PWNY TRK

[D_Eclipse9916]

SOLD! - New toy thread sometime.

2007 Ram 2500 Quad Cab w/ 6.7L Cummins. All kinds of stuff already ordered. Should be fun.

Diesels are ridiculously fun. They don't feel fast until you try racing someone. :lol:

[.RJ]

SOLD! - New toy thread sometime.

2007 Ram 2500 Quad Cab w/ 6.7L Cummins. All kinds of stuff already ordered. Should be fun.

You are the new .RJ the revolving garage door never slows down!

Shit. I have had my ridgeline for over 4 years now....

[Kaan]

SOLD! - New toy thread sometime.

2007 Ram 2500 Quad Cab w/ 6.7L Cummins. All kinds of stuff already ordered. Should be fun.

You are the new .RJ the revolving garage door never slows down!

Shit. I have had my ridgeline for over 4 years now....

how many bikes have you gone through? and imagine yourself with dealership resources!

Jeff... im' in the market for a truck... please tell jeep to make a stick front end truck (FC or gladiator concept) so i can haz.

oh yeah and hurry up with the pics and the pimp work

[Jeff]

OK, time to drop dis on you fellas. Truck is a 2007 Ram 2500 quad cab SLT. 6.7L Cummins w/ 6-speed automatic. At time of purchase it had 87,777 miles. It was originally owned by a company in Utah and was a lease. Anyway, it was traded by a friend of mine (Zach, he's on this forum sometimes, had a black JK then that Keiser army truck) and I decided to buy it for myself.

All washed up pics y0!





Engine still dirty!


Alright, so this being a project thread there has to be something going on here, right? RIGHT! So when I bought it there was some work needing doing. Some of which I can talk about here some I can't really. I will do the best I can.

Issues already taken care of / Projects done in no order.
1. Brakes - New rotors/pads all 4 corners (OUCH!)

2. Ball Joints - All 4 ball joints replaced with aftermarket.

3. Fuel Filtration - Common problem on the 6.7L is poor fuel filtration. The OEM single filter is a joke and allows to much dirt in our shitty US diesel through to the sensitive Bosch injectors. They work at such a high pressure that the contaminants in the fuel can actually erode the injector tips. I fixed this by installed a Vulcan Performance dual fuel filter kit on the frame. It was a bit of a bitch, had to drop the tank, cut the main fuel line, and install this filter/water separator setup. I also retained and replaced the OEM filter on the block, but it is a courser filter (5 Micron) than the new filter (3 Micron) so it should never need replacing. Pics from the install.
View inside the driver's side frame

What you see from outside the frame


4. Tires - The tires on the truck passed inspection but they were weak. A friend and customer just bought a 2013 Ram 2500 base with the small stock 245/70/17in tires on it. Our truck had the stock 265/70/17 that was an upgrade on the SLT truck. I struck a deal with the customer and got the Michelin LTX A/S tires as take-offs for just $400! So I had to go down a bit in tire width and height but it was a smoking deal on some long life tires. I hated to do it but it was the best thing to do right now and you couldn't beat the money. PICS!

265 BFG on left 245 Michelin on right

Michelin front BFG back


5. Blown speakers - Replaced blown 6X9 door speaker with 6.5in Infinity components






6. Window tint - Front windows had 12% window tint. Illegal in VA. Had to scrape it off

7. B&W Turnover ball Gooseneck Hitch - Ordered from Ebay at great price. Not a huge project but it took an afternoon and two people. Truck had a plastic bedliner when I got it, I was a little disappointed in the condition of the bed but I will fix it up before Line-X. Got a mat for now. PICS!




Cutting the hole is never fun!

BAM!


8. Mud flaps installed, see pics above.

9. Custom brake control mount. I HATE mounting brake controllers in these trucks because there is no good place. This is what the PO came up with.


Kicked it every time I got in the truck. So I wanted to do something custom and sexy. I decided to mount it in the IP below the radio. The cubby was the obvious choice but I got to looking at the switch panel where the exhaust brake button is.


Took it out to discover the panel in the back has clips for two more switches and if you cut out the hole for the switch it could be moved over.


After lots of careful work


Then I needed to make a hole for the controller. Template time!






Drilling lots of little holes




After lots of filing. VERY BAWLER






Setting off today on its first trip. Got 14.6mpg towing. Bests my old gasser's mpg of just 9.8.

[Jeff]

Man that was a long post! Wanted to get it on here before my computer glitched and I lost all that. So, there is obviously more coming.

Ordered / waiting to go on
Vent shades - forgot them in last post, on already!
OEM fog lamp kit
OEM rear fender liner kit
In-bed 7pin harness for gooseneck
Stainless Steel tube steps - came in with dents in them!!! DAMN CHINA!
4in exhaust
Smarty JR tuner
"Other performance and MPG mods" -

Possible future mods - thoughts?
Chrome bug shield to hide crack in front grille
Cab lights - Clear or Amber?
Line- X after bed side paint work fix (yes I know the paint doesn't match. More obvious in pics than IRL)
Fuel pressure and boost gauges
Legal front window tint
Anti-spin rear
OEM alloy wheels with 265 tires
"Camper prep package" - Rear sway bar and overload springs
Any other ides?

