Image and vehicle data supplied by JATO Dynamics Ltd.
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Pickup
Media Center
What Changed for 2008:
The Dodge Ram pickup has been on the scene since 1981. In 1994 Dodge restyled the Ram with its current big-rig design. It underwent another major redesign in 2002 and has received continual upgrades since. The light-duty, half-ton Ram 1500 is currently available in 2-door regular cab, 4-door Quad Cab, and 4-door Mega Cab body styles. The Mega Cab adds 22 inches of cabin length and features rear seats that can recline up to 37 degrees. Two bed lengths are available: 75 inches and 96 inches. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 4WD are offered.
Model Lineup
Dodge Ram 1500 regular cabs come in three trim levels for the 2008 model year: ST, SXT and SLT. Quad Cab models offer an additional up-level trim called Laramie. Mega Cab models are offered with SLT or Laramie trim. ST models come standard with air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; vinyl upholstery and floor covering; 40/20/40 split front bench seat; 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack; theft-deterrent system; trailer wiring harness; and P245/70R17 tires on steel wheels. Quad Cab models add a folding rear bench seat. SXT models have cloth upholstery; remote keyless entry; cruise control; heated power mirrors; power windows and locks; carpeting; floor mats; and chromed steel wheels. SLT models get Sirius satellite radio; a trip computer; a manual sliding rear window for the regular cab; a power sliding rear window for the Quad Cab; and alloy wheels. The SLT Quad Cab short bed model also has P275/60R20 tires, while the SLT Mega Cab adds an adjustable and reclining split folding rear seat and LT265/70R17 tires on chromed steel wheels. Top-line Laramie models have dual-zone manual climate control; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; leather upholstery; heated front seats; 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat; power adjustable pedals; Dodge’s UConnect hands-free cell phone link; 7-speaker Infinity sound system; remote engine starting; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; and fog lights. Quad Cab Laramies also have electronic stability control; a 60/40 split folding rear seat; and P275/60R20 tires on chromed aluminum wheels. Options include a sunroof; DVD-based navigation system; front bucket seats; 6-disc CD changer; power running boards; rear DVD entertainment; a chrome package; and a towing package. Also offered is a TRX Off-Road package for ST models with a limited-slip differential; Sirius satellite radio; fog lights; skid plates; front tow hooks; and P265/70R17 on-/off-road tires.
Powertrain
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500s come with a choice of three engines. The base powerplant is a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that puts out 215 hp at 5200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. It is available for ST models with the regular cab or the Quad Cab and short bed. The next choice, the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine, is offered standard in other STs, as well as SLT regular cab and Quad Cab models. The 4.7-liter V-8 engine has been upgraded for 2008 from 235 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque to 310 hp at 5650 rpm and 330 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. It is a FlexFuel engine that can operate on regular unleaded fuel, an E85 ethanol blend, or a combination of the two. Finally, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine delivers 345 hp at 5400 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm. The Hemi has Dodge’s Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders under light engine loads to conserve fuel. The 3.7-liter engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 4-speed automatic transmission. The 4.7-liter engine gets the 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter engine comes only with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel economy numbers range from 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for the RWD model with the 3.7-liter engine and manual transmission to 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway for a RWD model with the 4.7-liter engine to 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway for a 4WD model with the 5.7-liter engine.
Dodge Ram 1500 4WD models offer a front-axle-disconnect system that reduces friction and improves fuel economy when operating in RWD, Dodge says. The 4WD system is a part-time system that should not be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
Safety
Included as standard on the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 are dual front air bags, rear anti-lock brakes (ABS), and a tire-pressure monitor. Four-wheel ABS are standard on SLT and Laramie models, and the Laramie Quad Cab gets electronic stability control that adds Dodge’s Trailer Sway Control for 2008. The 4-wheel ABS and electronic stability control are optional otherwise, and head-protecting curtain side air bags are optional for all models.
Technology
Dodge’s Trailer Sway Control monitors the vehicle’s intended path and uses a yaw sensor to detect sway, the company explains. It reduces engine torque and works with the anti-lock brake system to apply brakes to individual wheels to keep the vehicle on its intended path when towing.
- 4.7-liter V-8 engine produces up to 310 hp
- Trailer Sway Control added to available electronic stability control
- Tire-pressure monitor newly available
- Steering linkage in 4-wheel-drive (4WD) models modified
The Dodge Ram pickup has been on the scene since 1981. In 1994 Dodge restyled the Ram with its current big-rig design. It underwent another major redesign in 2002 and has received continual upgrades since. The light-duty, half-ton Ram 1500 is currently available in 2-door regular cab, 4-door Quad Cab, and 4-door Mega Cab body styles. The Mega Cab adds 22 inches of cabin length and features rear seats that can recline up to 37 degrees. Two bed lengths are available: 75 inches and 96 inches. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 4WD are offered.
Model Lineup
Dodge Ram 1500 regular cabs come in three trim levels for the 2008 model year: ST, SXT and SLT. Quad Cab models offer an additional up-level trim called Laramie. Mega Cab models are offered with SLT or Laramie trim. ST models come standard with air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; vinyl upholstery and floor covering; 40/20/40 split front bench seat; 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack; theft-deterrent system; trailer wiring harness; and P245/70R17 tires on steel wheels. Quad Cab models add a folding rear bench seat. SXT models have cloth upholstery; remote keyless entry; cruise control; heated power mirrors; power windows and locks; carpeting; floor mats; and chromed steel wheels. SLT models get Sirius satellite radio; a trip computer; a manual sliding rear window for the regular cab; a power sliding rear window for the Quad Cab; and alloy wheels. The SLT Quad Cab short bed model also has P275/60R20 tires, while the SLT Mega Cab adds an adjustable and reclining split folding rear seat and LT265/70R17 tires on chromed steel wheels. Top-line Laramie models have dual-zone manual climate control; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; leather upholstery; heated front seats; 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat; power adjustable pedals; Dodge’s UConnect hands-free cell phone link; 7-speaker Infinity sound system; remote engine starting; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; and fog lights. Quad Cab Laramies also have electronic stability control; a 60/40 split folding rear seat; and P275/60R20 tires on chromed aluminum wheels. Options include a sunroof; DVD-based navigation system; front bucket seats; 6-disc CD changer; power running boards; rear DVD entertainment; a chrome package; and a towing package. Also offered is a TRX Off-Road package for ST models with a limited-slip differential; Sirius satellite radio; fog lights; skid plates; front tow hooks; and P265/70R17 on-/off-road tires.
Powertrain
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500s come with a choice of three engines. The base powerplant is a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that puts out 215 hp at 5200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. It is available for ST models with the regular cab or the Quad Cab and short bed. The next choice, the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine, is offered standard in other STs, as well as SLT regular cab and Quad Cab models. The 4.7-liter V-8 engine has been upgraded for 2008 from 235 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque to 310 hp at 5650 rpm and 330 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. It is a FlexFuel engine that can operate on regular unleaded fuel, an E85 ethanol blend, or a combination of the two. Finally, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine delivers 345 hp at 5400 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm. The Hemi has Dodge’s Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders under light engine loads to conserve fuel. The 3.7-liter engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 4-speed automatic transmission. The 4.7-liter engine gets the 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter engine comes only with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel economy numbers range from 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for the RWD model with the 3.7-liter engine and manual transmission to 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway for a RWD model with the 4.7-liter engine to 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway for a 4WD model with the 5.7-liter engine.
Dodge Ram 1500 4WD models offer a front-axle-disconnect system that reduces friction and improves fuel economy when operating in RWD, Dodge says. The 4WD system is a part-time system that should not be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
Safety
Included as standard on the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 are dual front air bags, rear anti-lock brakes (ABS), and a tire-pressure monitor. Four-wheel ABS are standard on SLT and Laramie models, and the Laramie Quad Cab gets electronic stability control that adds Dodge’s Trailer Sway Control for 2008. The 4-wheel ABS and electronic stability control are optional otherwise, and head-protecting curtain side air bags are optional for all models.
Technology
Dodge’s Trailer Sway Control monitors the vehicle’s intended path and uses a yaw sensor to detect sway, the company explains. It reduces engine torque and works with the anti-lock brake system to apply brakes to individual wheels to keep the vehicle on its intended path when towing.