🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 3500

Year:

2008

Product Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential diagnostic and repair resource for owners and professional technicians working on the 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 heavy-duty pickup truck.

Comparison:

Superior to generic online forums or basic owner's manuals, offering factory-level detail and accuracy.

Features:

Officially licensed, comprehensive coverage, detailed diagrams, diagnostic procedures, official specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

All 2008 RAM 3500 gasoline and diesel engine variants.

Transmission Options:

All 2008 RAM 3500 manual and automatic transmission variants.

Drivetrain Options:

2WD and 4WD models.

Trim Levels:

ST, SLT, Laramie, Power Wagon.

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (software is comprehensive, not limited by printed page count).

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual (Digital Software).

Language:

English

Format:

Software / Digital.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, valve train, oil pump, lubrication system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, fuel injectors, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable), cooling system, exhaust system.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, shift mechanism, removal, installation, internal components.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, hydraulic control system, electronic controls, removal, installation.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differentials (front and rear), transfer case, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front suspension (ball joints, control arms, springs, shocks), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks), steering knuckles, wheel bearings.

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear, power steering system (pump, hoses, rack/box), alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake, bleeding procedures, rotor/pad replacement.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, frame inspection and repair (structural).

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant, diagnostics, repair.

Comfort And Convenience:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, sunroof, interior lighting.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement (gasoline), fuel filter replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection.

Troubleshooting:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom analysis for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for component removal, overhaul, installation, and adjustment.

Rebuilds:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with detailed specifications.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Component testing, circuit diagnosis, wiring repair, module replacement and programming.

Wheel Alignment:

Adjustment procedures and specifications for front and rear suspension and steering.

Airbag System:

SRS system diagnosis, component replacement (airbags, modules, sensors), safety precautions.

Body And Trim:

Interior and exterior trim panel removal, replacement of glass, seals, and body hardware.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine/transmission overhauls and complex electrical diagnostics.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes procedures for using factory diagnostic tools and interpreting data streams.

Specifications:

Provides torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, and other critical data for all repairs.

Schematics:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Format:

Proprietary software, likely executable or web-based portal access.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for on-screen viewing and printing.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format).

Paper:

Not applicable (digital format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Gasoline Engine 1:

5.7L V8 HEMI (345 cid)

Gasoline Engine 1 Performance:

360 hp @ 5400 rpm, 394 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Gasoline Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Engine 1:

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Diesel Engine 1 Performance:

350 hp @ 3000 rpm, 650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm (approximate)

Diesel Engine 1 Fuel System:

High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Fuel System

Diesel Engine 1 Emission Control:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR - typically later models, check specific VIN).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

NV5600 6-Speed Manual (for select Cummins diesel models).

Automatic Transmission 1:

545RFE 5-Speed Automatic (for 5.7L HEMI).

Automatic Transmission 2:

68RFE 6-Speed Automatic (for 6.7L Cummins diesel models).

Transmission Cooling:

Integrated transmission fluid coolers for automatic transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

140.5 in (standard box), 160.5 in (long box).

Overall Length:

Approx. 237.7 in (long box).

Bed Length Options:

6.3 ft (standard), 8.0 ft (long).

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration, typically starting around 6,500 lbs.

Gvwr:

Up to 11,000 lbs (depending on configuration).

Gcwr:

Up to 23,000 lbs (depending on configuration).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4/5 stars (typical for this era and class).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available AM/FM stereo, CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, navigation systems.

ABS:

Standard ABS on all wheels.

Parking Assist:

Available rear parking sensors.

Voice Command:

Available Uconnect voice command system (dependent on trim and options).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions).

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 7,500 miles or 6-12 months with synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific diesel oil interval).

Fuel Filter Diesel:

Approximately every 15,000 miles (refer to manual for precise interval).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, change fluid and filter as needed or per severe service schedule.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Change every 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified, check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CJ-4 or equivalent 15W-40 synthetic diesel engine oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Issues Gasoline:

Hemi tick (lifter noise), potential exhaust manifold leaks, death wobble (suspension/steering component wear).

Common Issues Diesel:

DPF regeneration issues, EGR valve problems, potential turbocharger issues, fuel injector problems (especially with early common rail systems).

Common Issues General:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, universal joint wear, rust on body panels (depending on climate).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the RAM brand evolving from this lineage.

Fourth Generation Ram:

The 2008 model is part of the fourth generation of RAM trucks (introduced in 2002 for heavy-duty models), known for its bold styling and robust chassis.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

RAM trucks generally received mixed to average reliability ratings from consumer organizations during this period, with heavy-duty models often praised for capability but sometimes dinged for specific component reliability.