Positioning:
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 was a significant player in the full-size pickup truck market, known for its robust capability, distinctive styling, and variety of configurations. It competed against strong rivals like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra.
Comparison:
The Ram 1500 of this era was praised for its comfortable ride, especially for a truck, and its strong V8 engine options. Its coil-spring rear suspension was a differentiator, offering a more refined experience than many competitors. Styling was bold and aggressively American.
Features:
Available in various cab sizes (Regular, Quad, Mega Cab) and bed lengths, multiple engine choices including the HEMI 5.7L V8, available 4x4 drivetrain, RamBox cargo management system (optional).
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic/manual), driveline components (2WD/4WD).
Chassis:
Suspension system (front/rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, power assist), wheel and tire information.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, instrument cluster, warning indicators.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, interior trim, locks, security system, airbags, seat belts, cargo management.
Controls And Features:
Ignition, dashboard controls, steering wheel controls, wipers, mirrors, power outlets, towing information, owner-replaceable bulbs.
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, gear selection, parking, fuel recommendations, trailer towing procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), recommended service intervals, fluid types and capacities, filter replacement, cleaning procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic information for common issues, what to do in case of a breakdown.
Safety:
Proper use of seat belts, airbag system operation, child restraint system installation, safety features explanation.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level maintenance, operation, and safety information. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.
Print Quality:
High-quality paper, clear legible print, professionally bound.
Binding Type:
Stapled or Perfect Bound (typical for owner's manuals)
Paper Type:
Durable, coated paper to resist wear and tear.
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8
5.7L Hemi V8:
Horsepower: ~345 hp @ 5400 rpm, Torque: ~375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Features Multi-Displacement System (MDS) for improved fuel economy.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (with 3.7L V6); 5-speed automatic (with 4.7L and 5.7L V8)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed manual (less common, primarily with V6)
Drivetrain:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (part-time, electronic shift-on-the-fly)
Wheelbase:
Varies by cab/bed configuration: 120.5" (Regular Cab Short Bed), 140.5" (Quad Cab Short Bed/Regular Cab Long Bed), 160.5" (Mega Cab)
Length:
Varies by configuration, e.g., 219.1" to 239.1"
Width:
Approx. 79.1" (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 74.5" to 76.5"
Bed Lengths:
6'4" (short bed), 8'0" (long bed)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, approx. 4,600 - 5,500 lbs
Max Payload:
Up to approx. 1,700 - 2,000 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 9,100 - 9,400 lbs (depending on configuration and equipment)
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star (for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star (for 2008 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
'Good' (Good rating in IIHS frontal offset crash tests)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - standard on most trims for 2008
Airbags:
Advanced Multi-Stage Front Airbags, available Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags (depending on cab configuration).
Seat Belts:
Height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium audio systems, DVD entertainment systems available on some trims/packages.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players.
Power Outlets:
12V auxiliary power outlets in dashboard and center console.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used). Consult manual for specific recommendations based on Severe or Normal service.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 typically ~100,000 miles; 5.7L HEMI V8 (with specific ignition coils) ~30,000-50,000 miles. Check manual for exact specs.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30 for all engines. Meets Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Check oil capacity in manual (approx. 5-7 quarts).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid) for automatic transmissions. Check capacity in manual (approx. 8-12 quarts for fluid change).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT formula (e.g., Mopar P/N 05103535AA or equivalent orange coolant). Dilution 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 12-15 quarts.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Common Problems:
Eccentric shaft sensor failure (leading to no-start), exhaust manifold leaks/cracks (especially with HEMI), intermittent windshield wiper issues, water pump leaks, front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods).
Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The 'Ram' nameplate was introduced in 1981, and it quickly established itself as a formidable competitor in the pickup truck segment.
Generation:
The 2008 model year falls within the fourth generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram. This generation saw significant styling changes, including the prominent grille and upright stance. A major refresh occurred for the 2006 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA
