Thinking on buying an 08 ram 3500

[GreggNoble]

hi, i`m gettin fed up with the 2001 transmission torque lock issues and i`m buying an 08. . what are the weak points off these trucks? what should i look for when shopping for an 2008 ? was there any improvments in 2009?thanks

 

[CBlack]

I upgraded from a 1997 3500 and have ZERO regrets.

Find a one owner, well maintained truck and have at it.

Not sure how emissions laws are where you are, but if you can, delete it as fast as possible and enjoy.

 

[crispyboy]

I am driving a truck built in June 09.

So far I have had no troubles. I did have the ecu reflash and left front tie rod changed out per the recalls.

Truck is stock and have no issues with regeneration or codes.

I could be wrong but I believe the 09 has the upgraded steering box of the 4th generation. I came to this conclusion because I purchased a steering box brace for the front and it was the same spec as the 4th generation (larger steering box shaft).

My only gripe with the truck is that is always wants to shift into a higher gear with the automatic transmission and this makes the truck feel like it's lugging all the time when driving empty. Tow haul mode feels about right. You really have to push the accelerator pedal down a lot and then the truck really moves out.

The truck pulls my trailer like a team of mules and the integrated brake controller very nice.

If I had the money I would move to a 4th generation just because I like the interior better than the 3rd generation.

 

[GreggNoble]

thanks guys, anyone know of any more upgrades from o8 to 2009 models?

are the steering boxes on the 08 troublesome?

what is meant by deleting the emissions? thanks

 

[CBlack]

Not sure on the first two but I have had no issues.

Deleting the emissions... EGR under the hood and the DPF system have caused more problems than they're worth and hinders fuel economy. Do a search... lots of info.

 

[Jim W]

Hi,

I have a 08 Meg Cab, built in Sept 07 bought in Nov 07, new. I have put about 5K in up grades into my truck to set it up correctly for towing. My opinion. The truck is mainly used to haul my 5er and haul items such as gravel and mulch for landscaping around the house.

So would I buy again,yes as I looked at all three diesel pick-up trucks on the market and the 08 Ram was the best one available in my opinion.

As what to look for on an 08 truck was a programmer installed, needed if the DPFD and EGR are deleted? The programmer leaves a signature in the ECM will be found with a dealer scan tool. Was the truck will maintain by the owner are receipts available? Were all of the recalls done to the truck? I would check out the Diesel Turbo Buying Guide that TDR offers us in reviewing trucks.

Jim W.

 

[KLauber]

The 08 is one tough truck. Engine is strong even when strangled by EGR and DPF. Take them off, (have to use a programmer like H&S or Smarty) and really enjoy the strength of the inline masterpiece!

 

[GreggNoble]

my brother has an 08 and he has trouble with the particulate filter,and the dealer said it was cause the truck wasn`t working hard enough,he dont tow with it? anyone have this problem?

 

[KYOUNG]

I have had two 6. 7 trucks and have had no DPF problems. I drive at least 35 miles everytime i get in , or tow heavy, so they stay cleaned out. .

 

[MSkajem]

I just posted a 2008 4x4 Mega cab for sale... I have never had problems with it at all and it handles great... I love it so much I am going to buy a 2012 Laramie 4x4 when my 2008 sells...

 

[Snowfan]

I just posted a 2008 4x4 Mega cab for sale... I have never had problems with it at all and it handles great... I love it so much I am going to buy a 2012 Laramie 4x4 when my 2008 sells...

Where did you post it? I'd like to check it out.

 

[Idahocountryboy]

I would like to get ahold of that buying guide

 

[Bill Stockard]

I would like to get ahold of that buying guide

Go to the TDR home page. The Buyer's Guides are listed on the left side of the page. Choose the one you want to look at and click on it.

Bill

 

[Shadrach]

I bought my 08 from a friend who was the original owner. To me that was worth a lot. I not only know the whole history but he did some upgrades for towing, torque convertor, deep pan and an H&S program. He also did a Smarty delete.

The tail gate changed in 09 so if you are looking for a canopy 03-08 won't fit. Alway use the exhaust brake ( use with caution on ice roads ) to keep it free and to prevent it from sticking. Don't idle it. Use it for towing or hauling. Don't treat it like a car.

David

 

[Mingoglia]

my brother has an 08 and he has trouble with the particulate filter,and the dealer said it was cause the truck wasn`t working hard enough,he dont tow with it? anyone have this problem?

That pretty much sums up the early trucks with DPF, before DEF was added. Problem with these were the DPF filter required the truck to run nice and hot in order to clean itself. It's almost ironic that those that "baby" their trucks the most, potentially have the most problems because they just don't generate enough heat. This is where the DEF came in. DEF acts like a catalyst and keeps the DPF clean(er), so the extended heat needed to clean the DPF isn't needed. Luckily many remove the DPF on the earlier (post DPF, pre DEF) trucks.