🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 3500

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

DR (Fourth Generation Ram Truck)

Platform:

F-450/550 platform (shared with Ford Super Duty for some components, though largely unique)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners and operators of the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, typically used for towing, hauling, and commercial purposes.

Competitors:

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

Vehicle Focus:

Robust capability, heavy-duty hauling and towing, powerful engine options, and durable construction for demanding applications.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's operations, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500.

Secondary Coverage:

Safety systems, vehicle features, basic controls, and owner-level maintenance procedures.

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 350-450 pages (typical for this model year and class)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust systems, transmission operation, and drivetrain components.

Chassis & Suspension:

Braking system, steering system, suspension components, wheels, and tires.

Electrical & Electronics:

Lighting systems, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, power accessories, basic diagnostics (owner-level).

Body & Interior:

Door locks, windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, audio system, cargo management, and exterior components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, tire rotation, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements (air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement (if applicable).

Basic Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lights, addressing common operational issues, jump-starting procedures, checking fuses.

Vehicle Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, using vehicle controls, parking, towing procedures.

Emergency Procedures:

Changing a flat tire, emergency braking, signaling for help.

Depth:

Owner-centric, focusing on safe and correct operation, maintenance, and understanding of vehicle functions and warnings. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or advanced diagnostics typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing but printable, allowing users to print specific sections as needed.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Engine 1 Code:

B-Engine (Cummins)

Engine 1 Displacement:

6.7 Liters (408 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

350 hp @ 3000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel System:

High-pressure common rail direct injection with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)

Engine 1 Emissions Control:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) capability depending on market.

Engine 2:

5.7L HEMI V8

Engine 2 Code:

EZH

Engine 2 Displacement:

5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

357 hp @ 5400 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Option:

6-Speed Manual (NV5600) for 5.7L HEMI & select 6.7L Cummins configurations.

Optional Option 1:

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

Optional Option 2:

5-Speed Automatic (48RE) for 5.7L HEMI (some configurations)

Transmission Features:

Tow/Haul mode, overdrive gears for fuel efficiency, robust construction for heavy-duty use.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 140.5" for Regular Cab Long Box, 160.5" for Crew Cab Short Box)

Overall Length Std:

Varies by configuration (e.g., 238.5" for Regular Cab Long Box)

Gvwr Std:

Starts at 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) and can exceed 11,500 lbs (5216 kg) depending on configuration.

Curb Weight Std:

Approx. 6,500 - 8,000 lbs (2948 - 3629 kg)

Max Towing Capacity Std:

Up to 16,000 lbs (7257 kg) with proper configuration and hitch.

Max Payload Capacity Std:

Up to 4,000 - 6,000 lbs (1814 - 2722 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for models equipped with side curtain airbags, though not universally standard)

NHTSA Side Impact:

4-star front, 3-star rear (for models equipped with side curtain airbags)

IIHS Status:

Good in front, moderate overlap frontal impact (specific rating varies by configuration).

Active Safety 1:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Active Safety 2:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Active Safety 3:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - may be standard or optional depending on configuration.

Passive Safety 1:

Front airbags (driver and passenger)

Passive Safety 2:

Optional side curtain airbags (front and rear)

Passive Safety 3:

Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base AM/FM/CD stereo system, with optional upgrades for satellite radio, navigation (rare for this year), and premium audio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS, Traction Control, and optional Electronic Stability Control. No advanced ADAS features like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity Options:

Basic auxiliary input for audio devices (optional). No Bluetooth or USB connectivity in standard configurations.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend/full synthetic oil recommended), severe duty may require more frequent changes.

Oil Change Gas:

Every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on usage and oil type (check manual for specifics).

Fuel Filter Diesel:

Refer to manual, typically around 15,000-30,000 miles, or when indicated by fuel filter warning light.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles). Severe duty may require more frequent checks.

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CJ-4 or approved equivalent synthetic diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for cold weather viscosity).

Engine Oil Gas:

API SN or approved equivalent, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine).

Transmission Fluid Auto 68Rfe:

Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual Nv5600:

GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (specific type critical).

Coolant:

OAT (Organic Additive Technology) type, Mopar or equivalent HOAT coolant, typically purple or orange for diesel, green for gas.

Common Issue Diesel Emissions:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues, potential for clogged DPF if not driven regularly or allowed to complete regeneration cycles. EGR cooler failures can also occur.

Common Issue Transmission Auto:

Some 68RFE transmissions can experience issues with torque converter lock-up or clutch wear under heavy towing if not properly maintained.

Common Issue Suspension:

Front steering and suspension components (ball joints, tie rods) can experience wear due to the heavy nature of the vehicle, especially when used for towing/hauling.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram line evolving from its Dodge roots to become a distinct brand focused on heavy-duty performance.

Generation:

Fourth Generation (2002-2009) - This specific model falls within the significant mid-cycle refresh period for this generation, receiving substantial updates including the introduction of the 6.7L Cummins engine.

Key Updates 2008:

Introduction of the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel with improved emissions controls and increased torque. Updated interior and exterior styling cues.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico (primarily for Ram trucks)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2008 Ram 3500 might not be as prevalent as modern vehicles, the Cummins Diesel engine consistently received praise for its durability and performance.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Ratings varied, with the powertrain (especially diesel) generally scoring well for reliability, while some other areas might have received average scores.