TimCasa
Member
This post will serve as a digital journal to document all the work/modifications done to my rig over time. *I will try to update this post as much as possible.*
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How the rig currently sits:
The Back Story:
After relentless searching and flopping between which vehicle to build up as a project and eventually full-time travel with, I decided to go with an older Ram. It's late August 2019 when I stumbled on this kind Marine veteran's post of a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 for $11,000. After meticulously combing through its nooks and crannies along with a test drive, he was kind enough to drop the price down to $8,500. Of course, it had issues, like a suspected failing transmission and that dang water pump leak, but all checked out good when I found out the engine's main gasket seal was replaced and there was a negligible amount of blowby. So, we pulled the trigger and made the purchase. Driving this beast home was definitely an experience. Between its size, long wheelbase, and its engine power, I knew I had to drop my old driving habits (from driving a 2nd gen Toyota Tacoma) to ensure I drove this thing safely. It was literally a change of pace as the Ram was the first full-size truck I've owned (of course, being in the Army, I've driven some LMTVs and MATVs, but not since I've been out). Anyways, I thought that going with an older model meant less components to service, not worrying about an EGR system, plus they're just a really long wheelbase version of Jeeps (right?). Moreover, you can't go wrong with the 5.9l CTD.
The truck:
2004 Dodge Ram 2500
5.9l HO Cummins Turbo Diesel
4-speed automatic transmission (48RE)
282,300 original miles when bought
8-foot bed
Single rear wheel
4x4
Aftermarket 5" (I think) turbo-back exhaust system (purchased vehicle with mod)
September 2019:
She's a leaking clunker, but she's a beaut!
Follow us, Freedomneers, on Instagram!
How the rig currently sits:
The Back Story:
After relentless searching and flopping between which vehicle to build up as a project and eventually full-time travel with, I decided to go with an older Ram. It's late August 2019 when I stumbled on this kind Marine veteran's post of a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 for $11,000. After meticulously combing through its nooks and crannies along with a test drive, he was kind enough to drop the price down to $8,500. Of course, it had issues, like a suspected failing transmission and that dang water pump leak, but all checked out good when I found out the engine's main gasket seal was replaced and there was a negligible amount of blowby. So, we pulled the trigger and made the purchase. Driving this beast home was definitely an experience. Between its size, long wheelbase, and its engine power, I knew I had to drop my old driving habits (from driving a 2nd gen Toyota Tacoma) to ensure I drove this thing safely. It was literally a change of pace as the Ram was the first full-size truck I've owned (of course, being in the Army, I've driven some LMTVs and MATVs, but not since I've been out). Anyways, I thought that going with an older model meant less components to service, not worrying about an EGR system, plus they're just a really long wheelbase version of Jeeps (right?). Moreover, you can't go wrong with the 5.9l CTD.
The truck:
2004 Dodge Ram 2500
5.9l HO Cummins Turbo Diesel
4-speed automatic transmission (48RE)
282,300 original miles when bought
8-foot bed
Single rear wheel
4x4
Aftermarket 5" (I think) turbo-back exhaust system (purchased vehicle with mod)
September 2019:
She's a leaking clunker, but she's a beaut!
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