Overlanding Build - 4th Gen

[coloradoe9x]

Hello everyone! I'm seeking advice from all you off roaders out there. I will be (slowly) building a Single Cab Short Bed 1500 4x4 to overland in. I live near Moab and the Alpine Loop, and absolutely love going camping on these trails. Having always wanted a single cab ram, I figured why not confuse the Jeep, Tacoma, and 4 Runner people while I'm at it. That and I don't enjoy setting up a traditional tent as much as I used to. Lol

I have a good idea of what I'd like to do for gear, so the focus of this thread at the moment will revolve around handling. What is everyone doing?

Control arms, bushings, shocks/struts, springs, axles, wheel setups etc.

I've heard the Gladiator shares the same rear end which is a great start in aftermarket compatibility. What about the front end? Is it possible to single axle swap it?

Here she is as it sits. No I will not be using my offsets to trail on. Purely for daily use and occasional "off roading"

 

[crazykid1994]

The gladiator only shares certain rear characteristics. Rear control arms and track bar. Nothing else is shared unfortunately. The gladiator rear springs do fit our trucks as others have tested and are running them. What are your plans? Looking at installing a full lift kit or just a small lift/level? I have a small lift/level currently with plans on upgrading to custom fox shocks on my truck. I go off-roading with a jeep group here in Florida and have so far amazed them at what a truck can do.

 

[coloradoe9x]

@crazykid1994 ah good to know, I was looking at Clayton for those parts. Seem to be a reputable company. Today I'm leveling it out with Bilstein 5100s set at 2.1. Later I'll get the rears done most likely with spacers and helper bags set the front at 2.8. We'll see. Long term I would LOVE to have Thurens 2.5 setup with some Clayton JT springs.

I'll be building this similarly to Tacoma and Gladiator overlanding builds, with the bed racks, traction boards, rotopax, tent etc. Goal is to have fun on some of these tougher trailers and camp at the end. Pack in pack out fairly quickly for those shorter stays

 

[crazykid1994]

Yea. I run the full Clayton control arm and track bar setup. I definitely like them. I have eibach rear springs which are 1” lift with a little extra load capacity over stock. May swap for synergy springs for the gladiator though. Look into the eibach front springs when you go up higher. They ride better. I’m set to 3” front and 1” rear

 

[coloradoe9x]

Nice. How would you compare them to stock? Trying to set my priorities and my budget lol. I'll definitely look into the spring setups. I'm sure it'll be a little different for me, springs for a crew would raise a single up a tad higher

 

[crazykid1994]

Very true. They ride nice for my needs. The Clayton or synergy springs may be too much for you unless you plan on running loaded with weight all the time. They will definitely benefit when you plan on running a roof top tent or bed rack setup. I want to swap to synergy 1” lift springs but they haven’t released them yet. I want to build a bed rack or some way to install a canopy and/or an RTT on my truck. Im not set on the RTT as I may build a camp trailer instead

 

[coloradoe9x]

Yep going to have to compare weight and spring specs and see whatll work best. In the mean time itll be stock springs with helper bags. In the end id like to have a bed rack, iKamper, storage deck, all the accessories, onboard air, propane, maybe even a fridge lol. All of which will most likely stay on there for at least the majority of the summer once we get that far. I have a buddy that builds custom trailers for jeepin' for a living. Man are they capable.

 

[4xdad]

I am building my truck for the same thing kind of how hard you wheel will determine what you need and how much money you have will determine when you get it

 

[4xdad]

We camp in grizzly country so tent for us plus we’re old I like our topper set up I would think camping in Utah you worry more about poisonous biters than grizzly bears

 

[4xdad]

12volt fridge is a must