2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB weight

Before plowing
²
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
²Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
²Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
ground in snow plowing position.
²Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.dodge.com or refer to the current Dodge Body
Builders Guide.1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
4. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver's side door
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting pas-
sengers.
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
of the plow. Front end tow-in should be checked and
reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire
wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over the Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surfaceconditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
Methods For Removing Snow
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
5

Engine Oil Selection (Gas Engines)
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacture only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
For trucks with a 5.7L engine operating under a gross
combined weight rating of 14,000 lbs or greater, SAE
5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. For all other trucks with a 5.7L engine,
operating under a gross weight rating less than 14,000
lbs SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures. These engine oils improve low
temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your
engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The fluid and filter(s) should be changed as specified in
the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted (if equipped).
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be avoided,
since they may adversely affect seals.
Front and Rear Wheel Bearings
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all Dodge Ram Trucks are
sealed-for-life. They do not require greasing or seal
replacement. In some instances, these bearings willªpurgeº excess grease and the bearing will look slightly
wet. This is normal. Periodic inspection for excess play is
recommended.
Rear Wheel Bearings Ð Manufacturer's Axles
These bearings are normally considered permanently
lubricated. Cleaning and repacking is required only
when axle shafts are removed or in case of extreme water
or dust contamination.
Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty
For 3500/4500/5500 Two-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel
Drive models over 10,000 lbs. (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7

All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and manufactured for sale and use in the
United States are required to comply with the Federal
Government's Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehicles
can be identified by the Noise Emission Control Label
located in the operator's compartment.Required Maintenance For Noise Control Systems
The following maintenance services must be performed
every 6 months or 6,000 miles (9 600 km) whichever
comes first, to assure proper operation of the noise
control systems. In addition, inspection and service
should be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
or suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire vehicle
will help the effectiveness of the noise control systems.
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and damaged
parts. Devices such as hangers, clamps, and U-bolts
should be tight and in good condition. Damaged compo-
nents, burned or blown out mufflers, burned or rusted
out exhaust pipes should be replaced according to the
procedures and specifications outlined in the appropriate
service manual.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

U.S. Metric
Engine Oil (with filter)
6.7L HO Turbo Diesel
Engine (SAE 15W-40, API
CJ-4 Certified, that meets
CES 20081 Standards.)12 qts. 11.4L
5.7L Gas Engine V-8 (SAE
5W-30, API Certified).
For trucks operating un-
der a gross combined
weight ratinggreater
than 14,000 lbs.7.0 qts. 6.6L
5.7L Gas Engine V-8 (SAE
5W-20, API Certified).
For trucks operating un-
der a gross combined
weight ratinglessthan
14,000 lbs.7.0 qts. 6.6LU.S. Metric
Cooling System
6.7L Diesel Engine I-6 22.6 qts. 21.4L
5.7L Gas Engine (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent18.7 qts. 17.7L
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475
7

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
6.7L HO Turbo Diesel Engine Oil Use (SAE 15W-40, API CJ-4 Certified, that meets CES 20081 Standards.)
5.7L Gas Engine Oil (For trucks operating
under a gross combined weight ratingless
than 14,000 lbs.)
Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Gas Engine Oil (For trucks operating
under a gross combined weight rating
greater
than 14,000 lbs.)
Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter (5.7L Gas Engine
)MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Engine Oil Filter (6.7L Diesel Engine
)MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 05083285AA or equivalent.
Engine Fuel Filter (6.7L Diesel Engine
)MopartFuel Filter, P/N 05183410AA or equivalent. Must meet 7 micron
rating.Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufacturers filtration
and water separating requirements can severely impact fuel system life
and reliability.
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............344,402
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 337
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 338
Gauges............................... 174
Coolant Temperature.................... 176
Fuel................................ 183
Oil Pressure.......................... 176
Speedometer......................... 175
Tachometer.......................... 175
Voltmeter.........................174,262
Gear Ranges......................274,279,287
General Information....................18,113
Glass Cleaning.......................... 461
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 161
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 352
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 351
Guide, Body Builders...................... 7
GVWR............................... 348Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 87
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 305
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 378
Head Restraints......................... 116
Headlights............................ 468
Cleaning............................ 460
High Beam........................... 127
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 127
Lights On Reminder.................... 125
Passing............................. 127
Switch.............................. 124
Heated Mirrors.......................85,161
Heated Seats........................... 119
Heater............................... 237
Heater, Engine Block..................... 270
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 127
516 INDEX