Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Dodge Ram owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative, comprehensive resource for maintaining and repairing the 2008 Dodge Ram Truck, empowering owners and technicians.
Diagnostic Capability:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for complex electrical and mechanical issues.
Maintenance Scheduling:
Detailed recommended maintenance schedules for optimal performance and longevity.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, diagnosis, repair procedures for all engine variants
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission repair, clutch system, service intervals
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission repair, diagnosis, fluid specifications, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, U-joints, differential, axles, 4WD system operation and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, parking brake, rotor and pad replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power distribution
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor components
Electrical Component Testing:
Testing procedures for sensors, actuators, modules, and wiring harnesses
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for diagnosing common and complex issues
Torque Specifications:
All critical fasteners with precise torque values
Schematics And Diagrams:
Wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, system schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhauls
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using scan tools and specialized equipment
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required special tools
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (limited availability on some trims)
Optional Transmission Auto:
5-speed automatic (W5A580 for 4.7L, 545RFE for 5.7L)
Transfer Case Options:
2WD, 4WD (part-time electronic shift-on-the-fly)
Atf Type 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Atf Type W5A580:
MB 236.10 (or equivalent)
Wheelbase Options:
140.5 inches (standard), 160.5 inches (Mega Cab)
Overall Length Std Wb:
227.2 inches
Overall Length Long Wb:
247.2 inches
Front Track:
Approx. 67.4 inches
Rear Track:
Approx. 66.5 inches
Bed Length Options:
6'4" (standard box), 8'0" (long box)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,600 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Gvw:
6,500 - 8,500 lbs (depending on chassis/payload)
NHTSA Rollover Rating 2Wd:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Rating 4Wd:
4/5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for applicable trims)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel disc)
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Stability Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on select models
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags (on some models)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Transmission Fluid Service:
Check every 30,000 miles, replace at 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (for 4.7L and 5.7L HEMI), API Certified
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Hemi Tick:
Potential exhaust manifold ticking due to thermal expansion/contraction (common on 5.7L HEMI)
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Some reports of hard shifting in automatic transmissions, often related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation.
Evap System Leaks:
Possible evaporative emission system leaks leading to Check Engine Light illumination.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long-standing reputation in the pickup truck market, dating back to the Power Wagon.
Fourth Generation Ram:
The 2008 model year falls within the fourth generation of the Dodge Ram, introduced for 2002 with significant updates for 2006.
Body Styles:
Offered in Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Mega Cab configurations.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
While not specifically for the 2008 model, the Ram platform has a history of receiving such accolades.
Jdp Power Initial Quality Study:
Varies by year and configuration; manual provides insights to address common quality concerns.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.