2008 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL differential

mManual Transmission....................291
NShifting............................291
NDownshifting........................293
NReverse Shifting......................294
mFour±Wheel Drive Operation Ð If Equipped . . . 294
NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................294
NShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................297
NTransfer Case Reminder Light............298
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) Ð
If Equipped.........................299
NShifting Procedure Ð Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................303mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......306
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............307
mDriving Through Water..................307
NFlowing/Rising Water..................307
NShallow Standing Water.................308
mDriving Off-Road.......................309
mParking Brake.........................310
mBrake System..........................312
NBrake Noise.........................312
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........313
mPower Steering........................315
mTire Safety Information...................316
NTire Markings........................316
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

tightened to recommended torque. Tighten the nuts to
final torque in increments. Progress around the bolt
circle, tightening the nut opposite to the nut just previ-
ously tightened until final torque is achieved. Recom-
mended torques are shown in the following chart.
Disc
WheelsType Nut Stud Size Torque
Ft. Lbs.Torque
Newton
Meters
Cone 9/16-18 120-150 160-200
Flanged 9/16-18 130-160 190-220
To Stow The Flat Or Spare
Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the
wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and
position it properly across the wheel opening.
For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow
with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the
winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn into place
against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click three or
four times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the
tire several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
396 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For Model 9.25 Front Axles and 10.5º/11.5º Rear Axles
refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type. For normal service, periodic fluid
level checks are not required. When the vehicle is ser-
viced for other reasons, the exterior surfaces of the axle
assembly should be inspected.
When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in a
level position. The fluid level should be 1/4º   1/4º (6.4
mm   6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25º Front Axle.
The fluid level should be 3/4º   1/4º (19 mm   6.4 mm)
below the fill hole on all 10.5º and 1/4º   1/4º (6.4 mm
  6.4 mm) on 11.5º Rear Axles.
Drain And Refill
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended fron
and rear axle fluid change intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin vehicles equipped with
10.5º/11.5º AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case Ð If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 437
Inspection........................... 440
Points to Remember.................... 441
Pressure Cap......................... 439
Radiator Cap......................... 439
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........438,480
Temperature Gauge..................... 191
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 139
Cup Holder............................ 163
Customer Assistance..................... 497
Data Recorder, Event...................... 59
Daytime Running Lights................... 132
Dealer Service.......................... 410
Defroster, Rear Window.................87,173
Defroster, Windshield................77,251,253
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 136
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 283
Diesel Fuel............................ 348Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 348
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 306
Dipsticks.............................. 413
Power Steering........................ 431
Disc Brakes............................ 443
Disposal.............................. 418
Engine Oil........................... 418
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 440
Door Locks............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 146
Door Opener, Garage..................... 151
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 422
Drive Belts............................ 418
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 307
Dual Rear Wheels.....................337,394
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 241
INDEX 509
10

Fan .................................. 442
Filters
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV)......... 426
Engine Oil.....................413,416,480
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 133
Flat Tire Stowage.....................386,396
Fluid, Brake........................... 482
Fluid Capacities......................... 479
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 444
Manual Transmission.................446,447
Power Steering........................ 431
Transfer Case......................... 446
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 480
Fog Lights.......................132,193,469
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 174
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 384Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 400
Front Axle (Differential)................432,446
Fuel..............................348,349
Adding............................. 349
Diesel.........................348,349,480
Gauge.............................. 199
Light............................... 199
Requirements......................... 348
Specifications......................... 349
Tank Capacity........................ 479
Fuses................................ 459
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 151
Gauges............................... 189
Coolant Temperature.................... 191
Fuel................................ 199
Oil Pressure.......................... 191
Speedometer......................... 190
Tachometer.......................... 190
INDEX 511
10

Bulb Replacement...................465,466
Cap Top Clearance..................... 474
Cargo .............................. 133
Center Mounted Stop................... 473
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 194
Cruise.............................. 199
Daytime Running...................... 132
Dome.............................. 142
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 476
Fog ..........................132,193,469
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 298
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 384
Headlights........................... 131
High Beam........................134,190
High Beam Indicator.................... 190
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 134
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 189
Intensity Control....................... 130Interior............................. 129
Lights On Reminder.................... 132
Passing............................. 134
Reading............................. 142
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 190
Service...........................465,466
Side Marker.......................... 478
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 196
Transfer Case......................... 298
Transmission Warning................... 198
Turn Signal..................133,190,466,470
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 189
Limited-Slip Differential................306,446
Loading Vehicle......................... 352
Tires ............................... 320
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 26
Keys................................ 12
514 INDEX

Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 320
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 459
Door Locks........................... 27
Mirrors.............................. 86
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 160
Seats............................... 119
Sliding Rear Window.................34,173
Steering..........................315,431
Sunroof............................. 158
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 482
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Programmable Electronic Features............ 146
Radial Ply Tires......................... 327
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 439Radio Broadcast Signals................... 200
Radio, Navigation....................... 238
Radio Operation...................202,210,224
Radio Remote Controls.................... 246
Radio, Satellite.......................239,241
Radio (Sound Systems)..............202,210,224
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 446
Rear Seat, Folding....................121,123
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 451
Rear Window Features.................... 173
Rear Window, Sliding...................34,174
Reclining Front Seats..................... 117
Reclining Rear Seats...................... 121
Recorder, Event Data...................... 59
Recreational Towing...................... 375
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....376,378
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 377,380
Refrigerant............................ 431
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 46
INDEX 517
10