pickemup
Banned
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2017
- Posts
- 7
- Reaction score
- 4
- Ram Year
- 2017
- Engine
- Hemi 5.7L V8 MDS
Waiting on delivery of a 2017 Tradesman 1500 4x4 reg cab short box (120" wheelbase).
This may not be possible but I have to ask. Many of these questions have been answered for other cab/bed configs but the Reg Cab Short Bed is a relatively rare combo so I'm compelled to ask.
Coming from a Jeep Rubicon 2-door, had tons of fun on the Class 6 roads but must have a pickup but would love to do some wheeling.
I don't expect to make this truck as capable as a short wheelbase Rubicon on the trails but I'm seeking recommendations on how to make it trail friendly.
The rig:
. 2017 Tradesman 1500 4x4 Reg Cab, Short Box
. 8HP70 8-speed auto trans (no manual )
. 17-inch steelies, 265/70R17 street tires
. 5.7L V8 Hemi
. 3.92 axles
. Anti-spin differential rear axle
. Factory trailer tow setup (mirrors, brake control)
The goal:
. Wheeling on Class 6 trails which were rated as (for Jeeps) stock-friendly or moderate. No hard-core wheeling.
. More clearance and articulation than stock
. Daily-driver friendly. This is my only vehicle.
. Able/safe to tow ~4K lb on street
. More aggressive tire tread (it will see mud, snow and sand even in non-wheeling use)
Philosophies:
. Prefer do it right, do it once, vs. save a few bucks
. prefer function over flash/bling. Don't need an aggressive/blingy truck.
. keep it simple and functional
After reading the stickies and many threads I'm still not sure how much lift can be done before running into issues with parts wear due to height/angles (such as driveshaft, joints, steering components, ball joints, etc.). I'd rather pay more for a "proper" kit that avoids this as much as possible but not sure there is such a thing. Is there?
Love the BFG M/T T/A KM 32" tires that were on the jeep but for wheeling the lower-clearance Ram 1500 I'm thinking might need something bigger (35"). While the BFG is more aggressive it's almost the same size as the stock 265/70R17 (31.6" vs 32").
This may not be possible but I have to ask. Many of these questions have been answered for other cab/bed configs but the Reg Cab Short Bed is a relatively rare combo so I'm compelled to ask.
Coming from a Jeep Rubicon 2-door, had tons of fun on the Class 6 roads but must have a pickup but would love to do some wheeling.
I don't expect to make this truck as capable as a short wheelbase Rubicon on the trails but I'm seeking recommendations on how to make it trail friendly.
The rig:
. 2017 Tradesman 1500 4x4 Reg Cab, Short Box
. 8HP70 8-speed auto trans (no manual )
. 17-inch steelies, 265/70R17 street tires
. 5.7L V8 Hemi
. 3.92 axles
. Anti-spin differential rear axle
. Factory trailer tow setup (mirrors, brake control)
The goal:
. Wheeling on Class 6 trails which were rated as (for Jeeps) stock-friendly or moderate. No hard-core wheeling.
. More clearance and articulation than stock
. Daily-driver friendly. This is my only vehicle.
. Able/safe to tow ~4K lb on street
. More aggressive tire tread (it will see mud, snow and sand even in non-wheeling use)
Philosophies:
. Prefer do it right, do it once, vs. save a few bucks
. prefer function over flash/bling. Don't need an aggressive/blingy truck.
. keep it simple and functional
After reading the stickies and many threads I'm still not sure how much lift can be done before running into issues with parts wear due to height/angles (such as driveshaft, joints, steering components, ball joints, etc.). I'd rather pay more for a "proper" kit that avoids this as much as possible but not sure there is such a thing. Is there?
Love the BFG M/T T/A KM 32" tires that were on the jeep but for wheeling the lower-clearance Ram 1500 I'm thinking might need something bigger (35"). While the BFG is more aggressive it's almost the same size as the stock 265/70R17 (31.6" vs 32").