The Ghost, 2019 Ram 1500 build out

[36degreesNorth]

Every good adventure trailer needs something fun to pull it right? Trailer build here

This is my 2019 Ram 1500 that will serve as the primary tow rig for the trailer. The name Ghost is a continuation from the first truck I bought new a 2006 Nissan Frontier. That truck served to introduce me to some of people I stall call my best friends. Sadly it was totaled by someone in a hurry in 2009. It happened to be a gray crew cab, the new to me ram is also a gray crew cab and I couldn't think of a better name.

Current specs
3.6 v6
275/60/20 Goodyear Trailrunner AT
Gator softbed cover
Redarc tow pro brake control
36 Degrees North Overland console molle panels.

To be installed,
36 Degrees North Overland 1/2 inch front lift spacers

Plans,
Minimum of an oil pan to tcase skid
Front recovery point
Better bed organization

Current photo,


Starting point


Console molle panels I designed


Redarc tow controller

 

[36degreesNorth]

Some more parts fresh off the cutter. Drew up a set of 1/4 inch thick spacers for the front coil over struts. These will provide about 1/2inch of lift due to the geomnetry of the suspension. Long term plan is to pair them with adjustable Bilstein 5100s so I can run less preload on the spring while maintaining the desired ride height and keeping some of the spring travel.

 

[36degreesNorth]

The new gen rams have a big air damn under the front bumper to help with fuel economy at the expense of ground clearance. Better to remove it in the garage then have the trail remove it for you.

Before




With it removed


Now have some clearance under the front bumper. Going to start working on a skid plate for the front end shortly

 

[36degreesNorth]

Finally got some time in the shop recently. For the front 1/2 lift spacers put in and added front tow hooks.

Before measurements





Spacer on the top hat of the stock strut assembly. Long term plan is Bilstein 5100s using this spacer will let me run less preload on the spring but keep the ride height



After measurements






Tow hooks installed

 

[36degreesNorth]

Prototype HPDE skid plate for the front diff is in from the water jet cutters. Making sure all the bolts line up where I want them before getting metal cut and bent. The final will probably have side wings to stiffen it up a little. Also being HPDE this will end up as my sacrifice slide surface once I do get a metal skid made. The 3 slots on the rear are for a mid skid that's next on the drawing board

 

[36degreesNorth]

Got some time before family gets in for the holidays to get the skid mounted. Messed up on one measurement and have to adjust my cut file but that's why I went with HPDE for the test fit. Also need to chase the threads of one of the stock treaded inserts that I don't have the right metric tap for. Over all happy with the fit and will make a few small changes before cutting some plate. Will probably go with aluminum with the HPDE as a slide surface as this isn't my rock crawler.

 

[Oddpowers]

Nice looking truck. I'll be following to see how yours is progressing. Here is mine. 2021, 5.7 Hemi w/etorqe. I put a leveling kit on it, and wheel spacers. I would like to make a skid plate aswell.

 

[36degreesNorth]

Nice looking truck. I'll be following to see how yours is progressing. Here is mine. 2021, 5.7 Hemi w/etorqe. I put a leveling kit on it, and wheel spacers. I would like to make a skid plate aswell.View attachment 277009

Nice rig. Mines been on the back burner with some other projects and a now 1 year old. But if you are interested in the skid plate for the front diff area let me know. I do have a production ready cut file that I can use to get one cut. I'd love to see another one in the wild so I can make improvements to it if needed

 

[36degreesNorth]

Got in a quick overnight trip with a friend before fathers day. Nice simple camp spot followed by roughly 20 or so miles of gravel and dirt the next morning on our way back to Knoxville Tried out a new chuck box that I built as well.

 

[kwill]

Nice rig. Mines been on the back burner with some other projects and a now 1 year old. But if you are interested in the skid plate for the front diff area let me know. I do have a production ready cut file that I can use to get one cut. I'd love to see another one in the wild so I can make improvements to it if needed

I just got a 2022 Ram Laramie and would love to try your skid plate!

 

[36degreesNorth]

Finally got the first skid plate cut out of 1/4 aluminum plate. Now to start working on the cross member to bumper plate.