Project Wander Wagon

[TRACTION]

A thread to track my improvements to my 2007 Dodge 2500. Overall objective for this build is a vehicle I can use for long distance backcountry travel while keeping its ability to tow our travel trailer and whatever other daily driver duties it sees. Reliability is key but I'll eventually do some minor power and transmission improvements.

Factory Specs:
5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine
48RE 4-Spd. Automatic Transmission w/ MagHytec Pan
Elec Shift-on-the-Fly Transfer Case
AAM 9.5 Front Axle (5,200lb, 3.73 Ratio)
AAM 11.5 Rear Axle with Anti-Spin Differential
34 Gallon Fuel Tank
Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
136 Amp Alternator
Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield
Class IV Receiver Hitch
Bighorn Badge (most important part, ha!)

Current Mods:

Drivetrain:
AirDog II 100
MBRP Muffler
Hankook DynaPro AT 315/70R17

Exterior:
Lear 100XL Canopy (Sold)
Aluminum Contractor Style Canopy (Sold)
Caravan Campers Canopy
Powerwagon Fender Flares

Suspension:
Bilstein 5100s
Steering Upgrade (TSB 22-005-06)
Mopar 6-bolt Steering Box upgrade

Electronics & Monitoring
Factory Navigation
Isspro gauges (pyro, trans, boost) in an Autometer dash mount 3 pod gauge holder
BD Fuel Pressure Warning Light
75 WX ST All-in-handset Mobile CB
Superchips Tirepaq (speedo correction)

Armor & Recovery
Arb Bull Bar
Warn M12000 winch with 100' of 7/16th synthetic line
Carli Diff Protector

Future Plans:
Flex-a-Lite Electric Fan
Carli Overland Suspension
Control Arms
Track Bar
Dynatrac Free Spin Kit

 

[TRACTION]

Here's my truck on day one.. night one actually at the dealership. I'd been eying these for years and knew that I wanted the 5.9 over the emissions laden 6.7s. Got a blazing deal on it too given that I bought it during the worst gas prices and the height of the recession. Bonus too that the truck had navigation but that was just a luck of the draw.

First add to the truck was a topper, Power Wagon fender flares, and rear wheel fender liners.

These are the stock tires and steel wheels.

 

[TRACTION]

Don't have any good pics of just the wheels and tires but the next upgrade was a set of stock alloy wheels from Craigslist that I had powdercoated black. I also picked up a set of 315 70 17 BFG ATs from a H2 wheelset and had them mounted by a local used tire dealer.

 

[zukrider]

looks good.

plans?

 

[Redline]

I like the name of your project :victory:

 

[blakeape]

Nice looking truck, the 07 with the 5.9 is definitely high on my dream list. Which trans did you get?

 

[poriggity]

Love it so far. I have a soft spot for Dodge's though
Scott

 

[chilliwak]

Already some major improvements, and you are just getting started. Something tells me that this truck will live up to your name, `Traction´:victory:

 

[TRACTION]

Nice looking truck, the 07 with the 5.9 is definitely high on my dream list. Which trans did you get?

It's an auto. I'm not much for manuals. They have their advantages but since this is my daily driver I went auto. Never saw any late model manuals actually in all my looking locally.

 

[shellb]

Another nice build to follow and :drool: over!

 

[Regcabguy]

If you consider any suspension enhancements,you're close to Don Thuren. He's in Bend,Oregon. www.thurenfabrication.com. Looking good.

 

[Rbertalotto]

Looks nice...........I like white..:victory:

 

[TRACTION]

My winch is coming along well, should be finished by tomorrow. I bought it on Craigslist for cheap but it needed a rebuild primarily to ensure it was safe to rely on it. Once it's done I'll add some pics.

 

[GTABurnout]

Nice Truck. Got to love the early 07 with the 5.9. I got a silver one. Check out Carli and Thuren for suspension.

 

[ToolBox Guy]

Don't have any good pics of just the wheels and tires but the next upgrade was a set of stock alloy wheels from Craigslist that I had powdercoated black. I also picked up a set of 315 70 17 BFG ATs from a H2 wheelset and had them mounted by a local used tire dealer.

I'm diggin it.

Especialy the wheels, mine are at powdercoat as I type this, getting the same treatment.

Nice truck.