🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Year:

2008

Platform Code:

DS

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), Crew Cab

Drivetrain:

RWD, 4WD

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, DIY enthusiasts, fleet maintenance personnel

Key Competitors 2008:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust chassis, versatile powertrains, towing and payload capability, comfortable interior (depending on trim)

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level accuracy and detail for efficient and correct servicing, crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

Production Model Years:

2008

Model Variants Covered:

All Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 models

Trim Levels Covered:

ST, SLT, Laramie, Power Wagon, TRX

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (MPI), emission control systems, exhaust system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor and actuator testing

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (NV3500, G56), Automatic transmission (42RLE, 48RE, 68RFE), Transfer case (NV244, NV273), Drive shafts, Axles (Dana 44, Dana 60, Chrysler 9.25)

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent, solid axle on 2500/3500), Rear suspension (leaf springs), Steering system (rack and pinion, recirculating ball), Power steering system

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum, disc/disc), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake system hydraulics, parking brake

Electrical Body Controls:

Lighting system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, wipers, horn, interior/exterior lighting, body control module (BCM) diagnostics

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, A/C compressor, refrigerant system

Chassis Frame:

Frame and body mounting, corrosion protection

Safety Restraint:

Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis and components, seat belts

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II procedures, scan tool usage, wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, fluid checks), Inspection procedures

Repair:

Component removal and installation, adjustments, calibration, rebuilding procedures for major assemblies

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic strategies, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of factory special tools for specific repair procedures

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Diagrams Illustrations:

Detailed exploded views, wiring schematics, diagnostic charts, torque specifications, step-by-step repair instructions with illustrations

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

N/A (Print Format)

Paper Quality:

High-quality, durable paper suitable for workshop environments

Print Resolution:

Clear, legible text and sharp images/diagrams

Binding:

Sturdy binding, often spiral-bound or case-bound for durability and ease of use on a workbench

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (2500/3500)

3.7L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 215 hp @ 5200 rpm

3.7L V6 Torque:

Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

4.7L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 230-235 hp @ 4500 rpm

4.7L V8 Torque:

Approx. 290-300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 345-357 hp @ 5400-5600 rpm

5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:

Approx. 375-395 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:

Approx. 350 hp @ 3000 rpm

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:

Approx. 610-650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for Cummins

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for 3.7L and 4.7L, 89 octane recommended for 5.7L HEMI), Diesel fuel for 6.7L Cummins

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed Manual (NV3500), 6-speed Manual (G56 - Diesel), 4-speed Automatic (42RLE - 1500 V6/4.7L V8), 4-speed Automatic (48RE - 1500 HEMI, 2500 V8), 6-speed Automatic (68RFE - 2500/3500 Diesel)

Optional Transmissions:

See transmission_options

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronic shift control, Tow/Haul mode (on some models)

Transfer Case Options:

Part-time 4WD (NV244, NV273) with electronic or manual shift options

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

139.0 inches (Regular Cab 6'4" bed), 139.0 inches (Quad Cab 6'4" bed), 159.0 inches (Regular Cab 8' bed), 159.0 inches (Quad Cab 8' bed), 159.0 inches (Crew Cab 5'7" bed), 171.5 inches (Crew Cab 6'4" bed)

Overall Length Typical:

Approx. 231.0 - 259.0 inches (varies by configuration)

Bed Lengths:

5'7" (67.4 cu ft), 6'4" (76.3 cu ft), 8'0" (98.3 cu ft)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,600 lbs (2WD Regular Cab) to 6,500+ lbs (4WD Crew Cab Diesel)

Max Gvw Options:

8,510 lbs (1500), 9,500 lbs - 10,000 lbs (2500), 10,500 lbs - 11,500 lbs (3500)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to approx. 12,000 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to approx. 3,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) for 2008 models

NHTSA Side Impact Rating:

5-Star (Front), 5-Star (Rear) for 2008 models

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good for 2008 models

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on some models, Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Advanced multi-stage front airbags, Supplemental side-curtain airbags (optional), Seat-mounted side airbags (optional), Crumple zones, Side-impact door beams

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

Base AM/FM radio, CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional navigation system, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).

Driver Assistance Features:

ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera (optional), trailer brake controller (optional).

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack, Uconnect hands-free communication system (optional on some trims).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months, depending on engine, oil type (conventional vs. synthetic), and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles. Diesel models may have different intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic transmissions: Check fluid level regularly, replace fluid and filter every 30,000-60,000 miles, especially for heavy towing. Manual transmissions: Inspect and replace fluid as per manual recommendations (often 60,000-100,000 miles).

Coolant Flush:

First flush at 100,000 miles for initial fill, then every 60,000 miles thereafter. Use appropriate Mopar OAT coolant.

Engine Oil Specification:

5W-20 or 5W-30 for gasoline engines (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API certification). 15W-40 for 6.7L Cummins Diesel (API CJ-4 or equivalent).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar designation) for 42RLE and 48RE transmissions.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5 or specific Mopar fill).

Transfer Case Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (e.g., Mopar NV244/NV273 specific fill or equivalent).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Issues Gasoline:

Intake manifold vacuum leaks, throttle body issues, EGR valve problems (on some engines), piston slap in 5.7L HEMI (early models), potential for lifter noise.

Common Issues Diesel:

Turbocharger issues (variable geometry turbo), EGR system clogging, DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration issues, fuel injector problems, water separator drain.

Common Issues General:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), brake component wear, interior electrical gremlins, rust on body panels in certain climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981 and became a distinct brand (Ram Trucks) in 2010.

Fourth Generation Ram:

The 2008 model year falls within the fourth generation of the Dodge Ram (2002-2008), which received a significant update for the 2006 model year featuring a redesigned exterior, interior, and updated powertrains, including the introduction of the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel.

Manufacturing Locations:

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Michigan), Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Michigan)

Model Year Changes 2008:

Minor updates, including potential new option packages, revised badging, and technology integration.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

The Dodge Ram trucks consistently ranked well for towing and payload capacity and were often cited for their powerful HEMI engine. The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine was highly regarded for its torque and durability in heavy-duty applications.