🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

DS/TH

Generation Designation:

Fourth Generation (DS/TH)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, powerful engine options (especially HEMI), comfortable ride for a truck, towing and hauling capability, spacious interior.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides professional-grade diagnostic and repair information essential for maintaining and servicing the 2008 Dodge Ram Truck, enabling owners and technicians to perform accurate repairs and prevent costly mistakes.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (5.7L HEMI V8, 4.7L V8, 3.7L V6), Transmission (545RFE 5-Speed Auto, NV4500 5-Speed Manual, G56 6-Speed Manual), Transfer Case, Drivetrain

Chassis:

Suspension (Front: Independent Front Suspension with Coil Springs, Rear: Solid Axle with Leaf Springs), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (Front: Vented Discs, Rear: Solid Discs/Drums depending on configuration), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Battery and Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Audio System, HVAC Controls

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seating, Glass, Bumpers

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, wiring diagrams

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system service, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Maintenance Procedures:

Fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt and hose inspection/replacement, tire rotation

Installation Procedures:

Component installation and removal (e.g., alternators, starters, water pumps, AC compressors)

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete component overhauls, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for efficient information retrieval

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans/digital creation, suitable for printing individual pages or sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EGA (3.7L V6 Magnum)

Displacement 1:

3.7 Liters (226 cu. in.)

Horsepower 1:

215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 1:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

NAG (4.7L V8 Magnum)

Displacement 2:

4.7 Liters (287 cu. in.)

Horsepower 2:

310 hp @ 5650 rpm

Torque 2:

330 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

Engine Code 3:

ESF (5.7L V8 HEMI)

Displacement 3:

5.7 Liters (345 cu. in.)

Horsepower 3:

345 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque 3:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded (Premium Recommended for HEMI for optimal performance)

Valvetrain:

OHV (Overhead Valve) for 3.7L and 4.7L V8; OHV (Overhead Valve) with HEMI® 3-Valves per Cylinder for 5.7L V8

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

545RFE 5-Speed Automatic

Transmission Type 2:

NV4500 5-Speed Manual (Heavy Duty configurations)

Transmission Type 3:

G56 6-Speed Manual (Heavy Duty configurations)

Overdrive Gears:

Multiple overdrive gears for improved fuel economy

Transfer Case Options:

Part-time 4WD (NV244 or NV241 DHD), Full-time 4WD (NV271 - specific models)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual (typically SAE 75W-90 GL-5 or similar)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Mega Cab

Bed Lengths:

6'4" (short bed), 8' (long bed)

Wheelbase Options:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., ~139" for Quad Cab Short Bed, ~160" for Quad Cab Long Bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 4,700 - 5,900 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Range:

Approximately 6,500 - 8,500 lbs (GVWR)

Towing Capacity Range:

Up to 10,500 lbs (properly equipped)

Payload Capacity Range:

Up to 3,000 lbs (properly equipped)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Generally 4-star (driver) and 5-star (passenger) in frontal impact tests (for models tested)

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Varies by specific test, typically good ratings in frontal offset tests for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Airbags:

Front airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Base AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium audio systems with subwoofer.

Navigation System:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type, refer to owner's manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs, depending on engine.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (ATF+4), depending on use.

Engine Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API Certified)

Engine Oil Type 4.7L/3.7L:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) - Pink or Orange

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, brake pads/rotors, exhaust system components.

Powertrain Concerns:

Lifter tick (HEMI engines), potential for transmission issues with heavy towing/neglect, EGR valve issues.

Electrical Issues:

Occasional issues with window regulators, power locks, and sensor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Ram History:

The Dodge Ram line became its own brand (Ram Trucks) in 2010, but the 2008 model is part of the highly successful Dodge Ram lineage.

Fourth Generation Introduction:

The fourth generation (DS/TH) was introduced for the 2009 model year, meaning the 2008 model year is the final year of the highly regarded third generation (DR/DH/D1).

Manufacturing Plant:

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan, and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

The Ram Truck platform has historically received various 'Truck of the Year' awards from automotive publications.

Engine Awards:

The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine has been a multiple-time winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines.