Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for work, towing, and hauling.
Competitors:
Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD.
Towing Capacity:
High towing and payload capacities, robust chassis and suspension for heavy loads.
Engine Options:
Powerful V8 gasoline and turbo-diesel engine options available.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation.
Chassis:
Brake system, steering system, suspension system, driveline (4x4 systems).
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, indicators, basic electrical component locations, fuses and relays.
Body And Comfort:
Doors, windows, locks, seats, climate control, interior features, exterior features.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), anti-theft system, alarm.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic diagnostic information.
Operation:
Startup and shutdown procedures, operating various vehicle features, towing information.
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle functions. Not a full service or repair manual.
Engine Options Available:
5.7L HEMI V8, 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (depending on specific configuration).
5.7L Hemi V8 (Approximate):
Horsepower: 350-380 hp, Torque: 400-410 lb-ft.
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (Approximate):
Horsepower: 350 hp, Torque: 650 lb-ft.
Diesel Fuel Type:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) equipped, requiring ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel).
Gasoline Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane recommended.
Transmission Options:
6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 68RFE for diesel, 545RFE for gasoline).
Optional Transmission:
Some models may have offered a manual transmission option, but automatic was more common in the 2500.
Tow Haul Mode:
Integrated Tow/Haul mode to optimize transmission shift points for towing.
Wheelbase Options:
Various wheelbases available (e.g., 140.5", 160.5", 170.5" depending on cab and bed configuration).
Cab Styles:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (4-door).
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6'4"), Long Bed (approx. 8').
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 6,000 - 7,500 lbs depending on configuration.
Gvwr Range:
Typically 8,800 lbs to 9,900 lbs.
Gcwr Range:
Up to 23,000 lbs or more, depending on engine and drivetrain.
NHTSA Ratings:
NHTSA safety ratings vary by year and specific tests; consult official NHTSA reports for exact data.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (often Electronic Stability Program - ESP, depending on specific package).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Various options available including AM/FM radio, CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio, and optional Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional Uconnect navigation system available on some trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Uconnect:
Uconnect hands-free communication system (Bluetooth) available on select models.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6 months for the Cummins diesel, especially with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Recommended replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles for the diesel fuel filter, depending on conditions and manufacturer recommendations.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20 (check dipstick for exact viscosity for your engine).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common (check manual for specific viscosity and approval).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically purple or orange.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for most transmissions. Verify with manual for specific transmission type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Complaints Gasoline:
Lifter noise (HEMI tick), catalytic converter issues, some transmission hard shifting.
Common Complaints Diesel:
DPF regeneration issues, EGR valve problems, potential for injector issues in high-mileage vehicles, turbocharger wear.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Ram Legacy:
The Ram nameplate itself originated in 1981 and has evolved through several generations, with the 2008 model belonging to the fourth generation (2003-2009, with major refresh in 2006).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA.
