Dodge Power Wagons. This book is also reasonably priced. If you collect Dodge trucks and don't already own this book but it now.

Im pleased with this truck manual. It contains most maintenance and repair procedures an average person can do with average tools. It supports gasoline and diesel engines and has wiring diagrams for all the systems. I'd recommend this to anyone wanting to save money by doing their own simple repairs.

The Haynes Full Size Dodge Pickup Repair and Service Manual is a comprehensive guide for working on Dodge Pickups.It contains all you need to know about Servicing and Repairing Dodge Pickups.

The year is not new enough. When I had that year Vehicle it was ok. I have a '98 Quad Cab, and Trannie went out, I wanted to research it. Cant find a book. My wife has a '98 quad cab and the trannie went. The front wheel bearings are supposed to be greasable in my V-10, Need to find out how to do that. Need the book. Asked for one from the Library, but nothing has come back yet. thanks Mike

Hey, I need a repair manual for a full size Dodge Puck-up truck Year 1999 for 24 value diesel engine. Have you got or will have in the future?

The book was perfect for me. It explains mainly how to serveice your vehicle, and that was what I was looking for. If you are wanting to get into details of the 97-99 Dodge Dakotas, you may want to get the Chrysler book instead

Don't go to the shop without this manual.

This book is great for the first time rebuilder. It's filledwith detailed pictures and factory specifications. Doesn't get intohow to tune the engine or modify it. If you are not a novice I recommend something different.

Definiatly a good book for the back yard mechanic. Tons of information to get the novice thru his first rebuild. Buy the book and save yourself the headaches. worth the price hands down.

This book is not half bad when it comes to car repair for my dodge colt. It goes into detail on how to fix many problems you could run into with your car. It has plenty of pictures to help you with what you are doing. If you have to do some work on your vehicle, I suggest you get a chiltons manual.