🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 2500 Mega Cab

Year:

2008

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab was positioned as a heavy-duty pickup truck offering significant towing and hauling capability, combined with the extended interior space of the Mega Cab configuration. It competed in a segment with rivals like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

Competitive Analysis:

The Mega Cab's key differentiator was its class-leading rear passenger legroom and overall interior volume, making it a more versatile option for families or crews who also needed robust work performance. Competitors often focused on specific aspects like engine power or towing capacity, but few matched the Ram Mega Cab's interior spaciousness.

Key Features:

Spacious Mega Cab interior, powerful Cummins diesel engine option, robust heavy-duty chassis, significant towing and payload capacity, available four-wheel drive.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive coverage for all aspects of the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab

Page Count:

Estimated 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive owner's manuals of this era and vehicle class)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, steering, suspension, electrical system, HVAC, interior features, safety systems, exterior features, instrument panel, controls, maintenance, troubleshooting, specifications.

Procedures Included:

Operating instructions, safety precautions, fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure, warning lights, fuse replacement, basic troubleshooting, maintenance schedules, owner-adjustable settings, emergency procedures.

Technical Depth:

Covers operational, safety, and basic maintenance procedures for the owner. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, or torque specifications found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable, designed for clarity and readability.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

6.7L Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel (OHV 24-valve)

Horsepower:

350 hp @ 3,000 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

650 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm (approximate)

Fuel System:

High-pressure common rail direct injection

Engine Code:

Cummins 6.7L (G28)

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric cooling fan

Ignition System:

N/A (Diesel - glow plugs for cold start)

Emission Controls:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed manual transmission (NV5600) was available on some configurations, though the automatic was more prevalent.

Optional Transmission:

5-speed automatic transmission (48RE) was the most common option.

Features:

Heavy-duty construction, electronic controls for automatic transmission, integrated tow/haul mode.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

160.5 inches (approximate for Mega Cab)

Overall Length:

259.4 inches (approximate for Mega Cab)

Overall Width:

79.1 inches (approximate)

Overall Height:

78.2 inches (approximate)

Interior Volume:

Mega Cab offers class-leading interior space, particularly for rear passengers.

Bed Length:

6'4" (short bed) or 8' (long bed), depending on configuration.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 6,500 - 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

25,000 lbs GVWR (for 2500 models, specific ratings vary)

Maximum Towing Capacity:

Up to 12,000 - 13,000 lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio)

Maximum Payload Capacity:

Approximately 3,000 - 4,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Likely 4-star rating (typical for trucks of this era, specific ratings should be verified)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Good (typical for vehicles designed with improved crash structures)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - availability varies by trim/option), Traction Control.

Passive Features:

Front airbags, supplemental side curtain airbags (availability varies), seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones.

Braking System:

Front disc, rear disc brakes. Power assist with ABS.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard on most trims.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base audio system with AM/FM, CD player, and auxiliary input. Optional upgrades included navigation systems and satellite radio (SiriusXM).

Driver Assistance:

Basic features like cruise control. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were not common in this segment at this time.

Connectivity:

Optional Uconnect hands-free communication system with Bluetooth.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional dual-zone automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Refer to manual; typically 7,500 miles or 6 months for synthetic oil, 3,750 miles or 6 months for conventional oil, with specific considerations for severe duty.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically every 15,000 miles for diesel fuel filters.

Air Filter Replacement:

Refer to manual; inspect every oil change, replace as needed, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Refer to manual; typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on usage and transmission type.

Engine Oil Type:

API CJ-4 or CK-4 certified diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 (or SAE 5W-40 for cold weather). Consult manual for exact specifications.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically a red or orange color. Extended life coolant (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Refer to manual; typically SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific axle)

Known Issues:

Potential for EGR cooler failure, DPF regeneration issues if not driven properly, occasional turbocharger issues, and possible issues with the 48RE transmission under heavy load if not maintained. Exhaust manifold leaks are also a known concern for the 6.7L Cummins.

Brake Pad Replacement Interval:

Highly variable based on driving conditions and load. Typically 30,000-60,000 miles.

Tire Size Common:

LT265/70R17, LT275/70R17, LT275/70R18 (check specific vehicle for exact size)

Tire Pressure:

Refer to door jamb sticker or manual; typically 50-65 PSI for front and rear tires on heavy-duty pickups.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and capable trucks, particularly with its Ram line, which has been a significant player in the North American pickup market for decades.

Model Evolution:

The fourth-generation Dodge Ram (2009-2018) saw a significant redesign. The 2008 model year falls within the third generation (2002-2008), which introduced the innovative Mega Cab configuration for increased interior space. The 6.7L Cummins engine replaced the 5.9L in later models of this generation, offering more power and refined emissions control.

Production Years Third Gen:

2002-2008

Mega Cab Introduction:

The Mega Cab was introduced for the 2005 model year, offering unparalleled rear-seat space.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2008 model year might be scattered, the Dodge Ram heavy-duty trucks, especially those equipped with the Cummins engine, consistently received positive reviews for their towing capability, engine performance, and overall robustness.

Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction ratings for Dodge trucks of this era were generally good, particularly for powertrain durability.