Full Size Dodge Thread

EMS WJ 2000

Observer
Here is my 2006 3500 single rear wheel mega cab that I picked up this past February. Had it shipped from Northern Alberta Canada to North Carolina.

When it was dropped off

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All cleaned up and how it currently sits

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Here is my build thread http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/143114-2006-Mega-Purpose-Rig

The parts waiting to be put on it when I get back from deployment in December.

EAS EGT Probe with Starter Kit
EAS Pressure Sensor 0-100 PSIg 1/8IN NPT
EAS Universal Sensor Input (5 Volt)
FASS Titanium 150 GPH
Exhaust Manifold Stud Kit
Blue Sea ST Blade Fuse Block
Creative Fab Works C Gussets
Creative Fab Works Bed Supports
Thuren Control Arms
Thuren Adjustable Track Bar (TFTBK)
Thuren Axle Truss
Creative Fab Traction bars
Bump Drop Plates 1/4"
Carli Ball Joints (CS-DBJP)
Hub Assembly (PN- SKF BR930507)
Front Axle U-Joints (Spicer 5006813)
Carli Limit Straps (CS-LKS)
Carli Low Mount Stabilizer (CS-DLMSS-T)
Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit (CJC-3GBLK)
Carli Full Leaf Pack (CS-FSP-03-D)
Lightforce wiring harness
Rear Door Wiring Harness
EFI Live Autocal
 
Last edited:

Atl-atl

Adventurer
Joined here a couple months ago, never posted in this thread though! Feel free to check out my build thread if you haven't already, lots of pics in there.

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schmugboy

Observer
New To Me

So my father-in-law passed away at the ripe age of 92 and we were asked to assess whether anyone wanted his old truck that had sat in the NM sun for about 8 years. After a day of getting it running then $3500 for new tires and replacement of failed parts, and a weekend of cleaning out more squirrel/rat poop than I ever want to see again in my life it seems to be running fine. Although there are still some issues that need to be addressed at a later time. No A/C, radio, or working trailer wiring, plus most of the bushings (rubber things) are dry-rotted. Not sure how long we will keep it as our kids are growing fast and may out-grow the extended cab (more room than our Dakota, though). But this may be a fun build for quick camping/fishing trips with the boys.

Details:
1997 Dodge 2500 Cummins SLT extended cab 4x4, 5spd manual with 69018 miles (the main reason we decided to keep it)
Adds:
New Tires 265/75R16 Cooper Discoverer AT3
Used Topper (unknown brand) kind of fits but having issues with clamps as the shelf is much larger than the truck rails. I'm wondering if I can cut them or just drill holes and sink bolts.
Things to do:
Bed Platform, needs to be removable since we still have a 5th wheel to haul away when the mother-in-law decides it is not worth salvaging. But I like some of the platforms I've seen with drawers I would like to try. Any advice would be appreciated.
New shift knob (US Navy themed, he served in the Navy in WWII, sort of a tribute to a great man)
Fix some of the broken stuff (Trailer wiring, radio, topper inside/outside lights, and mount the old tailgate.
Maybe rattle can paint job either in Navy Camo or Bronco Blue/Orange his favorite team.

I'm on a strict budget as the truck will only be used sparingly mostly for camping, fishing, hunting and hauling stinky hockey gear in the back. Plus we will be trading in our wrangler to upgrade to a Grand Cherokee and the monthly payments will restrict my discretionary spending.

My first full-size truck so I'm interested in exploring the possibilities.

Thanks for looking.
 

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todpod

Observer
Just picked up a 2006 Dodge 1500 reg cab st. It's about as basic as can be. Has 75k miles. Getting new shocks and stereo today. May try to find a used topper for camping, I want something that can be remove fairly easily.
 

Freebird

Adventurer
Couple 3/4 mos. ago (or so) I/we bought a '98 Northern Lite camper. After deciding and agreeing to the purchase, the selling couple suggested we buy the 2009 3500 dually CTD 4 door 4x4 that the camper was mated to. At first I was reluctant, but the idea grew on me as I drove home. The Ram/Dodge had about 27.3 K (low) miles on it, and was in great shape. We struck a deal on the truck, too, by email (after we got home, since it was a couple+ hours away). We went and picked it (them?) up about a week later.
Since then we have been to SoCal and back for a family wedding (from central WA), and to Knoxville, TN and back. That plus a trip to the Oregon coast, and another to the WA coast, has put 10K+ on the odometer.
More of a Ford fella than a Ram fan, but I am happy with both the truck & camper. The low mileage DEF free truck was too good a deal to pass up. I skipped on the new Ford I had previously ordered.
We'll head to TX in a couple mos., then return home by way of SoCal, and in the meantime my son & family is planning/will be taking it to SoCal, then I'll fly down to bring the rig back home, so it is not a "driveway Queen".... (Retired, so a "Freebird")
I have done some fixing on the camper, and minor mods to the truck. Overall, pretty pleased with the whole package.
CTD is a very good engine, indeed. That engine was the reason I bought the truck.
 

