JEC
Member
That is a great idea and an awesome setup. I'll have to look into that.
Bug-Out Big Rig Build - '19 Ram 2500 4x4 Long Bed
- Thread starter JEC
- Start date
If you are serious on the evacuation/bug out angle you look at installing an aftermarket bumper. Take a look at Ranchhand. Functional and pretty cheap. It will definitely help pushing vehicles out of the way in a pinch (and with animal strikes).
If you want to spend a bit more, the Buckstop bumpers are very nice. Fit and finish is way better than the Ranchhand.
(Side note: on the Ram 3500 long bed's there is a 50 gal fuel tank option for an additional $300 or so. Got one on my '23 and worth every penny.)
If you want to spend a bit more, the Buckstop bumpers are very nice. Fit and finish is way better than the Ranchhand.
(Side note: on the Ram 3500 long bed's there is a 50 gal fuel tank option for an additional $300 or so. Got one on my '23 and worth every penny.)
JEC
Member
I like the way you think. If there was any practical way for me to pull that off, I just might consider it.
Long term the goal would be to live off grid enough that bugging out isn’t necessary.
JEC
Member
Despite my best intentions to not immediately turn this truck into a project, I've made several updates in the past few months while putting approximately 5,000 mostly highway miles on it.
After the word of caution from @Tex68w on the CP4 fuel pump, my first order of business was to get the dealer to swap out the CP4 for the tried and true CP3. Thankfully there was no charge for the parts or labor under an open RAM recall. I sleep better with that potential grenade being gone.
CP3 installed by dealer under recall
I did some minor work swapping out front end components including the factory steering stabilizer (completely shot) with a Fox unit, and the track bar with a Carli suspension adjustable track bar. This has helped noticeably improve steering.
With the CP4 pump out, I thought I could rest easy, until I learned about a potential catastrophic issue that's caused by a bolt in the factory grid heater. Turns out that in some cases, this bolt can break off and fall into the intake manifold, ultimately dropping down into cylinder number six and wreaking havoc. After some research, I found that the Banks Monster-Ram Air Intake System fixes this problem by eliminating the grid heater with a coil heater.
I ordered the kit, not realizing how difficult of a job it would be. What I anticipated would be a half-day install turned into a 14-hour marathon. Everything took longer than expected, but it was especially hard loosening and tightening nuts on the fuel rails for cylinders 5 and 6. They are way, way back there on this long inline 6, and very difficult to get a wrench on.
Wiring harness, throttle body, EGR valve, EGR crossover pipe, grid heater, fuel lines, and fuel rail removed for the install.
Monster-Ram intake installed
While the new system doesn't add horsepower on a stock tune, it increases airflow and throttle response, while lowering EGTs. I've enjoyed nerding out on data with my handy iDash.
After the word of caution from @Tex68w on the CP4 fuel pump, my first order of business was to get the dealer to swap out the CP4 for the tried and true CP3. Thankfully there was no charge for the parts or labor under an open RAM recall. I sleep better with that potential grenade being gone.
CP3 installed by dealer under recall
I did some minor work swapping out front end components including the factory steering stabilizer (completely shot) with a Fox unit, and the track bar with a Carli suspension adjustable track bar. This has helped noticeably improve steering.
With the CP4 pump out, I thought I could rest easy, until I learned about a potential catastrophic issue that's caused by a bolt in the factory grid heater. Turns out that in some cases, this bolt can break off and fall into the intake manifold, ultimately dropping down into cylinder number six and wreaking havoc. After some research, I found that the Banks Monster-Ram Air Intake System fixes this problem by eliminating the grid heater with a coil heater.
I ordered the kit, not realizing how difficult of a job it would be. What I anticipated would be a half-day install turned into a 14-hour marathon. Everything took longer than expected, but it was especially hard loosening and tightening nuts on the fuel rails for cylinders 5 and 6. They are way, way back there on this long inline 6, and very difficult to get a wrench on.
Wiring harness, throttle body, EGR valve, EGR crossover pipe, grid heater, fuel lines, and fuel rail removed for the install.
Monster-Ram intake installed
While the new system doesn't add horsepower on a stock tune, it increases airflow and throttle response, while lowering EGTs. I've enjoyed nerding out on data with my handy iDash.
Tex68w
Beach Bum
The fact that they replaced it with the CP3 under warranty/recall is fantastic, good for you. Looks like the build is coming along, love it. I am still waiting on them to release the Stealth Pods for the '23+ Super Duty so that I can pick up an i-Dash for myself. The Monster Intake is still in development as well but I will certainly be picking one up when they drop, which is hopefully sometime this year.
JEC
Member
I agree, I was very happy with the recall service from Ram.
Curious to hear how your Monster Intake install goes when the time comes.
You're right -- thanks for the heads up!
JEC
Member
I know I said no Gucci gear, but I did take the opportunity to replace the factory rear diff cover with an AEV cover. The main advantage is that the AEV cover has a drain plug. It also looks awesome... in case anyone crawls under my truck.
Ram says the factory rubber diff gasket is reusable, but after changing the rear oil with the stock gasket (and cover) I had some oil seeping through the bottom of the gasket. Ordered a new Mopar gasket from the dealer and put it on with the AEV cover. Leak solved. Done for another 50k miles.
I'll be happy to have the drain plug in the future, and will go ahead and do the front AEV diff cover and gasket when it's time for another gear oil change.
Ram says the factory rubber diff gasket is reusable, but after changing the rear oil with the stock gasket (and cover) I had some oil seeping through the bottom of the gasket. Ordered a new Mopar gasket from the dealer and put it on with the AEV cover. Leak solved. Done for another 50k miles.
I'll be happy to have the drain plug in the future, and will go ahead and do the front AEV diff cover and gasket when it's time for another gear oil change.