2nd Gen Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins / The “Puller” Project

[landman]

Well the truck is back from CJC Offroad, it came back late last night!! A BIG thanks to my brother for driving my truck up to CJC and back for me. I was working and was unable to do it myself so he did the long back and forth drive for me. I am sitting here having coffee waiting for the sun to come up so I can see the truck for the first time since its massive change. My brother took ONE picture for me and I wanted to share it in a “before and after” image. So here is the teaser pic for now. MANY pictures to follow very soon.

 

[landman]

I hope everyone is well out there. quick update, I went out this weekend for the truck true first shake down run with all the new suspension goodies in it. What a MASSIVE difference. I can mob dirt roads that are covered in washboards like its nothing. The new flex/travel I have is outstanding. I cant say enough good things. Anyways, here are some pictures from the trail:

 

[landman]

It has been a very busy last few weeks. I got COVID, then 48hrs after feeling better I got food poisoning - super good time! I also got called out on work for a number of days that has just made me miss the opportunity to due some better posts. I will be posting better pics this weekend and I am also going to due a new walk-around video and post that. Anyways, I took some updated pictures of the suspension so you all can get better look what’s going on. Apologies in advance, I cant get the picture to NOT post sideways. ?

 

[ITTOG]

Isn't that shock on the rear upside down? If you wheel on rocks you might risk busting the reservoir off.

 

[ExpoMike]

Agreed, in most cases, shock bodies/reservoirs go up to the frame and the shock shaft is mounted to the axle. This typically is done to protect the shock body and keeps it stationary and the shaft moves up and down.

 

[landman]

Yea, I know it seems wrong, but its not. The king 2.5s wont mount properly on the 2nd gens with body up / shaft down. It wont fit with the spare tire mount and the mount for the shock on the frame wont fit the top of the shock body. I am working on cutting and welding in some beefy guards for the shock bodies to protect them when off-roading. Ill likely have that mocked up and welded in end of next week.

 

[ITTOG]

Yea, I know it seems wrong, but its not. The king 2.5s wont mount properly on the 2nd gens with body up / shaft down. It wont fit with the spare tire mount and the mount for the shock on the frame wont fit the top of the shock body. I am working on cutting and welding in some beefy guards for the shock bodies to protect them when off-roading. Ill likely have that mocked up and welded in end of next week.

That is interesting. I guess that problem would exist for all remote reservoirs that are even with the shock body then. Good idea on the extra protection.

 

[landman]

Update: CJC Offroad did video on my truck. Thought I would share with you all here:

 

[landman]

Nothing to crazy to report recently. Work has been wild and busy. I am off on a sort of “expedition.” I am a commercial pilot and I’m about to embark on trans-Atlantic trip. I’m flying to NY first, then Iceland, then Israel, then Ireland, then back home. It will be a month long trip. Ill be filming my flights and maybe some other stuff along the way. Here is my first video of my takeoff (Tucson) and landing (NY). If any of you are interested in following along here ya go:

 

[landman]

part 2: New York to Iceland

 

[Zuber]

I had a 2001.5 long bed version of your truck. I liked it a lot, but moved on. Here's a few notes from my experiences with it.
You've fixed the lift pump, but were the lines replaced all the way to the main pump? There was a small hard line that was restrictive just before the main pump. On my truck it caused a pressure drop at full throttle/full boost. The main pump used to be an issue on this model, but not any more. Now there are inexpensive replacements.

Also, be very sensitive with the clutch on the HO. It's rated for exactly the same torque as the engine.

Otherwise, you've fixed all the other issues with the suspension, steering and dash that I was going to comment on. The Carli suspension is great.

A great resource for all things Ram/Cummins is Geno's garage.

Dodge Cummins Diesel and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Parts & Accessories. Call us at 770-886-2500.

Dodge Cummins Diesel and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Parts, Accessories, and Technical Information to help maintain and operate your truck. Call us at 770-886-2500

www.genosgarage.com

 

[landman]

I had a 2001.5 long bed version of your truck. I liked it a lot, but moved on. Here's a few notes from my experiences with it.
You've fixed the lift pump, but were the lines replaced all the way to the main pump? There was a small hard line that was restrictive just before the main pump. On my truck it caused a pressure drop at full throttle/full boost. The main pump used to be an issue on this model, but not any more. Now there are inexpensive replacements.

Also, be very sensitive with the clutch on the HO. It's rated for exactly the same torque as the engine.

Otherwise, you've fixed all the other issues with the suspension, steering and dash that I was going to comment on. The Carli suspension is great.

A great resource for all things Ram/Cummins is Geno's garage.

Dodge Cummins Diesel and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Parts & Accessories. Call us at 770-886-2500.

Dodge Cummins Diesel and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Parts, Accessories, and Technical Information to help maintain and operate your truck. Call us at 770-886-2500

www.genosgarage.com

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

 

[landman]

Again, I have gone too long without posting/updating. My most recent project has been findking rock guards for my rear king shock bodies. Since my shocks mount upside down the body is exposed to potential rock damage while off roading. Turns out no one makes a descent set of these for the 2nd gens. So, I started making my own using 2” wide and 1/4” thick steel. I have completed the first one and should start the second one tomorrow. Here are some pics I took.

I will use some existing holes in the perch to bolt it on and also use a new (longer) through bolt that will through bolt the shock and guard together.









More to come…

 

[shellb]

Love your truck! I'm planning to build a clone some time soon as a hunting rig!

 

[landman]

Love your truck! I'm planning to build a clone some time soon as a hunting rig!

Excellent! Be sure to do a build thread so we can all follow along. ?