Dodge Ram Accessories and Modifications

tfuder

I have a '94 with the 5.9. When I bought it, it needed a new exhaust system and cat, and when I heard another truck that'd just had a Flowmaster muffler on it, I was in love. Mine was a One in, Two out, to dual exhausts coming straight out the back. They even left me enough room for my receiver hitch. It sounds AWESOME. Nice sexy growl. It's definately not silent. I love it.

 

Todd

buck3

I have a Dodge 2002 Quad cab. I'm trying to take out the old radio. How do you take off the cover that is aroung the radio and a/c controls?

tfuder

If it's a 1500 (new body style), it's super simple - there's a screw just above the "grocery store bag" hanger on the dash (right next to the cup holders). Unscrew that screw and set it aside. Then open the cupholder and ashtray foldouts. Then CAREFULLY just begin pulling the face away from the dash. It's held on everywhere else except that screw by body clips, and will pop off. Once off, the radio has 4 screws and is really easy to get to. To replace, hook the body trim in it's spot next to the steering wheel and press it back into place (a good whack with the palm of your hand will get it in good everywhere). Then just return that one screw you took out.

Todd

mettech

I hope that Dodge puts a break controler in the new 2006 Ram. Ford has one that works with the ABS. I've heard nothing but good about them..

buck3

Will a 2003 Dodge am/fm cd player work on a 2002 Dodge truck?

mrbill

I wil be calling the dealer later this week, but thought I'd ask here.. does anyone with the GPS Navagation Stereo know how to check on/order updated NAV CDs (if available)?
I'll admit I thought it was just a "toy" that came with the Laramie package, but after several trips with the wife, I have fount it is very handy and quite accurate (compared to previous ritual of printing Mapquest directions).
Thanks, ahasher

mettech

Does anyone have any info on the Superchip programer?

tfuder

It will if the 2002 is a 1500. The 2500 and 3500's in 2002 were the "old" (1994-2002) body style. In 2003, they caught up to the 1500 with the "new" body style.

There is one caveat: In early 2002, some of the radios and sets, while physically the same as the newer, rounded faces of the later 2002 and 2003 radios, still had the older "Black plug and Gray plug" setup on the back, not the newer bus (14 pin, I think) plug that later 2002- models have.

Todd

dodgeman007

Hello

I'm just lookin' for some info on the gear ratio in the axles. My gears are 3.55, and i was thinkin' of changeing them over to a 3.73 or a 4.11. Would it be a bad idea to do this or would it be any better?

Thanks
Joe

loncray

It depends - what are you doing with your truck? Are you looking for better towing, mileage, what?

tjs1

I bought a new 2004 Ram 1500 , 4.7 , auto. last July. After about two months I noticed the muffler and tailpipe quite rusted. Since then I've made it a point to inspect other Ram trucks and I've noticed the same thing. I thought they made them from the factory with aluminized or galvaized steel. How about you Ram owners. Take a look at your exhaust and let me know if yours are rusted. Is this a warranty item. Looks like crap.

tfuder

I used to have a '94 1500 Standard Cab 5.9L 360 2WD Ram. I love the truck, but it got about 12.5 MPG in town, and 16.5 on the road (not bad for that year and motor, but still expensive at the pump).

I bought an '02 Quad Cab 1500 5.9L 360 4x4 Ram from my brother, who said he was regularly getting 12 in town and 15.5 on the road. After driving it for a while, my calculations were a little higher (13 and 16). Well, no more!

After about 100 miles, I installed the standard-replacement air filter for it from K&N (about $50). I'd done this on my wife's Pacifica to great success, and expected no less from this one, but I was pleasantly surprised.

With no other changes, I ran the calculations now, after having the K&N in it for a while: 13.7 in town (no surprise), but a whopping 19.5 mpg on the highway!

I expected the newer truck to get slightly better gas mileage from newer electronics and better aerodynamics, but a little offset by the fact it's a 4x4, instead of rear wheel drive. I wasn't disappointed in that regards, but the addition of the air filter was an impressive and with gas here now at over $2 per gallon, worthwhile investment!

I didn't change anything else, and if I wasn't already a convert, I certainly would be, now!

Todd

cowboycadi

I have a 2500 5.7 qc,
if I swap the final drive will i get better mileage?

qflyer

Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a 2005 1500 quad cab. I own a 6500# boat that I tow no more than 2 times a year and usually less than 100 miles per trip. My question is can I get away with buying the 4.7 2wd with tow package and still expect to pull the boat out at a ramp with about a 25 degree slope?

If that won't do it, would a step up to 4wd do it, or would I need the 5.7?

