🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 2500 Power Wagon

Year:

2008

Vin Prefix:

3D7

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck (Class 2B)

Niche:

Off-Road Focused Heavy-Duty Pickup

Key Competitors:

Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD

Powertrain:

Heavy-duty V8 engine, robust transmission, specialized 4WD system

Off Road Capability:

Factory-installed locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, skid plates, 33-inch tires

Towing And Hauling:

Significant towing and payload capacities expected for its class

Durability:

Built for rugged use and demanding applications

📋 Manual Details

Features And Controls:

Comprehensive

Maintenance And Service Schedules:

Detailed

Do It Yourself Activities:

Included

Towing Considerations:

Included

Safety Considerations:

Included

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 (typical for this class of vehicle manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (4WD system)

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Battery

Body And Interior:

Seats, Climate Control, Doors, Windows, Safety Restraints

Powertrain Control:

ECU functions related to engine and transmission operation

Four-Wheel Drive System:

Operation and engagement of the Power Wagon's specialized 4WD system

Off-Road Systems:

Specific features and operation for the Power Wagon's off-road capabilities

Basic Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tire rotation

Do It Yourself Tasks:

Bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, basic fluid top-offs

Towing Preparation:

Trailer hookup, weight distribution, trailer braking systems

Safety Features Operation:

Seatbelts, airbags, ABS, traction control

Troubleshooting Guide:

Basic diagnostic information for common warning lights and indicators

Depth:

Owner-level, focusing on operation, features, and routine maintenance. Not a full service or repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling quick information retrieval

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 HEMI Magnum

Displacement:

5.7L (345 cubic inches)

Configuration:

OHV, 16 valves, Pushrod Actuation

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 90.9 mm (3.92 in x 3.58 in)

Horsepower:

Approx. 355-360 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 395-400 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Mopar P/N 05050034AA or equivalent)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)

Oil Capacity:

7 US quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (5-45RFE)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4) (Mopar P/N 68043742AA or equivalent)

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled for optimal shift points and fuel economy

Tow Haul Mode:

Included, adjusts shift points for towing

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 140.5 inches

Length:

Approx. 237.4 inches (Mega Cab)

Width:

Approx. 79.4 inches (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 77.8 inches

Bed Length:

Approx. 6.3 feet (short bed)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 6,500 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 8,510 lbs

Gross Combination Weight Rating Gcwr:

Typically 13,000-15,000 lbs (will vary with specific trailer brake controller and chassis configuration)

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 1,500 - 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to approx. 11,300 lbs (with proper equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Likely 4-star (for driver and passenger) - typical for this era of truck.

NHTSA Side Crash Rating:

Likely 5-star (for front occupants) - typical for this era of truck.

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Likely 3-star (for 4x4 models due to higher center of gravity)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Traction Control (ETC)

Electronic Stability Control:

Likely standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - check specific trim.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, side curtain airbags (availability may vary by cab style and options)

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Head Restraints:

Adjustable head restraints

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, auxiliary input jack.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (less common on base Power Wagon trims).

Parking Assist:

Optional rear park assist sensors.

Trailer Brake Controller:

Factory integrated trailer brake controller often available as an option, crucial for towing.

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system.

Usb:

Not typically standard; auxiliary input is more common.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, based on driving conditions (consult manual for specific severe vs. normal service).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid And Filter:

Approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as indicated by the manual for severe duty.

Coolant Replacement:

First change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles or 3 years thereafter for HOAT coolant.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)

Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 68043742AA)

Coolant:

Mopar HOAT Antifreeze/Coolant (Mopar P/N 05050034AA)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (Mopar P/N 05010639AA)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid (Mopar P/N 05142891AA) or ATF+4 (as a substitute if specified)

Throttle Body:

Potential issues with electronic throttle body (ETB) performance or failure.

Headlight Switch:

Some reports of headlight switch failure leading to intermittent or inoperative lights.

Suspension Components:

As with any heavy-duty off-road vehicle, suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers may require more frequent inspection and replacement due to stress.

Exhaust System:

Rusting or failure of exhaust system components, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long-standing history in the truck market, known for robust engineering and powerful engines.

Ram Heavy Duty:

The Ram 2500 is part of Chrysler's line of heavy-duty trucks, which evolved significantly over generations. The 'Power Wagon' designation historically refers to off-road capable, four-wheel-drive variants.

2002-2009 Generation:

The 2008 model falls into the third generation of Dodge Ram trucks (2002-2008), which underwent a significant redesign. The Power Wagon package was reintroduced as a specialized off-road trim.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, USA (typical for this generation Ram)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability:

Consistently recognized for its segment-leading factory off-road equipment and capability.

Heavy Duty Truck:

Often lauded for its power and towing/hauling capabilities within the heavy-duty truck segment.

Consumer Reports:

Varied ratings depending on specific model year and reporting period. Generally viewed as a capable but less refined option compared to some competitors.

Emisiones Standards:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.