Dodge RAM 08 User manual

08 DODGE RAM

LOOK AT DODGE RAM, AND IT HITS YOU LIKE THE SEVERAL TONS OF BRICKS
YOU’RE CARRYING: QUALITY IN RAM IS MEASURED BY ITS OWN QUALITIES. LIKE
DEPENDABILITY THAT STARTS WITH A PUNISHING REGIMEN OF PREPRODUCTION
TESTING. LIKE LONGEVITY YOU SENSE DURING YOUR FIRST TEST-DRIVE — AND
WHICH YOU MIGHT MEASURE OVER THE NEXT FEW DECADES. TODAY, DODGE
RAM QUALITY RANGES FROM THE ALL-NEW 4500 AND 5500 CHASSIS CABS TO
THE FAVORITE: RAM 1500 QUAD CAB.®THESE ARE THE LONGEST-LASTING,*
MOST DURABLE†LINE OF FULL-SIZE PICKUPS. THIS IS QUALITY IN MOTION —
ON THE JOB, STREET, OR TRAIL. THIS IS ’08 DODGE RAM.
*Based on R.L. Polk & Co. Vehicles in Operation registration statistics CY 1987-2006.
†Durability based on longevity.

YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A PICKUP WITH EVERYTHING. YOU’RE LOOKING IN THE RIGHT PLACE. RAM.
The more you look into ’08 Dodge Ram, the more you realize: there’s much more here than meets the eye. After all, this family of pickups is known for legendary power,
reliability and durability. Other truck manufacturers simply don’t subject their vehicles to this degree of rigorous testing — and they wouldn’t dare produce a pickup as
commanding as Power Wagon.®Keep looking, and you’ll see that the quality of Dodge Ram is what makes it the leader.
1) Ram 2500 Regular Cab SLT in Bright Silver Metallic 2) 3500 Chassis Cab SLT Dually in Flame Red with Dump Body Upfit 3) 1500 Quad Cab®Big Horn in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl
4) 3500 Quad Cab Laramie Dually with the available 6.7-liter Cummins®Turbo Diesel in Bright Silver Metallic suited up with Diamond Plate Toolbox and Premium Side Steps — Authentic
Dodge Accessories by Mopar 5) 2500 Mega Cab®Laramie with the available 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel in Inferno Red Crystal Pearl 6) Power Wagon in Flame Red with available
Rock Rails, Accessory by Mopar. Look to the back pages for the most popular accessories for Ram.
08 DODGE RAM
2008 LINEUP
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Properly secure all cargo.

08 DODGE RAM
1500 QUAD CAB®
DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB. GO BEYOND ITS STUNNING PRESENCE. IN FACT, GO WAY BEYOND.
The stand-apart styling of Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab models — that bold, pushed-out front end, signature crosshair grille, and muscular stance — works like a magnet
on the eye. Power? The available HEMI®V8 features the brilliantly innovative Multi-Displacement System* (MDS) — and all but attacks the competition as they struggle
to improve their trucks’ mileage. Comfort? From leather-trimmed Laramie interiors to YES Essentials®† stain-resistant, odor-resistant, antistatic seat fabrics to top-notch
navigation systems, we’ve got it covered. Want more? Head over to dodge.com/ram/1500
*Available on 1500 Regular and Quad Cab models. 13 city to 18 highway, EPA est. mpg with MDS. Results depend on driving habits and conditions. †Not compatible with aftermarket fabric-protecting coatings.
Ram 1500 Quad Cab Big Horn 4x4 in Sunburst Orange.

