🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 Mega Cab

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

DS

Generation:

Fourth Generation Ram Trucks (2002-2008, with later updates and facelifts)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab positioned itself as a premium, large-cab full-size pickup truck, emphasizing interior space and comfort for families or work crews needing extensive passenger capacity. It competed with other heavy-duty oriented crew cab trucks and offered a unique selling proposition with its cavernous Mega Cab configuration.

Competitive Analysis:

Key competitors included the Ford F-150 SuperCrew, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, and Toyota Tundra Double Cab. The Ram's Mega Cab offered significantly more rear-seat legroom and recline than most competitors' crew cab offerings, making it a standout for passenger comfort.

Key Features:

Mega Cab configuration with exceptional rear-seat space, powerful V8 engine options, robust truck chassis, available four-wheel drive, comfortable and feature-rich interior for its class, and strong towing/hauling capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive coverage for all aspects of operating, maintaining, and basic troubleshooting for the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab. Includes sections on vehicle features, driving, safety, maintenance, and emergency procedures.

Page Count:

Approximately 350-400 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era and scope).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle controls, instrument panel, lighting, climate control, audio systems, seating and interior features, starting and operating the engine, drivetrain operation (4x4 system), braking system, steering system, wheels and tires, safety systems (airbags, seat belts), child restraints, towing information, and basic maintenance procedures.

Procedures Included:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), changing engine oil and filter (general guidance), tire inflation and rotation, jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, replacing fuses and bulbs, using the jack and spare tire, understanding warning lights and indicators, proper vehicle break-in procedures, operating trailer brakes.

Technical Depth:

Owner-level. Focuses on user operation, basic checks, and procedures that a typical owner can perform without specialized tools or knowledge. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions, which would be found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality commercial print, durable paper stock, clear legible text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

Staple-bound or perfect bound (typical for owner's manuals).

Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for automotive environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine Options:

4.7L Magnum V8 (SOHC, 16-valve), 5.7L HEMI V8 (OHV, 16-valve, MDS - Multi-Displacement System)

Horsepower 4.7L:

310 hp @ 5,650 rpm

Torque 4.7L:

330 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm

Horsepower 5.7L:

345 hp @ 5,000 rpm

Torque 5.7L:

375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel System:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Ignition System:

Coil-near-plug ignition system

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric fan (on some configurations) or engine-driven fan.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 4.7L V8; 5-speed automatic (545RFE) for 5.7L HEMI V8.

Optional Transmission:

Not applicable for 2008 Ram 1500 model year and trim.

Transmission Features:

Electronic controls, Tow/Haul mode (5-speed automatic), Overdrive gear.

Drive Type:

Rear-wheel drive (2WD) or Four-wheel drive (4WD) with electronic transfer case.

Transfer Case 4Wd:

NV244 (for 4.7L) or NV273 (for 5.7L HEMI) Command-Trac NV (New Venture Gear) electronic shift transfer case.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approximately 259.4 inches (Mega Cab configuration)

Exterior Width:

Approximately 79.1 inches

Exterior Height:

Approximately 77.3 inches

Wheelbase:

160.5 inches

Interior Rear Legroom:

Exceptional, approximately 50.3 inches (Mega Cab specific feature)

Cargo Bed Lengths:

Typically offered with a 6-foot 3-inch bed (short bed) on Mega Cab models.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 5,200 - 5,700 lbs (depending on engine and 2WD/4WD)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 7,000 - 7,500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings NHTSA:

Frontal Crash: 4 out of 5 stars (driver and passenger). Side Impact: 4 out of 5 stars (front and rear passengers). Rollover: 3 out of 5 stars (4x2 and 4x4 models).

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - optional on some trims, standard on later models), Traction Control, Brake Assist.

Passive Features:

Advanced multi-stage front airbags, Supplemental side-curtain airbags (optional on some trims), front seat-mounted side airbags (optional on some trims), three-point seat belts with pretensioners, crumple zones, body-on-frame construction.

Child Restraint:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats, child safety door locks.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with indicator light.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Audio:

Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (subscription required), MP3 capability, and optional navigation system. Bose premium audio system available on higher trims.

Infotainment Display:

Various radio configurations including single-line displays, multi-line displays with CD slot, and touch-screen navigation units on higher-end models.

Driver Assistance:

Rear Park Assist (optional), Trailer Brake Controller (optional).

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack (standard on most models), Uconnect hands-free communication system (optional, requiring Bluetooth-equipped phone).

Climate Control:

Manual temperature and fan controls, optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil:

Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe service intervals may be shorter.

Service Intervals Tire Rotation:

Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, concurrent with oil change.

Service Intervals Air Filter:

Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles under normal conditions.

Service Intervals Spark Plugs:

4.7L: Replace at 100,000 miles. 5.7L HEMI: Replace at 100,000 miles (using long-life spark plugs).

Fluid Specifications Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on climate/load), API SN or newer. Consult manual for precise recommendations.

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix of Mopar antifreeze (MS-9769) and distilled water.

Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid:

4.7L: ATF+4 (MS-9602). 5.7L HEMI: ATF+4 (MS-9602).

Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901).

Known Issues 4.7L Hemi:

Cylinder head issues (cracking), lifter noise, and intake manifold gasket leaks are occasionally reported.

Known Issues 5.7L Hemi:

Occasionally, MDS lifter issues or solenoid failures can occur, leading to rough idling or misfires. Valve spring failures are also a known, albeit less common, issue.

Known Issues General:

Water pump leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on HEMI), and brake component wear are common wear-and-tear items for trucks of this age and type.

Filter Part Numbers:

Oil Filter (common): Fram PH3600, Wix 51515, Mopar MO-090. Air Filter (common): Fram CA8757, Wix 49352.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long history in the American automotive market, particularly with its truck division. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981 and quickly established itself as a formidable competitor in the pickup truck segment, known for its ruggedness and towing capabilities.

Model Evolution:

The 2008 model year falls within the fourth generation of Dodge Ram trucks, which began in 2002. This generation saw significant updates and facelifts, including the introduction of the HEMI engine and the innovative Mega Cab configuration, which debuted in 2005. The Mega Cab was a unique offering, stretching the crew cab design to accommodate significantly more rear passenger space than typical.

Production Location:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, and Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

Production Years:

The second generation of the Ram Pickup ran from 1994-2001. The third generation ran from 2002-2008. The 2008 model is the final year of this highly successful third generation, which was refreshed significantly in 2006.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2008 model are not as widely documented as newer vehicles, the Ram platform consistently received praise for its truck capabilities, towing prowess, and the unique spaciousness of the Mega Cab. Competitors and automotive journalists often highlighted the Ram's ride quality and powerful engine options.

Ratings:

Generally positive ratings for towing capacity, engine performance, and ride comfort. Consumer satisfaction varied, as is common with large trucks, but the Mega Cab was often cited as a major differentiator for those prioritizing passenger space.

Certifications:

Certified for towing and emissions standards as required by federal and state regulations.