Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, popular in the domestic market for its utility and capability
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra
Vehicle Identity:
Durable, capable pickup truck with a focus on work and utility
Cab Configuration:
Regular Cab (two-door) configuration, typically offering two front seats and a bench seat option
Guide For:
New and existing owners to understand vehicle features, proper operation, and basic maintenance
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic/manual), transfer case (if equipped), driveline components
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrumentation, gauges, dashboard indicators, power accessories, battery, charging system
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), seating adjustments, door locks, windows, mirrors, audio system, cruise control
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), ABS, traction control
Driver Information:
Instrument cluster, warning lights, trip computer
Exterior Features:
Doors, hood, tailgate, mirrors, glass, wipers, fluid reservoirs
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, driving techniques, parking brake operation
Maintenance:
Checking and topping off fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues
Emergency Procedures:
Using hazard lights, flat tire changing (jack and lug nut operation), jump starting, towing information
Controls And Features:
Operation of all vehicle controls, including climate control, audio, lights, wipers, power windows, etc.
Vehicle Care:
Cleaning exterior and interior, basic paint care
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; not a full service/repair manual
Engine Options Available:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8
Engine Description 3.7L:
3.7L SOHC 12-valve V6 Magnum
Horsepower 3.7L:
Approx. 215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3.7L:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Description 4.7L:
4.7L SOHC 16-valve V8 Magnum
Horsepower 4.7L:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque 4.7L:
Approx. 305 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Description 5.7L:
5.7L OHV 16-valve V8 HEMI with MDS (Multi-Displacement System)
Horsepower 5.7L:
Approx. 345 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque 5.7L:
Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Transmission Type 3.7L 4.7L:
4-speed automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type 5.7L:
5-speed automatic (W5A580)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Limited availability, typically with the V6 or 4.7L V8 (Getrag G56 6-speed manual for some configurations)
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive gears for improved fuel economy
Tow Haul Mode:
Available on automatic transmissions for improved towing performance
Wheelbase Standard:
135.5 inches (approx.)
Overall Length:
Approximately 219.5 inches
Overall Width:
Approximately 79.1 inches
Overall Height:
Approximately 74.0 inches
Bed Length Standard:
6.4 ft (76.9 inches)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,600 - 5,200 lbs (depending on engine and configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by configuration, typically between 6,000 - 7,500 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 9,000 - 9,600 lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approx. 1,500 - 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars (for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2008 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2008 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) available on some models
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics based on engine).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000-25,000 miles or annually
Engine Air Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, inspect more frequently
Spark Plugs 5.7L Hemi:
Approximately 100,000 miles (using appropriate OE-spec plugs)
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or newer, Chrysler MS-6395 (5.7L HEMI with MDS requires 5W-20)
Engine Oil 3.7L 4.7L:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SN or newer, Chrysler MS-6395 (refer to manual for exact viscosity)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent, extended life pink coolant
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid W5A580:
Pentosin ATF1 or MB 236.10 specification (check manual for exact MB spec)
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler MS-5931 or equivalent power steering fluid
Hemi Tick:
Some 5.7L HEMI engines may develop an exhaust manifold leak or a lifter tick; address promptly to prevent further damage.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of torque converter shudder or issues with the 42RLE transmission, especially under heavy use.
Wiper Motor:
Wiper motor failure can occur over time.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure of catalytic converters has been reported on some models.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
This 2008 model is part of the third generation of the Dodge Ram (2002-2008), known for its distinctive bold styling and improved chassis.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Generation End:
The third generation concluded with the 2008 model year, leading to a redesign for 2009.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Dodge Ram was named MotorTrend's Truck of the Year for the 2003 model year (third generation).
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Consumer Reports reliability ratings varied for this generation, often depending on the specific engine and transmission combination.