Positioning:
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 was a key competitor in the full-size pickup truck segment, known for its robust design, distinctive styling, and towing/hauling capabilities.
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Design:
Distinctive "crosshair" grille, bold styling, available Hemi V8 engine.
Capability:
Strong towing and payload capacities, various bed lengths and cab configurations.
Powertrain:
Engine Assemblies, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission Assemblies, Transfer Case (4WD)
Chassis:
Frame, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheel & Tire Components
Electrical:
Wiring Harnesses, Lighting (Exterior & Interior), Instrumentation, Power Distribution, Engine Control Module (ECM) Related Components, Sensors
Body:
Exterior Panels (Hood, Doors, Fenders, Bed), Bumpers, Grilles, Glass, Mirrors, Interior Trim Panels, Seating Components, Hardware
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Components
Part Identification:
Visual diagrams with exploded views to identify specific components and their relationships.
Part Number Lookup:
Listing of official Mopar part numbers for accurate ordering.
Substitutions:
May indicate superseded or interchangeable part numbers.
Depth:
Detailed component-level breakdown for all factory-installed parts. Focuses on what parts are used and their identification, not on repair procedures.
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8
Engine Code 4.7L:
P (Flex Fuel), N
Engine Code 5.7L:
E (with MDS - Multi-Displacement System)
Horsepower 3.7L:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3.7L:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 4.7L:
230 hp @ 4500 rpm (305 hp for Flex Fuel option)
Torque 4.7L:
300 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (334 lb-ft for Flex Fuel option)
Horsepower 5.7L:
345 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 5.7L:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (4.7L and 5.7L available as Flex Fuel)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L and 4.7L engines
Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (545RFE) for 5.7L HEMI, 6-speed manual (NV3500) available on some 3.7L configurations.
Drive Type:
RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) or 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
Transfer Case:
Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) for 4WD models.
Wheelbase Standard:
139.3 inches
Wheelbase Long:
154.9 inches (Mega Cab)
Overall Length Standard:
229.7 inches
Overall Width:
79.1 inches
Overall Height:
74.1 inches
Bed Length Short:
6 feet 3 inches (75.9 cu ft)
Bed Length Long:
8 feet (98.3 cu ft)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,600 - 5,300 lbs
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 3,080 lbs (Varies by configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,000 lbs (Varies by configuration, engine, axle ratio)
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist.
Hands Free:
Uconnect hands-free communication system available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (under normal driving conditions, refer to owner's manual for severe duty).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or per severe duty schedule.
Engine Oil 3.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (5 Quarts)
Engine Oil 4.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (5 Quarts)
Engine Oil 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 (7 Quarts)
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Coolant:
50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) and distilled water.
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds:
Common on 4.7L and 5.7L HEMI engines due to heat cycles.
Fuel Pump Failures:
Reported on some models.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can occur with age and mileage, often related to valve body or solenoid issues.
Window Regulator Failures:
Common wear item on power windows.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history in the truck market, with the Ram nameplate being introduced in 1981.
Third Generation:
The 2008 model is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, which introduced significant styling and engineering updates, including the iconic "Big Rig" styling.
Manufacturing Plants:
Saltillo Truck Plant (Mexico), Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Michigan, USA)
Initial Launch Acclaim:
The third-generation Ram received positive reviews for its styling and performance upon its introduction.
Fuel Economy Estimates:
MPG figures vary significantly by engine and configuration, e.g., 12 MPG city / 17 MPG highway for 5.7L HEMI 4WD.
Emissions Standards:
Meets EPA emissions standards for the model year.
