Chapman89
Junior Member
I'll soon be the owner of a 3rd Gen Dodge Ram but I'm not 100% on which model would be best for me. I currently own an 06 Jeep Commander Limited w/ the Hemi and Quadra-drive 2 4x4 system w/ 60k miles. It has a mild lift and some 32 inch AT's.
I've loved this thing over the last 3 years I've owned it but my needs have changed since purchasing a home with a couple acres of wooded land. The amount of hauling building materials and landscaping requires a truck.
My only complaint with it has been the IFS and steering system. Since I've owned it I've replaced sway bar bushings/links twice, ball joints, and now my struts and steering rack are starting to fail. I haven't been too hard on it off road, just a couple trips to Uwharrie and regular back road trails. To me, it concerns me that Chrysler would use considerably weak parts on a vehicle that is "supposedly" trail rated, especially one with the heavy 5.7 engine and awesome 4x4 system.
My point is, should I be concerned about the durability of the IFS and other components found on the 1500 4x4 models? I intend to install a mild lift and probably 33's or possibly 35's within the future. I'd like to hit some moderately remote trails occasionally and have a little fun.
I've been super impressed with my brothers '00 Ram 1500 Sport 4x4. After installing a 4 inch lift and decent tires it's seen hell and back without any issues. I'd go for a second gen but I'm a huge fan of the wanna be Hemi.
I'm definitely getting a QC/SB regardless of chassis. Fuel economy is not much of a concern, I'm currently getting 13 mpg city - 17 mpg hwy. If money wasn't a concern I'd go straight for the 2500 without a doubt but they are a few thousand more than the 1500 with similar miles and options. The idea of a SFA and the heavy duty suspension components is reassuring especially with larger tires. It appears that the 2500 4x4's sit higher from the factory, I may even skip on a lift at that point.
I guess at this point I would like some input from members who know from personal experience what to expect. From what I'm seeing the IFS on the Rams is probably similar to my Jeep because of the amount of threads pertaining to ball joints, tie rods, control arm angles, etc. Maybe I'm just paranoid? haha
Thanks in advance, sorry about the rant.
I've loved this thing over the last 3 years I've owned it but my needs have changed since purchasing a home with a couple acres of wooded land. The amount of hauling building materials and landscaping requires a truck.
My only complaint with it has been the IFS and steering system. Since I've owned it I've replaced sway bar bushings/links twice, ball joints, and now my struts and steering rack are starting to fail. I haven't been too hard on it off road, just a couple trips to Uwharrie and regular back road trails. To me, it concerns me that Chrysler would use considerably weak parts on a vehicle that is "supposedly" trail rated, especially one with the heavy 5.7 engine and awesome 4x4 system.
My point is, should I be concerned about the durability of the IFS and other components found on the 1500 4x4 models? I intend to install a mild lift and probably 33's or possibly 35's within the future. I'd like to hit some moderately remote trails occasionally and have a little fun.
I've been super impressed with my brothers '00 Ram 1500 Sport 4x4. After installing a 4 inch lift and decent tires it's seen hell and back without any issues. I'd go for a second gen but I'm a huge fan of the wanna be Hemi.
I'm definitely getting a QC/SB regardless of chassis. Fuel economy is not much of a concern, I'm currently getting 13 mpg city - 17 mpg hwy. If money wasn't a concern I'd go straight for the 2500 without a doubt but they are a few thousand more than the 1500 with similar miles and options. The idea of a SFA and the heavy duty suspension components is reassuring especially with larger tires. It appears that the 2500 4x4's sit higher from the factory, I may even skip on a lift at that point.
I guess at this point I would like some input from members who know from personal experience what to expect. From what I'm seeing the IFS on the Rams is probably similar to my Jeep because of the amount of threads pertaining to ball joints, tie rods, control arm angles, etc. Maybe I'm just paranoid? haha
Thanks in advance, sorry about the rant.
