2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB suspension

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
Ð IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver's door.
TIRE CHAINS
Use ªClass Uº chains on Ram Trucks, or other traction
aids that meet SAE Type ªUº specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe
the following precautions:
²
Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in
good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious
vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten
after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
²Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2
vehicles.
²Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on
method of installation, operating speed, and condi-
tions for usage. Always use the lower suggested oper-
ating speed of the chain manufacturer if different than
the speed recommended by the manufacturer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 333
5

Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

NCatalytic Converter (Gas Engines).........420
NIntervention Regeneration Strategy ± EVIC
Message Process Flow (Catalyst Full Message)
(Diesel Engines Only)..................422
NEmission-Related Components (Gas Engines) . . 425
NMaintenance Free Battery (Gas Engines).....425
NMaintenance Free Batteries (Diesel Engines) . . . 426
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............427
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............428
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............429
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............429
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication.............430
NFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And
Ball Joints...........................430NBody Lubrication.....................430
NWindshield Wiper Blades................431
NWindshield Washers...................431
NExhaust System......................432
NCooling System.......................433
NFan ...............................439
NCharge Air Cooler Ð Inter-Cooler
(Diesel Engines)......................439
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......440
NFuel System Connections................440
NBrake System........................440
NClutch Hydraulic System................443
NClutch Linkage.......................443
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. The ball joints and seals should be inspected
whenever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons.
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 prevent
leakage or contamination of the grease.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Inspect Exhaust System. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the transfer case fluid. 30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs on 5.7L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter and
change main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped), if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road or fre-
quent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 495
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INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION A MESSAGE FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION - DIESEL ENGINES ONLY HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE
MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING
WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming of the SystemTo Set the AlarmTo Disarm the
SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY - IF EQUIPPED To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsUsing the Panic AlarmGeneral InformationTransmitter Battery Service REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks - If EquippedPower Door Locks - If EquippedChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows - If Equipped Power Sliding Rear Window -If Equipped Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedWind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder Belts
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Restraint (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front
Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)-AirbagEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintNEW ENGINE BREAK-IN 5.7L Gas Engine6.7L Diesel EngineSAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersLock Your VehicleExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside
The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding FeatureElectronic Power Mirrors - If Equipped
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors - If EquippedTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) -IF EQUIPPED OperationsPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings
You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS 40-20-40 Front Seat Reclining SeatsAdjustable Head RestraintsManual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedPower Seats - If EquippedHeated Seats - If EquippedTO OPEN AND CLOSE
THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior Lights Battery SaverHeadlamp DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only and FleetVehicles)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedMultifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND
WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS - IF EQUIPPED AdjustmentELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary
The Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED US/M Button RESET Button Global ResetStep Button Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip
Odometer (ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T Button Automatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationRecalibrating The CompassOutside TemperatureOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - DIESEL ONLY
Dome/Reading LightsElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) - If Equipped Compass/Temperature ButtonELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER CUPHOLDERS Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40-20-40 Seats) - Automatic
TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats) - Automatic TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders - Manual Transmission Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab) - If EquippedSTORAGE Center Storage Compartment (40-20-40 Seat) - If Equipped Center
Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) - If Equipped Storage and Seats (Quad Cab Models)Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers REAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Side view Mirrors - If EquippedPower Sliding Rear Window - If Equipped
Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedFOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS 5.7L Gas Engines 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engines INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH
OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite
Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES)CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (CD MODE
for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE RAK - AM/FM/CASSETTE/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH
OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, VIDEO, MP3, and WMA CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions - Tape PlayerSeek ButtonFast Forward (FF)Rewind (RW)Tape EjectScan ButtonChanging Tape DirectionMetal Tape
SelectionPinch Roller ReleaseNoise ReductionOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button
(CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Play)SALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio (If Equipped)REC Setting the ClockAudio Clock DisplayVIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE XRV)
- IF EQUIPPED SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, RAQ, and RAK RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program
Type) Button - If EquippedPTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationTape PlayerCD PlayerCASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE COMPACT DISC
MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Heater Only - If Equipped Air Conditioning and Heating - If Equipped Air Conditioning with Dual Zone Temperature Control - If EquippedOperating TipsOperating Tips Chart STARTING
AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES - GAS ENGINES Manual Transmission - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission - If EquippedNormal StartingIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingSTARTING PROCEDURES - DIESEL ENGINES Manual Transmission - If Equipped
Automatic Transmission - If EquippedNormal Starting Procedure - Engine Manifold Air Temperature Above 66 degrees F (19 degrees C)Starting Procedure - Engine Manifold Air Temperature Below 66 degrees F (19 degrees C)Starting FluidsNORMAL OPERATION - DIESEL
ENGINE Cold Weather PrecautionsEngine Idling - In Cold WeatherStopping The EngineEngine Speed ControlOperating PrecautionsCooling System Tips -Automatic TransmissionENGINE BLOCK HEATER (GAS ENGINES)- IF EQUIPPED DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (5 Speed 545RFE) - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission(6 Speed AS68RC) - If EquippedMANUAL TRANSMISSION Manual Transmission - 6 Speed (G56)
Recommended Vehicle Shift SpeedsDownshifting - Gas EngineDownshifting - Diesel EngineFOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED Manually ShiftedTransfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer Case Transfer
Case Reminder LightElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch) - If Equipped Shifting Procedure- Electronically Shifted Transfer Case LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION - IF
EQUIPPED Stationary ModeMobile ModePower Take Off - Aftermarket InstallationDRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterDRIVING OFF-ROAD PARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Brake Noise
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresLimited Use Spare
- If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS Dual Rear Wheels ENGINE
RUNAWAY FUEL REQUIREMENTS Fuel Requirements (5.7L Gas Engines)Fuel Requirements (6.7L Diesel Engines)ADDING FUEL Adding Fuel (Gas Engines)Adding Fuel (Diesel Engines)VEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common Towing
DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedSNOWPLOW Before plowingSnowplow Prep Package Model AvailabilityOver the
Road Operation With Snowplow AttachedMethods For Removing Snow Operating TipsGeneral MaintenanceRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing - 2 Wheel Drive ModelsRecreational Towing - 4 Wheel Drive ModelsWHAT TO DO
IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING 3500 Models - If EquippedJACKING INSTRUCTIONS Tire Changing ProcedureHOISTING JUMP-STARTING With Portable Starting UnitFREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY
TOW HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE 4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles2-Wheel- Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 6.7LDIESEL ENGINE ENGINE COMPARTMENT- 5.7L GAS ENGINE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM (OBD II) Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageREPLACEMENT PARTS ENGINE DATA PLATE DEALER SERVICE SERVICE INFORMATION MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES EngineOilDrive Belts (Gas Engines)Drive Belt (Diesel Engines)Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas
Engines)Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Diesel Engines)Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (Diesel Engines) Engine Fuel Filter (Gas Engines)Spark Plugs (Gas Engines)Catalytic Converter (Gas Engines)Intervention Regeneration Strategy - EVIC Message Process Flow (Catalyst
Full Message) (Diesel Engines Only)Emission-Related Components (Gas Engines)Maintenance Free Battery (Gas Engines)Maintenance Free Batteries(Diesel Engines)Air Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsSteering Linkage
- InspectionFront Prop Shaft LubricationFront Axle Universal Drive Joints And Ball JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemFanCharge Air Cooler - Inter-Cooler (Diesel Engines)Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Fuel System ConnectionsBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemClutch LinkageRear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid LevelTransfer Case - If EquippedManual Transmission - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only)Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine
Only)Front and Rear Wheel BearingsNoise Control System Required Maintenance and WarrantyAppearance Care and Protection from CorrosionFUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsFog LightsCab Top Clearance Lights - If EquippedFLUID AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINEPARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - 6.7L TURBO DIESEL Oil Change Indicator SystemMaintenance ScheduleMAINTENANCE SCHEDULE - 5.7L GAS ENGINE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING
SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER
FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX