1996 Dodge ram build...

[rikinwyoming]

I just got a 96 dodge ram 1500 4x4, 5.9 gas motor, 156k miles and runs well which I would like to convert to an expedition vehicle, and would like to see others ideas as well. I am fortunate in the fact that I am by myself, so I don't have to keep room for 3 or 4 others in my truck,,, so first is a pic or two of my truck as I just got it, then a couple pics of trucks I have seen that I like (ie front bumper, flatbed, etc)...I am not planning on going above 35 inch tires btw, and I know the first mod I am doing is to get away from the vac actuated 4x4 lock in the front by going to a posi lok cable actuated device.

This truck I would love to see a build thread.

 

[redthies]

There is a build thread on the tan one. Jim (1speed) has it on here somewhere... I think... If not, "Here be Dragons Adventures" has a website/blog with more info on Jim's rigs.

 

[Spencinator]

Where did you get the pic for the black standard cab? That almost looks like 37's with not much lift. Definitely interested in that.

 

[rikinwyoming]

Just pic's I used my google-****! Couldn't find build threads on either truck though...

 

[roboter]

 

[redthies]

Hey! Roboter, quit posting pics of your rig all over the place! You're making me jealous!!

 

[Spencinator]

That's a good lookin truck Roboter. Build thread??

 

[rikinwyoming]

That's a good lookin truck Roboter. Build thread??

Exactly what I was going to ask!!

 

[ZJARCHER]

That's a good lookin truck Roboter. Build thread??

Exactly what I was going to ask!!

He bought it off a guy off Pirate4x4... I believe (not sure though) he sold it a short time after he bought it.

 

[chasespeed]

Okay, while I am sure you are still researching... let me dump some insight here...

Half ton truck... half ton RAM.. Big steel bumper, with a winch, is a big weight penalty on a half ton, MORE so on a Ram.. the front ends of these are not known for their reliability, ride, and handling etc, STOCK, let alont bigger tires, more wieght etc..thankfully, there ARE solutions to some things...


DSS(Dodge Steering Stabilizer), pick your favorite, and install.

Good leveling springs, Carli, Thuren, etc... you will REALLY appreciate the difference. Good shocks too(Bilstein or better).

Posi-Lok, good idea... mine hasnt let me down yet... and cant get snagged on something in the muck, and disengage my front axle(again)...

Winch bumper, jusdt my 2 cents... I would keep it as absolutely light as you can. I cant feel mine on the front of my truck... but, if I had a 1/2 ton, I would have gone with tube.

Thats a good looking truck to start with.

Welcome...

Chase

 

[roboter]

He bought it off a guy off Pirate4x4... I believe (not sure though) he sold it a short time after he bought it.

No I still have it! Was going to sell it, but decided to keep it for our trip through Europe. It is actually floating on a boat right now in the Pacific Ocean. Im in Ecuador and I will be driving through South America for the next four months. Lots going on. Rob Bonney built the trucks suspension and bumpers, but I built it for overlanding. Subscribe to my site! It has movies of the truck.

Sorry to hijack this thread OP. But you're a fellow RAM brother, so you'll understand.

 

[roboter]

Here's what I did.

Modifications:
-Heavy Duty steering with heim joints ball joint ends. www.thurenfabrication.com
-Fox Steering stabilizer www.foxracingshox.com/
-HD Ball joints for Dana60
-Steering gearbox rigid frame support www.pscmotorsports.com
-ARB Air locker front diff
-Detroit Locker for rear diff www.eaton.com › … › Automotive Aftermarket › Differentials

-ARB onboard air compressor
-Axle adjustment and tuning by Tucson DifferentialDiff Shop – www.tucsondifferential.com/
-Atlas Transmission with Billet”hardened” input shaft, Billet flywheel, Billet TC, Deap Well Fluid pan, and a new TC controller and more....
-All new drive shaft u-joints
-Brakes-Front calipers, rotors, pads, and steel braided lines with fluid flush.
-37″ BFG's KM2 t/a tyres
-Hummer 2 Wheel upgrade
-Custom made front and rear bumpers w/ hydraulic 11,000lbs winch in front and a tyre mount swing out in the rear. ROB BONNEY Phoenix Arizona
-Guages – Fuel pressure, exhaust gas temperature, turbo boost, transmission temperature, Oil temperature, Oil Pressure, Eng Temp,
-Banks Intake and Exhaust manifolds
-100hp diesel injectors
-EdgeComp Drag eco and race tuner
-AirDog 165 gallon per hour diesel lift pump with water and air seperator supplied by Thoroughbred Diesel – www.thoroughbreddiesel.com

RikinWy.... I have a Thuren Fab front adjustable track bar for your truck. Brand new and I will let it go for half of what I paid for it. Let me know if you are interested.

 

[Spencinator]

If he's not interested in the track bar, I would be. Unless its different from v8 to diesel.

 

[rikinwyoming]

wow, great responses so far!! thanks all so very much. Still in the position of saving money, not ready to buy anything yet (just bought the truck two weeks ago) but I am preparing. Spencinator, if you wanna buy the track bar go ahead, I am not ready to, and Roboter, thanks for the offer!

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

X10 the advice from Chasespeed. I'm driving the same year and model with 225k miles on the ticker. As soon as I installed the ARB front bumper w/ Warn 15k winch (approx 360#!!!) I was...and still am...chasing front end problems. Basically, it will wander with all that weight out front. You could buy 2500 V-8 springs to level the truck...there are progressives available from Moog, etc. The price point is better than the Carli and Thurens, but as they say, you get what you pay for. Definitely the DSS and consider a stronger, adjustable trackbar if lifting beyond 2". Check the steering box and shaft for wear. Larger tires will add strain. Good luck and keep us updated. :sombrero: