Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck (Class 4)
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, individuals requiring heavy towing and payload capacity
Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-450/F-550, Chevrolet Silverado HD 4500/5500
Capability:
Robust chassis, high towing and payload ratings, powerful engine options
Utility:
Designed for vocational use, upfitting with various body types (e.g., service body, dump body, utility body)
Powertrain:
Engine (gasoline and diesel), transmission, driveline, exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic and air if equipped), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, interior electronics, instrument cluster, warning indicators
Body:
Doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior features, mirrors, tailgate/rear door
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, ABS, traction control (if equipped)
Basic Maintenance:
Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, filter replacement guidance
Fluid Recommendations:
Recommended fluid types and specifications for engine, transmission, differentials, power steering, brake system
Minor Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic operational checks
Operation:
Startup and shutdown procedures, driving techniques, use of controls and features
Depth:
Owner-level, focusing on understanding and maintaining the vehicle's functions and features, not in-depth repair procedures.
Engine Type 1:
6.7L OHV 16-valve V8 Turbo Diesel (Cummins ISB)
Displacement 1:
6.7 Liters (408 cu. in.)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 305 hp @ 3000 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Fuel System 1:
High-pressure common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharger
Engine Type 2:
5.7L OHV 16-valve V8 HEMI MPI (Gasoline)
Displacement 2:
5.7 Liters (345 cu. in.)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 355 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Transmission Type Diesel:
6-Speed Automatic (AS68RC)
Transmission Type Gasoline:
6-Speed Manual G56 (for gasoline models, typically)
Diesel Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for AS68RC are detailed in advanced service manuals, but designed for heavy-duty application and towing.
Wheelbase Options:
Multiple wheelbase options available for different configurations (e.g., 140", 160", 172", 194")
Cab Styles:
Regular Cab, Crew Cab
Gvwr:
Up to 23,000 lbs (10,433 kg) for Ram 5500
Gcwr:
Up to 37,000 lbs (16,783 kg)
Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 21,250 lbs (9,639 kg) depending on configuration
NHTSA Ratings:
NHTSA ratings for heavy-duty trucks focus on specific aspects rather than overall star ratings like passenger cars. Consult specific model year reports for detailed frontal, side, and rollover data.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (if equipped, often standard on later models of this generation)
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats (Crew Cab)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio system with optional satellite radio and auxiliary input jack.
Navigation:
Not typically available on base models for this year; aftermarket solutions common.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Integrated trailer brake controller (optional).
Usb Aux:
Auxiliary audio input jack common, USB ports were less common on base models of this era.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles or 6-12 months for the 6.7L Cummins, depending on driving conditions (severe service vs. normal).
Oil Change Gasoline:
Typically every 3,750 to 7,500 miles or 6 months for the 5.7L HEMI, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific interval, often around 30,000-60,000 miles for severe use.
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (depending on ambient temperature), meeting Cummins CES 20081 specification.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SN or SP rated SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic engine oil.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT compliant for diesel engines.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Mopar ATF+4 (for gasoline automatic) or specific heavy-duty transmission fluid for the AS68RC.
Diesel Emissions:
Potential issues with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration, EGR system, and DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system on later models, though less prevalent on 2008 models which are typically pre-DEF.
Suspension:
Wear on front-end components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings due to heavy-duty use.
Brake Wear:
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors, especially under heavy towing or braking.
Fuel Injectors:
Potential for fuel injector issues on the 6.7L Cummins under high mileage or poor fuel quality.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving into its own brand.
Fourth Gen Ram:
The 2008 model is part of the fourth generation of Ram trucks (2009-2018, with early 2009 models sometimes seen as carryover from the 2008 platform). This generation saw significant updates in design, powertrains, and technology.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
