Gray Man build thread ver 2.0

[Gymkata]

So, my truck doesn't have skid plates, which is something I plan to remedy soon. Other than that, the biggest weak point off road is the minimal clearance provided by the Sport bumper and the fact it doesn't have tow hooks. While I like the look of some of the beefy aftermarket bumpers, I don't like the thought of adding a bunch of extra weight to the front. I really like the offering from Addictive Desert Designs, but feel it is too expensive. I had previously discounted the idea of buying the Kore Performance bumper because it requires cutting, drilling, and welding. I called them up today to see how extensive of a process putting the bumper on is. They said you have to cut off the stock bumper mounts, tac weld a few places, drill a few holes then bolt it in place. I think I may have to go this route considering:
IMO, the Kore Performance bumper looks to be built more with function in mind vs the Addictive Desert Designs bumper. I say this because the Kore bumper plate runs all the way to the bottom of the IFS plate meaning you could slide up and over obstacles. The Addictive Desert Designs bumper plate stops and leaves a several inch gap that could hang up on rocks. Anyway, let me know your thoughts. I like both bumpers, but considering the Kore bumper is almost half the price...

 

[Gymkata]

Well, I found out the hard way today that having front tow hooks is a good thing. Unfortunately my Sport doesn't have them.

I thought my backyard was dry enough to drive my truck in...I was wrong. If you look carefully you can see the entire back area is filled with cattails because the whole area is a marsh. The mud is straight clay muck.

I had 1750 lbs of rock in the bed and was going to back up to a drainage ditch to unload. I didn't quite make it far enough. The truck sank like a rock. After unloading all the rocks by hand and moving them by wheelbarrow to the ditch... and after some digging and a quick yank from my neighbor's truck I was out. This is my first time getting a vehicle stuck in years. My Ram has devoured everything I've thrown at it until now. I think some Duratracs might be in my future.

 

[Gymkata]

I filled the truck with 1820 lbs of rock today. I didn't drive all the way into the swampy area this time though. Here is a pic of the truck with 1820 lbs in the bed. I could definitely feel the weight while driving, but it handled surprisingly well. Here is a pic to show the amount of sag with the Icon springs with significant weight in the bed. The 2 stage springs worked very well...much better than stock at handling loads.

 

[Reaper]

There's a tow hook mod on this forum. Not sure how to link to it, but I used it to add tow hooks to my 2013 4x4 sport. Factory tow hooks were about $115 on eBay, comes with bolts and brkts. Just need a box knife and a steady hand.

 

[Reaper]

There's also a thread for airbags, haven't done that one yet. I don't haul enough to justify them right now....but it sounds like you do.

 

[sbuko213]

Love the build dude. I've been back and forth on the Stage IV kit and this Pure Performance Kit (3.0" X-FACTOR LONG TRAVEL SYSTEM) for a while now.

Bumper wise I'd pick up the Kore one if you can. It's about $700 less than the ADD one.

 

[Gymkata]

I am considering getting a more aggressive set of tires. My 275/65R20 Good Year All Terrain w/Kevlar tires have proven a fantastic overall tire in dry, wet, ice, snow, and moderate offroad...obviously they have only so much capability in deep muck. They have approx 13k miles on them and still look brand new...If I remember correctly they have a 60k tread warranty.

Shoot me a PM if anybody is interested in getting a great deal (local near Maryland) on these tires. If nobody responds I will keep them, but I would love to give a great deal to somebody who wants them. I would likely then get a set of either Good Year Duratracs or Toyo RTs...I want a good balance between on road, mud, and winter capability.

Once again, the AT w/Kevlar tires are perfect for anybody who wants an extremely well driving tire that is also very good in winter conditions.

There are plenty of pics in this thread if you want to see the tire.

 

[Gymkata]

I just bought myself a little Christmas present. I'm not sure why I never pulled the trigger on these before considering they will likely last forever and be invaluable for any future 4x4 I own. After watching many youtube videos comparing knockoffs, I decided to go with the best (and most expensive unfortunately). Maxtrax MKII.

