swirvin 21's build thread
 

Ran into Shannon on a deal for an axle I had to sell and he told me about this site. I'm on a number of other Dodge Ram and offroad sites: Dodge Offroad, Pavement Sucks, Pirate, Infamous4x4 and Tulsa Offroad to name a few. I'm even a mod on a few of them.

I own 2 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 extended cab trucks, 1 white and 1 black, 1 V10 and 1 V8. The black Ram I've owned since 2004 just after I joined the Marines and I have done a TON of stuff to it. The white Ram I've only had for a little more than a year and I've nearly got it all put together. I have done a ton to both and have a very good understanding on all the 2nd gen Rams.

Right now I have a ton of extra parts I need to let go to help pay some medical bills, so I'll be tossing them up in the classifieds. Here's a few pics of my truck as it sits now and I'll post up a list of mods to both here soon:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...m/IMG_3205.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...g?t=1318017057
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3460.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3193.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3194.jpg

Welcome to the site man! Bumper on the black one looks sick!

Welcome to the site! I recently joined TOR and you posted on my welcome thread. ;)

Where are those first 2 pics taken at?

Brief specs.

-Black Ram:
V8 360 w/ open air cleaner mod, Hughes plenum plate, 180* thermostat, aluminum radiator, Magnaflow exhaust, 46RE w/ shift kit & 241DHD transfer case, Dana 60's front & rear, dual ARB lockers w/ 35 spline alloy shafts, 1 pc CAD delete, EMS hub conversion kit front, 35 spline outer alloys, ARB diff covers, 35 spline rear Moser shafts, 4.88 gears, 3" Skyjacker suspension system, rear lift leafs to delete blocks, DT Profab .5" extended control arms, DT Profab steering support, Borgeson shaft, 2" body lift, Road Armor bumpers front and rear, Line-X liner on rockers and in bed, 37" Goodyear MTRs on 16.5" alloys

Currently working on installing long arms in the front, rear shackle flip, extended brake lines, hi-steer knuckles and some sheetmetal work to increase approach and departure angles.

-White Ram:
V10 w/ K&N FIPK, stainless headers, Magnaflow cats w/ Flowmaster muffler, nerf bars, DT Profab adjustable trackbar, steering column lower spring fix, 47RE w/ shift kit, 241DLD, 3rd gen 17" alloy wheels w/ 265/70R17 Michelin "E" rated tires

Currently working on installing Borgeson delphi steering box & shaft, Fastman 52mm throttle body, transmission cooler & aux filter, bumpers and interior upgrades. Going to be transferring a number of parts from the Black Dodge as I go.

Those were at Disney near Little Blue. It's the cave just south of the Z canyon.

Thanks for the props. I know the owner of Road Armor, good guy, and I've enjoyed the bumpers. Been considering getting another set for the White Ram or transferring these and building myself something for the Black one. I can probably set up a Group Buy on Road Armor if enough people are interested.

Check out my classified ad if you get a chance. I need to be able to pay for a back operation here soon and some of my toys have to go as a result. Feel free to ask any questions, I've done everything but the gear swap myself on these trucks!

Here's my build thread over at TOR. It's another local forum more tuned to offroaders. I'm one of just a few Mopar guys as MYoung84 will attest. Hope it not a problem posting a link to another forum, it is local if that helps...this is the entire build on the White Ram:
http://www.tulsaoffroad.com/forums/s...ion-to-Family!

Welcome to the site bud... Glad you joined

Welcome to ORC! Both very nice trucks!

Welcome to the ORC!

I knew I recognized where that was

welcome!

Welcome dude! Nice rigs!

Thanks guys! Looking forward to talking to locals for once. Seems like everyone on my other forums is at least 500 miles away.

welcome nice trucks

Welcome!!

welcome!

Played with my H1 12 bolts over the weekend! I really like the Blacked out look w/ the clean bolts. I want to find some deep lug nut that will fit over the extended bolts to keep that clean look and protect the threads.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3328.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3325.jpg

Backspacing is too deep for now, stock is around 7" on H1s. I really like the stock look and don't want to pay to recenter as it is expensive and the rims will never balance. I have a pair of 2" spacers that would make them doable in the front, but it would hit my control arms at full turn. Going to wait to install after I do a DRW conversion in the front and then use the spacers in the rear.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3335.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3334.jpg

Wow, that thing looks battle-ready. Are they heavy?

As they are right now they are about 60lbs each for a 2 piece steel 12 bolt H1 double beadlock rim. Without inner beadlocks. Once I add PVC inners it will be closer to 65lbs. Not a big deal since this will be losing DD status here soon hopefully. A heavier rim will also help keep traction better that light wheels and steel rims are easier to repair if damaged and less likely to be damaged than an aluminum one. I'll be adding a set of stiffeners to the outers before installation. Something like this is what I'm thinking. Should add another 5lb....

http://www.greatlakeoffroad.com/images/D/12boltRB.jpg

The 8 bolt ones are a little lighter but I would NEVER run a set of 8 bolts with a fullsize truck and the 37" military Goodyears. Military specs show the 8 bolt rims only capable of handling a bias ply tire (the old 36" military Goodyears), the newer 12 bolt I have were designed for the newer radial tires (newer 37" military Goodyears.) The newest ones are the 24 bolt H1 beadlocks designed for the newest Goodyear Bajas, basically to prevent wheel damage from IEDs.