1 GRAB THE SPORTING LIFE
Score big. Ram 1500 models with the Sport Group — Regular Cab and Quad
Cab®— put every point in your favor. Like the available 5.7-liter HEMI®V8
with MDS.* On 4x4 models, electric-shift transfer case. Front bucket seats.
Authoritative, 20-inch wheels and tires. Options include UConnect®
Hands-Free Communication System, antispin differential, full-screen
NAV radio, AM/FM/MP3/stereo, power sunroof, and more. Authentic Dodge
Accessories by Mopar, like the Fiberglass Tonneau Cover shown to the left,
are also available. See the accessories pages in back for more information.
2 INSIDER INFORMATION
Interior of 1500 Quad Cab with Sport Group is a Ram exclusive: cloth-trimmed
low-back bucket seats with adjustable head restraints, or available two-tone
leather-trimmed front bucket seats.
3 THE ULTIMATE HEAD ROOM
Open the available power sunroof (with a one-touch button), and you’ve got
unlimited air space.
4 THE RADIO YOU WATCH
Convenience at your service. The available navigation system radio in Dodge Ram
encompasses a wide range of benefits, including SIRIUS®Satellite Radio.
†SIRIUS
Satellite Radio delivers over 130 channels, including 100% commercial-free
music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. Factory-installed
SIRIUS Satellite Radio includes a one-year subscription. For more information,
go to sirius.com.
5 YES ESSENTIALS®‡IS A MUST
It’s a clean look. Cloth seats for all Dodge Ram models feature YES®Essentials
stain-resistant, odor-resistant, antistatic seat fabric. Technology this good
seldom spills over.
6 PLAY THESE NUMBERS. YOU’LL WIN
The versatility of Ram Quad Cab includes front seats that split in 40/20/40
configurations for flexibility in hauling, a folding center seat that becomes an
armrest or writing surface — and the best number of all: 121.6 cubic feet. That’s
best-in-class§when it comes to interior volume.
*Available on 1500 Regular and Quad Cab models. 13 city/18 highway, EPA est. mpg with MDS.
Results depend on driving habits and conditions. †“SIRIUS” and the SIRIUS dog logo are registered
trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and logos are the
property of their respective owners. For full terms and conditions, visit sirius.com. Prices and
programming are subject to change. Not available in AK and HI. ‡Not compatible with aftermarket
fabric-protecting coatings. §Based on full-size extended cab pickups.
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08 DODGE RAM
QUALITY AND DURABILITY
LENGTHY, TORTUROUS TRIALS. UNJUST PUNISHMENT. ALL BECAUSE WE DO THINGS RIGHT.
Our engineers call them “events.” They represent everything you’d never do to your Dodge Ram. And we do them, over and over, on a schedule that runs nonstop, 24/7.
The testing that eventually ensures Ram quality means going to the extremest of extremes. With apologies to the fine people of Baja, we’ve recreated the worst road we found
there; our drivers run Rams in compressed time frames to equal 150,000 customer-equivalent miles — our minimum benchmark. That’s one event. We have many more.
Others? Load up a Ram at maximum GCWR — up to 24,000 lb — and tow it for a few thousand hours. Drive a few dozen Rams into walls, ditches, water-filled pits. Such brutality
is sickening — literally: it’s so jarring that test drivers are regulated to a limited time behind the wheel.
THE BATHS: CORROSION AND ELECTRICAL PROTECTION
Think of it as a treatment to improve the long-term health of your Ram. The baths — both fresh and saltwater — take corrosion and water intrusion testing to the extreme. Because we test on a near-daily basis,
we’re able to offer some of the best corrosion protection in the business. Simultaneously, we’re able to test the wiring, connections, boxes and terminals, ensuring tight, protective fits and wires and cables that
stand the test of time.

