🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 4500

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Chassis Cab / Cab & Chassis

Chassis Code:

4th Generation (DS/DJ)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck (Class 4)

Target Audience:

Commercial operators, fleet owners, individuals using for heavy-duty towing, hauling, and vocational applications.

Competitors:

Ford F-450 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD

Vehicle Focus:

Heavy-duty capability, towing capacity, payload capacity, vocational suitability.

Purpose:

To provide owners and users with essential information for the safe and efficient operation, care, and maintenance of their 2008 Dodge Ram 4500.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Electrical System, HVAC, Interior, Exterior, Wheels & Tires, Emissions, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Safety Systems

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 500-700 pages (typical for this class of vehicle owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Operation of the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, ignition system, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions controls.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Operation and basic maintenance of the transmission (e.g., fluid checks), transfer case, drive axles, propeller shafts, U-joints.

Brakes:

Operation of the braking system, including ABS, parking brake.

Steering Suspension:

Basic operation and maintenance information for the steering and suspension systems.

Electrical Lighting:

Description of the electrical system, fuse box locations, lighting controls, gauges, warning indicators.

HVAC Climate Control:

Operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Body Interior Exterior:

Operation of doors, windows, mirrors, seats, cargo area, interior trim, exterior lighting, wipers.

Safety Features:

Explanation of safety belts, airbags, and other safety systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Instructions for checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.

Emergency Procedures:

Information on starting procedures, changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, towing.

Warning Indicator Explanation:

Description of dashboard warning lights and their meanings.

Depth:

Covers user-level operation, basic maintenance, and safety information. Not a comprehensive service or repair manual for in-depth mechanical or electrical diagnostics and repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Print Readability:

High-resolution for clear printing of all text and diagrams.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Recommendation:

N/A (User to print as needed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel

Engine Manufacturer:

Cummins

Engine Model:

ISB (6.7L)

Displacement:

6.7 Liters / 408.3 cubic inches

Horsepower Rating:

Approx. 305 hp @ 3000 rpm (specific rating may vary slightly by configuration)

Torque Rating:

Approx. 555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (specific rating may vary slightly by configuration)

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Injection System:

High-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel injection

Coolant Type:

Recommended: Fleetguard Fleetcool 8500 or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant (refer to manual for specific part number and mix ratio)

Oil Type:

API CJ-4 rated heavy-duty diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended for most operating temperatures (refer to manual for specific viscosity grade and API classification)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 12 quarts (11.4 Liters) with filter change (verify in manual)

Emission Controls:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) may be present depending on final chassis configuration and emissions standards for the region.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (e.g., NV5600, G56 - specific model may vary)

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., Aisin AS66RC, specific model may vary)

Transmission Fluid:

Manual: SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (verify in manual). Automatic: ATF+4 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent (verify in manual).

Transfer Case:

Standard on 4x4 models. Manual transfer case operation described.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by configuration (e.g., 168.4 inches for 134" CA, 182.4 inches for 150" CA, etc. - refer to specific chassis configuration)

Overall Length:

Varies by configuration

Overall Width:

Approx. 79.1 inches (excluding mirrors)

Overall Height:

Approx. 78.0 inches (varies with trim and configuration)

Gvwr Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

45,000 lbs (20,412 kg)

Gcwr Gross Combined Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, typically exceeding 60,000 lbs

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration and equipment, but typically in the 7,000 - 8,500 lbs range.

Cargo Capacity:

Not applicable to chassis cab configurations as the cargo bed is an aftermarket addition.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

NHTSA ratings for chassis cab vehicles are often presented differently than light-duty trucks. Specific ratings should be consulted from official NHTSA sources for the exact configuration.

ABS:

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

Traction Control:

Traction control systems may be available depending on configuration.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

Structural Reinforcement:

Heavy-duty frame and chassis construction designed for towing and hauling loads.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional navigation system.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary input jack for audio devices.

Trailer Brake Controller:

Integrated trailer brake controller may be an option, allowing control of electric trailer brakes.

Trailer Towing Package:

Includes heavy-duty cooling, transmission oil cooler, potentially enhanced alternator, and tow mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles or 6 to 12 months, depending on operating conditions (severe vs. normal). Refer to the manual for specific recommendations based on usage (e.g., towing, idling).

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Recommended at intervals such as every 15,000 miles or annually. Crucial for diesel engine longevity.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect regularly, replace as needed or at specified intervals (e.g., every 20,000-30,000 miles).

Coolant Change:

Initial change often at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or as specified by coolant type.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent specified by manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (verify in manual).

Common Diesel Wear:

While the Cummins is robust, potential areas for owner awareness include EGR system maintenance, DPF regeneration cycles, and fuel injector longevity with poor fuel quality.

Transmission Care:

Regularly checking transmission fluid levels and condition is crucial for both manual and automatic transmissions, especially under heavy load.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks, with the Ram line evolving significantly since its introduction in 1981.

Ram Heavy Duty:

The Ram 4500 and 5500 were introduced as heavy-duty chassis cab models to fill the gap between the Ram 3500 and medium-duty trucks, often featuring the Cummins diesel engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo Truck Plant, Mexico (typically for this generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Diesel Engine Reputation:

Cummins engines are widely recognized for their durability and performance in heavy-duty applications.

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2008 Ram 4500 might not be widely publicized as a distinct model, Dodge Ram trucks as a line have received numerous accolades over the years for capability and design.