I see many guys runs the 8 bolts on the road with radial tires, but the stock bolts aren't designed for that kind of pressure and they will pop. And once they pop you have to notice quickly or you could lose them all very quickly. I know some guys that run Grade 8 bolts in them that are stronger, but it's still questionable in my mind.

Here's the new super BEEF 1/2" thick Long-Arm Dodge Off-Road brackets and hardware! You can see that it comes with necessary mounting hardware in Grade 8 flavor....and thumb-sized thickness!!!

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3742.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3743.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3744.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3745.jpg

I'll be doing a long-arm conversion on my Black Ram, here's the starter pieces!

Damn those are BEEFY!

I also finished installing my DOR steering brace on the Black Ram: http://www.dodgeoffroad.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1242

I also found myself some tow mirrors for my White Ram! Another Ram fan in the Tulsa area was kind enough to give me these mirrors after he sold his Ram and had no use for them. Always nice to make new friends! Thanks bud. :tu:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3798.jpg


I also started getting the new bumper modified for the front of the Ram....ran into a bit of a snag. The bumper mounts are about 1/4" too narrow and can't quite clear the frame rails.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3831.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3832.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3833.jpg

Cut a little off the front and will trim more off the bumper for under the headlights after I can get it on the truck.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_3834.jpg


So would you guys cut off one of the brackets on the bumper and scoot it over, or try to stretch the bumper mounts out, or squeeze the frame rails of the truck together. Remember, we're talking about a 1/4"....not much. Super Easy doing this with a spare front frame jig! And yes, the body mounts are cut off the jig. Figure I might as well move those things into a good location while I'm at it!

I installed a Class V hitch I found on Craigslist! Great condition and added a good bit of strength.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3785.jpg

I managed to finally finish installing my exhaust on the truck. Threw some high temp primer and paint on a few places and installed stainless steel clamps so the system can be easily removed: 1 on each pipe forward of the cats, then 3 on the muffler (2 inlets, 1 outlet.)

You can see how I modified the stock muffler hangar with an old u-bolt cut in half to weld them together.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3769.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3770.jpg

Finished cat w/ air pump connections. Replaced hoes where necessary.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3771.jpg

And installed everything in the truck! Should be good as new. Just need to install the rebuilt valve body and I should be driving.
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3778.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3779.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3780.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3781.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/IMG_3784.jpg
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Holy hell batman. I don't even know where to start...what are the air pumps for on the cats?

it was me who gave the mirror bro

Yeah man! Next time I bump into you I'll have to buy you a drink or two!! It's nice to know there are still guys out there who don't only care about money! Feel free to let me know if you ever need a hand and I'll bring some Coors Light!

The V10 runs an air pump that pumps oxygen into the catalytic converters through those lines. On a standard V8, the computer fluctuates the amount of fuel to allow the cats varying amounts of oxygen to properly breakdown the pollutants. That's why running too lean or rich can cause a cat to go bad and overheat or not break down pollutants. The V10 doesn't vary the fuel and instead pumps oxygen directly into the cats: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_air_injection

I'm hoping my back feels better and I can install the new valve body, but it's killing me and I don't think I'll be able to work under the truck! Maybe this weekend....

Finished installing the rebuilt transmission valve body and doing the GM solenoid conversion, then slapped on the Hughes extra deep pan and JB welded a magnet to the drain plug. Poured in about 12 quarts of fluid and drove around the block! Everything shifted, no mean scary lights on the dash or problems. Had a horrible smell from the paint I put on the exhaust, but that will pass. Tightened up the collector bolts and got rid of a few leaks.

Now I need to get the seat belts permanently wired up, install the tow mirrors, new Borgeson box and shaft, FastMan throttle body, bumpers, tow wiring, gooseneck, alignment, freon recharge, shocks, etc. After it's together and running on the road for a few weeks, I'll start working on getting the D80 rear end put back together and collect parts for the front hub conversion. At that point I should be done for awhile! <crossed fingers>

The exhaust sounds good! Deep rumble, but not very loud. Didn't notice any bad noises in the cab. I'll try to get a video up in the next few days!

[QUOTE=swirvin21;18711] It's nice to know there are still guys out there who don't only care about money!QUOTE]

yea they werent doing me any good and my old ram was laid out so they werent going to ever be needed on there so i figure just give em to you so they could be put to use.
got my mustangs tranny leak fixed and did a shift kit and short trow shifter also. got it back last night and ive started doing more body mods on it.

Picked up my rock rings for the 24 bolts H1 beadlocks! They will look SWEET!!!!!

