2003 Ram 1500 coming along

JJEH

Member
The past weeks I thought about getting a new(er) truck but for several reason I decided to keep mine. I named it EMO and it stands for Estrada Mobile Office, not the "teenager don't know what to do with their life" stuff as I was told emo stands for... Anyway, EMO never really let me down plus it being paid off are only two reasons.

I recently put on some more KC's for more/better lighting. Love 'em.

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The things I'm still looking for are a rack, lock diff and dual spare wheel carrier.

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Regarding the rack I'm not sure what to choose, there are some nice options out there though. So as the spare wheel carrier. I really like the swing-out tailgate replacement option but holy cow... the price tag.

It's a daily driver and I don't abuse it. We do 60% asphalt and 40% dirt road (not really off-road, there's at least a path where we go).

Perhaps y'all have some input? I don't mind a DIY project.

Thank y'all, I appreciate your comments :sombrero:
 

Atl-atl

Adventurer
Our trucks are a little different but I can give input on some of the items. If your offroading is really just mild dirt you dont need a locker, that money would be better spent elsewhere. Unless maybe youre 2wd but I cant tell from your pictures.

As for tailgate type spare tire carriers theres a couple options. Wilco also makes the "hitchgate" which is a little less expensive than the tiregate and has some cool options like jerry can and hi-lift mounts on it, plus its removable. Its still spendy though. Hitchgate

You can also go the DIY route which will be less than $200. Im about to make one of these just because it will be a fun project! The writeup is on a slightly odd website format but if you read through it a few times youll get it. All the names/links are there for the stuff you need to buy and what you need to do. Seems pretty straightforward. DIY Hitch mounted tire carrier.

Last resort, I know the 1500 and 2500 frames are different but I dont know precisely where or how. On 2500 trucks you can fit a 35" tire in the stock spare location no problem. Thats what I currently run. A brand new full tread 35 is nearly as tall as a worn 37 so I dont worry too much hah.
 

JJEH

Member
Thanks for your input. It's a 2WD, sorry.
I'm looking at the Eaton Truetrac (LSD) and Detroit Locker. Not sure what makes more sense for my purposes, only ~$200 difference.

I might look into a DIY project for the wheel carrier, not sure. On the one side I'd like steel replacement bumpers but they are heavy and expensive.

Decisions, decisions...
 

JJEH

Member
Well, I decided to change a few things and take a different approach.

First, the decals had to go. I really liked 'em but due to my full time career I decided to take 'em off.

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Second, I just ordered a pair of lift spindles for the front plus new ball joints, sway bar bushings, etc to upgrade/service the front axle.

Third, the factory LSD has to work for now. I am thinking about upgrading with the Detroit locker but not right now.

The tire carrier and bed rack will most likely become a DIY thing but I'm in no hurry.

It's a good truck, hope to enjoy it several more years before finally getting a new one.
 

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JJEH

Member
Finally got the front suspension fixed up. New Maxtrac spindles, ProComp shocks, Moog upper control arm, -tie rods and -lower ball joints, Suspension Maxx sway bar links.
Wasn't cheap but at least it's done right and gives me a tad more clearance to the 3" spacers I had.

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Next on the list is cargo management.
 

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