Dodge 2008 Ram Pickup 1500 - Manual (Page 292)

Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
2500 and 3500 models are equipped with the G56 manual
transmission. This transmission has a “creeper” 1st gear
which should be used to start from a standing position
when carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to
the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with
a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched
in 2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not
skip a gear.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Maximum Recommended Up-shift Speeds
En-
gine
Model L to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
5.7L
2500/
3500
15
mph
(24
km/h)
25
mph
(40
km/h)
40
mph
(64
km/h)
45
mph
(72
km/h)
50
mph
(81
km/h)
290 STARTING AND OPERATING