[HAULN-SS]

exhaust?

[Jeff]

4in kit has been ordered. Should be here next week. It was on the list.

[CaptainHenreh]

Wow. Quite the comeup from the old pwny trk.

Rex Approved :thumbup:

[premiershine9]

Looking great! Interior looks to be in good condition considering it was a leased company truck- my dad last year picked up his company truck- a '13 Hemi 2500 Ram and I can't contain myself from driving it every time I go home- looks great and the interior is pretty damn nice!

[D_Eclipse9916]

Love the red! Gooseneck = awesomeness in stability. My next trailer will be a gooseneck.

[Jake]

Wow Jeff, DO WORK. That looks great! I like the brake controller install - super clean.

[Jeff]

Thanks guys. Looking forward to this project, happy to finally have a diesel. I really don't like red to much but it is a tough looking truck. Anyway, Moar to come.

[V1GiLaNtE]

Do you have an EGR gauge? BUY ONE.

Water/Meth injection for towing/performance.
Air Filter Upgrade
Amber Cab Lights = SEX
Some sort of full width locking bed box to keep towing, emergency, maintenance supplies?
And if you ever think about adding lift/leveling it out my only recommendation is KORE offroad. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.koreraceshop.com/">http://www.koreraceshop.com/</a><!-- m -->

Friend has this on his 2003 2500 Cummins and it is BOSS.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Amber Cab Lights = SEX

I don't get cab lights, I never thought of them before until someone asked me a couple weeks ago about them on my truck.

I did some reading, but got some weird answers. If I took everything with a grain of salt, I came out that Federal Law requires anything over 80 inches wide or if you are towing something over 80 inches wide, you have to have them.

So...a dually would require them just because of the width itself. However my SRW (and Jeffs), I beleive are not over 80 inches wide. So mine has them, therefore I don't need them on my trailer. Jeff doesn't have them, so he needs them on the trailer? Or in his case, he will probably put them on the truck?

Can anyone confirm or enlighten me? Dunno why but it bothers me that I don't know the answer.

[Jeff]

Do you have an EGR gauge? BUY ONE.

Water/Meth injection for towing/performance.
Air Filter Upgrade
Amber Cab Lights = SEX
Some sort of full width locking bed box to keep towing, emergency, maintenance supplies?
And if you ever think about adding lift/leveling it out my only recommendation is KORE offroad. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.koreraceshop.com/">http://www.koreraceshop.com/</a><!-- m -->

Friend has this on his 2003 2500 Cummins and it is BOSS.

I assume you mean EGT gauge? I do need to get one but I don't really plan to be running huge power or towing huge loads. I don't suspect I will have any troubles.
Maybe water/meth injection later but again, no huge loads. I used to haul this stuff off with a 360 gas Ram.
Cab lights yes...amber? I am not sure. I like the 2010+ clear with amber bulbs
Full length box messes up gooseneck clearance. I got the pork-chop box for my gear
I will look into Kore offroad, I don't want to lift or level but I do want to do some steering and stability upgrades (08+ steering, box brace, rear sway and maybe camper springs)

Amber Cab Lights = SEX

I don't get cab lights, I never thought of them before until someone asked me a couple weeks ago about them on my truck.

I did some reading, but got some weird answers. If I took everything with a grain of salt, I came out that Federal Law requires anything over 80 inches wide or if you are towing something over 80 inches wide, you have to have them.

So...a dually would require them just because of the width itself. However my SRW (and Jeffs), I beleive are not over 80 inches wide. So mine has them, therefore I don't need them on my trailer. Jeff doesn't have them, so he needs them on the trailer? Or in his case, he will probably put them on the truck?

Can anyone confirm or enlighten me? Dunno why but it bothers me that I don't know the answer.

Cab lights are considered "clearance lamps." The VA inspection guide reads as follows:

"[Reject if] Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or other vehicle that is not equipped with clearance lamps if the vehicle is over seven feet wide or any portion extends four inches or more outside the front fender line."

Further...
"When a motor vehicle with a trailer attached is presented, the combination may be considered as one unit in meeting this requirement." So my trailer does not have an ID bar (three lights on the front) so I suppose I need the cab lights?

[Jeff]

Ok so more mods! Exhaust and programmer are on but I forgot to take pics and Anne has the truck today. These are small cosmetic things.

Chrome beltline moldings. I wasn't a huge fan when I first put them on but they are growing on me. I had them laying in the bodyshop so they were free. Also, got my tube steps on. Great value for the money!