 

[Ram2014R/T]

nice truck. going In the wright direction keep it going

 

[Beauregard7765]

So, my truck doesn't have skid plates, which is something I plan to remedy soon. Other than that, the biggest weak point off road is the minimal clearance provided by the Sport bumper and the fact it doesn't have tow hooks. While I like the look of some of the beefy aftermarket bumpers, I don't like the thought of adding a bunch of extra weight to the front. I really like the offering from Addictive Desert Designs, but feel it is too expensive. I had previously discounted the idea of buying the Kore Performance bumper because it requires cutting, drilling, and welding. I called them up today to see how extensive of a process putting the bumper on is. They said you have to cut off the stock bumper mounts, tac weld a few places, drill a few holes then bolt it in place. I think I may have to go this route considering:
IMO, the Kore Performance bumper looks to be built more with function in mind vs the Addictive Desert Designs bumper. I say this because the Kore bumper plate runs all the way to the bottom of the IFS plate meaning you could slide up and over obstacles. The Addictive Desert Designs bumper plate stops and leaves a several inch gap that could hang up on rocks. Anyway, let me know your thoughts. I like both bumpers, but considering the Kore bumper is almost half the price...

I feel the same way, they cost too much for what they are.. and I would go with the kore, but it sticks further out than the ADD one. so you'll have to get the kore/ maybe fiberwax fenders or possibly bushwacker fenders

 

[Gymkata]

Anybody who has read my entire thread or other threads I've posted has probably figured out by now that I am never satisfied for long. I have been on the verge of getting a different truck on multiple occasions...one that has more potential and aftermarket support.

I have once again stayed off my desire to jump ship from this Ram 1500 and will add a few more modifications and enjoy this truck for at least a few more years. I plan to do more exploring/overlanding/general off-roading this year. I will be getting another set of wheels and tires to help give me a little more traction. After quite a bit of reading, I am leaning toward the following combination:

295/70R18 (34.5x12) Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires mounted on 18x9 (5" backspacing) Fuel Anza D557 wheels. I was looking for an aggressive tire that will still handle winter weather well. I think the STT Pro will do as good a job or better than any other M/T in winter...thoughts? Also, I'm pretty sure these wheels will fit my setup well. Can anybody confirm that the +1offset/5" backspacing on a 9" wheel is correct to push the tire out enough not to rub inside, but not too far to have the tire stick well outside the fender? I think the stock 20x9 sport wheels are +19 offset, so the D557s should stick out 3/4" more than stock correct?

Please feel free to suggest other wheel/tire combinations that you think would be better (with a good explanation please). Thanks in advance.

 

[Thor09]

That offset and width is about perfect to prevent rubbing, have a nice stance and not stick out too far. As for tires, I have run STTs thru multiple winters and they were surprisingly good in the snow. I cant say for sure how the STT Pro are but I would imagine they're as good or better. Hope that helps

 

[Gymkata]

I'll figure out a better permanent mounting place later...Here's my newest mod.

 

[SilverStreak88]

You'll love the pros... plenty of bite.

 

[Gymkata]

You'll love the pros... plenty of bite.

How are they in wet and packed snow?

 

[YeahItsGotAHemi]

Good looking ride! I like the clean look! Not to much, not to little!

 

[SilverStreak88]

How are they in wet and packed snow?

Can't say... we don't get snow, but they're superior to my trail grappler's I had before. The red mud we have down here is slick as snot and I get tons of traction.

 

[Gymkata]

Good looking ride! I like the clean look! Not to much, not to little!

I'm actually really really close to selling this truck and duplicating it with a lot of additional capability in a 2016 Ram 2500 Cummins. We'll see if I pull the trigger and do a factory order in the next few days or not.

 

[PassivAggressor]

Very nice truck! Good job on the Icon suspension.

 

[Gymkata]

So once again after much internal debate, I decided to hang on to the 1500 for at least a few more years. I just solidified my decision by ordering mopar skid plates and tow hooks. i also just pulled the trigger on rock slide engineering rock sliders for my Ram.