🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 2500 Truck

Year:

2008

Powertrain:

Gas

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet operators, and individuals requiring robust towing and hauling capabilities.

Key Competitors:

Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for its powerful HEMI V8 engine option, robust chassis, and strong towing/hauling capabilities for its class.

Model Variant:

Focuses on the gasoline-powered variant of the RAM 2500.

📋 Manual Details

Introduction:

Provided

Instrument Cluster:

Provided

Entertainment Systems:

Provided

Climate Controls:

Provided

Lights:

Provided

Driver Controls:

Provided

Locks And Security:

Provided

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Provided

Driving Operation:

Provided

Customer Assistance:

Provided

Safety Defect Reporting Us:

Provided (U.S. Only)

Cleaning:

Provided

Maintenance And Specifications:

Provided

Engine Compartment Layout:

Provided

Engine Oil Information:

Provided

Battery Information:

Provided

Fuel Information:

Provided

Air Filter Information:

Provided

Part Numbers:

Provided

Refill Capacities:

Provided

Lubricant Specifications:

Provided

Accessories:

Provided

Estimated Page Count:

Information not explicitly provided, but typical for a comprehensive owner's manual covering these topics.

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Delivery:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Overview:

Covers general operation and maintenance aspects of the gas engine and related systems.

Chassis Systems:

Includes information on brakes, steering, and suspension operation relevant to the driver.

Electrical System Basics:

Details on lighting, instrument cluster functions, and basic accessory operations.

Interior Features:

Comprehensive coverage of climate control, entertainment systems, locks, and security.

Safety Systems:

In-depth information on seating, restraints, and general safety recommendations.

Basic Maintenance:

Covers essential maintenance tasks like checking fluids, tire pressure, and filter replacements.

Fluid Level Checks:

Detailed instructions on checking and topping off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid.

Lighting Operation:

Instructions for operating headlights, taillights, turn signals, and interior lighting.

Climate Control Usage:

Guidance on operating the HVAC system for optimal comfort and defrosting.

Security System Operation:

Information on arming/disarming alarms, keyless entry, and immobilizer functions.

Cleaning And Care:

Recommendations for interior and exterior cleaning, as well as basic paint care.

Fueling Procedures:

Guidance on selecting the correct fuel type and proper fueling practices.

Tire Maintenance:

Information on tire pressure, rotation, and general tire care.

Depth:

Owner-level, focusing on operation, user maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Level:

Limited to identification of warning lights and basic system behavior.

Repair Procedures:

Not intended for mechanical repairs, but provides information on what may require professional service.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Readability:

Requires compatible PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Searchability:

Typically searchable PDF text if created from a digitally native source or scanned with OCR.

Quality:

Dependent on original factory manual and digitization process; generally high-quality for clarity.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Gasoline V8

Displacement:

Commonly 5.7L HEMI (345 cu in) for the gasoline model. Potential for other gasoline engines depending on specific configuration not detailed here.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Horsepower Estimate:

5.7L HEMI: Approx. 355-380 hp (depending on specific tuning and year variation within 2008).

Torque Estimate:

5.7L HEMI: Approx. 400-410 lb-ft (depending on specific tuning and year variation within 2008).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 Octane typically recommended)

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank Electric

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Typically a 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 545RFE) for gasoline models. Manual transmission options might exist but are less common for heavy-duty gas models of this era.

Transmission Type:

No common optional automatic for gas 2500; manual option less likely on HD gas for this year.

Overdrive:

Yes, features overdrive gears for highway efficiency.

Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for exact specification, typically ATF+4 or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab.

Bed Lengths:

Typically 6.3 ft and 8.0 ft.

Wheelbase Options:

Varies by cab and bed configuration, typically ranging from 135.5 inches to 160.5 inches.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw R:

Varies by configuration, but typically above 8,500 lbs for a 2500.

Curb Weight Estimate:

Estimated 6,000 - 7,500 lbs depending on configuration.

Max Payload Capacity Estimate:

Approx. 3,000 - 4,500 lbs depending on configuration.

Max Towing Capacity Estimate:

Approx. 10,000 - 14,000 lbs depending on configuration, axle ratio, and trailer brake controller.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Information may vary, but generally expected to be 3-4 stars for frontal/side impact in its class for this era. Specific ratings need to be confirmed.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

May be available, check specific vehicle options.

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Likely available as an option or standard on higher trims; check specific vehicle.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger. Side curtain airbags may be optional.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with SiriusXM satellite radio capability. Optional premium audio systems may exist.

Navigation:

Factory navigation systems were optional on higher trims.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors were optional.

Towing Assist:

Trailer brake controller integration wiring is typically pre-wired. Integrated trailer brake controller was optional.

Auxiliary Input:

Likely an auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external devices.

Power Outlets:

Standard 12V power outlets for accessory charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendation (e.g., 7,500 miles with synthetic).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Recommended every 7,500 miles or as part of oil change service.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Refer to manual for severe vs. normal duty intervals, typically around 30,000-60,000 miles.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initial change often at 5 years/100,000 miles, then every 2-3 years/30,000-50,000 miles thereafter. Check manual for specific coolant type and interval.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Typically SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 for the 5.7L HEMI. Verify with manual. API SN or newer certified oil recommended.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7 US quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change for 5.7L HEMI. Verify capacity with manual.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically orange color. Verify with manual for exact spec (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Verify with manual.

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual, often ATF+4 or a specific Mopar power steering fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Water pump, ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust system components, liftgate struts (common for all heavy trucks).

Engine Specific Notes:

5.7L HEMI is generally reliable, but occasional issues can include MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifter noise if not properly maintained, or plenum gasket leaks.

Transmission Notes:

545RFE automatic is robust, but proper fluid maintenance is key to longevity. Torque converter shudder can occur if fluid is neglected.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Dodge (and later Ram as a standalone brand) has a long history in producing durable and capable trucks.

Generation:

Fourth Generation Dodge Ram (2002-2008). Specifically, the 2008 model year is the final year of this generation before a significant redesign for 2009.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, U.S.A.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Heavy Duty Truck Awards:

While specific awards for the 2008 model might be varied, the Dodge/Ram 2500 platform consistently received accolades for its powertrain and towing capabilities within the heavy-duty segment during its generation.

Kbb Rating:

Kelley Blue Book typically rated the 2008 RAM 2500 highly for its utility, powertrain, and value in the used market for its class. Specific ratings are subject to condition and trim.

Emissions Standards:

Designed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards for its model year.