2008 DODGE RAM 3500 GAS maintenance schedule

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended En-
gine Air Cleaner Filter change intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
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7

The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. However, if the seals on the ball joints are
damaged, the joints should be replaced. Serviceable
replacement ball joints are available.
Front suspension ball joints should be replaced only by a
qualified service technician using tools specially de-
signed for this purpose. Damage to the joints and/or
suspension components may result if improper replace-
ment procedures are used.
If seals are damaged the ball joints should be replaced to
prevent leakage or contamination of the grease.
Steering Linkage Ð Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to preventleakage or contamination of the grease. Lubricate the
steering linkage regularly according to the ªMaintenance
Scheduleº in this manual.
Half-shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four-wheel drive 1500 models are equipped with four
constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boots should be
inspected for external leakage or damage, periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
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7

Front Prop Shaft Lubrication Ð 2500/3500 (4X4)
Models
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change listed in the appropriate Maintenance Schedule
for your vehicle. Use Moparttype MS-6560 (lithium-
based grease), or equivalent.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate, tailgate, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit. After lubricating, excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated. The external lock cylinders
should be lubricated twice a year, preferably in the Fall
and Spring. Apply a small amount of a high-quality
lubricant such as MopartLock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder.
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended coolant; for
correct coolant type, refer to ªEngine Coolantº under
ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this section.
466 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture's specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
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7

Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Clutch Linkage
If the clutch pedal linkage begins to squeak or grunt, the
clutch pedal pivot bushings should be lubricated. For the
correct lubricant type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Partsº in this Section.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For the correct Fluid type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Partsº in this Section. For normal service,
periodic fluid level checks are not required. When the
vehicle is serviced for other reasons the exterior surfaces
of the axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level.This inspection should be made with the vehicle in a level
position. The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole for the Manufacturer's C205F HD front
axles. The fluid level should be 5/8 in (16 mm) below the
fill hole on 9 1/4 in manufacturer's rear axles.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4º   1/4 in(6.4 mm   6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the
9.25 in front and 3/4 in   1/4 in (19 mm   6.4 mm) on
10.5 in rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be 1/4
in   1/4 in (6.4 mm   6.4 mm) below the fill hole.Drain and Refill
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
front and rear axle fluid change intervals.
Lubricant Selection
For the correct fluid type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Partsº in this Section.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 1500 Model vehicles re-
quire that 4 oz. (118 ml) Mopartlimited slip additive be
added to the gear lubricant. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. The Mopart
Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
2500/3500 Model AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
transfer case fluid change intervals.
Lubricant Selection
For the correct Fluid type, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Partsº in this Section.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475
7

Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection G238 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission Ð If Equipped)
This transmission is filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it is necessary to add or change fluid in this
transmission refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only lubricant
recommended for use in the Getrag 238 transmission.
Lubricant Selection G56 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission Ð If Equipped)
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
transmission fluid change intervals. If it is necessary to
add or change fluid in this transmission refer to ªFluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Partsº for correct fluid type. This
is the only lubricant recommended for use in the G56
transmission.
Fluid Level Check ± All Manual Transmissions
This fluid level can be checked by removing the fill plug.
If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4 in(6.4 mm)
below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on
level ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring
the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer 's recommended transmis-
sion fluid; refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Partsº in this section for correct fluid type. It is important
that the transmission fluid be maintained at the pre-
scribed level using the recommended fluid.
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE