slow build- 97 Ram CTD family truck/expo rig

[bloodyWEST]

finally making some progress on my Alaska prep. trip is scheduled for june 2018. Dead Horse here we come!

I found a great deal on some 37" BFGs on craisglist. i was afraid the 37s would be too big. now is wish i put on 37s years ago. they are amazing, they ride great, roll over and through stuff in the dirt sooo much better. and they look cool. took the truck wheeling in Big Bear Ca right after i got the tires.

then about a week later i mounted the camper on as i begin to prep for Alaska.

i have a list a mile long of "to do" stuff but i couldn't resist taking the truck out to play last weekend

 

[bloodyWEST]

Made it to Alaska
4300 miles one way.

Zion NP Utah

Montana

Banff NP Canada

Muncho Lake, Canadian Rockies


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[bloodyWEST]

Entering the Yukon

Watson Lake

Dawson City, Yukon

Top of the world highway


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[bloodyWEST]

Snow in mid June, top of the world highway

We made it!!

Playing with sled dogs in Fairbanks, AK

Left the truck stored in Fairbanks. I’ll fly back up there with my dad in the fall and drive it home.


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[Seabass]

I've really enjoyed following you on the gram. It looks like it was a fine trip. That truck has come so far.....literally and figuratively. As it sets- best look so far! I tell ya man, I'm so dang jealous! Can't wait to hear about your adventures when you go back for it. You gotta keep us updated!

 

[Tommy R]

Fantastic!! Congrats on a safe trip. I see you ditched the BFGs for some Toyos. Any particular reason?

Also, I guess I missed it, but what's your handle on Instagram?

 

[bloodyWEST]

Fantastic!! Congrats on a safe trip. I see you ditched the BFGs for some Toyos. Any particular reason?

Also, I guess I missed it, but what's your handle on Instagram?

BFGs had plenty of tread, but a few days before I left for my big trip, I looked at the date code, they were made in 2004. They had almost no cracks in them, but I didn’t want to take the risk on a 8000+ mile trip. I’m very happy with the Toyo RTs. @4LowLance on IG


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[bloodyWEST]

Just for fun, here are some more detailed picture of my rig.

20 gallon fresh water tank with an RV pump and quick disconnect hose. One of my most useful “mods” to date

4 Rigid pods, 2 dually spots, 2 D2 driving pattern. Decent light setup, but still not the best for long range duty.



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[OzarkRubi]

Love your build. What's your insta name?

 

[VroomSIX]

Digging the info on usable fuel, and conversion rates. Reminds me of my Heli flying days. Usable fuel is quite different from fuel capacity! Hahaha
Going to "borrow" some of these ideas for my own rig

Awesome build!

 

[moderndaynorseman]

I dig the setup! I'm thinking of getting a 2nd gen 2500 for my next rig myself. Haven't quite decided between the 12v or the 24v though, and the disc brakes all around on the 2002 would be pretty sweet. Anything you'd do differently with the build knowing what you know now?

 

[Austo]

Love the way the trucks sitting now and great build to read! Congrats on getting to Alaska!

 

[bloodyWEST]

I dig the setup! I'm thinking of getting a 2nd gen 2500 for my next rig myself. Haven't quite decided between the 12v or the 24v though, and the disc brakes all around on the 2002 would be pretty sweet. Anything you'd do differently with the build knowing what you know now?

What would I do different....dang that’s a good question.
Put 37s on it from day 1.

I kept telling myself “I don’t NEED bigger tires, I can go plenty of places on 34s”

But man it rides so much nicer on 37s, tons of traction, look ************ and I just generally enjoying the truck more.

There are obviously lots of good reasons to have rear discs, but with the 3rd gen brakes up front this truck stops pretty good.

Motor has been amazingly reliable. A couple times it didn’t start on me, just reached in and helped the fuel solenoid open, then she starts. Engine has never left me stranded, p7100>vp44

I live in CA where we have to smog diesels 98 and newer, so 1997 is a prime year here.

I wish I did things nicer, but in the end I wouldn’t change much. Maybe a house battery setup and an electric fridge.

I also wish I forked our money for good leaf springs back when I put the bed on.

I’ve pulled the springs apart to add leaves twice, and built an airbag setup and it still isn’t right. If I just shelled out $1200 for atlas or deaver leafs 3 years ago I think I would be a lot happier.

On the list now,
Axle truss
Hydro assist steering
Real shocks
New rear springs
Build a front bumper I actually like.

And maybe run the Alcan 5000 rally someday.


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[huntsonora]

Amazing build! What RPM’s are you seeing at highway speeds with the 4.10’s and 37’s?

 

[bloodyWEST]

Amazing build! What RPM’s are you seeing at highway speeds with the 4.10’s and 37’s?

Factory speedo is 15% off. 60=69 actual.

From memory, 2000rpms is about 68/70 on the gps.

It feels perfect. The 34s and 410s were way low. I can’t imagine the truck with the stock 32s.


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