🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 3500 Year: 2008 Body Style: Mega Cab Codes Platform: DS 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD Key Features Vehicle Focus: Designed for heavy towing and hauling, spacious Mega Cab offers significant rear-seat room. Manual Purpose Purpose: To empower owners with essential knowledge for safe operation, routine maintenance, and understanding of their vehicle's features. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete Owner's Manual for 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab Page Count Page Count: Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for this era and model class) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, starting and charging system Drivetrain: Transmission operation (automatic), transfer case operation (4WD), driveline, axles Chassis: Braking system (ABS), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires Electrical: Instrument cluster, lighting system, wipers, power accessories, fuses, basic electrical system overview Comfort And Convenience: HVAC system, seating adjustments, power windows, door locks, mirrors, audio system, remote keyless entry Safety And Security Safety Systems: Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), vehicle security system Procedures Included Operation: Starting and driving, parking, towing information, trailer brake controller operation Maintenance: Regular maintenance checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), fluid specifications, filter replacement guidance Troubleshooting: Warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic information for common issues Emergency: Emergency procedures, changing a flat tire, jump starting (if applicable) Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level information focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; not a full service/repair manual 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution, printable pages Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Searchability Searchable Text: Yes, text-searchable PDF ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Option 1: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Engine Option 2: 5.7L HEMI V8 (Gasoline) Performance 6.7L Cummins Horsepower: 350 hp @ 3,000 rpm 6.7L Cummins Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm 5.7L Hemi Horsepower: 345 hp @ 5,400 rpm 5.7L Hemi Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Fuel System 6.7L Cummins Fuel System: Common Rail Direct Injection, Turbocharged 5.7L Hemi Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI), Multi-Displacement System (MDS) Cooling System Cooling System Type: Pressurized, liquid-cooled 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission (with 5.7L HEMI) Optional Optional Transmission 1: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (AISIN AS68RC, with 6.7L Cummins) Optional Transmission 2: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (48RE, with 5.7L HEMI) Features Transmission Features: Tow/Haul mode, Electronic range select (automatic) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 160.5 inches Overall Length: 259.4 inches Overall Width: 79.4 inches Overall Height: 78.7 inches Front Track: 68.0 inches Rear Track: 67.0 inches Interior Interior Volume: Approx. 155 cu ft (cabin volume) Rear Seat Legroom: Approx. 40+ inches (class-leading for its time) Cargo Cargo Volume: Significant, configurable with rear seats up or down Weights Curb Weight: Varies by configuration, typically 6,500 - 7,500 lbs Gvwr: 10,000 - 11,000 lbs Gcwr: Up to 23,000 lbs (diesel w/ appropriate trailer) Max Towing Capacity: Up to 16,000 lbs (diesel, properly equipped) Max Payload Capacity: Approx. 3,000 - 4,000 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4-star driver, 5-star passenger (when equipped with side airbags) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for models tested) Active Features Active Safety: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - on some models/trims), Traction Control Passive Features Passive Safety: Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags (front and rear for Mega Cab), advanced seat belt technology, LATCH child seat anchors 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM/CD audio system, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional navigation system. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Cruise control, trailer brake controller integration (factory or aftermarket). Connectivity Connectivity Options: Auxiliary input jack for audio devices, optional Bluetooth hands-free calling (Uconnect system). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Diesel: 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended) Oil Change Interval Gasoline: 6,000 miles or 6 months (using synthetic recommended) Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions) Fuel Filter Diesel: Replace every 15,000 miles (critical for protecting high-pressure fuel system) Transmission Fluid Change Automatic: Check at 30,000 miles, service typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on use (refer to manual for specific conditions) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi: SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer) Engine Oil 6.7L Cummins: SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or newer, synthetic 5W-40 often recommended for cold weather) Coolant: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar Part Number 68048553AB (or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Automatic 48Re: ATF+4 (Mopar Part Number 68043748AA) Transmission Fluid Automatic As68Rc: ATF+4 or Mopar Filtered Automatic Transmission Fluid (Mopar Part Number 68083033GA) Brake Fluid: DOT 3 Known Issues Common Issues: Potential for EGR cooler...
Warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic information for common issues
Emergency:
Emergency procedures, changing a flat tire, jump starting (if applicable)
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level information focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; not a full service/repair manual
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Searchable Text:
Yes, text-searchable PDF
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Option 1:
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Engine Option 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (Gasoline)
Performance
6.7L Cummins Horsepower:
350 hp @ 3,000 rpm
6.7L Cummins Torque:
650 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5,400 rpm
5.7L Hemi Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System
6.7L Cummins Fuel System:
Common Rail Direct Injection, Turbocharged
5.7L Hemi Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI), Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Cooling System
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (with 5.7L HEMI)
Optional
Optional Transmission 1:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (AISIN AS68RC, with 6.7L Cummins)
Optional Transmission 2:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (48RE, with 5.7L HEMI)
Features
Transmission Features:
Tow/Haul mode, Electronic range select (automatic)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
160.5 inches
Overall Length:
259.4 inches
Overall Width:
79.4 inches
Overall Height:
78.7 inches
Front Track:
68.0 inches
Rear Track:
67.0 inches
Interior
Interior Volume:
Approx. 155 cu ft (cabin volume)
Rear Seat Legroom:
Approx. 40+ inches (class-leading for its time)
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Significant, configurable with rear seats up or down
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically 6,500 - 7,500 lbs
Gvwr:
10,000 - 11,000 lbs
Gcwr:
Up to 23,000 lbs (diesel w/ appropriate trailer)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 16,000 lbs (diesel, properly equipped)
Max Payload Capacity:
Approx. 3,000 - 4,000 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (when equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested)
Active Features
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - on some models/trims), Traction Control
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags (front and rear for Mega Cab), advanced seat belt technology, LATCH child seat anchors
Cruise control, trailer brake controller integration (factory or aftermarket).
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary input jack for audio devices, optional Bluetooth hands-free calling (Uconnect system).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended)
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
6,000 miles or 6 months (using synthetic recommended)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions)
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Replace every 15,000 miles (critical for protecting high-pressure fuel system)
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Check at 30,000 miles, service typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on use (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer)
Engine Oil 6.7L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or newer, synthetic 5W-40 often recommended for cold weather)
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar Part Number 68048553AB (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Automatic 48Re:
ATF+4 (Mopar Part Number 68043748AA)
Transmission Fluid Automatic As68Rc:
ATF+4 or Mopar Filtered Automatic Transmission Fluid (Mopar Part Number 68083033GA)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Potential for EGR cooler failure (6.7L Cummins), fuel injector issues (Cummins), potential for transmission issues (especially under heavy use if not maintained), U-joint wear, exhaust manifold cracks (older Cummins models but less common on 6.7L).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a cornerstone of their commercial and heavy-duty offerings.
Model Evolution
Model Generation:
Fourth Generation Dodge Ram (2002-2008, with a significant refresh in 2006)
Mega Cab Introduction:
The Mega Cab body style, offering unparalleled rear passenger space, was introduced for the 2005 model year, combining the Crew Cab's four full doors with an extended cabin.