๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 3500 Year: 2008 Body Style: Quad Cab Generation Fourth Generation Code: DS/DJ Codes Platform: Dodge Ram Truck Platform ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Target Audience: Owners requiring comprehensive information on operation, maintenance, and features of their 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Competitive Analysis Competitors 2008: Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD Key Features 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 ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting Secondary Coverage: Vehicle systems, controls, and features Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model year) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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 Procedures Included 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 Technical Depth Depth: Designed for the end-user; covers operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting, not in-depth mechanical repair ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Typically searchable text (OCR applied for scanned documents) Print Quality Quality: High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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 Performance Fuel Type: Diesel (6.7L Cummins), Gasoline (5.7L HEMI) Fuel System Diesel System: High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) Gasoline System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Option 1: 6-Speed Manual (NV5600 - often with 6.7L Cummins, though less common in later production) Optional Transmission Option 2: 6-Speed Automatic (68RFE with 6.7L Cummins, 5-Speed Automatic 545RFE with 5.7L HEMI) Features Diesel Automatic Features: Electronically controlled, tow/haul mode Gasoline Automatic Features: Adaptive electronic control, tow/haul mode ๐ Dimensions Exterior 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) Cargo Bed Length Standard: 6 feet 4 inches Bed Length Long: 8 feet 0 inches Weights Gvwr Max: 10,500 lbs (typical, varies by configuration) Gcwr Max: Up to 23,000 lbs (with 6.7L Cummins & appropriate axle/trailer) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Resistance: Likely 3 out of 5 stars (typical for HD trucks) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Available (often integrated with stability control) Passive Features 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 ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system (typically a touch-screen interface). Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Available rear parking assist sensors. Trailer Brake Controller: Available integrated trailer brake controller for electric trailer brakes. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Standard on most audio systems for connecting external devices. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals 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). Fluid Specifications 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. Known Issues Diesel Emissions System:...
Up to 23,000 lbs (with 6.7L Cummins & appropriate axle/trailer)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Likely 3 out of 5 stars (typical for HD trucks)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available (often integrated with stability control)
Passive Features
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
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (typically a touch-screen interface).
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Available integrated trailer brake controller for electric trailer brakes.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Standard on most audio systems for connecting external devices.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
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).
Fluid Specifications
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.
Known Issues
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.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ram Heritage:
Dodge Ram trucks have a long history dating back to 1981, evolving into a distinct brand (Ram Trucks) in 2010.
Model Evolution
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)
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA (configurations may vary)
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year:
While specific 2008 awards for the Ram 3500 may vary, the Ram truck line has received numerous 'Truck of the Year' accolades from various automotive publications over its history.