🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 1500

Year:

2008

Vehicle Type:

Pickup Truck

Chassis Code:

DS/DR

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners of the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 pickup truck for information on operation, maintenance, and features.

Competitors 2008:

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

Notable Features 2008:

Distinctive 'big rig' styling, available HEMI V8 engine, coil-spring rear suspension for improved ride quality (on certain models).

Value For Owner:

Provides essential information for safe and efficient operation, proper maintenance, and understanding vehicle systems, aiding in owner satisfaction and long-term vehicle care.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Operation, basic maintenance, fluid levels, warning indicators, troubleshooting for available engines.

Transmission Systems:

Operation, fluid checks, basic maintenance, and warning indicators for automatic transmissions.

Braking Systems:

Operation of ABS, parking brake, and brake system warning lights.

Electrical Systems:

Lighting controls, instrument cluster, gauges, warning lamps, basic fuse identification, battery care.

Suspension Steering:

Basic operation and information on power steering.

HVAC Climate Control:

Operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Infotainment Audio:

Radio operation, basic audio system controls, and available Uconnect features (if equipped).

Safety Security:

Airbag system operation, seatbelt usage, child restraint systems, locking mechanisms, alarm system.

Body Interior:

Door operation, seat adjustments, interior lighting, power accessories, fuel filler door.

Wheels Tires:

Tire pressure information, wheel nut tightening sequence, spare tire location and operation.

Maintenance:

Recommended maintenance intervals, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire rotation guidance.

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, tire changing, safe driving in various conditions.

Driving Operations:

Starting and operating the vehicle, gear selection, towing information (if applicable).

Diagnostic Level:

Basic troubleshooting for driver-level issues and interpretation of vehicle warnings.

Repair Level:

Not applicable for repair procedures; focuses on operation and basic maintenance.

Maintenance Scope:

Covers routine checks and fluid top-offs, not detailed service procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text, allowing quick location of information.

Readability:

High resolution, clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1 Code:

EPE (3.7L Magnum V6)

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

3.7 Liters / 226 cubic inches

Engine Option 1 Configuration:

SOHC V6

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5,000 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Engine Option 2 Code:

EWG (4.7L Magnum V8)

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

4.7 Liters / 285 cubic inches

Engine Option 2 Configuration:

SOHC V8

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4,500 rpm (std) / 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm (flex-fuel)

Engine Option 2 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (std) / 330 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm (flex-fuel)

Engine Option 3 Code:

EZA (5.7L HEMI V8)

Engine Option 3 Displacement:

5.7 Liters / 345 cubic inches

Engine Option 3 Configuration:

OHV V8 with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)

Engine Option 3 Horsepower:

345 hp @ 5,400 rpm

Engine Option 3 Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Requirement V6:

87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Requirement 47 V8:

87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline (Flex-Fuel compatible option available)

Fuel Requirement 57 Hemi:

91 Octane Premium Unleaded Gasoline recommended for optimal performance and MDS operation

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Option 1 Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Transmission Option 1 Applicability:

Standard on 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 engines.

Transmission Option 2 Type:

5-Speed Automatic (5-45RFE)

Transmission Option 2 Applicability:

Optional/Standard on 5.7L HEMI V8 engines (depending on trim and configuration).

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transfer Case Type:

Electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case (4x4 models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

120.0 inches (3048 mm)

Wheelbase Extended Quad Cab:

140.5 inches (3569 mm)

Overall Length Regular Cab:

199.0 inches (5055 mm) (6'4" bed)

Overall Length Quad Cab:

220.0 inches (5588 mm) (6'4" bed)

Overall Width:

79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Overall Height:

74.6 inches (1895 mm) (approximate, varies by configuration)

Bed Length Std:

6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m)

Bed Length Long:

8 feet (2.44 m) (available on some configurations)

Curb Weight Approx:

4,700 - 5,500 lbs (2132 - 2495 kg) (varies by configuration and drivetrain)

Max Gvw:

Up to 7,200 lbs (3266 kg) (varies by configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 9,100 lbs (4128 kg) (properly equipped)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Barrier Driver:

5 Stars (2008 Model)

NHTSA Front Barrier Passenger:

5 Stars (2008 Model)

NHTSA Side Barrier Driver:

5 Stars (2008 Model)

NHTSA Side Barrier Rear Passenger:

5 Stars (2008 Model)

IIHS Front Impact Rating:

Good (2008 Model)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (2008 Model)

Antilock Brakes:

Standard (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available (Electronic Stability Control - ESC on some models)

Airbags Front:

Advanced front airbags for driver and passenger

Airbags Side:

Available front seat-mounted side airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags (depending on cab style and trim).

Seatbelts:

Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchor system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional satellite radio (SiriusXM), optional upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system.

Uconnect Availability:

Available Uconnect Hands-Free Communication and/or Uconnect Navigation on select trims and option packages.

Parking Sensors:

Available rear park assist system.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Auxiliary Input:

Available auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific intervals based on oil quality (e.g., synthetic vs. conventional).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles (or as recommended by tire manufacturer).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or sooner in dusty conditions).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or sooner in dusty/polluted conditions).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (for 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8), SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (for 5.7L HEMI V8). Always check manual for precise API service category and specific viscosity recommendations.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-Year/100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent HOAT).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4 (refer to specific recommendation in manual).

Common Problem 1:

Death wobble (front suspension/steering linkage issues, often exacerbated by wear).

Common Problem 2:

Water pump leaks (especially on the 5.7L HEMI).

Common Problem 3:

Proxy sensor issues leading to starting problems (on some models with proximity key systems).

Common Problem 4:

Rust on body panels, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the RAM nameplate originating in 1981.

Fourth Generation Ram:

The 2008 RAM 1500 is part of the fourth generation (2002-2008 for this specific redesign, with major updates for 2006). This generation is known for its distinctive styling and improved ride quality.

Manufacturing Locations:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

No specific award for the 2008 model year, but the RAM platform has received awards in other years.

Jd Power Dependability:

Varies by specific model year and trim; consult J.D. Power historical data for specific ratings.

Epa Fuel Economy Estimates:

Varies significantly by engine, drivetrain, and cab configuration. For example, a 2008 1500 4x2 with 5.7L HEMI might achieve around 13 MPG city / 17 MPG highway. Consult EPA archives for precise figures.