Segment:
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners requiring comprehensive information on operation, maintenance, and features of their 2008 Dodge Ram 3500
Competitors 2008:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Vehicle Focus:
Heavy-duty capabilities, towing and hauling, robust construction
Manual Benefit:
Provides essential knowledge for maximizing vehicle utility and longevity, avoiding common owner pitfalls
Primary Coverage:
Owner operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
Secondary Coverage:
Vehicle systems, controls, and features
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model year)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling, lubrication, fuel, exhaust
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation, transfer case (if applicable), drivetrain components
Chassis:
Braking system, steering, suspension
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instruments, basic electrical features
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, infotainment
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH), trailer towing safety
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tire rotation
Troubleshooting Basic:
Warning indicators, common operational issues, quick reference guides
Operation Controls:
Explanation of all dashboard controls, switches, and functions
Towing Procedures:
Information on trailer towing capacities, hitch installation, and safe towing practices
Depth:
Designed for the end-user; covers operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting, not in-depth mechanical repair
Engine Option 1:
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Engine Option 1 Hp:
350 hp @ 3000 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Engine Option 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (Gasoline)
Engine Option 2 Hp:
360 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Diesel (6.7L Cummins), Gasoline (5.7L HEMI)
Diesel System:
High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)
Gasoline System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Transmission Option 1:
6-Speed Manual (NV5600 - often with 6.7L Cummins, though less common in later production)
Transmission Option 2:
6-Speed Automatic (68RFE with 6.7L Cummins, 5-Speed Automatic 545RFE with 5.7L HEMI)
Diesel Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, tow/haul mode
Gasoline Automatic Features:
Adaptive electronic control, tow/haul mode
Wheelbase Standard:
140.5 inches (Standard Bed)
Wheelbase Long:
160.5 inches (Long Bed)
Length Overall:
Approx. 237.4 inches (Standard Bed) / 257.4 inches (Long Bed)
Bed Length Standard:
6 feet 4 inches
Bed Length Long:
8 feet 0 inches
Gvwr Max:
10,500 lbs (typical, varies by configuration)
Gcwr Max:
Up to 23,000 lbs (with 6.7L Cummins & appropriate axle/trailer)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Likely 3 out of 5 stars (typical for HD trucks)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available (often integrated with stability control)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; side curtain airbags often optional
Seat Belts:
Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (typically a touch-screen interface).
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Available integrated trailer brake controller for electric trailer brakes.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard on most audio systems for connecting external devices.
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (conventional oil) / 10,000 miles or 12 months (synthetic oil), whichever comes first. Refer to manual for severe service intervals.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (conventional oil) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil), whichever comes first. Refer to manual for severe service intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Replace every 15,000 miles (crucial for diesel longevity).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4, SAE 15W-40 (or SAE 5W-40 synthetic in cold weather). Check manual for specific viscosity and API service category for 2008.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SN or SP, SAE 5W-20 (or SAE 0W-20 for improved fuel economy if specified). Check manual for specific viscosity and API service category for 2008.
Transmission Fluid Auto Diesel:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Auto Gasoline:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Coolant:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) HOAT antifreeze, typically Mopar brand, a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Diesel Emissions System:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration issues, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) problems in later years of this generation.
Fuel System Diesel:
Injector issues or fuel pump problems can occur with high mileage or poor fuel quality.
Suspension Components:
Wear and tear on ball joints, tie rods, and bushings due to heavy-duty use.
Ram Heritage:
Dodge Ram trucks have a long history dating back to 1981, evolving into a distinct brand (Ram Trucks) in 2010.
Fourth Gen Introduction:
The fourth generation Ram trucks were introduced for the 2009 model year, making the 2008 model year the final year of the third generation (DR).
Third Gen Codes:
DR/DH/D2 platform (for Ram 1500/2500/3500)
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA (configurations may vary)
