2013 RAM 2500 Build

[wingsp4n]

Hey folks...long time listener, first time poster.

I'm starting a project moving from a 4th Gen T4R overland rig to a full size truck. I love my 4Runner, but its a bit constrained when bringing the family on adventures. Pic attached for fun.

Scored a pretty good deal on a 2013 RAM 2500 Megacab with the 6.7 Cummins. A bit high on the mileage but the price was right, I know the prior owner and it's very well maintained.

I'm terrible with build threads but maybe this time I'll do a better job.

Photo attached as it came to me.

 

[wingsp4n]

First priority...fix the stupid steering wander and the dreaded death wobble. These Dodges eat front ends.

Installed a CJC drag link, tie rod bar and steering bushings. Also added a Thuren MFG track bar.

This truck has been through a few front ends, all replaced with OEM parts. Here's to hoping some upgraded parts make a difference.

 

[wingsp4n]

Fun bits...

Ideally I want a GFC, but JFC the price is up there. So after some research went for a set of 8" Billiebars to mount the tent. My old ass Yakima needed the 3" risers to fit the clamps, with that it ended up being super nice since I can still see out the back and the tent is only 2" above the cab.

Billiebars so far seem like a solid choice (literally). Construction is quite strong. With the tent open, I felt less flex than the the Victory roof rack on the Runner and I get to keep the tonneau cover...big win.

Also added a 1UP bike rack. A hitch rack was the original plan but this thing is long enough as is.

 

[wingsp4n]

Wrapping up 1500 mile trip to northern MN over the weekend...perfect proper shake down.

- The front end upgrade was 100% worth it. The steering wander is dramatically reduced. It still needs ball joints, but overall huge progress.
- Starting to look at a rear leaf spring upgrade to soften the ride. The ride is great until you hit a bump or some washboards. Shockingly...it drives like a 3/4 ton pickup.
- Bed storage is desperately needed. Moved my prototype drawer over from the 4Runner but still have a lot of space to work with. MOLLE panels may be in the near future assuming I can get them to work with the tonneau cover and Billiebars.
- Tent placement and function was perfect. Very happy with how that came together.

 

[wingsp4n]

Went ahead with the rear suspension replacement...Thuren long travel springs, Thuren shackles and Bilstein 5100's. Holy crap this thing rides like a half ton now. It's a shocking difference.

Ended up pulling the air bags out during the install, still on the fence about putting them back in. I might just repurpose the compressor for onboard air instead.

 

[gtomike]

Thuren long travel leaf springs are plush for sure
If you want to improve the ride some more and you haven't done it yet,get the front springs and torsion sway bar

 

[wingsp4n]

Thuren long travel leaf springs are plush for sure
If you want to improve the ride some more and you haven't done it yet,get the front springs and torsion sway bar

Added to the list for sure!

 

[digitalDan]

Hey good morning nice rig. I have been plagued with the same problem.. I have tried many different things including new PSC Steering box. hydraulic Ram assist. Thuren ball join. The problem is still there.. Sounds like the steering bar frame brace Is the way to go. There is no current Frame brace that fits the PSC steering Box. Rrrrr

 

[wingsp4n]

Hey good morning nice rig. I have been plagued with the same problem.. I have tried many different things including new PSC Steering box. hydraulic Ram assist. Thuren ball join. The problem is still there.. Sounds like the steering bar frame brace Is the way to go. There is no current Frame brace that fits the PSC steering Box. Rrrrr

Thanks!

Looks like you've got quite a bit more weight on the front end that I do with that bumper which might be helping chew up the front end. The bushings, drag link, tie rod bar/ends, and track bar solved about 70% of the problem. Oddly enough replacing the hydroboost hose helped stiffen the steering up a little too.

I know my ball joints are going to need to be replaced and I suspect the steering box may end up being right after.

 

[digitalDan]

On the rear springs topic. I installed the Carli 1" with the thuren 1.5" Shackles. Carli springs are good but not for loads above 800#s A little too soft. They do have an expedition Version.. Heavy Duty.

 

[OTH Overland]

We have a 2012 Ram 3500 Megacab dually, purchased it used about 6 years ago, and when we took it on its first long trip, I hated driving it due to the steering issues. Steering was tight, just wandered all over the road requiring constant input from the driver to keep it somewhat in one lane. Nothing made much of a difference until I installed a steering box brace from BD Diesel. Includes a steel brace across the front frame horns under the radiator and then places a bearing and brace to the bottom of the steering box shaft. Completely removed any wander and made the truck drive like it should. Have a couple of friends that have installed them now with similar results. May be a solution. Steering Box Stabilizer Bar Dodge Cummins 2500/3500 4wd 2003-2022 - 1032003

 

[wingsp4n]

Got the rig out for some camping this past weekend. The rig worked perfectly...and I learned a lot on the way. Definitely noted some improvements needed for the setup.

 

[wingsp4n]

And the project continues...

Went ahead and added the steering box stabilizer. Honestly I don't notice much, if any, difference. I'm either getting used to any wander it might have or it's solved. I barely notice anything anymore.

Starting to work on the bed storage now. Installed some L-track for easier tie down points and securing my old DIY drawer.