2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Review
Mega Cab, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Power Wagon.
2008 Ram 3500 Review Summary & Specifications
The Dodge Ram HD Mega Cab is designed to be the flagship of the heavy haulers. The Ram Quad Cab may be big, but the Mega Cab is bigger. It has the power and weight to tow heavy loads for long distances. And there is comfort for passengers in the process. For better ride and handling, the 2WD 1500 Mega Cab will be the choice. For best control handling heavy loads, the 3500 dually 2WD with Cummins would do the job. For heavy hauling, and accessing rough terrain when you get there, the 4x4 regular or Quad Cab 3500 single-rear wheel would be just the ticket.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent John Stewart filed this report from Manassas, Virginia. NCTD.com editor Mitch McCullough and correspondent G.R. Whale contributed to this report.
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| Vehicle Category | Pickups |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Dodge Ram Mega Cab 1500 SLT 2WD ($32,735); Laramie 4WD ($40,335); 2500 ST 2WD regular cab ($26,140); Laramie 4WD Mega Cab ($42,410); 2500 Power Wagon regular cab ($37,950); 3500 ST 2WD regular cab ($28,345); 3500 Laramie 4WD Mega Cab ($49,920) |
| Engines (standard) | 6.7-Liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 |
| Engines (optional) | 345-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8; 330-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8; 350-hp 6.7-liter ohv 24-valve I-6 Cummins turbo diesel |
| Transmissions (standard) | six-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front multi-stage airbags, three-point belts in all seating positions with constant-force retractors, LATCH child-seat anchors, child-protection rear door locks; four-wheel ABS |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; St. Louis, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-4A-DODGE |
| Manufacturer URL | www.dodge.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 26140 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Dodge Ram Mega Cab 3500 Laramie 4x4 ($49,920) |
| Standard Equipment | leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated front seats, security alarm, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Sentry Key engine immobilizer; overhead console with mini trip computer and compass, cruise control, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel ABS; part-time manual shift transfer case. |
| Destination Charge | 900 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | side curtain airbags ($490); 6-speed automatic transmission ($1,575); bucket seats ($490); entertainment/radio system ($1,500); limited-slip differential ($325); towing mirrors ($100); sunroof ($850); state surcharge ($535) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 56680 |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 350 @ 3000 |
| Torque | 650 @ 1500 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Wheelbase | 160.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 247.7/96.0/79.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 49.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.8/64.9/41.0 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.5/64.6/44.2 |
| Trunk Volume | |
| Payload | 2681 |
| Towing Capacity | 16,400 |
| Front Suspension | live axle, four-link plus track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, monotube shock absorbers |
| Rear Suspension | live axle, longitudinal leaf springs, monotube shock absorbers |
| Ground Clearance | 7.7 |
| Curb Weight | 7819 |
| Stock Tires | LT235/80R17E |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 35.0 |
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