Cheddar's Ram build thread

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Cheddar's "Troop transport II" build thread TONS OF PICS

Just wanted to put this up so I can update to current and beyond.

This is mine the day I got it.

2005
4x4
5.7L Hemi
82,*** miles

Nothing real special but it was a nice upgrade from my 2001 Dakota. You can see my old Dakota and a buddy's 2nd GEN.

I hated the **** Cepek wheels and Mastercraft tires. The wheels had a horrible backspacing with made them stick out a ton. As you can see, they also installed some 265/65R17 tires. They looked like rubberbands. I had them swap for some 2011 Wheels/tires before I took delivery.

 

[argray90]

Good looking truck! Love red.

 

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This is how she looked when I got her home.

 

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Got her in the shop the week I bought it and cranked the Torsion bars. I didn't snap any pictures after I leveled it...

 

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The clear rear window was annoying to me. It made the truck look like it wan't complete.

This is after it was tinted to match the rear door windows.

 

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Lights and mirrors were next.

The mirrors were aftermarket which I've learned to use. I'm not sure if I'd spend the money on OEM next time or not.

The cab lights are Recon clear LED lamps. The install went pretty well thanks to RubberFrog (thanks dude). The measuring was the PITA...

The driving lights (behind the grille) were a free set I got from someone at work. They aren't anything special but damn are they bright...
I spent a ton of time wiring and making look as factory as I could. My switch location was pretty cool. I will snap a pic and add them soon.

Forgot to mention, I also added OEM fogs. I found a nice donor truck for the lamps and wiring and picked up and OEM headlamp switch with fogs.

 

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Debadged all except the Ram 1500 on the doors and the Ram's head on the tailgate. I think the Hemi badges looked horrible.

As you can see in the second pic, I also installed my new Duratracs. 285/70R17 which equals about a 33X11.50. With my Flashpaq, I adjusted the tires size to a 33" so the speedo and odometer are right on.

 

[chedched]

I will soon add the pics of my LED reverse bulbs in action as well as my LED license plate bulbs. I will also add a pic of my driving lamp switch. That thing took me some time.

Future mods:
I'd like some front tow hooks.
Possibly tint the front windows
CAI. I may at least install an Airaid tube to get rid of the convoluted tube...
Muffler, I need some more sound.
I'm looking to add an aux audio port somewhere. Not sure how I'm going to do this yet.

 

[chedched]

Good looking truck! Love red.

Thank you. Red wasn't my first choice but she was a one owner without any accidents ever reported to Carfax. I was able to run the VIN and get the original owner's info. Googled mapped his house and found he lives in a pretty nice neighborhood. The inside of the truck is extremely clean and the underside was undercoated when new. The box has a Linex liner in it, you can tell he spent some good money caring for it.

 

[johnnysart]

Looking good.

 

[chedched]

Looking good.

Thanks.

 

[bigbadram1500]

Sweet. It's coming along nicely. The new tires give it a good stance.

 

[chedched]

I love looking at them when I get into the truck.

 

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Here is the reverse lights and the mostly debadged tailgate.

 

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Finally, pics of my fog lamp switch. I used the cigar lighter. I found a perfectly sized lighted rocker switch from Amazon. I put a lot of time into it to make it look as close to factory as I could. The round bezel around the lighter worked perfect to finish it off.

 

[katokahn99]

Nice work on that switch.

 

[WhiteExpress]

I can't find a thing I'd change about what you've done. Looking great sir!

 

[chedched]

Nice work on that switch.

Thanks. The only down side is it is hard to turn off in a hurry. I have the lamps pointed so I can see well at night. They aren't so appealing to oncoming traffic. I have gotten in the habit now of turning off my brights and those lamps in one move.

 

[chedched]

I can't find a thing I'd change about what you've done. Looking great sir!

How about a motor with no spark plugs...



me^wife^

 

[WhiteExpress]

How about a motor with no spark plugs...



me^wife^

Over rated.