Advice for Rebel Build

[ElConejo]

Hey guys I have a 2016 Ram Rebel with the air suspension that the wife and I used to overland with. We have noticed that the air suspension isn't really designed to hold up to everything that we are asking it to do (Both weight and function). My company has offered me the option for a pretty nice company truck which alleviates the need to worry about gas milage on the Rebel. As such I am now planning the full build.

Lift - Since the air suspension is already a bit suspect (Struggles to lift the truck up with just the rack and tent on it and makes a interesting hum noise) I was thinking of buying this 6" lift kit. I'd be very interested in folk's feedback and if there is a better option please feel free to provide suggestions. I am a little concerned since a lot of these later upgrades will add some weight and I'm already pretty close to the weight restrictions of stock suspension, this kit offers a towing rear springs which should help.

Ram 1500 Bilstein/Zone Offroad 4" & 6" Conversion Kit (2013 - 2018)

Our Bilstein 5100 Conversion Kit paired with the Zone Offroad 4" or 6" lift system! This kit comes with all of the components required to convert your air suspension truck to our 4" or 6" lift systems. Notes: Fits 2013 - 2018 Ram 1500 4x4 (including Rebel) Does not fit 2wd models Aftermarket...

airdelete.com

I am also curious if I will need to upgrade to a dual steering stabilizers to help assist with 37s

Wheels and Tires - Kit says that it needs 20" tires if you are going to run the 6" kit and 37s. I figure I can run a nice set of Methods with either KO2 or KO3s. I have no idea how to calculate wheel width and backspacing, so if anyone wouldn't mind pointing me in the right direction that would be amazing.

Front Bumper - Found these folks that make a Rebel specific steel bumper with a stinger. Throw a Warn 10k behind it.

2015-2018 RAM REBEL & 2019-2023 WARLOCK CLASSIC | MOD V2 Bumper

LEAD TIME APPROX 3 Weeks We've shed weight on this V2 Modular [MOD] Series bumper! Constructed with a 10ga steel shell and 1/4" mounting bracketry where it matters, this bumper has a base weight of just 98 lbs! Every bumper comes with all features necessary to add options at any time you wish...

www.vicedesign.ca

Rear Bumper - Need to either fab a rear bumper or find one that I like with a rear tire carrier, since having a spare in the back country is a good idea.

Sliders - These guys make nicer sliders than I can make.

RAM 1500 Rebel / Gas / Diesel 2009-2018 Rock Sliders - White Knuckle Off Road Products

Includes the following features: Overall length of 90" maximizes coverage of the rocker from flare to flare while allowing for oversize tires 1/4" thick x 2" x 3" rectangular tube main rub rail for greater foundational strength 1/4" thick x 1-1/2" square tube legs to limit flexing while...

white-knuckleoffroad.com

Skid Pans - Do these trucks need skid pans past the engine? There is a kit that seems to plate it front to back but its heavy.

Curious if there are other things that I may be missing or advice folks can provide as I start this build.

 

[Mekcanix]

I am very interested in how this turns out. I have a 16 Rebel as well, the air was already pulled out of it by the dealer when I bought in 2020. We camp with ours all over the place on just a level, but I have been considering lifting it further.

 

[WildcatHemi]

if you weld or know someone that does, check out coastal offroad. they sell diy kits for our trucks. front, rear, sliders, and skid plates.

 

[DILLIGAF]

If you plan on a bumper and winch you need 6112s up front. The 5100 are way to soft for that weight. I made my own front front bash plate. ( Way cheaper and actual 1/4 plate ) As I kept getting hung up. And 1500s dont have stabilizers

The bumper you posted seems way to big for nothing. Specially if you're actually off-roading and not a pavement princess like 99% of the guys here. Check out ChassiUnlimited. Solid AF and the slimmest one available with a winch.

My gas tank has gouges in it... lol... But still holding up miraculously. And I have a PPE pan so that also helps. compare to the plastic factory junk. But Ive never hit under there.

Word of advice, you'll snap lots of CVs with a 6" lift when pushing it hard whit heavy ass 37's . Thats why I had to add limiting straps. No Sway bars up front either . For the rear get resis . i used 5165 but lots of good options.

Also all the extra weight of overlanding and full size spare I added airlift 5000 with crattles. if not youll rip your bags. As you can see no sway bar in the rear either Flexes way better off-road

You'll also want jeep gladiator or similar springs I Use EVO 6.5" ones. Clayton or Core Track back and 4 link. The factory bushing are soft as jello.

Don't forget the TrueTrack and 4.10 / 4.56 with those 37s

There's a few other cool builds on here as well that the guys actually off-road. Hopefully they chime in.

And After all this work I now Off- road with a Jeep JK Because I cant fit in the cool trail in BC with this pig... lol...

 

[olyelr]

Um, is your exhaust turned and heading back toward the front of the truck ? Lmao

 

[DILLIGAF]

Side dump , like God intended

 

[olyelr]

Haaaa. Your fancy camera was playin tricks on me