{"id":490,"date":"2026-06-15T20:37:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T00:37:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/2008-dodge-ram-2500-hd-pickup-5-9l-6-cyl-diesel-turbo-maintenance-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T20:37:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T00:37:24","slug":"2008-dodge-ram-2500-hd-pickup-5-9l-6-cyl-diesel-turbo-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/2008-dodge-ram-2500-hd-pickup-5-9l-6-cyl-diesel-turbo-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"2008 Dodge Ram 2500 HD 5.9L Diesel Oil & Filter Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"AMSOIL
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 HD Pickup with the 5.9L 6-Cylinder Diesel Turbo (Engine Code C), the oil capacity is 12 quarts with a filter change. The recommended viscosity for temperatures above -18\u00b0C is SAE 15W-40, though AMSOIL recommends using SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil for all temperatures to prevent severe engine damage in ambient temperatures below 0\u00b0F (-18\u00b0C).<\/p>\n

What oil does a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 HD 5.9L Diesel take?<\/h2>\n

The 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 HD with the 5.9L diesel engine requires an oil viscosity of SAE 15W-40 for temperatures above -18\u00b0C (0\u00b0F). However, for operation in all temperatures, SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil is recommended. Failure to use a 5W-40 synthetic oil in ambient temperatures below 0\u00b0F (-18\u00b0C) could result in severe engine damage.<\/p>\n

AMSOIL product recommendations<\/h2>\n

Based on the vehicle lookup, here are the recommended AMSOIL products for your 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.<\/p>\n

Engine Oil Recommendations<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nViscosity<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/td>\n5W-40<\/a><\/td>\nDEOQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL 5W-40 Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil<\/td>\n5W-40<\/a><\/td>\nADOQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Oil Filter Recommendations<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/td>\nEAO80-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WIX XP Oil Filter<\/td>\n57620XP-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WIX Oil Filter<\/td>\n57620-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Air Filter Recommendations<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
WIX Air Filter (2″ Pleat)<\/td>\n42846-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WIX Air Filter (4″ Pleat)<\/td>\n49946-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Specifications<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Specification<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Grade<\/td>\nSEO39 (AMSOIL lookup oil grade)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
API Standard<\/td>\nThe AMSOIL lookup note references API CJ\/CK-4.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cummins Standard<\/td>\nThe AMSOIL lookup note references Cummins CES 20081 standards may also be used.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ash Content<\/td>\nLow ash diesel engine oil is required.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Oil Capacity and Torque<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nSpecification<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Capacity<\/td>\n12 quarts (with filter)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Drain Plug Torque<\/td>\n37 ft\/lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle<\/h2>\n

When performing maintenance on the 5.9L Cummins diesel, always check the oil level after refilling. For this application, ensure you are using a low ash diesel engine oil as specified in the vehicle requirements. If operating in extreme cold (below 0\u00b0F), transitioning to a synthetic 5W-40 is critical for engine protection.<\/p>\n

Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help<\/h2>\n

Maintaining a heavy-duty diesel requires addressing specific operational stresses. The following table outlines common concerns and how the listed AMSOIL products can support your maintenance routine.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n
Concern<\/th>\nWhy it matters<\/th>\nAMSOIL product from this lookup<\/th>\nHow it may help<\/th>\nImportant limitation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Extreme Temperatures<\/td>\nCold starts or high heat can affect lubrication.<\/td>\nDEOQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\nExcels in extreme temperatures and maintains proper viscosity.<\/td>\nRequires correct application per temperature guidelines.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Wear<\/td>\nHeavy loads cause friction and component wear.<\/td>\nDEOQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\nDelivers up to 6X more wear protection.<\/td>\nDoes not prevent all mechanical wear.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contaminant Buildup<\/td>\nSoot and small particles can damage engine parts.<\/td>\nEAO80-EA<\/a><\/td>\nProvides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns.<\/td>\nFilter must be changed according to service intervals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle<\/h2>\n

Based on NHTSA consumer reports, owners of the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 have reported various issues. While these are owner reports and not verified defects, they highlight areas for regular inspection:<\/p>\n