WHEN IT COMES TO QUALITY, WE’RE DRIVEN.
Our events cover all components and systems. The reasoning behind
such comprehensive testing is as unexpected as the brutality of the
events themselves. Instead of starting with a method to test Ram at
the limits of performance, we start by considering all the various
drivers and uses of a Ram pickup in everyday life — and then we design
events to test that usage to the extreme. So when you’re on gravel,
cobblestones, or serpentine mountainous roads, know that we’ve been
there. When you’re towing a trailer uphill, know that we’ve done that.
Time after time. For more, visit us at dodge.com/ram/durability
1 THE STEPPED HILL CLIMB: SUSPENSION, STEERING, DRIVETRAIN
You’ll probably never take on a road this tough, but if you do — we’ve already
been there. Engine, transmission, steering components and all suspension
elements are subject to treatment sympathetically described as “brutal.”
This is a Power Wagon exclusive event.
2 CROSSING THE RUBICON: THE MOST SEVERE OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
Yes, the boulders are a replica of the Rubicon Trail in central California. And yes,
we’ll put a Ram Power Wagon®on it day after day, to test it all: brakes,
transmission, transfer cases and axles, along with all ancillary components,
including shocks and skid plates.
3 COBBLESTONE PATH: SUSPENSION AND DURABILITY
One of the many events used to continuously improve the quality and
longevity of Ram: a series of random and uneven surfaces. By compressing the
testing, we can achieve the customer equivalent of 150,000 miles on these
surfaces; it’s ideal for tuning a suspension to critical tolerances.
4 MAKING THE GRADE: TRANSMISSION AND TOWING,
UNDER A CRITICAL LOAD
We expect you to be pulling a fully loaded trailer uphill in your Dodge Ram —
which makes our mountain testing crucial to performance to refine the towing
and hauling capabilities of all Ram pickups.
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1 SPECIALIZED ENGINE RADIATOR
The design for Dodge Ram separates the
engine radiator from the transmission
cooler — which translates into lower
operating temperatures and maximum
cooling during heavy towing.
2 SEPARATE TRANSMISSION COOLER
Along with operating efficiencies,
engineering a distinct transmission cooler
offers another major advantage: complete
elimination of any possibility of
cross-fluid contamination.
3 AVAILABLE FRONT TOW HOOKS
Dodge’s tow hooks are mounted securely
for a completely solid hookup point and
are mounted higher than on competitive
models — a design convenience
immediately obvious and practical if
you’re in mud or deep snow. As well, the
front hooks are tested to hold up
to double the maximum Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).
4 STEEL CRUMPLE ZONES
Designed-in proactive safety and security
measures are essential to Ram design —
and to your well-being. By helping absorb
energy in the event of a front collision,
they help protect you — and reduce the
chance of damage to the frame itself.
Standard on all Ram models.
5 LARGE ENGINE MOUNTS
On Ram 1500 models, massive
engine mounts help reduce noise
and vibration — while also helping
to maintain that legendary durability
and reliability over the long haul.
6 WIDE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS
Beefy transmission mounts provide
another Ram advantage: they help reduce
noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
They also function to securely harness
the massive amount of torque generated
by the available HEMI®V8 power plant.
7 TUNED SUSPENSION
To further reduce noise, vibration, and
harshness — and to contribute to a more
comfortable ride — the suspension
components and frame are “tuned” for
the best overall performance without
sacrificing ride quality.
8 THE AVAILABLE ELECTRIC-SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE
It delivers capability at the touch of a
finger. The transfer case in Ram 4x4
1500 models offers operation in five
separate modes — including 4WD HI
and LO positions — that lock both
driveshafts together for when the going
is really rough.
9 STAGGERED MONOTUBE
REAR SHOCKS
Offset shock absorbers are standard
equipment for capability and are found
on all 1500 and Mega Cab®models.
Mounted inside the frame for increased
protection, with a “staggered” design,
they help reduce the axle wrap and
wheel hop that can occur under certain
acceleration and towing conditions.
10 HIGH-STRENGTH SPRING-STEEL
REAR LEAF SPRINGS
Our rear springs are mounted directly over
the rear axle — an engineering design that
increases ground clearance and thus
offers greater off-road capability.
11 THE FAMOUSLY RELIABLE
HOTCHKISS REAR SUSPENSION
This solid rear axle (with longitudinally
mounted leaf springs) is the ultra-tough
rear support for all Ram models,
including Chassis Cabs. Hotchkiss
quality is part of the Ram legacy, proving
itself over time — and terrain.
12 FULLY BOXED PARTIALLY
HYDROFORMED LADDER FRAME
The stiffest frame in Ram history is an
essential factor when analyzing Ram’s
outstanding handling and road manners.
13 THE AVAILABLE ELECTRONIC
STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)*
ESP is one of the best reasons to look at
Dodge Ram. This system intelligently
uses steering wheel angle, yaw (turning)
rate, lateral acceleration sensors and
four individual wheel-speed sensors to
determine a variety of appropriate brake
and throttle actions — including braking
and closing the throttle when necessary.
The ESP on Ram actually includes a
variety of systems. Hill Start Assist
applies the brakes momentarily to
prevent roll-back on hills; it’s particularly
valuable with manual transmissions or
during trailer towing. Trailer Sway
Control is another ESP system, which
uses sensors to discern lateral (or yaw)
forces at the rear of the vehicle caused
by a swaying trailer. It automatically
applies specific brake corners to help
eliminate sway.
14 AVAILABLE 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
It endured brutal abuse before
acceptance by Dodge — over 2 million
miles of cumulative testing before
achieving the quality required for a Ram.
(For more on testing and quality, see
following pages. Complete
specifications are always online at
dodge.com/ram/durability)
*No system, no matter how sophisticated, can repeal
the laws of physics or overcome careless driving
actions. Performance is limited by available traction,
which snow, ice and other conditions can affect.
When the ESP warning lamp in the speedometer
flashes, the driver needs to use less throttle and
adapt speed and driving behavior to prevailing road
conditions. Always drive carefully, consistent with
conditions. Always wear your seat belt.
RAM QUALITY. ABOVE ALL, IT PROMISES TO BE COMPLETELY UNCOMPROMISED.
Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab®4x4 with available HEMI®V8.