Thanks
Scott

loncray

As I understand it, a higher axle ratio (lower number) will give you better mileage while empty than a lower axle ratio (higher number). So, switching from 3.6 gears to 4.3 gears (or whatever the exact numbers are) should NOT give you better mileage, though they may be more efficient for towing.

dustyk

The 287 motor (4.7) has excellent low-end torque and I have absolutely no doubt that it can haul a 6500 pound boat up a 25 degree ramp, especially with the high numerical axle ratio of the towing package. You'll probably have more problem with traction on wet ramps. I would suggest the limited slip axle.

The hemi will more than do the job, of course, but keep in mind that you'll be feeding all those ponies all the time and miles you won't be towing. With the very small amount of time you'll be dragging the boat, the 4.7 makes more sense, in my opinion.

Good luck,
Dusty

gsxrider137

i have a 2001 3500 diesel 2wd dually extended cab. i pull a 20ft trailer with only three or four motorcycles in it. the truck already has 3:55 gears and pulls it like a dream. does anyone offer lower gears so i might try to ger better gas mileage? like 3:23 or the like?

chris from ct

oz_bloke

If I'm towing a trailer - about 6,000 lbs - with a 3500 HO Cummins manual 4x4, would 3.55 gears do the job or would I have problems when 4x4'ing?

dustyk

It depends on what level performance you expect. Lower numerical final drive ratios will not produce the torque of higher gears. However, if you don't tow a lot and your 4x4'ing doesn't require much aggression, then maybe the 3.55 gears will be fine for you.

Maybe somebody in here with far more practical Cummins experience can give you a better opinion.

Regards,
Dusty

oz_bloke

Thanks Dusty.
I do a bit of 4x4 - not too agressive though - more travellin' like. Am I correct is assuming that if I'm running 17" tires and towing a fair bit (mainly fairly flat highway) I should think about 3.93 or even 4.10 and my fuel consumption won't change a whole lot?

mrbill

Has anyone installed either a hard shell or soft tonneau on their Ram 1500 short bed (mine is a 2004 QC) and noticed the bed (siderail edge to siderail edge) is wider at the cab by approx 3.5 inches?? My checks last evening were approx 65.5 inches at the cab and approx 62 at the tailgate. I am wanting to install an extang soft tonneau (ExtangRT) and trying to resolve how this might or might not be a problem.. Thanks, ahasher

IMHO, I measured correctly, but I am open to suggestions. It was after a long day and the wife had her honey-do list waiting for me..

loncray

Yes, I do believe the new Ram beds are not rectangular anymore. You may need to get a tonneau that's built just for it rather than one for an older bed.

iowabigguy

I have a Mopar Hartz Cloth tonneau I purchased used off of Ebay. It looks and works fine. It is tapered to the bed dimensions and it looks like a normal tonneau. Rick

mrbill

Thanks for the replies, I called Extang and they agreed it was sized for the Ram bed, 02-05 years so I ordered it.. Due in Thurs, install this weekend.. I'll be sure then..
So why have an odd shaped bed in the first place?
Ahasher

aubry

I'm not Joe, but my inquiry is similar.

I have a 94 Dodge 1 ton dually diesel. I do travel nursing and tow a 32 ft 5th about 5-10K miles a year. The rest of the time I use it for commuting to work.

I would like to increase my weight class as I am planning on getting a larger 5th wheel. I believe I am currently rated at 10,500 lbs. I understand it would be rated higher with a 4:10 rearend (14,500?). Would I also need to increase my suspension and is there such after market products?

I am also considering a banks exhaust and fuel system.

Considering the price of a new truck, I am willing to put a few thousand $'s into this one if it would make a serious difference.

Are there other options that I am not aware of and what would be my least expensive choices.

Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks,
Aubry

br_brian

My experience was exactly the opposite- I installed a K&N filter in my new Ram 1500 (4.7) and my mileage actually worsened by a little over 1 mpg. I switched back to the original filter and picked up that extra mile per gallon!

mopardavid

I have a 2004 ram 1500 quad cab Hemi that has factory 17" steel wheels. i see a lot of 20" factory chrome wheels on ebay. Is there anything special i need to do to swap to these wheels? One website of a seller states: 3.92 gears, sure grip, and 30mm shocks were required? Can't I just put these on? what effect will it have on final gear ratio, speedo reading, gas mileage, etc?

mopardavid

Please see post # 137 I am high bidder on a set of wheels and want to be sure before I am obligated to buy!

