2008 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT 4WD Automatic

Model Highlights

Available in three-quarter-ton (designated 2500) and one-ton (3500) models, the heavy duty variants of the 2008 Dodge Ram are equipped for serious work-oriented towing and hauling needs. The 3500 models come with dual rear wheels for increase stability while carrying heavy loads. Each one comes with a fully boxed, hydroformed frame for superior load-bearing. The 2500 and 3500 come in single cab, Quad Cab, or Mega Cab styles, with short- and long-box variants. The Quad Cab's back doors open 85 degrees, with roll-down windows, and the optional 60/40-split folding rear seats allow for passengers or cargo. The Mega Cab model is geared toward rear-seat comfort, offering as much space in back as large SUVs would. The Mega Cab's rear seats recline, fold down, and slide forward for flexibility. A 5.7L V8 is standard on 2500 and 3500 models; it makes 330 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, and is mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. A 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel inline six-cylinder engine is optional across the line; it makes 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of low-rev torque--ideal for towing the heaviest loads--and is mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Heavy Duty trucks have a maximum towing capability of 16,850 pounds. The turbodiesel incorporates a number of technologies to improve fuel efficiency and emissions, including a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a variable-geometry turbocharger, self-cleaning particulate filter, and oxidation catalyst. The heavy duty trucks come either with rear-wheel drive or with two 4x4 transfer cases. ST models have a traditional manual shift transfer case, while other models have an electronically controlled one with shift-on-the-fly capability. Two-wheel-drive HD Rams have an independent, double-wishbone front suspension, while four-wheel-drive models get a rigid-beam front axle. In back there's a heavy-duty solid axle, along with a Hotchkiss design that includes leaf springs for stability during heavy-hauling. At the top of the line are two specialized off-road models. The Power Wagon gets off-road equipment including electric-locking front and rear differentials, an electonic-disconnecting sway bar, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch. The TRX4 Off-Road model instead adds skid plates, a limited-slip differential, off-road tires, red-painted shocks, tow hooks, fog lamps, and badging. Major non-work-specific options include side supplemental air bags, leather-trimmed bucket seats, a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system (Quad Cab), a power-sliding rear window, and the UConnect hands-free communication interface.