🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Diesel

Year:

2008

Platform:

DS

Chassis Code:

DS

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Full-size pickup truck catering to heavy-duty work, towing, and lifestyle hauling needs. Positioned as a robust and capable vehicle in the competitive domestic truck market.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD

Features:

Strong diesel engine options, significant towing and payload capacity, durable construction, available four-wheel drive, spacious cabin options, focus on utility and capability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Features, Controls, Maintenance Schedules, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing Considerations, Safety Considerations

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 350-450 (typical for an owner's manual of this era and scope)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (likely PDF, but specified as 'electronic v......')

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

Powertrain (Engine, Transmission), Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Electrical System, HVAC, Interior Controls, Exterior Features, Safety Systems, Infotainment System, Towing Systems

Procedures:

Basic checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid level checks, bulb replacement, fuse identification and replacement, jacking and lifting points, trailer hitching and towing guidelines, understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues, operating vehicle features (lights, wipers, power accessories, climate control, audio system), seat adjustment and safety belt usage, emergency procedures

Depth:

Covers operation, basic maintenance, and safety aspects for the owner. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, or complete repair specifications which are found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Digital (PDF or similar e-document format). Assumed to be searchable text and image-based for clear diagrams. Print quality is dependent on the original source and user's printer.

Quality:

Variable (dependent on original scan/digitization quality, typically good for factory documents).

Binding:

N/A (Electronic format)

Paper:

N/A (Electronic format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Turbodiesel

Engine Displacement:

6.7L (Cummins ISB/ISB 6.7L)

Engine Configuration:

Inline-6 Cylinder

Horsepower:

Approx. 305-350 hp @ 2800-3000 rpm (variant dependent)

Torque:

Approx. 555-610 lb-ft @ 1400-1600 rpm (variant dependent)

Fuel Type:

Diesel Fuel

Fuel Delivery:

High-pressure Common Rail Fuel Injection

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) for managing fuel injection, timing, emissions, and other engine parameters.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 20.5 quarts (19.4 liters) with respect to the 6.7L Cummins engine. Specific capacity may vary slightly by model year and configuration.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 12 quarts (11.4 liters) with filter for the 6.7L Cummins engine. Check manual for precise capacity and oil type.

Emission Controls:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection (potentially introduced in later models or specific configurations), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission or 6-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., Aisin AS68RC or similar heavy-duty automatic)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Heavy-duty construction for towing, tow/haul mode for improved transmission shifting under load, manual or automatic gear selection.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Refer to the manual for the specific ATF specification (e.g., ATF+4, or a proprietary heavy-duty spec). Capacity typically around 11-13 quarts.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific GL rating and viscosity (e.g., GL-5 75W-90 or 75W-140). Capacity typically around 3-4 quarts.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 140.5" for Regular Cab, 160.5" for Quad Cab, 171.4" for Mega Cab).

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 229.5" for 8' bed, 248.9" for Mega Cab 8' bed).

Height:

Approx. 76-80 inches depending on configuration.

Width:

Approx. 79.4 inches (excluding mirrors).

Curb Weight:

Varies widely by configuration, typically 6,000 - 7,500+ lbs.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Ranges from approximately 9,900 lbs to 11,500 lbs or higher for Heavy Duty (2500/3500) models.

Fifth Wheel Gooseneck Capacity:

Can exceed 15,000 lbs depending on configuration and axle rating.

Conventional Towing Capacity:

Can exceed 10,000 lbs, potentially up to 17,000+ lbs for properly equipped 3500 models.

Bed Length:

Available in 6'4" (short bed) and 8' (long bed) configurations.

Payload Capacity:

Can range from approximately 2,000 lbs to over 4,000 lbs depending on configuration and GVWR.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Refer to NHTSA documentation for specific ratings; typically in the 4-star range for this era of truck.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (if equipped), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - potentially on later models or specific trims).

Passive Safety:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchor system, reinforced cabin construction.

Towing Features:

Integrated trailer brake controller wiring (may require factory or aftermarket installation), trailer tow mirrors (optional/available), tow/haul mode for transmission, proper weight distribution and hitch setup guidance.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Uconnect infotainment system (likely earlier generation, e.g., Uconnect 30/40) with AM/FM radio, CD player, auxiliary input, and available satellite radio. Navigation and Bluetooth may be optional depending on trim.

Driver Assistance Features:

Basic features like cruise control. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, or blind-spot monitoring were not common or standard in this era, especially on heavy-duty trucks.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack is standard. Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming was an optional feature on higher trims.

Instrument Cluster Features:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, engine temperature. Digital display for odometer, trip computer, engine hours, fuel economy, and warning indicators. Diesel specific gauges like EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) or boost pressure might be present on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change indicator system. Severe duty or frequent towing may require shorter intervals. Consult manual for definitive schedule.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Crucial for diesel engines. Often recommended between 15,000-30,000 miles depending on fuel quality and operating conditions. Refer to manual for specific interval and part number.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on operating environment (dusty conditions require more frequent checks/replacement).

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at higher mileage (e.g., 100,000 miles for OAT coolant), then typically every 50,000-100,000 miles thereafter. Verify coolant type and interval.

Engine Oil Specification:

API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated synthetic diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common, but SAE 5W-40 may be recommended for colder climates. Verify viscosity and API rating from manual.

Coolant Specification:

OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Extended Life Coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent. Color is usually orange or red. Do not mix with older HOAT or Inorganic coolants.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 depending on model year and system design. Refer to reservoir cap or manual.

Common Diesel Issues:

DPF regeneration issues (clogging), EGR cooler failures, injector problems (can be costly), fuel system leaks, potential for turbocharger issues if not properly maintained, coolant leaks from the EGR system.

General Truck Issues:

Suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods, shocks), brake pad and rotor wear, exhaust system rust, interior wear and tear, potential for electrical gremlins in complex systems.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Examples include Mopar 68157295AA, Wix 57712, or equivalent for the 6.7L Cummins. Always verify compatibility.

Fuel Filter Part Number:

Examples include Mopar 68157295AA (primary), 68052310AA (secondary), Wix 33738 (primary), 33380 (secondary). Verify correct sequence and part numbers.

Air Filter Part Number:

Examples include Mopar 68039646AA, Wix 49200, or similar for the 6.7L Cummins. Verify compatibility.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with strength and utility in the pickup market.

Fourth Generation Ram:

The 2008 model year falls within the fourth generation of the Ram pickup (DS platform, 2009-2010 pre-facelift, or late third generation if referring to specific earlier 2008 models). This generation introduced significant styling updates and powertrain enhancements.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2008 model year should be verified, Ram trucks have historically received numerous accolades for their performance, towing capabilities, and value from automotive publications.

Towing Payload Ratings:

Consistently rated highly by consumers and industry experts for its substantial towing and payload capacities, a key selling point for diesel variants.