nova74

I am thinking about getting a few more horses from my truck. I have heard that a cold air intake and throttle body spacer will greatly increase power and fuel economy. However, how will these upgrade effect the warranty and is it a good idea, especially about the throttle body spacer? Is there anything else i can do to make a little more H.P.
Thanks, Russ

iowabigguy

If your factory tires were the 26570R17 tires then you have to do nothing but mount the 20" tires. I run 17" rims in the winter and 20" in the summer. The tires are the same diameter so there is no speedometer error. I don't see where the 3.92 gears are really a requirement over the 3.55 ones with the Hemi. The wheels are maybe 15-20 lbs heavier than the 17s so a set of Edelbrock IAS shocks or a similar brand/type may be required to keep the bounce down to a reasonable level. Rick

luceam

I am getting so frustrated! Can anyone out there help - Please!
I desperatly want to add a flip down DVD player/monitor in my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. I just can't afford the $1700 + the dealer wants. A simple search on any electronics store gives you a million options with terrific prices. However, due to the shape of the ceiling, none of them will work. They all need a flat surface which the truck doesn't have. Does anyone know where I can find a DVD that will fit for under $500? Or, does anyone know if there is a mounting bracket or kit that can be installed that will allow you to add a cheaper DVD player? I would rather not put one in the headrest if i dont have to. But, I am keeping that open as an option. I also dont want to hang a bag DVD on the back of the seat. I am looking for a permanent solution. Thank You for any help.

blink3

I am looking at either a Ram 1500 or a Titan first of all. I put roughly 50,000 miles on a vehicle per year so I am on the interstates most of the time. I would have to put a tonneau on either and use the bed as a large trunk not carrying anything real heavy. I am attracted to these vehicle because of their styling and their "get up and go". Down side it the fuel mileage. Running that many miles a year, fuel is one of my largest expenses. If I go Dodge, the 4.7 only gets one mile per gallon better (I think) so I should go ahead and get the hemi is my conclusion. Anyone out there getting close to 20mpg on these? I was thinking of a cold air intake and tonneau I should get close to 20?

iowabigguy

Plan on 17.5 mpg, no way you are going to get 20 if you drive over 55MPH. I have a tonneau and drive easy (most of the time), I have seen 20 on the overhead display once when I first filled up and got stuck behind an older driver on a 2 lane road doing 40 MPH for 25 miles. Rick

mrbill

Anyone with the Laramie trim or the Infinity stereo see this refrence in Edmunds review?? I know of seven - 3 dash, 4 doors.
"... The luxurious Laramie adds the following: leather seating, power driver (and passenger on Quad Cab) seat, Homelink transmitter system, a 240-watt 11-speaker sound system (with a CD changer and steering wheel-mounted controls..."

A review typo or where are the other 4?? I have the premium Infinity stereo (CD NAV) and cant find them, although I'm quite happy with the sound performace..
ahasher

loncray

MrBill, do you have the Quad Cab or the 2-door? I'll go look at my Laramie (Quad Cab) at lunch and see if I've got 11 speakers - and where they all are!

mrbill

Ioncray, I have the QC with Laramie config. My stereo is the CD NAVIGATION premium setup with the Infinity logo on the door. I dont know how the NAV vs standard stereo might make a difference, so I really think its a typo, even the 4adodge site says 7 speakers. I was just curious.
Thanks for checking..

npaine

I have the 17" sport wheels and want to go to 20's - I can find Dodge OEM 20's on ebay in either chrome or polished and can't tell the difference - is there a big difference? Is the "stick on" chrome I keep reading about a problem?

I read a review that the ride is a little rough with the 20's (Edmunds) so perhpas I am better buying a 3rd party set from my local tire/wheels dealer. It is at least $1K more so it needs to be really worth it.

Any help would be great!

iowabigguy

My truck came with the "Chrome" 20" wheels. I purchased a set if 17" Dodge rims with Wrangler GSAs for winter use. (Mine is a 2 wheel drive). I found the 17" setup to ride smoother and handle the bumps with less jarring impact being transferred to the steering wheel. This year I found the ride to be even less comfortable to me after I put the 20"s back on for the Summer.

I replaced the factory shocks (22,500 miles) with a set of 4 Edelbrock IAS shocks. It is a night/day difference. The ride with the 20"s now is more supple over rough pavement and the handling has also measurably improved according to my butt-meter.

I have mixed feelings on the chrome/polished deal. The polished wheels here in the Mid-West appear to get stained or discolored under the clear plastic coating without constant attention. On the other hand the chrome wheels always look bright and shiny to me even when they are dirty. I don't spend as much time keeping it clean as I did when I was young and single. It gets a good wash every month or two with soapy water and the rest of the time I just hose off the big chunks (It is a Truck you know!) The truck was built 3/03 and the chrome finish still looks like new, no bubbles, cracking or lifting. If you lived close to me I would consider trading for your 17"s and a few $. Rick

rangersgoalie

Does anyone have any suggestions for a lift kit for a 97 1500? i want to lift my slt larmie about 6 inches and don't have a ton of money to blow

citizen0

Howdy, I recently bought a new 2004 ram 1500. I got a good deal seeing how it had hail damage from a big storm last year. I know this will sound strange to some of you but I didnt really pay too much attention to the optional package info when I bought it, I was so impressed by the price I was getting the truck for that I didnt even check to see if all the optional items were on the truck.

