🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 2500 Year: 2008 Body Style: Regular Cab Product Name: 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Reg Cab Owners Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Target Customer: Commercial use, heavy towing, off-road enthusiasts Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Key Features Vehicle Design Philosophy: Robust construction, powerful performance for demanding tasks Manual Benefit: Empowers owners with knowledge to maintain their vehicle, prevent overcharging by repair shops 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Type: Model Specific Target Audience: Owner, User Page Count Estimated Page Count: 300-500 (typical for this model and era) Manual Type Manual Category: Owner's Manual Purpose: Operation, Maintenance, Safety Information Language Language: English Format Delivery Method: Instant Download Digital Format Support: Printable Pages 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fluid checks, cooling system, exhaust system Chassis: Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels and tires Electrical: Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, fuses and relays Body: Doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, exterior features HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation and basic maintenance Safety Systems: Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, towing safety Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks Emergency Procedures: Jump starting, tire changing, dealing with overheating Instrument Panel And Controls: Understanding warning lights, operating various controls and features Towing And Loading: Maximum towing capacities, weight distribution, trailer wiring Customer Assistance: Contact information for dealer service, roadside assistance Technical Depth Depth Level: Owner-Level Operation and Maintenance Troubleshooting: Basic troubleshooting for common driver-facing issues 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Readability: High Resolution, Searchable Text Binding Type Physical Format: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Physical Format: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (optional) Engine Displacement 5.7L: 5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches) Engine Configuration 5.7L: V8, OHV, 16 Valves Horsepower 5.7L: 350 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque 5.7L: 395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Engine Displacement 6.7L: 6.7 Liters (408 cubic inches) Engine Configuration 6.7L: Inline-6, OHV, 24 Valves, Turbocharged Horsepower 6.7L: 350 hp @ 3000 rpm Torque 6.7L: 650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm Performance Fuel Type 5.7L: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Type 6.7L: Diesel Fuel System Fuel Delivery 5.7L: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Delivery 6.7L: High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Direct Injection 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type 5.7L: 6-Speed Automatic (68RFE) Transmission Type 6.7L: 6-Speed Manual G56 (optional), 6-Speed Automatic 68RFE (optional) Optional Manual Transmission Option: 6-Speed Manual G56 (with 6.7L Cummins) Features Tow Haul Mode: Available on automatic transmissions for enhanced towing performance 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Reg Cab: 135.2 inches (3434 mm) Length Reg Cab: 229.5 inches (5829 mm) Height Reg Cab: 77.3 inches (1963 mm) Width Reg Cab: 79.1 inches (2009 mm) Weights Gvwr: Up to 9,900 lbs (4490 kg), varies by configuration Curb Weight: Approx. 6,000 - 7,000 lbs (2722 - 3175 kg), varies by engine and configuration Towing Capacity: Up to 12,450 lbs (5647 kg) with proper equipment and configuration Payload Capacity: Up to 3,900 lbs (1769 kg), varies by configuration 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 4/5 Stars (2008 Model Year Specific) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 4/5 Stars (2008 Model Year Specific) NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver: 4/5 Stars (2008 Model Year Specific) NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger: 5/5 Stars (2008 Model Year Specific) NHTSA Rollover Rating: 3/5 Stars (2008 Model Year Specific) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control Trailer Brake Controller: Optional integrated trailer brake controller Passive Features Airbags: Standard front airbags; available side curtain airbags on some configurations Seatbelts: Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback capability (optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio) Display: Basic display for audio and climate controls Driver Assistance Rear Parking Sensors: Optional Trailer Sway Control: Part of the Electronic Stability Control system on some models Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Standard auxiliary audio input jack 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval 5.7L: Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per oil monitoring system) Oil Change Interval 6.7L: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per oil monitoring system) Engine Air Filter Replacement: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles Fuel Filter Replacement 6.7L: Replace every 15,000 miles (important for diesel longevity) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 API SN, Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 Engine Oil 6.7L: SAE 15W-40 CJ-4 (or approved API CK-4) Diesel Engine Oil Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Pink or Orange Transmission Fluid Auto: ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Brake Fluid: DOT 3 Known Issues Death...
Potential for steering/suspension component wear leading to shaking at speed (requires proper diagnosis and repair).
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds:
Can occur on the 5.7L HEMI V8 due to heat cycles.
Injector Issues Cummins:
Potential for injector failure on the 6.7L Cummins, especially with poor fuel quality.
Grid Heater Failure Cummins:
Can lead to cold start issues on the 6.7L Cummins.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Model Evolution
Ram Lineage:
The Ram pickup line was introduced in 1981. The 2500 designation signifies a heavy-duty pickup.
Fourth Generation Intro:
The fourth generation (DT platform) of the Ram was introduced for the 2009 model year, meaning the 2008 model is the final year of the third generation (DR/DH/D1 platform).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year Awards:
While specific awards for the 2008 Ram 2500 Reg Cab might vary, the Ram platform generally received accolades for its powertrain and towing capabilities during this generation.