Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for towing, hauling, and commercial use.
Key Competitors 2008:
Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350), Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500HD, 3500HD), GMC Sierra HD (2500HD, 3500HD), Toyota Tundra (partially in heavy-duty segment).
Powertrain Options:
Robust V8 gasoline and Cummins turbodiesel engine options for maximum towing and hauling capacity.
Chassis Design:
Strong ladder frame construction, heavy-duty suspension components for payload and towing stability.
Interior Design:
Functional and durable interior, with various trim levels offering different levels of comfort and features.
Powertrain:
Engine operation and basic maintenance, transmission operation, differential information.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster and indicators, power accessories, basic fuse identification.
Interior:
Climate control, seating adjustments, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), interior features and controls.
Exterior:
Door locks and access, windows, mirrors, towing information, exterior features.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system operation, child restraint systems (LATCH), anti-theft systems, roadside emergency procedures.
Maintenance:
Regularly scheduled maintenance checks, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire pressure monitoring, filter replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting for common vehicle issues.
Operation:
Proper operation of all vehicle systems and features, including infotainment, climate control, and power accessories.
Emergency:
Jump starting procedures, tire changing, emergency braking instructions, towing instructions.
Diagnostic Level:
Basic owner-level diagnostics and understanding of warning indicators. Does not include detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or advanced electronic diagnostics.
Repair Level:
Information for routine maintenance and operation. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures requiring specialized tools or knowledge.
File Type:
Likely PDF (common for downloadable manuals)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Print Readability:
High quality, designed for clear printing from any computer and printer.
Illustration Quality:
Illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions.
Binding:
N/A (downloadable, user prints and binds)
Paper Recommendation:
Standard printer paper (8.5" x 11") recommended for printing.
Engine Displacement:
5.7L (345 cu in) HEMI V8
Horsepower Gas:
359 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Gas:
395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Displacement Diesel:
6.7L (408 cu in) Cummins I6 Turbodiesel
Horsepower Diesel:
350 hp @ 3000 rpm
Torque Diesel:
650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (5.7L HEMI), Diesel fuel (6.7L Cummins)
Fuel Delivery Gas:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) fuel injection system
Cummins Turbodiesel Code:
C22
Transmission Type Gas:
6-speed manual (NV4500)
Optional Transmission Gas
Transmission Type Gas Auto:
5-speed automatic (545RFE)
Optional Transmission Diesel
Transmission Type Diesel:
6-speed manual (G56)
Optional Transmission Diesel Auto
Transmission Type Diesel Auto:
6-speed automatic (68RFE)
Drivetrain:
Available in 4x2 (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4x4 (Four-Wheel Drive)
Transfer Case:
Electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case (4x4 models)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
134.5 inches
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
140.5 inches (standard bed), 160.5 inches (long bed)
Bed Length Short:
6.3 feet
Bed Length Long:
8.0 feet
Curb Weight Approx:
6,000 - 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Up to 10,000 lbs (varies by configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 12,450 lbs (properly equipped)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 4,000 lbs (properly equipped)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated as a full vehicle test for this class/year, but likely performed to federal standards.
IIHS Offset Front Impact:
Good (for models tested in this generation).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control (ETC) on some models.
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, available side curtain airbags on some configurations.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all occupants.
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
Audio System Options:
Available AM/FM radio with CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and optional navigation systems.
Speaker Configurations:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Available rear park assist sensors on some trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external devices.
Power Outlets:
12V auxiliary power outlets for charging devices.
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type, refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the Cummins diesel (synthetic blend recommended).
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 15,000 miles for the diesel fuel filter is recommended.
Engine Oil Viscosity Gas:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Engine Oil Viscosity Diesel:
SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 rated for diesel engines)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically orange or pink.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 gear lubricant (SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 depending on application)
Common Diesel Issues:
Potential for EGR valve issues, turbocharger problems (especially with high mileage and hard use), and exhaust manifold leaks on Cummins engines.
Common Gas Issues:
HEMI lifter tick (related to oil viscosity and lifter design), occasional electrical gremlins.
Chassis Wear:
As a heavy-duty truck, components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and U-joints are subject to wear, especially with heavy towing or off-road use.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Ram Third Generation:
The 2008 RAM 2500 is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of Dodge Ram trucks, which saw significant updates in styling, interior, and powertrain.
Powertrain Introduction Cummins:
The Cummins turbodiesel engine became a hallmark of the Ram Heavy Duty line, offering exceptional durability and torque.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Coahuila, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA (for Dodge/Ram trucks).
Truck Of The Year Contender:
While not a specific award for this exact year and model, the Dodge Ram line consistently competed for 'Truck of the Year' accolades from various automotive publications.
Jdpower Dependability:
Owner satisfaction and dependability ratings for the 2008 Dodge Ram trucks varied, but the Cummins diesel was generally highly regarded for its longevity.