🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2008

Product Type:

Parts Catalog

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.

Vehicle Attributes:

Renowned for its ruggedness, towing capacity, and variety of configurations (cab styles, bed lengths, powertrains).

Usefulness:

Essential for Dodge Ram owners and technicians seeking accurate OEM part numbers for repairs, maintenance, or upgrades. Simplifies parts sourcing and ensures compatibility.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive parts listing for all Dodge Ram models and configurations for the 2008 model year.

Specific Sections:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Cooling System, Fuel System, Electrical System, Exhaust System, Chassis, Body Panels, Interior Components, Accessories, Emissions Control.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 (typical for a comprehensive parts catalog of this era)

Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Exploded diagrams and part numbers for engine block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, oil pump, timing components, intake and exhaust manifolds, accessories (alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor).

Transmission Systems:

Parts for automatic (e.g., 42RLE, 545RFE) and manual transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, gear sets, clutch components, seals, and bearings.

Drivetrain Systems:

Components for 2WD and 4WD systems, including transfer case, propeller shafts, U-joints, front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, CV joints, and wheel hubs.

Suspension Steering:

Parts for front and rear suspension, including control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers, springs, sway bars, steering gear, power steering pump, and steering column components.

Braking Systems:

Components for front and rear brakes (disc and drum), including master cylinder, brake booster, ABS components, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, wheel cylinders, and parking brake mechanisms.

Cooling Fuel Exhaust:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, tailpipe, and related hardware.

Electrical Systems:

Starter motor, alternator, battery, ignition system components, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, sensors, and control modules.

Body Chassis Interior:

Body panels (fenders, doors, hoods, beds), bumpers, glass, seals, trim, interior trim panels, seats, dashboard components, HVAC controls, and fasteners.

Parts Identification:

Detailed exploded views of each system with numbered parts corresponding to a comprehensive parts list and OEM part numbers.

Part Number Lookup:

Facilitates accurate identification and ordering of replacement parts, crucial for maintenance and repair.

Depth Of Detail:

Provides OEM part numbers, quantities, and relationships between components. Does not include repair procedures or diagnostic information.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) for easy viewing, searching, and printing.

Scalability:

High-resolution images and diagrams that remain clear when zoomed or printed.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 3.7L V6 2008:

3.7L Magnum V6. Power: ~215 hp @ 5200 rpm. Torque: ~235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 3.70 x 3.38 in. Compression Ratio: 9.6:1. Fuel Delivery: MPI.

Engine 4.7L V8 2008:

4.7L Magnum V8. Power: ~310 hp @ 5650 rpm. Torque: ~330 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 3.70 x 3.40 in. Compression Ratio: 9.0:1. Fuel Delivery: MPI.

Engine 5.7L V8 Hemi 2008:

5.7L HEMI V8. Power: ~345 hp @ 5000 rpm. Torque: ~375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 3.92 x 3.58 in. Compression Ratio: 9.6:1. Fuel Delivery: MPI. Features Multi-Displacement System (MDS).

Towing Capacity:

Varies by configuration, up to approximately 9,100 lbs for properly equipped models.

Payload Capacity:

Varies by configuration, up to approximately 1,700 lbs for properly equipped models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Typically 26.0 gallons (standard bed), 35.0 gallons (long bed).

🔧 Transmission

Standard 2008:

Varies by engine. For 3.7L V6, typically a 4-speed automatic (42RLE). For 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI, typically a 5-speed automatic (545RFE).

Manual Option:

Available on some configurations (e.g., 6-speed manual on certain V8 models, though less common for 2008).

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive gearing for improved fuel economy.

4Wd System:

Available full-time or part-time 4WD systems with various transfer case options (e.g., NV244, NV271).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Multiple options depending on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 120.5" for Regular Cab, 140.5" for Quad Cab, 160.5" for Mega Cab).

Overall Length:

Varies significantly by configuration (e.g., ~209" to ~239").

Overall Width:

Approximately 79.1 inches (excluding mirrors).

Overall Height:

Varies by configuration, typically around 74.2 - 75.8 inches.

Bed Lengths:

Available in 5'7" (short bed), 6'4" (standard bed), and 8'0" (long bed).

Curb Weight:

Varies by configuration, typically between 4,500 lbs and 5,500 lbs.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically ranges from 6,000 lbs to 7,200 lbs depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Typically 4 out of 5 stars for 2WD and 4WD models (2008 model year estimates).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS).

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Airbags:

Standard front airbags. Available side-curtain airbags for enhanced side-impact protection.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio systems, with options for satellite radio (SiriusXM) and premium Boston Acoustics sound systems.

Navigation:

Optional in-dash navigation system.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Remote Start:

Available remote keyless entry and remote start system.

Phone Integration:

Optional Uconnect hands-free communication system (Bluetooth).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions, or as indicated by the vehicle's oil change indicator system. Refer to the owner's manual for specific guidance.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 7,500 - 10,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid:

Intervals vary by transmission type and usage. Often around 60,000 - 100,000 miles for fluid and filter change, but critical for heavy towing. Consult specific service manuals or the owner's manual.

Spark Plugs:

Intervals vary by engine. For HEMI engines, often around 100,000 miles. For V6/other V8s, may be shorter (e.g., 60,000-80,000 miles).

Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or later, Chrysler MS-6395. Typically 7.0 quarts (with filter).

Engine Oil 4.7L V8:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SN or later, Chrysler MS-6395. Typically 5.5 quarts (with filter).

Engine Oil 3.7L V6:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or later, Chrysler MS-6395. Typically 5.0 quarts (with filter).

Transmission Fluid 545Rfe:

ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602).

Transmission Fluid 42Rle:

ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602).

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Pink), Chrysler MS-9769. Typically 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity varies by engine, approx. 12-15 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

Hemi 370 Lifter Tick:

Some 5.7L HEMI engines can develop a ticking noise from the lifters due to issues with MDS components or oil pressure.

4.7L Oil Sludge:

Older 4.7L engines could be prone to oil sludge formation if oil changes were neglected.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional reports of early transmission failures or rough shifting, especially with heavy use. Proper fluid maintenance is key.

Rust And Corrosion:

As with many trucks of this era, rust can be a concern in areas with harsh winters and road salt.

Oil Filter 5.7L Hemi:

Example: Mopar MO-349 or equivalent WIX/Fram equivalent.

Air Filter All Engines:

Example: Mopar 04596405AB or equivalent.

Cabin Air Filter:

Example: Mopar 04740777AB or equivalent.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century.

Fourth Generation Ram:

The 2008 Dodge Ram belongs to the fourth generation (2009-2018), though the 2008 model year is the final year of the third generation (2002-2008). This manual would cover the latter part of the third generation, which introduced significant updates over its predecessor.

Assembly Locations:

Primarily assembled at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Contenders:

While not specific to 2008, the Ram platform has historically been recognized in various truck of the year awards from automotive publications.

Towing Leader:

Consistently ranked among the leaders in its class for towing and payload capacity.