2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB differential

NOperating Precautions..................268
NCooling System Tips Ð Automatic
Transmission........................268
mEngine Block Heater (Gas Engines)Ð
If Equipped...........................270
mDiesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) ±
If Equipped...........................270
mAutomatic Transmission..................273
NAutomatic Transmission With Overdrive
(5 Speed 545RFE) Ð If Equipped..........273
NAutomatic Transmission (6 Speed AS68RC) Ð
If Equipped.........................279
mManual Transmission....................285
NManual Transmission Ð 6 Speed (G56)......286
NRecommended Vehicle Shift Speeds........287NDownshifting ± Gas Engine..............288
NDownshifting ± Diesel Engine............288
mFour-Wheel-Drive Operation Ð If Equipped....289
NManually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................289
NShifting Procedure Ð Manually Shifted
Transfer Case........................292
NTransfer Case Reminder Light............293
NElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) Ð
If Equipped.........................294
NShifting Procedure Ð Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................298
mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.......301
mPower Take Off Operation ± If Equipped......302
248 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
5

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 (If Equipped)
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (If Equipped).
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389
6

Drain And Refill
On 3500 vehicles the differential cover must be removed
to drain the axle fluid.
On 4500/5500 vehicles remove the lower bolt to drain the
axle fluid.Follow the appropriate Maintenance Schedule for recom-
mended front 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 Differentials DO NOT REQUIREany
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evi-
dent while turning a vehicle with limited slip differential
on concrete or dry pavement. These conditions should be
considered normal operation of the limited slip differen-
tial.
1 Ð 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 Ð 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug 444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Radiator Cap......................... 436
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........435,476
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 132
Cup Holder............................ 154
Customer Assistance..................... 500
Data Recorder, Event...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights................... 125
Dealer Service.......................... 403
Defroster, Rear Window.................85,161
Defroster, Windshield................75,235,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 128
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 270
Diesel Fuel............................ 341
Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 341
Bulk Storage of........................ 346
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 301
Dipsticks.............................. 406Power Steering........................ 428
Disc Brakes............................ 440
Disposal.............................. 412
Engine Oil........................... 412
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 437
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 146
Downshifting.......................... 288
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 417
Drive Belts............................ 413
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 305
Dual Rear Wheels.....................336,386
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost.............85,161
Electrical Power Outlets................... 151
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 132
INDEX 513
10

Fabric Care............................ 459
Fan .................................. 439
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 413
Engine Fuel.....................417,420,476
Engine Oil.....................406,410,476
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 126
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 389
Flooded Engine Starting................... 253
Fluid, Brake........................... 478
Fluid Capacities......................... 474
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 442
Manual Transmission................... 445
Power Steering........................ 428
Transfer Case......................... 445
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 476
Fog Lights.......................125,179,472Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 163
Four Wheel Drive....................... 289
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 378
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 393
Front Axle (Differential)................430,443
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 451
Fuel............................337,341,345
Adding..........................343,345
Diesel.........................341,345,476
Filter.........................417,420,476
Gauge.............................. 183
Hoses.............................. 440
Light............................... 183
Octane Rating........................ 337
Requirements......................337,341
Specifications......................... 342
System Hoses......................... 440
Tank Capacity........................ 474
Fuses................................ 462
INDEX 515
10

Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 126
Lap Belts.............................. 44
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 63
Life of Tires............................ 331
Lights..............................76,122
Airbag............................56,175
Anti-Lock Warning..................181,312
Brake Warning........................ 180
Bulb Replacement...................... 468
Cap Top Clearance..................... 473
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 179
Cruise.............................. 183
Daytime Running...................... 125
Dome.............................. 142
Fog ..........................125,179,472
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 293
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378Headlights........................... 124
High Beam........................127,175
High Beam Indicator.................... 175
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 127
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 174
Intensity Control....................... 123
Interior............................. 122
Lights On Reminder.................... 125
Passing............................. 127
Reading............................. 142
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 175
Service.............................. 468
Transfer Case......................... 293
Transmission Warning................... 182
Turn Signal.....................126,175,468
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 174
Limited-Slip Differential................301,444
Loading Vehicle......................... 347
518 INDEX

Phone, Cellular.......................... 87
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............. 87
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 318
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 425
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 462
Door Locks........................... 28
Mirrors.............................. 84
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 151
Seats............................... 117
Sliding Rear Window.................34,162
Steering..........................312,428
Take-Off Adapter...................... 302
Take-Off Operation..................... 302
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 478
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45Programmable Electronic Features............ 146
PTO (Power Take-Off).................... 302
Radial Ply Tires......................... 328
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 436
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 184
Radio, Navigation....................... 222
Radio Operation...................186,194,208
Radio Remote Controls.................... 230
Radio, Satellite.......................222,226
Radio (Sound Systems)..............186,194,208
Rear Axle (Differential).................443,444
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 451
Rear Window Features.................... 161
Rear Window, Sliding...................34,162
Reclining Front Seats..................... 115
Recorder, Event Data...................... 57
Recreational Towing...................... 369
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....370,372
INDEX 521
10