🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 1500 Year: 2008 Codes Product Name: 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Owners Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 was a significant player in the full-size pickup truck market, known for its robust capability, distinctive styling, and variety of configurations. It competed against strong rivals like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra. Competitive Analysis Comparison: The Ram 1500 of this era was praised for its comfortable ride, especially for a truck, and its strong V8 engine options. Its coil-spring rear suspension was a differentiator, offering a more refined experience than many competitors. Styling was bold and aggressively American. Key Features Features: Available in various cab sizes (Regular, Quad, Mega Cab) and bed lengths, multiple engine choices including the HEMI 5.7L V8, available 4x4 drivetrain, RamBox cargo management system (optional). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Language: English Manual Type: Owner's Manual Format: Printed Page Count Page Count: Approx. 300-350 pages (typical for this model year and manual type) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic/manual), driveline components (2WD/4WD). Chassis: Suspension system (front/rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, power assist), wheel and tire information. Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, instrument cluster, warning indicators. Body And Interior: Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, interior trim, locks, security system, airbags, seat belts, cargo management. Controls And Features: Ignition, dashboard controls, steering wheel controls, wipers, mirrors, power outlets, towing information, owner-replaceable bulbs. Procedures Included Operation: Starting and operating the vehicle, gear selection, parking, fuel recommendations, trailer towing procedures. Maintenance: Routine checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), recommended service intervals, fluid types and capacities, filter replacement, cleaning procedures. Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic information for common issues, what to do in case of a breakdown. Safety: Proper use of seat belts, airbag system operation, child restraint system installation, safety features explanation. Technical Depth Depth: Covers essential owner-level maintenance, operation, and safety information. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Printed Print Quality Print Quality: High-quality paper, clear legible print, professionally bound. Binding Type Binding Type: Stapled or Perfect Bound (typical for owner's manuals) Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, coated paper to resist wear and tear. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 Performance 5.7L Hemi V8: Horsepower: ~345 hp @ 5400 rpm, Torque: ~375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Features Multi-Displacement System (MDS) for improved fuel economy. Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed automatic (with 3.7L V6); 5-speed automatic (with 4.7L and 5.7L V8) Optional Optional Transmission: 6-speed manual (less common, primarily with V6) Features Drivetrain: 2WD (RWD), 4WD (part-time, electronic shift-on-the-fly) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Varies by cab/bed configuration: 120.5" (Regular Cab Short Bed), 140.5" (Quad Cab Short Bed/Regular Cab Long Bed), 160.5" (Mega Cab) Length: Varies by configuration, e.g., 219.1" to 239.1" Width: Approx. 79.1" (excluding mirrors) Height: Approx. 74.5" to 76.5" Cargo Bed Lengths: 6'4" (short bed), 8'0" (long bed) Weights Curb Weight: Varies significantly by configuration, approx. 4,600 - 5,500 lbs Max Payload: Up to approx. 1,700 - 2,000 lbs Max Towing Capacity: Up to approx. 9,100 - 9,400 lbs (depending on configuration and equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver: 5-Star (for 2008 model year) NHTSA Front Passenger: 5-Star (for 2008 model year) IIHS Frontal Offset: 'Good' (Good rating in IIHS frontal offset crash tests) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Electronic Traction Control (ETC) Electronic Stability: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - standard on most trims for 2008 Passive Features Airbags: Advanced Multi-Stage Front Airbags, available Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags (depending on cab configuration). Seat Belts: Height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium audio systems, DVD entertainment systems available on some trims/packages. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims. Driver Assistance Parking Assist: Optional ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Optional auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players. Power Outlets: 12V auxiliary power outlets in dashboard and center console. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used). Consult manual for specific recommendations based on Severe or Normal service. Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection Spark Plug Replacement: Varies by engine: 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 typically ~100,000 miles; 5.7L HEMI V8 (with specific ignition...
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 was a significant player in the full-size pickup truck market, known for its robust capability, distinctive styling, and variety of configurations. It competed against strong rivals like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra.
Competitive Analysis
Comparison:
The Ram 1500 of this era was praised for its comfortable ride, especially for a truck, and its strong V8 engine options. Its coil-spring rear suspension was a differentiator, offering a more refined experience than many competitors. Styling was bold and aggressively American.
Key Features
Features:
Available in various cab sizes (Regular, Quad, Mega Cab) and bed lengths, multiple engine choices including the HEMI 5.7L V8, available 4x4 drivetrain, RamBox cargo management system (optional).
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Language:
English
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Format:
Printed
Page Count
Page Count:
Approx. 300-350 pages (typical for this model year and manual type)
Starting and operating the vehicle, gear selection, parking, fuel recommendations, trailer towing procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), recommended service intervals, fluid types and capacities, filter replacement, cleaning procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic information for common issues, what to do in case of a breakdown.
Safety:
Proper use of seat belts, airbag system operation, child restraint system installation, safety features explanation.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level maintenance, operation, and safety information. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.
Varies by cab/bed configuration: 120.5" (Regular Cab Short Bed), 140.5" (Quad Cab Short Bed/Regular Cab Long Bed), 160.5" (Mega Cab)
Length:
Varies by configuration, e.g., 219.1" to 239.1"
Width:
Approx. 79.1" (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 74.5" to 76.5"
Cargo
Bed Lengths:
6'4" (short bed), 8'0" (long bed)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, approx. 4,600 - 5,500 lbs
Max Payload:
Up to approx. 1,700 - 2,000 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 9,100 - 9,400 lbs (depending on configuration and equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star (for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star (for 2008 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
'Good' (Good rating in IIHS frontal offset crash tests)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - standard on most trims for 2008
Passive Features
Airbags:
Advanced Multi-Stage Front Airbags, available Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags (depending on cab configuration).
Seat Belts:
Height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium audio systems, DVD entertainment systems available on some trims/packages.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players.
Power Outlets:
12V auxiliary power outlets in dashboard and center console.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used). Consult manual for specific recommendations based on Severe or Normal service.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 typically ~100,000 miles; 5.7L HEMI V8 (with specific ignition coils) ~30,000-50,000 miles. Check manual for exact specs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30 for all engines. Meets Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Check oil capacity in manual (approx. 5-7 quarts).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid) for automatic transmissions. Check capacity in manual (approx. 8-12 quarts for fluid change).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT formula (e.g., Mopar P/N 05103535AA or equivalent orange coolant). Dilution 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 12-15 quarts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Eccentric shaft sensor failure (leading to no-start), exhaust manifold leaks/cracks (especially with HEMI), intermittent windshield wiper issues, water pump leaks, front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The 'Ram' nameplate was introduced in 1981, and it quickly established itself as a formidable competitor in the pickup truck segment.
Model Evolution
Generation:
The 2008 model year falls within the fourth generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram. This generation saw significant styling changes, including the prominent grille and upright stance. A major refresh occurred for the 2006 model year.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognition Examples:
While specific 'awards' for the owner's manual itself are not typically cited, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 was generally well-received. It was a consistent top seller and often praised by automotive publications for its styling, comfort, and capability in its class.