The tail gate isn't in the best of shape on the inside. I had a plasic tailgate cover (over the rail) but we needed it for a used truck. Used truck had a dent on the top of the tailgate and only had a "under the rail" type tailgate protector. So I got this.



That sorta sucked but it covered most of the damage. Parts guy and I were talking and he says "ya know, I think I have one of those tailgate spoilers in the loft. You want that? So...BAM



I like it. Came on the 06-08 1500 Rams and was a mopar accessory for 2500-3500. Its pretty much a large plastic tailgate cap but I like the look and it will protect the edge of the gate better than a liner...even a Line-x. When I get the bed done I will have them go up to the bottom of it just like the plastic liner does now.

Moar to come on that. But also. I didn't post it on here (I don't think) but I have been working my ass off for months on a 2000 Ram 3500 Cab/Chassis I found and bought for the dealership to haul trash and plow snow. It has a 12ft landscape/dump bed that needed a full restoration. Reskinned it with 1/8in steel plate, fixed some structure underneath, replaced all the wood and refinished the sides and now finishing up with custom made tailgates. Project has really helped out my mig welding skills.




You guys would probably like to read and see pics from this project. Lots of work went into it. The truck is a 5.9L Cummins automatic with just 86k miles on it. Bought it for a song with lots of new parts but some rust issues. Had to restore the bed as I said and on top of that we had to do a cab swap! The cab was so bad in the floors it could not be saved. I bought a 96 Ram 1500 2wd for $500 and we fixed up then swapped the cabs. Plus I had a full blown restoration in the 8ft Western Pro snow plow that now looks new. Man it was a shit ton of work.

[Jeff]

Ok so I have been lazy on my RAM but I recently got the bug up my ass to do some modding! I went to great pains to get a set of OEM polished aluminum wheels and some proper size 265/70R17 white letter Firestone tires. Wheels are currently waiting a clear coat after being stripped and re-polished. They are being coated with a POR-15 product designed for polished aluminum that hydro cures. Basically we can't lay it on with all this humidity we have been having. I will post pics on this when they are done, if this stuff works it will be good. I look forward to reviewing it, might be useful to others in the club. Another mod I did recently that really changed the look of the truck was an OEM fog lamp kit. It is amazing how much fog lamps can help the look of a vehicle. I will post a pic set on that to, I can't believe how much better that makes it look.

Anyway, on to the bit I do have pics for. It all started when I decided I needed a set of steering wheel audio controls. I hate not having them, all my other cars now-a-days do. So I ordered a steering column off ebay with a leather steering wheel, controls, and everything else I would need. Got it in and the steering wheel was bent and all fucked up. Cleaned it, straightened it and refinished it (neat process, if anyone wants to do that PM me I will explain). Turned out great but I didn't get the dye color right, my wheel matches my seats, not my dash. It looks ok but I might change it later. Anyway put in the wheel with the controls, wired them up, no dice. My truck does not have the sales code for audio controls so my cluster computer will not let the signal pass to the radio. WTF! I called everyone I could think at Chrysler and no one could help me. They used to be able to change or add sales codes to build configurations but that ability has been lost. So I am stuck. Well, I decided I would do what I do best, rip that shit out!

OEM wheel controls. Note the off-color on the leather wheel.


OEM radio with trim removed.


OEM trim panel




Hole for radio isn't quite large enough for a double din radio unit and it has these "ear" shaped cutouts for the volume and tune knobs. You can fix this by buying a trim panel from a truck that had OEM nav, buying a customized panel off the web for $175+ core, or you can do what I did and modify your panel and customize a mounting kit. I got this kit off ebay.



A "little" customizing and I got it to fit the Pioneer AVIC-9310BT I also got off Ebay




TEST FIT!


Now you have to make the trim panel fit the radio. This was the tight butthole part of this project.






Lots of test fits later!




Then comes the wiring mess...and was it ever a mess. Steering wheel control module, CAN interface, Sub outputs, and (not pictured) wiring for the two backup cameras.


Backup cameras needed a switch and two relays. I have two cams coming in on one backup input and they need switching. One for the gooseball and one for the back. Switch turned out great, located to the right of the brake controller.




BAM! Installed and working perfect.




Two backup cams work great as well. not bad for $15 each off ebay.




The radio was second hand and everything else was bottom dollar but it turned out really nicely for under $500. Bluetooth, turn by turn nav, touch screen with custom home screen, etc. I couldn't be happier!

[ScottyB]

that's pretty BA, man! the cameras are super pimpy. i had no idea that much wiring would be involved though....better you than me. i'd be pretty deep into a couple beers trying to fight off my apprehension staring at that pile of relays and stuff.

[Jake]

Wow, nice job Jeff! Might have been a blessing in disguise that the first attempt didn't work - having a modern head unit with the cameras and nav on your pimpy tow vehicle must be nice.

[JPolen01]

Double cameras is badass. Nice work. Wiring like that scares me.