🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 1500 (D1 Platform) Year: 2008 Body Style: Pickup Truck Platform: D1 (Third Generation Dodge Ram) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 was a key competitor in the full-size pickup truck segment, known for its robust design, distinctive styling, and towing/hauling capabilities. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra. Key Features Design: Distinctive "crosshair" grille, bold styling, available Hemi V8 engine. Capability: Strong towing and payload capacities, various bed lengths and cab configurations. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Parts Catalog Secondary Coverage: Component Identification, Part Number Reference, Assembly Diagrams Page Count Estimated Pages: Approx. 1000-1500 (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era) Manual Type Type: Parts Catalog / Parts List Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Assemblies, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission Assemblies, Transfer Case (4WD) Chassis: Frame, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheel & Tire Components Electrical: Wiring Harnesses, Lighting (Exterior & Interior), Instrumentation, Power Distribution, Engine Control Module (ECM) Related Components, Sensors Body: Exterior Panels (Hood, Doors, Fenders, Bed), Bumpers, Grilles, Glass, Mirrors, Interior Trim Panels, Seating Components, Hardware HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Components Procedures Included Part Identification: Visual diagrams with exploded views to identify specific components and their relationships. Part Number Lookup: Listing of official Mopar part numbers for accurate ordering. Substitutions: May indicate superseded or interchangeable part numbers. Technical Depth Depth: Detailed component-level breakdown for all factory-installed parts. Focuses on what parts are used and their identification, not on repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable for part numbers and descriptions. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution diagrams and text for clarity. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 Engine Code 3.7L: EJV Engine Code 4.7L: P (Flex Fuel), N Engine Code 5.7L: E (with MDS - Multi-Displacement System) Performance Horsepower 3.7L: 215 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque 3.7L: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Horsepower 4.7L: 230 hp @ 4500 rpm (305 hp for Flex Fuel option) Torque 4.7L: 300 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (334 lb-ft for Flex Fuel option) Horsepower 5.7L: 345 hp @ 5000 rpm Torque 5.7L: 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (4.7L and 5.7L available as Flex Fuel) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L and 4.7L engines Optional Optional Transmission: 5-speed automatic (545RFE) for 5.7L HEMI, 6-speed manual (NV3500) available on some 3.7L configurations. Features Drive Type: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) or 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) Transfer Case: Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) for 4WD models. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Standard: 139.3 inches Wheelbase Long: 154.9 inches (Mega Cab) Overall Length Standard: 229.7 inches Overall Width: 79.1 inches Overall Height: 74.1 inches Cargo Bed Length Short: 6 feet 3 inches (75.9 cu ft) Bed Length Long: 8 feet (98.3 cu ft) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 4,600 - 5,300 lbs Max Payload Capacity: Up to 3,080 lbs (Varies by configuration) Max Towing Capacity: Up to 9,000 lbs (Varies by configuration, engine, axle ratio) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver: Good NHTSA Frontal Passenger: Good IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal: Acceptable Active Features ABS: Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Available Passive Features Airbags: Standard front airbags; optional side curtain airbags available on some trims. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Infinity premium audio system. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. Parking Sensors: Optional rear parking assist. Connectivity Hands Free: Uconnect hands-free communication system available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (under normal driving conditions, refer to owner's manual for severe duty). Tire Rotation: Every 5,000-7,500 miles. Transmission Fluid Change: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or per severe duty schedule. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil 3.7L: SAE 5W-20, API Certified (5 Quarts) Engine Oil 4.7L: SAE 5W-20, API Certified (5 Quarts) Engine Oil 5.7L: SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 (7 Quarts) Transmission Fluid 42Rle: ATF+4 (Mopar) Transmission Fluid 545Rfe: ATF+4 (Mopar) Coolant: 50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) and distilled water. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 Known Issues Cracked Exhaust Manifolds: Common on 4.7L and 5.7L HEMI engines due to heat cycles. Fuel Pump Failures: Reported on some models. Transmission Hard Shifting: Can occur with age and mileage, often related to valve body or solenoid issues. Window Regulator Failures: Common wear item on power windows. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Dodge Trucks: Dodge has a...
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 was a key competitor in the full-size pickup truck segment, known for its robust design, distinctive styling, and towing/hauling capabilities.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Key Features
Design:
Distinctive "crosshair" grille, bold styling, available Hemi V8 engine.
Capability:
Strong towing and payload capacities, various bed lengths and cab configurations.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Parts Catalog
Secondary Coverage:
Component Identification, Part Number Reference, Assembly Diagrams
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 1000-1500 (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Parts Catalog / Parts List
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine Assemblies, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission Assemblies, Transfer Case (4WD)
Chassis:
Frame, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheel & Tire Components
Electrical:
Wiring Harnesses, Lighting (Exterior & Interior), Instrumentation, Power Distribution, Engine Control Module (ECM) Related Components, Sensors
Unleaded Gasoline (4.7L and 5.7L available as Flex Fuel)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L and 4.7L engines
Optional
Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (545RFE) for 5.7L HEMI, 6-speed manual (NV3500) available on some 3.7L configurations.
Features
Drive Type:
RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) or 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
Transfer Case:
Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) for 4WD models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Standard:
139.3 inches
Wheelbase Long:
154.9 inches (Mega Cab)
Overall Length Standard:
229.7 inches
Overall Width:
79.1 inches
Overall Height:
74.1 inches
Cargo
Bed Length Short:
6 feet 3 inches (75.9 cu ft)
Bed Length Long:
8 feet (98.3 cu ft)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,600 - 5,300 lbs
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 3,080 lbs (Varies by configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,000 lbs (Varies by configuration, engine, axle ratio)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
Acceptable
Active Features
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; optional side curtain airbags available on some trims.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist.
Connectivity
Hands Free:
Uconnect hands-free communication system available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (under normal driving conditions, refer to owner's manual for severe duty).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or per severe duty schedule.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil 3.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (5 Quarts)
Engine Oil 4.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (5 Quarts)
Engine Oil 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 (7 Quarts)
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Coolant:
50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds:
Common on 4.7L and 5.7L HEMI engines due to heat cycles.
Fuel Pump Failures:
Reported on some models.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can occur with age and mileage, often related to valve body or solenoid issues.
Window Regulator Failures:
Common wear item on power windows.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history in the truck market, with the Ram nameplate being introduced in 1981.
Model Evolution
Third Generation:
The 2008 model is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, which introduced significant styling and engineering updates, including the iconic "Big Rig" styling.
Production
Manufacturing Plants:
Saltillo Truck Plant (Mexico), Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Michigan, USA)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Initial Launch Acclaim:
The third-generation Ram received positive reviews for its styling and performance upon its introduction.
Ratings
Fuel Economy Estimates:
MPG figures vary significantly by engine and configuration, e.g., 12 MPG city / 17 MPG highway for 5.7L HEMI 4WD.