2008 DODGE RAM 3500 GAS tailgate

mCupholders...........................169
NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders
(40±20±40 Seats) Ð Automatic Transmission . . 169
NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats)
Ð Automatic Transmission..............171
NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders Ð
Manual Transmission..................171
NRear Cupholder (Quad Cabt)Ð
If Equipped.........................172
NRear Cupholder (Mega Cabt).............172
mStorage..............................173
NCenter Storage Compartment (40±20±40 Seat) ±
If Equipped.........................173
NCenter Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) ±
If Equipped.........................174NStorage And Seats (Quad CabtModels).....176
NStorage And Seats (Mega Cab Models)......177
NPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers
(Mega Cab Models)....................178
mFold Flat Load Floor Ð If Equipped.........179
mRear Window Features...................182
NElectric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors Ð If Equipped..........182
NPower Sliding Rear Window Ð If Equipped . . 182
NSliding Rear Window Ð If Equipped.......183
mPickup Box...........................183
mSlide-In Campers.......................185
NCamper Applications...................185
mEasy-Off Tailgate.......................185
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85
3

There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side
bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel
housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side
to side to create separate load compartments in the
pickup box.
There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of
the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs (450
kg) total.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the ªConsumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ingº document available from your authorized dealer.
For safety reasons, follow all instructions in this impor-
tant document.NOTE:When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate CHMSL (Center High-Mounted Stop
Light) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. If the truck is a 3500
dual rear wheel model, unplug the tailgate wire harness
from under the rear of the truck and pull the harness out
of the cargo box access hole. Unlatch the tailgate and
remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang
from the pivot, then rotate and pull away from the box.
Once the cables are free, move to the right side of the
tailgate hinge bracket.
Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side
pivot clears the hanger bracket. Slide the entire tailgate to
the right to free the left side pivot. Remove the tailgate
from the vehicle, entirely. Do not carry the tailgate loose
in the truck pickup box.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185
3

NOTE:Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly
spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is operated
without a tailgate, suitable lights must be installed.
Tailgate Open
Tailgate Support Strap Attachment
186 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the bumper and into the winch
mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench handle coun-
terclockwise until the spare tire is on the ground with
enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under
the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the
end of the cable and pull it through the center of the
wheel.
It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
NOTE:The winch mechanism is designed for use with
the jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.
422 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NNoise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty For 3500 2-Wheel Drive And 4-Wheel
Drive Models Over 10,000 Lbs. (4 535 Kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..............480
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................484
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........489
mVehicle Storage........................493
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................494
mBulb Replacement......................495
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights.............................495
NFog Lights..........................498
NTail, Stop, Turn And Backup Lights.........499NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight (CHMSL)
With Cargo Light.....................502
NCab Top Clearance Lights Ð If Equipped....503
NTailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) Ð
If Equipped.........................505
NRear Light Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheel) Ð
If Equipped.........................506
NSide Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels)......507
mFluids And Capacities...................508
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........510
NEngine.............................510
NChassis............................511
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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

LIGHT BULBS Ð Exterior Bulb No.
Tail & Stop............................3057
Cab Clearance Lights...................... 168
Dual Rear Wheel Sidemarker Light............ 168
Dual Rear Wheel Tailgate ID Lights (3)......... 168
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn Lights
CAUTION!
This is a halogen bulb. Avoid touching the glass with
your fingers. Reduced bulb life will result.1. Open the hood
2. Remove the two bolts from the front of the headlight
housing.
Front Headlight Housing Bolts
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 495
7

Tailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) Ð If
Equipped
1. Remove the two screws and housing and access the
bulb sockets from the rear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 505
7