Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck (Class 3)
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, individuals requiring towing and hauling capabilities
Competitors:
Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, GMC Sierra 3500HD
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust chassis, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities, professional-grade construction
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with knowledge to properly operate, maintain, and understand their Ram 3500, preventing misunderstandings with service providers.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust systems
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic/manual), transfer case, drivelines, axles
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instruments, gauges, fuses, relays, power accessories
Interior Features:
HVAC system, seating, interior trim, infotainment system, power accessories
Exterior Features:
Doors, windows, mirrors, body panels, exterior lighting, towing features
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, ABS, traction control
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, driving controls, instrument panel explanations, seat belt usage, child seat installation
Maintenance:
Recommended maintenance schedule, fluid checks and top-offs, tire inflation, basic checks (lights, wipers)
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights, basic problem diagnosis (e.g., starting issues, unusual noises)
Emergency Procedures:
Emergency starting (jump starting), tire changing, towing instructions
Depth:
Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance, not in-depth repair procedures (which would be in a Service Manual)
Engine Type 1:
6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel
Horsepower 1:
350 hp @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System 1:
High-pressure common rail direct injection
Emission Controls 1:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)
Engine Type 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (Gasoline)
Horsepower 2:
345 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System 2:
Multi-point fuel injection
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
135.2 inches (approx.)
Overall Length Regular Cab:
228.0 inches (approx.)
Bed Lengths Available:
6'4" (short bed) or 8'0" (long bed) for Regular Cab configurations.
Gvwr:
10,000 - 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,500 - 7,500 lbs
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally good for its class; specific ratings may vary by test and configuration. Owner's manual provides safety system explanations.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), available Traction Control
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, seat belts with pretensioners, heavy-duty frame construction
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and auxiliary input jack.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, power windows/locks (if equipped). Limited advanced driver-assistance systems compared to modern trucks.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input for connecting external media devices.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the 6.7L Cummins (check manual for precise intervals and oil type).
Oil Change Gasoline:
Typically every 3,750 miles or 3 months for the 5.7L HEMI, or as indicated by the oil change indicator system.
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 certified SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic (depending on climate). Refer to manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SN or SP certified SAE 5W-20 (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Appropriate manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil), specific type to be confirmed in manual.
Diesel Particulate Filter:
DPF regeneration issues, clogging under certain driving conditions (e.g., short trips). Manual provides guidance on typical operation.
Fuel Injectors:
Potential for injector failure or clogging in the 6.7L Cummins, especially with contaminated fuel.
Transmission Heat:
Automatic transmission can overheat during heavy towing. Manual will likely recommend transmission fluid cooler upgrades for severe use.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving over decades to represent durability and performance.
Ram Fourth Generation:
The 2008 model is part of the fourth generation of Ram trucks (2002-2008), which saw significant updates and the introduction of the powerful 6.7L Cummins engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
