The 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 can compete with Ford and the new one-ton trucks from General Motors, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 3500. It is one of the world's most capable pickup trucks. The Ram is available in a variety of configurations: regular, quad cab (crew cab) and mega cab (a jumbo crew cab). The regular cab comes with only a long cargo bed, while the quad cab has a choice of short or long beds. The mega cab rides on the same wheelbase as the quad cab long bed, but pairs an even bigger cabin with the short bed. The regular cab comes in ST and SLT trims; the quad cab in ST, SLT and Laramie trims; and the mega cab in SXT and Laramie. With the exception of quad cab short beds, all Ram 3500s have a dual rear-wheel axle. The SLT mega cab trim level is now known as the SXT. There is a 1,000-pound increase in the gross vehicle weight rating for trucks with the Cummins turbo diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The Dodge Ram 3500 is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and comes standard with a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine. It produces 345 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. For the V-8, a five-speed automatic transmission is optional and a six-speed manual standard. For the diesel, Dodge also includes an exhaust brake. This is an unusual feature for a from-the-factory pickup, and is designed to provide additional stability and braking power while towing heavy loads. The ride quality is also flexible and comfortable for a truck. The V-8 is a competent all-round engine. The steering is light and turning circle smaller than that of other heavy-duty pickup trucks.

Dodge Ram 3500 has an awesome front bench-seat configuration, with space to comfortably hold three occupants in a 40/20/40 seating arrangement. There's a center business console can for laptops or computers. Quad cab models have a folding rear seat. Leather upholstery and adjustable pedals are standard in the Laramie model. Dark maple burl wood grain for the instrument panel and door accents is now available on Laramie models. Regular-cab Rams can be equipped with a 6.3-foot cargo bed, ride a 120.5-inch wheelbase and stretch to 207.7 inches in length overall. With an 8-foot cargo bed, the Ram has a 140.5-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 229.7 inches. Quad cab pickups, with four conventional front-hinged doors, can also be equipped with the two bed sizes and are 20 inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length. The rear doors open 85 degrees to ease access. Hoods have a pronounced crown that falls toward the front fenders. Sunburst orange and detonator yellow are new exterior colors for 2008.

No crash tests have been performed on the Dodge Ram 3500, but earlier the lighter Ram 1500 rated all stars in head-on collision. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard, while side curtain air bags are optional. Optional on the SLT and standard on the Laramie are power-adjustable pedals.