2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS tailgate

▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats)
— Automatic Transmission ..............197
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Manual
Transmission ........................197
▫ Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab —
If Equipped .........................198
▫ Rear Cupholder — Mega Cab ............198

Storage ..............................199
▫ Center Storage Compartment (40–20–40 Seat) —
If Equipped .........................199
▫ Center Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats)—
If Equipped .........................200 ▫
Storage And Seats (Quad Cab Models) ......202
▫ Storage And Seats (Mega Cab Models) ......202
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers
(Mega Cab Models) ....................204

Fold Flat Load Floor — If Equipped .........204
▫ Fold Flat Load Floor — If Equipped ........204

Pickup Box ...........................207

Slide-In Campers .......................209
▫ Camper Applications ...................209

Easy-Off Tailgate .......................209
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3

There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs (450
kg) total.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the “Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing” document available from your dealer. For safety
reasons, follow all instructions in this important docu-
ment. NOTE:
When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop
Light) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. If the truck is a 3500
dual rear wheel model, unplug the tailgate wire harness
from under the rear of the truck and pull the harness out
of the cargo box access hole. Unlatch the tailgate and
remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang
from the pivot, then rotate and pull away from the box.
Once the cables are free, move to the right side of the
tailgate hinge bracket.
Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket. Slide the entire tailgate to
the right to free the left side pivot. Remove the tailgate
from the vehicle entirely. Do not carry the tailgate loose in
the truck pickup box.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 209
3

NOTE:Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is operated
without a tailgate, suitable lights must be installed.
Tailgate Support Cables
Lock Tang And Pivot
210 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under
the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel. It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
NOTE: The winch mechanism is designed for use with
the jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
404 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................462

Integrated Power Module .................466

Vehicle Storage ........................469

Replacement Light Bulbs .................470

Bulb Replacement ......................470
▫ Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights .............................470
▫ Tail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights .........474
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo
Light ..............................476
▫ Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped ....477 ▫
Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) —
If Equipped .........................479
▫ Rear Light Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheel) –
If Equipped .........................480
▫ Side Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) ......481
▫ Fog Lights ..........................482

Fluids And Capacities ...................483

Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ........485
▫ Engine .............................485
▫ Chassis ............................486
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7

Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500 (4X4)
Models
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change listed in the appropriate Maintenance Schedule
for your vehicle (Schedule “A” and “B”). Use Mopar 
type MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, tailgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as Mopar Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7

REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Inside Bulb No.
Overhead Console Lights ............... TS212-2
Dome Light ............................ 7679
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
LIGHT BULBS — Outside Bulb No.
Back-Up .............................. 3057
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp ............. 912
Fog Lamp ........................... 9006LL
Headlamp (Halogen) ..................... H13
Side Marker Bulb ....................... W5W
Park & Turn Signal ................... 3157NAK
Rear License Plate Lamp ................... 168
Rear Cargo Light ......................... 912
Tail & Stop ............................ 3057
Cab Clearance Lights ...................... 168 Dual Rear Wheel Sidemarker Light
............ 168
Dual Rear Wheel Tailgate ID Lights (3) ......... 168BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn Lights
CAUTION!
This is a halogen bulb. Avoid touching the glass
with your fingers. Reduced bulb life will result.
470 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) — If
Equipped
1. Remove the two screws and housing and access the
bulb sockets from the rear. 2. Turn socket
14turn counterclockwise to access the
bulb.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479
7