Page 74 of 492
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mPower Wagon Features....................78
NLocking Front And Rear Differentials........78
N4.56:1 Gears..........................78
NElectronically Disconnecting Stabilizer/
Sway Bar............................79
NIncreased Ride Height...................79
N12,000 Lb. Winch.......................79
NHigh-Pressure Monotube Shocks/New Front And
Rear Springs..........................80
NOff-Road Tires........................80NSkid Plates And Underbody Protection.......80
NWheel Flares..........................80
NWheels..............................81
NStandard Package Features................81
NMopar Options........................82
mMirrors...............................83
NInside Mirror.........................83
NAutomatic Dimming Mirror ± If Equipped....84
NOutside Mirrors.......................84
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Page 79 of 492

POWER WAGON FEATURES
Locking Front and Rear Differentials
Most 4WD trucks are equipped with open differentials
front and rear. This design is used because it allows each
wheel to turn independently helping to eliminate bind-
ing when cornering. A disadvantage of using an open
differential is when one or more wheels lose traction; all
of the power is directed to those wheels resulting in a loss
of momentum. The Power Wagon is equipped with
electronically locking front and rear differentials. These
differentials, when engaged, mechanically lock together
the axle shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an equal rate.
This allows the vehicle to maintain its momentum and
thus prevents it from becoming stuck. The locking front
and rear differentials should only be engaged during
low-speed, extreme off-road situations where one wheel
is likely to not be in contact with the ground. It is notrecommended to drive the vehicle with the differentials
locked on pavement due to the reduced ability to turn
and speed limitations.
4.56:1 Gears
This is the highest axle ratio available in a full-size
pickup. The high gearing helps to compensate for the
increased rolling mass and increase diameter of the
off-road tires. As well, there are many advantages to a
higher axle ratio in off-road applications. When driving
downhill the high gearing enables the driver to use the
engine to slow the vehicle down in a more controlled
manner. When driving up a steep grade, the ratio helps
by keeping the truck in its power band helping to
maintain upward momentum.
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 81 of 492

High-Pressure Monotube Shocks/New Front and
Rear Springs
The new variable-rate shocks and revised springs help to
create a suitable on-road ride without compromising
off-road competency. The shocks are designed to provide
improved stability, durability, and suspension articula-
tion.
Off-Road Tires
These tires are specifically designed for extreme off-road
use, while also maintaining quite on-road operation. The
tires utilize long-life compounds for increased durability,
and a deep-groove tread for extra traction. The LT285/
70R17D used provides a large contact patch for better
traction, two full-width steel belts for improved strength,
as well as a reinforced sidewall to help protect against
bruising and shredding.
Skid Plates And Underbody Protection
Steel skid plates protect the major driveline components
of the truck including the fuel tank, transfer case and
steering damper. In addition the Power Wagon is
equipped with boxed cross members and fore/aft rails.
This additional protection allows the vehicle to be uti-
lized in severe off-road situations that would be consid-
ered impassable by a normal truck.
Wheel Flares
Not just for looks, the wheel flares on the Power Wagon
were designed to help cover its new larger off-road tires.
The larger flares also help to reduce the amount of debris
that can be flung up by the more aggressive tread pattern
on the tires.
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 83 of 492
²Off-Road Tuned Suspension And Shocks - improves
mobility, ground clearance and ride comfort.
²Heavy Duty Thermally Protected and Sealed Electric
Winch With Roller Fairlead - Useful for work and
vehicle recovery.
²17 Inch Forged Aluminum Wheels With 33 Inch Tires
- improves traction and differential ground clearance.
Mopar Options:
²
Rock Rails - protects the door sills from impingement
damage and provides a vehicle jacking point.
²Winch accessory kit - Contents include:
²Snatch Block/Pulley
²Clevis
²Tree strap
²Tow Strap
²Gloves
²ªPower Wagon embossedº storage bag
²Bed Liner - protects the bed from impingement dam-
age
NOTE:These Mopar options have been specially de-
signed and tested for the Power Wagon to meet the
vigorous off-road conditions.
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 165 of 492

there are any question regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the
belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or comeson while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag light the
seatbelt light will flash.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 244 of 492

mMulti Displacement System (MDS) - 5.7L Engine
Only................................313
mTire Safety Information...................313
NTire Markings........................313
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........317
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........318
mTires Ð General Information...............322
NTire Pressure.........................322
NTire Inflation Pressures.................323
NRadial-Ply Tires......................326
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........327
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........328
NTire Spinning........................328NTread Wear Indicators..................329
NLife Of Tire.........................330
NReplacement Tires.....................330
NAlignment And Balance.................331
mSupplemental Tire Pressure Information ± If
Equipped............................332
mTire Chains...........................332
mSnow Tires...........................333
mTire Rotation Recommendations............334
mFuel Requirements......................335
NReformulated Gasoline.................335
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............336
NMMT In Gasoline.....................336
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
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Page 260 of 492

road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on
dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline components.
The 4-wheel drive high (4LOCK) and 4±wheel drive low
(4LOW) lights, located in the instrument cluster, alert the
driver that the vehicle is either in 4-wheel drive high or
4±wheel drive low and that the front and rear driveshafts
are locked together. There are no lights for the 2H or N
(Neutral) positions.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of 4-wheel-drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference will adversely affect shifting and can
cause damage to the transfer case.NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
Because 4-wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
NOTE:Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire
pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold tempera-
tures.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
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Page 264 of 492

WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the car in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
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