Dr. Cornwallis

Adventurer
I think I'm going to do it. I think sometime at the end of this year I may sell my 2012 tacoma and buy a 15/16 2500 quad cab 4x4 short bed tradesman CTD with the G56.

I don't have a family yet but I will one day and the more I look at things the more I realize that full size trucks are just better. There is an infinite amount of aftermarket support out there for the Ram, just like the taco.

From an expedition standpoint the CTD will have exponentially more power, get better mileage, have better support and run longer. The larger payload will handle all my camping gear and topper with no modification and the larger bed will be better for a sleeping platform. I really don't see a downside to switching other than some more cost up front. Having grown up in a family who always drove full size diesels, though, they are truly trucks that with proper care can be driven forever. It seems like the larger trucks just hold up better.

Things I would do right off the bat:

-Icon Stage 1
-17x8 Method 105 Beadlocks
-35 in BFG ATKO2
-AFE 4in Turbo Back Exhaust
- EGR Delete with coolant bypass
-EFI live Autocalwith economy tune from Kory Willis

Then as some more money permits do an ARE overland topper, bed drawer/sleeping platform, ARB bumper and winch. I think that would make for a solid overland vehicle capable of going just about anywhere reasonable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Healeyjet

Explorer
A project we are working on.




Switching over to single rear wheels using the following combination.



Kelderman air ride.

Hopefully ready to go by the end of Christmas.

Ward
 

2025 deleted member

Well-known member
I think I'm going to do it. I think sometime at the end of this year I may sell my 2012 tacoma and buy a 15/16 2500 quad cab 4x4 short bed tradesman CTD with the G56.

I don't have a family yet but I will one day and the more I look at things the more I realize that full size trucks are just better. There is an infinite amount of aftermarket support out there for the Ram, just like the taco.

From an expedition standpoint the CTD will have exponentially more power, get better mileage, have better support and run longer. The larger payload will handle all my camping gear and topper with no modification and the larger bed will be better for a sleeping platform. I really don't see a downside to switching other than some more cost up front. Having grown up in a family who always drove full size diesels, though, they are truly trucks that with proper care can be driven forever. It seems like the larger trucks just hold up better.

Things I would do right off the bat:

-Icon Stage 1
-17x8 Method 105 Beadlocks
-35 in BFG ATKO2
-AFE 4in Turbo Back Exhaust
- EGR Delete with coolant bypass
-EFI live Autocalwith economy tune from Kory Willis

Then as some more money permits do an ARE overland topper, bed drawer/sleeping platform, ARB bumper and winch. I think that would make for a solid overland vehicle capable of going just about anywhere reasonable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are you set on the g56? I hate the clutch in those things. Even under stock power mine would slip in 3rd and 4th on the highway pulling a load. I can imagine if you tune it a DD clutch will be needed, which would be tough if you ever have a lady drive the truck.
 

Dr. Cornwallis

Adventurer
Are you set on the g56? I hate the clutch in those things. Even under stock power mine would slip in 3rd and 4th on the highway pulling a load. I can imagine if you tune it a DD clutch will be needed, which would be tough if you ever have a lady drive the truck.

Not dead set but definitely strongly leaning towards. The tune would not be a power tune though, just a tune for the deletes and more economy. I like simplicity and I like driving manuals. The truck won't be used for towing for a long time. I have mixed feelings about the reliability of the 68RFE.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

2025 deleted member

Well-known member
Not dead set but definitely strongly leaning towards. The tune would not be a power tune though, just a tune for the deletes and more economy. I like simplicity and I like driving manuals. The truck won't be used for towing for a long time. I have mixed feelings about the reliability of the 68RFE.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The other annoying thing for me was the granny gear 1st gear. It was nice for getting a big load moving, but bad for normal driving IMO. 2nd gear only works on level ground, and you almost have to ride the clutch out a bit. It will be plenty of power, but don't forget the cummins is severely detuned with the g56. It cuts back around 250ft lbs and 100 hp.
 

Dr. Cornwallis

Adventurer
The other annoying thing for me was the granny gear 1st gear. It was nice for getting a big load moving, but bad for normal driving IMO. 2nd gear only works on level ground, and you almost have to ride the clutch out a bit. It will be plenty of power, but don't forget the cummins is severely detuned with the g56. It cuts back around 250ft lbs and 100 hp.

Wow that's a lot, I didn't realize it was that much but I'd probably be fine with that, I'm building an expo truck and not a bro dozer. Maybe in the future I could replace the tune and bump the power up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

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