08 DODGE RAM
POWERTRAIN
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THERE’S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK. THE REVISED — AND VERY REFINED — 4.7-LITER FLEX FUEL V8 POWER PLANT.
As fuel prices fluctuate, the more important it becomes to turn to other fuel sources than conventional gasoline.
To create the technology that enables the choice, Dodge turned to one of our most popular engines — the 4.7-liter V8 —
to harvest both efficiency and grain-based E85 ethanol.
It’s built on the same engine block as the previous iteration — and from there, it just gets better. With the same displacement —
yet with greater performance through increased horsepower and torque — the revised 4.7-liter V8 offers Flex Fuel capability,
allowing you the choice between unleaded gasoline, E85 (an ethanol blend made from grain, with far fewer harmful emissions),
or any combination of the two. It is the engine of tomorrow — and it’s available on Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab and Quad Cab®
models today.
Outlined here are the major technical advantages and features of the 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8. Learn more —
when you visit dodge.com/ram/engine
1 NEW CAMSHAFT DESIGN
The revised 4.7-liter utilizes a modified camshaft
with newly designed lobes; the result is a cleaner
burn sequence in the firing process that increases
power utility while reducing emissions.
2 MORE CAMSHAFT STRENGTH
It’s not only modified in shape, but increased
in strength. With higher stiffness requirements,
we’ve determined that SADI — Selectively
Austempered Ductile Iron — works best.
3 NEW DUAL MASS VIBRATION DAMPER
Another modification with direct benefits to the
drive — and driver: the new vibration damper
contributes to further lessening of NVH — noise,
vibration, and harshness.
4 DUAL SPARK-PLUG DESIGN
Applying two spark plugs per cylinder started with
the 5.7-liter HEMI®V8 — but the efficiencies were
too persuasive to ignore: more efficient burning
of fuel, with reduced emissions and better idle.
5 FUEL CALIBRATION
We learned from the best — so the fuel calibration
on the revised 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8 employs the
same strategy as the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI®V8.
6 MODIFIED EXHAUST MANIFOLD
It’s all about fuel efficiency, which is why we modified
the actual geometry to the exhaust manifold,
resulting in improved, less-restricted exhaust flow.
7 FORGED STEEL CONNECTING RODS
It’s a performance issue, which is why the steel
connecting rods in the 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8 are forged,
resulting in an optimized strength-to-weigh ratio.
8 FLOATING PISTON PINS
Our design utilizes “floating” technology —
engineering that translates into durability by
improving the wear resistance of both the piston
pin and the piston itself.
9 EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS
We look for durability everywhere we can. Even
the exhaust manifold gaskets command attention,
which is why the 4.7-liter gaskets are composed of
multilayered steel with integrated heat shields.
• IMPROVED EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION
The revised 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8 utilized every
opportunity to retain energy. Part of the exhaust gas
goes into the EGR — Exhaust Gas Recirculation; we’ve
addressed that, too, with a modified valve and all-new
EGR tube for better flow and improved emissions.
No deductible. Non-Transferable. Not available on
SRT, diesel vehicles, and certain fleet vehicles.
See dealer for a copy of limited warranty and details.
THE 2008 RAM INCLUDES
A LIFETIME POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY.
Here’s performance measured in miles covered — and in barrels of oil saved. While giving you
a choice of fuels, the revised 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8 also generates its own brand of energy:
a long, flat torque “curve” is ideal for most common work applications. Horsepower is “slow hill”:
outstanding acceleration from take-off to highway cruising. Factor in an increased compression
ratio (9.8:1), aluminum cylinder heads, and aluminum pistons. All contribute to efficiency. 310 horsepower @ 5,650 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm

TRANSFORMING 5.7 LITERS INTO 100 PERCENT DEPENDABILITY: PUTTING THE
INCREDIBLE HEMI®V8 TO THE TEST. When it comes to the HEMI V8, we’ll concede:
we’re bold to the point of audacity. For Dodge, there can be no compromise.
Second place in the public eye is really not an option. When you’ve got an engine
that carries everything demanded of the HEMI V8 — payload, passengers, and
above all, a world-famous reputation for power and quality — you do what it takes.
Including, from time to time, destroying the very engines we are so proud to build.
The development of the world-respected HEMI V8 encompassed testing that took it
beyond expectations of conventional usage. Try day-long time trials at 98% output,
or utilizing the HEMI V8 at maximum torque in real-world situations, or testing every
system — computer interface, electrical, electro-mechanical — in an ongoing
series of tear-downs and rebuilds until it’s as perfect as an engine can get. It’s all
connected: HEMI V8 power ➔Dodge quality ➔ Ram durability ➔ your satisfaction.
If only everything worked so well. Get more connected at dodge.com/ram/hemi
THE HEMI V8 HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE CHART: CONSIDER IT A MAP TO
THE WORLD OF PERFORMANCE. Put HEMI V8 power out there, and
you’ve got to take every scenario into consideration: from big farm
equipment on a triple-axle trailer to retirees in the Rockies with their
new travel trailer. The common bond? They rely on their HEMI V8.
Combine hemispherical combustion chambers, a dual-spark plug
ignition system, aluminum cylinder heads, and one of the most
sophisticated computer interfaces available and you’ve got
outstanding power with credibility that defines reliability. Just follow
the curves: the long, broad torque curve (it starts at engines speeds
just above idle; it’s there from a dead stop) telegraphs exceptional
towing and take off. Contrast that with the impressive horsepower
line; it’s steadily ascending, reflecting superb acceleration.
345* horsepower @ 5,650 rpm
375 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
*330 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm on 3500 models.