A few days later I got curious and looked at what the sticker specified was on the truck, and I immediatly found 2 discrepancies.

How can I check to see if I got what I paid for?

here are the specs: 2004 ram 4x4 quad cab slt
optional equipment in question:
-Trailer tow group
--class IV hitch receiver
--seven pin wiring harness
-anti spin differential axle

I saw some posts about the trailer tow group and I would like to know what that entails, how much can I tow?

dustyk

In 2004 I'm pretty sure the trailer tow group got the optional rear axle ratio (3.91, I think), a heavy-duty radiator (3-core), an auxiliary transmission cooler, a power steering line cooler, and 7-pin wiring harness.

Major equipment is listed on the build sticker that's located on the inside of the glove box door.

Regards,
Dusty

citizen0

Thank you for the reply. I was wondering if anyone knew a good place to run (punch a hole) cable for a ham radio antenna cable? I figure I will use RG-8 and mount the antenna on the bumper or a custom made bracket near the front of the bed.

the radio will likely be located under the drivers seat and the control head for the radio mounted somewhere on the dash. Nothing is set in stone at the moment but I do want to get it mounted soon. the truck specs: 04 ram 1500 5.7L quad cab 4x4 slt. the radio specs: ICOM 706MkIIg. probably use an outbacker antenna for sw and a nice 2m antenna also.

dustyk

I always used a small 1/4 wave magnetic mount on my cars with the ultra thin coax (RG-209?). I ran my IC-2AT and later the TM-220 this way. I hated the thought of drilling a hole in the roof of my Sentra of any of my other cars or trucks. I'll never do it to my Dakota.

But, if you're so inclined, I'd drill near the center of the roof and run the coax down the "A" pillar on the driver's side, then under the dash to the radio. I think on the RAM you'd have no problem.

73s,
Dusty

iowabigguy

How much do you want to spend? Part of what I do for a living is installing mobile radios in a variety of cars and trucks. We use a company in upstate New York called Stico. They start with a factory antenna and build a custom radio to your specified center frequency. The standard antenna has a 1.5Meg band pass. The more expensive model is Broadband. The antenna also includes a coupler so your AM/FM radio can also use the same antenna. This would work for you if you are using Ham Radios in the 140 - 170MHZ range. For LoBand applications we use a Antenna Specialists base loaded coil and a hatchback mounting bracket. This is mounted on the inside lip of the front fender and the bracket fits thru the space between the fender and the hood. For UHF applications we use a 1/4 wave hatpin and mount it on the package shelf behind the front seat on cars. Trucks get a 1/4 wave right in the center of the roof. If I were mounting one on my personal truck I would use a 1/4 wave right smack in the center of the roof. Its the best ground plane and has the best omni pattern. This would be for VHF and UHF. If I were going LoBand I would put a double door tool box across the front of the bed and mount the antenna in the top center of the tool box being especially careful to ground the box to the truck. OOPs I just noticed you were using RG8 so you are probably using one of those strange Ham Antennas. I would suggest you forget the RG8 and go RG214. Rick

bbqguide

All you did was bolt on the 17"s after removing your 20"s? I wanted to see what to buy so I can save my 20's from the salt but wasn't sure if the standard 17" rim would bolt right up. Thanks in advance

citizen0

thanks for the replys: I am planning on using an outbacker antenna for HF but I have not decided on a 140/440 antenna yet. I was looking at a durable mount system (mil spec) like one or two from shakespeare: antenna mount

I know this means more holes in the truck but I would prefer something rugged.

yeah I dont know what I am talking about with the cable I just picked one RG-214 is probably what I will use.

03ram

i recently bought a mopar push button start kit on ebay and i need to know anything and everything i will need to wire this thing. my understanding is that i need to buy 2 wires for this job (kit came with no wires). one wire goes to the power wire and one goes to the start wire. i have no idea how to do this... o dont know how to even access these wires. do these wires have a specific color that could tell me which ones they are? anything would be helpful.. thanks alot

03ram

i recently bought a mopar push button start kit on ebay and i need to know anything and everything i will need to wire this thing. my understanding is that i need to buy 2 wires for this job (kit came with no wires). one wire goes to the power wire and one goes to the start wire. i have no idea how to do this... i dont know how to even access these wires. do these wires have a specific color that could tell me which ones they are? anything would be helpful.. thanks alot

lselway

My dad just recently bought a Dodge Ram Laramie V8 (dark blue). My mom and I wanted to get him some sort of accessory or add-on for fathers day. He just recently put on the stainless steel step rails so those are not necessary. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what we could get him? Interior or exterior.

cornellpinoy

How about a stainless steel bug deflector for the front of the hood? I believe the dealer sells one with the Dodge emblem in the center.