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...l/IMG_3842.jpg


I started cutting up the front bumper today, hoping to have something worthy of pics tomorrow. Otherwise I hope to at least have some beadlocks and basic maintenance completed in time for Wheelers For the Wounded this weekend in Disney, OK!

Been kicking my own butt modifying this front bumper to fit. Been 3 test fits so far, but need probably 1 or 2 more to get it permanently mounted. Then, after I finally get the front radiator support mounts moved I'll be able to finalize and reinforce everything for the long haul.

Here's the 1st test fit after a few pieces being cut to get out of the way.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps8f8ecada.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2d5e6b99.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps418fc546.jpg

2nd test fit

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...pscf4e4eaf.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps507503a2.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2041d5a7.jpg

3rd test fit......getting closer

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2d2a98c1.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps538b44e7.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps52602645.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps6f220a2a.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps96ed9637.jpg

This is where I left everything. Need to do some welding tomorrow and make a few more modifications to get it where I want. I had it higher originally and liked it more than I do now, but I think it was just a little too high for when I put a big boy winch in there. This is about as low as I want to go, but will add some small metal pieces to fill under the headlights. Right now my goal is to get it solidly mounted for WFTW this weekend....I'll make it pretty later!

lookin good man!! I like how strong that fron end looks and it's clearance!

Also managed to install the Road Armor on the White Ram.....looks weird to me after having seen it on only lifted trucks, but I know it'll grow on me!

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...psb614a93d.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps01fbaa3b.jpg

so is one of the trucks a daily driver and the other a toy? or both? lol

I've had the Black Ram since 2005, it was a dual-purpose rig for years, but my old job included a company car so I did some upgrades to make a more capable offroader. After I injured my back and lost that job, I looked around and picked up the White Ram for cheap. It had a blown head gasket and some other issues, so I started rebuilding it slowly at my house using as many craigslist parts as I could. I only recently got it driving, after I had to redo the valve body. It will be nice having a regular sized truck for driving around and will double as a tow rig since my wife is getting a yearling that I'll need a horse trailer for.

Thanks for the compliments! After I make a few more mods, I'm hoping it will look 10X better!

Nice!

I want your bumper bad

Gotcha! Both are lookin good man! Keep us informed!!

You are a busy man!

It's actually a Rough Country bumper for a 2008 Chevy 2500/3500 truck. I found it cheap on Craigslist and really liked how beefy the winch plate was, so I've been planning out how to mod it to fit ever since. Having the 2" body lift really gave me the room to move it up and will give me clearance for moving the body mounts. The radiator support body mounts are notorious for being too low and in the way when you go to larger tires, they also hit when you push the axle forward. I'll detail what I'm doing so other can follow.

For anyone wanting an inexpensive version of my Road Armor bumper, check out Dodge Offroad: http://www.dodgeoffroad.com/store.php

My buddy Danny runs it, a small shop in Arkansas that deals solely in Ram trucks and he sells a Road Armor knockoff called Road Rhino bumpers. http://www.dodgeoffroad.com/store_roadrhino.php

Great price for the product and it comes in a Weld It Yourself kit if you want to make something custom for yourself! You guys should check it out, there are a ton of parts that work on both lifted and lowered Rams. I help him with sales, so if you have a question or want to plan some upgrade feel free to PM me here or even come by and I'll walk you through everything!

I have the front bumper welded up and painted roughly, will do some small stuff over time to finalize it. A few more panels under the headlamps, maybe a few more brackets and such. If anyone has any ideas I'm open to hear them! Hear it is before I painted it up some...

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...psb186c143.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps28e8bc0c.jpg

Here she is all painted up!! I'm very happy with it and look forward to playing with it more

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps4106e63c.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps8cd32924.jpg

I also managed to move the evap charcoal cannister up a few inches. I couldn't get as much as I hoped, but the article on Pavementsucks is for a regular cab w/ 3" body lift, my quad cab w/ 2" body lift couldn't be moved forward due to an additional body mount in the way.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...psd5e1d2ec.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...psf34a9057.jpg

Also got some new bling for the White ram! It's a gooseneck from Blue Ox. Haven't heard much about them, but the design is solid, weight rating is the same as everyone else, the ball is designed so it can be removed and locked without pulling a lever under the bed and the best part is it's designed to push the ball back about 4" farther than the others from B&W/etc so it's perfect for my short bed!!

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps7726c977.jpg

They also had some great customer service! Which makes their product that much better!

And now for the BIG REVEAL!! I went ahead and threw on a set of 37" Bajas and 24 bolt beadlocks for "Wheelers For The Wounded" event tomorrow. They look awesome! I will weld on my rock rings and cut the runflats later, so I can't air down too much just yet. What do ya'll think? Looks murdered out in Black now!!!!


http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...psc7970b78.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2b7b3d0f.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps0b20cd90.jpg
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps4e9c6d32.jpg


This is with 2.5" spacers in the front. I will install dually hubs when I get a chance, just happy to finally see them on there!