🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 3500 Year: 2008 Body Style: Regular Cab Codes Chassis Code: DR (Fourth Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck (Class 3) Target Audience: Commercial users, fleet operators, individuals requiring towing and hauling capabilities Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, GMC Sierra 3500HD Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Robust chassis, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities, professional-grade construction Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners with knowledge to properly operate, maintain, and understand their Ram 3500, preventing misunderstandings with service providers. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive Owner's Manual for 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Regular Cab Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for a heavy-duty truck owner's manual of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust systems Drivetrain: Transmission (automatic/manual), transfer case, drivelines, axles Chassis: Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS), wheels, tires Electrical: Battery, charging system, lighting, instruments, gauges, fuses, relays, power accessories Interior Features: HVAC system, seating, interior trim, infotainment system, power accessories Exterior Features: Doors, windows, mirrors, body panels, exterior lighting, towing features Safety Systems: Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, ABS, traction control Procedures Included Operation: Starting and operating the vehicle, driving controls, instrument panel explanations, seat belt usage, child seat installation Maintenance: Recommended maintenance schedule, fluid checks and top-offs, tire inflation, basic checks (lights, wipers) Troubleshooting: Understanding warning lights, basic problem diagnosis (e.g., starting issues, unusual noises) Emergency Procedures: Emergency starting (jump starting), tire changing, towing instructions Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance, not in-depth repair procedures (which would be in a Service Manual) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Portable Document Format (PDF) Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to information Print Quality Printability: Designed for digital viewing and selective printing of pages Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type 1: 6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel Horsepower 1: 350 hp @ 3000 rpm (approx.) Torque 1: 650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm (approx.) Fuel System 1: High-pressure common rail direct injection Emission Controls 1: Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) Optional Engine Engine Type 2: 5.7L HEMI V8 (Gasoline) Horsepower 2: 345 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.) Torque 2: 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.) Fuel System 2: Multi-point fuel injection 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type 1: 6-Speed Manual Transmission (NV5600) Optional Transmission Type 2: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (68RFE) Features Transmission Features: Tow/Haul mode for automatic transmission, robust construction for heavy-duty use 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Regular Cab: 135.2 inches (approx.) Overall Length Regular Cab: 228.0 inches (approx.) Cargo Bed Lengths Available: 6'4" (short bed) or 8'0" (long bed) for Regular Cab configurations. Weights Gvwr: 10,000 - 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration) Curb Weight: Approx. 6,500 - 7,500 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Generally good for its class; specific ratings may vary by test and configuration. Owner's manual provides safety system explanations. Active Features Active Safety: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), available Traction Control Passive Features Passive Safety: Front airbags, seat belts with pretensioners, heavy-duty frame construction 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM radio with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and auxiliary input jack. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Cruise control, power windows/locks (if equipped). Limited advanced driver-assistance systems compared to modern trucks. Connectivity Connectivity Options: Auxiliary audio input for connecting external media devices. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Diesel: Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the 6.7L Cummins (check manual for precise intervals and oil type). Oil Change Gasoline: Typically every 3,750 miles or 3 months for the 5.7L HEMI, or as indicated by the oil change indicator system. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Diesel: API CJ-4 or CK-4 certified SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic (depending on climate). Refer to manual for exact specification. Engine Oil Gasoline: API SN or SP certified SAE 5W-20 (check manual for exact specification). Coolant: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent. Transmission Fluid Auto: ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Transmission Fluid Manual: Appropriate manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil), specific type to be confirmed in manual. Known Issues Diesel Particulate Filter: DPF regeneration issues, clogging under certain driving conditions (e.g., short trips). Manual provides guidance on typical operation. Fuel Injectors: Potential for injector failure or clogging in the 6.7L Cummins, especially with contaminated fuel. Transmission Heat: Automatic transmission can overheat during heavy towing. Manual will likely recommend transmission fluid cooler upgrades for severe use. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Dodge Truck Legacy: Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving...
Tow/Haul mode for automatic transmission, robust construction for heavy-duty use
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
135.2 inches (approx.)
Overall Length Regular Cab:
228.0 inches (approx.)
Cargo
Bed Lengths Available:
6'4" (short bed) or 8'0" (long bed) for Regular Cab configurations.
Weights
Gvwr:
10,000 - 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,500 - 7,500 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally good for its class; specific ratings may vary by test and configuration. Owner's manual provides safety system explanations.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), available Traction Control
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, seat belts with pretensioners, heavy-duty frame construction
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and auxiliary input jack.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, power windows/locks (if equipped). Limited advanced driver-assistance systems compared to modern trucks.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input for connecting external media devices.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the 6.7L Cummins (check manual for precise intervals and oil type).
Oil Change Gasoline:
Typically every 3,750 miles or 3 months for the 5.7L HEMI, or as indicated by the oil change indicator system.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 certified SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic (depending on climate). Refer to manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API SN or SP certified SAE 5W-20 (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Appropriate manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil), specific type to be confirmed in manual.
Known Issues
Diesel Particulate Filter:
DPF regeneration issues, clogging under certain driving conditions (e.g., short trips). Manual provides guidance on typical operation.
Fuel Injectors:
Potential for injector failure or clogging in the 6.7L Cummins, especially with contaminated fuel.
Transmission Heat:
Automatic transmission can overheat during heavy towing. Manual will likely recommend transmission fluid cooler upgrades for severe use.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving over decades to represent durability and performance.
Model Evolution
Ram Fourth Generation:
The 2008 model is part of the fourth generation of Ram trucks (2002-2008), which saw significant updates and the introduction of the powerful 6.7L Cummins engine.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year Awards:
While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for the 2008 model might vary by publication, the Ram 3500 consistently received praise for its towing and hauling capabilities.
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