04 3rd gen Dodge Ram rock crawler expedition build

[gun45boat]

Thanks again, Yes the vehicle is street legal (in all 50 LOL) when we moved the factory fuel tank to its new location on top of the frame rails behind the cab in its own custom box. we kept all the smog equipment and fuel pump etc. so it uses all the factory parts for the 04 model. The exhaust is routed out of the passenger side just behind the cab and all the catalytic converters and O2 sensors were retained. the interior is stacked behind the seats with Climbing gear (ropes/harnesses/ etc etc.) long term hiking pack, a REAL mil spec EMT first aid kit (not the cheap ****) all the snatch blocks and recovery gear including a Smitty built Land Anchor (which REALLY WORKS LOL) . the center console was removed and we installed a 12v/120v ENGEL Freezer/fridge, other than that the interior is stock other than a GPS . We also just installed the Katadyne Water filteration kit and plumbed that unit as a separate unit off the on-demand water pump off the 35 gallon tank.

Installed the CO2 Tank/ The Generator Honda EU2000i, the propane tank, on-demand water/ solar panels/ and the Chain saw LOL (I know, right?) I also finally got the spare front and rear Driveshafts built and installed on the rear as spares...

The best thing I prob did to the rig before we took off on the build was to pull in the wheelbase 22" to make it sit at 116" It REALLY makes a HUGE difference on the trails. Last time I was out, I followed a Decked out Cherokee XJ ALL DAY LONG, on the rocky trails, and went everywhere he did (to his surprise LOL)

**The last 2 things on the list are to install the new 40" LED light bar up above the windshield under the lip, and install the New RCV front axle shafts (very excited about these!!!) Then the rig will be officially complete.

A HUGE thanks again for following the build, and your advise/input. I am stoked to be taking this rig out west for 5 weeks leaving in April to truly beat the **** out of it, and see if a dodge can truly hang on the Moab/Rubicon Trail/Fordyce Creek/ Badlands trails with the rest of the mid sized rigs out there

 

[gun45boat]

Some more Gay pics of the tent set up, and the outdoor shower system. I had to figure out a way to make the shower head work for the open top of the enclosure (I figured I wouldn't use that enclosure very often, as I wont be around anyone when I take a shower LOL) wouldn't want them to see my Vajajay LOL.. The AC cools the tent insanely well. The Honda is nice and Quiet. Everything works as it should. I am Heading out to Gulches ORV park in 2 weeks for a run to beat her up, and see where she is weak. Thanks for following the build

 

[Monterorider]

that's one fine machine

 

[Black Dog]

So the question that I'm sure everyone else is wanting to ask but doesn't have the testicular fortitude to do it is this: How much money do you have invested into this major overhaul?

 

[gun45boat]

$1

 

[gun45boat]

More Geigh flex pics. The suspension is still tight, but is loosening up really well, a few more runs off road should do the trick. I found the only rock in FLorida to flex on LOL..

 

[MrSandman818]

************! I love the way you did your headlights, looks hella clean.

 

[gun45boat]

Thanks man, Some like, and some dont. the lights are tucked in and out of the way, and functional, that was the purpose

 

[tbared]

Yes the vehicle is street legal (in all 50 LOL)

Boy, that rig would have all the nice occifers in Wisconsin following. They see a rig like that and ego's and dollar signs prevail.

 

[bknudtsen]

Very cool rig!

 

[gun45boat]

Thanks... I figured out a way to drop 180 pounds off the rig

The custom Soft doors are being fabb'ed up in my shop...... They are looking SWEET!!!!!

 

[continentaldrifter]

pretty dang impressive rig and video. !!! a 2.5 carli set-up is all you have for lift ??

 

[gun45boat]

Yes. I am running the Carli 2.5" lift TOTAL (it actually came out as just a 2" lift) I wanted to keep her as low as possible, and stuff the biggest tires possible with 0 rubbing. Keep her center low for the highway, and keep her axle clearance high for the trails. The video was the first run out, and she was TIGHT.. I have some more vids of a few rock gardens with the suspension way more flexy.. I will post links soon. THanks for the props.

 

[gun45boat]

added some more rock lights to the undercarriage of the rig.

 

[gun45boat]

Boy, that rig would have all the nice occifers in Wisconsin following. They see a rig like that and ego's and dollar signs prevail.

When you are driving out-of-state, your vehicle is only held by the rules of the State that the license plate is held too. We live in Florida, (the most lawless state in the Union when it comes to vehicle restrictions LOL) We have trucks with 54" tires and 30" of lift cruising down the road