1999 Dodge Ram 4x4 - Twisted Battering Ram

It's amazing what a few small hand tools can do to enhance the off-road capabilities of a rig. The owner of this Ram found out first hand how much articulation he could get out of the solid front axle of his 1999 Dodge Ram 4X4.

Jim started his suspension task by evicting the front sway bar from underneath his full size 'wheeler in search of more axle articulation. Amazed by the awesome results of his newfound suspension flex, Jim decided to step up the rest of the Ram's suspension department.

Since we last caught up with Jim, he's replaced the front coils with a set of Kore's VR Hemi race coils and a set of set of Bilstein shocks. Jim also fabricated a homemade dual shock bracket to run the new Bilstein's alongside the 7100s. Jim reports that the combination works very well together but admits the shocks need to be re-valved for the dual-shock application to soften up the ride a bit. Luckily, Jim's familiar with the fact that off-road trucks are never-ending projects, and a little valving work is just all part of the deal.

	This Ram's rear was outfitted...        read full caption This Ram's rear was outfitted with enough suspension flex to tuck the Dynapro MTs in the wheel wells under extreme articulation. A set of Deaver leaf packs and 12-inch Bilstein 7100s keep the Ram moving over any notches it may encounter in its path. The Chrysler 9.25-inch differential was stuffed with a Detroit Locker and 4.56 gears to ensure the power generated by the 5.9L gets put to good use.	The Dana 44 front is now suspended...        read full caption The Dana 44 front is now suspended by Kore VR Hemi race coils along with a homemade dual shock bracket to mount the new Bilstein shocks next to the 7100s. You can see the spacers Jim made to raise the height of the....
......upper shock mount to...        read full caption ......upper shock mount to get 14-inch stroke shocks in the stock locations. A set of 20-inch Renegade limiting straps keep the Bilstein's from overextending while a set of DYSKO progressive bumpstops dampen the Ram's ride for high-speed desert action.	The stock 5.9L was given a...        read full caption The stock 5.9L was given a few extra ponies courtesy of a K&N air filter that allows the Ram to fill its lungs to full capacity at a moments notice. A Hypertech programmer ensures the small block has the ability to muscle its way over any terrain. Jim fabricated a homemade shock-tower brace to give the shock-towers an added rigidity. Jim mounted the Bilstein 7100s reservoirs to the brace to keep them out of harm's way. Backing up the Magnum V8 is a 46RE automatic transmission that was built with a shift kit, providing firmer shifts to hold all that torque. An aftermarket transmission cooler and temperature gauge provide ample insurance should Jim decide to drive it like he stole it. Delivering the motivation to both axles is an NP231HD transfer case that was modified with a Gilly's Products transfer-case saver.	Jim built this custom front...        read full caption Jim built this custom front tube bumper while incorporating the top of the original bumper skin for a more aesthetically pleasing finish. A custom light bar tops off the bumper with three Grote high output LED off-road lights. The two outer lights are spotlights while the center light is a flood. Jim fashioned a sheet of diamond plate to fit the front bumper to protect the lower half of the radiator. This Ram wheels with a set of factory aluminum wheels wrapped in Hankook Dynapro MT 315/75R16 that provide enough grip to satisfy this big Dodge's off-road appetite.
Jim fabricated this custom...        read full caption Jim fabricated this custom tire gate to hold a full-size Super Swamper TSL should one of the Dynapro MTs decide to go flat against an obstacle. Who needs a tailgate when you have a tire gate that screams, "Back off!" to any and all tailgaters? Jim also fabricated the rear bumper with functionality in mind to keep any encroaching rocks at bay.