20 Fun Details About Dodge Ram 1500 Aftermarket Parts
The Ultimate Guide to Aftermarket Parts for the Ram 1500: Enhancing Performance and Style
The Ram 1500 has actually long been a titan in the full-size pickup truck section. Known for its coil-spring rear suspension, luxurious interior, and the famous rumble of the HEMI V8 engine, it serves as a versatile tool for work, play, and daily commuting. However, for many owners, the factory specifications are simply a beginning point. The world of aftermarket parts provides a huge landscape of opportunities to customize the Ram 1500 to particular needs, whether that includes dealing with rugged off-road trails, increasing hauling performance, or merely sticking out in a crowded car park.
This thorough guide checks out the numerous classifications of aftermarket upgrades available for the Ram 1500, providing a useful summary of how these adjustments can change the driving experience.
Performance Upgrades: Unleashing the HEMI
When it pertains to the Ram 1500, performance is frequently the first priority. Many owners concentrate on the "Big Three" of engine adjustments: intake, exhaust, and tuning.
1. Cold Air Intakes
A cold air intake replaces the restrictive factory air box with a high-flow filter and a broader intake tube. By drawing in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay, the engine can attain a more effective combustion procedure. This generally results in a modest boost in horsepower and torque, in addition to a more aggressive engine note under acceleration.
2. Cat-Back Exhaust Systems
The factory exhaust is created primarily for sound suppression. Aftermarket cat-back systems (the portion of the exhaust from the catalytic converter back to the tailpipe) reduce backpressure. Brand names like Borla, MagnaFlow, and Flowmaster are popular choices for Ram owners who want that deep, guttural V8 roar while simultaneously enhancing exhaust flow.
3. Efficiency Tuners and Programmers
Modern trucks are governed by advanced Engine Control Units (ECUs). An aftermarket tuner allows owners to recalibrate the truck's software application. This can change shift points, improve throttle response, and even account for bigger tire sizes to keep the speedometer precise.
Suspension and Handling: Leveling the Playing Field
The position of a Ram 1500 is a regular point of contention for owners. From the factory, many trucks feature a "rake," suggesting the rear sits greater than the front to accommodate heavy loads. Aftermarket suspension parts can fix this or supply much better off-road clearance.
Leveling Kits vs. Lift Kits
A leveling set is developed to raise the front of the truck by 2 to 2.5 inches, bringing it level with the back. This is an affordable method to fit slightly larger tires and accomplish a more aggressive look without jeopardizing factory ride quality substantially.
A lift set is a more extensive adjustment, raising the entire automobile by 3 to 6 inches or more. This requires new shocks, crossmembers, and steering elements. For the major off-roader, a lift set is essential for browsing challenges and fitting 35-inch or 37-inch tires.
Tables of Popular Suspension Upgrades
| Upgrade Type | Popular Brands | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Leveling Kit | ReadyLift, Rough Country | Levels the position; enables 33-inch tires. |
| Lift Kit | BDS Suspension, Fabtech | Optimum ground clearance; aggressive aesthetic appeals. |
| Performance Shocks | Bilstein, Fox, King | Enhanced dampening and heat dissipation. |
| Air Suspension Kits | Air Lift, Firestone | Levels the truck while pulling heavy trailers. |
Exterior Enhancements: Utility and Protection
The outside of the Ram 1500 is constructed for sturdiness, but aftermarket parts can add layers of security and performance.
1. Tonneau Covers (Bed Covers)
One of the most useful upgrades, a tonneau cover secures freight from the components and theft. They can be found in a number of styles:
- Tri-Fold: Durable and simple to get rid of.
- Roll-Up: Provides full bed access in seconds.
- Retractable: Offers a smooth, low-profile appearance with high security.
2. Side Steps and Running Boards
As trucks get taller, ingress and egress become more challenging. Aftermarket side steps range from standard chrome bars to "rock sliders" developed to secure the rocker panels from trail damage. Power-retractable actions are also a high-end choice, deploying when the door opens and stashing when closed to preserve ground clearance.
3. LED Lighting
While more recent Ram designs feature exceptional LED packages, older or base-trim designs benefit greatly from lighting upgrades. LED headlight conversions, fog light pods, and integrated light bars in the grille or bumper can significantly increase presence during night driving or off-road excursions.
Interior Upgrades: Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Ram 1500 is frequently pointed out as the very best in its class. However, aftermarket parts can help preserve that luxury or add contemporary functions.
- All-Weather Floor Mats: Brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners use laser-measured mats that trap mud, snow, and spills, securing the carpet from long-term damage.
- Under-Seat Storage: For trucks without the specialized "RamBins," aftermarket under-seat organizers offer a secure place for tools and emergency situation equipment.
- Infotainment Upgrades: Owners of older Ram models typically go with "Tesla-style" vertical screens that replace the factory radio, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and modern navigation.
Quick Reference: Top Aftermarket Categories
To assist focus on modifications, here is a list of the most typical aftermarket classifications for the Ram 1500:
- Performance: Intakes, Exhausts, Tuners, Throttle Controllers.
- Suspension: Leveling Kits, Lift Kits, Upper Control Arms, Shocks.
- Outside: Tonneau Covers, Bumpers, Grilles, Fender Flares.
- Wheels & & Tires: All-Terrain (A/T) or Mud-Terrain (M/T) tires, Offset Rims.
- Lighting: Light Bars, LED Pods, Custom Headlights/Taillights.
- Interior: Seat Covers, Floor Liners, Dash Cams, Audio Systems.
Table: Estimated Installation Difficulty
| Part Name | Estimated Install Time | Difficulty Level | Expert Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Air Intake | 1 Hour | Low | No |
| Leveling Kit | 3 - 4 Hours | Moderate | Recommended |
| Cat-Back Exhaust | 2 Hours | Moderate | No |
| 6-inch Lift Kit | 8 - 12 Hours | High | Yes |
| Tonneau Cover | 30 Minutes | Low | No |
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before purchasing aftermarket parts, owners need to consider numerous key aspects to make sure compatibility and complete satisfaction:
- Warranty Concerns: Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a maker can not void a warranty just since an aftermarket part was set up. However, if the aftermarket part triggers a failure, that particular repair may not be covered.
- Design Year Specifics: The Ram 1500 has two distinct versions presently on the market: the "Classic" (DS generation) and the "New" (DT generation). Parts are rarely interchangeable in between these two generations.
- Planned Use: A truck built for heavy towing needs various adjustments (air bags, heavy-duty brakes) than a truck built for desert racing (long-travel suspension, high-clearance bumpers).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will adding a cold air intake void my Ram 1500 service warranty?
Normally, no. A cold air intake is a "bolt-on" part. Unless the dealer can prove that the intake directly triggered a specific engine failure, your service warranty remains undamaged.
2. Can I fit 35-inch tires with simply a leveling package?
On the more recent Ram 1500 (DT) designs, 35-inch tires can typically fit with a 2-inch leveling package, though some minor cutting of the inner plastic fender liner may be required to avoid rubbing at complete steering lock.
3. What is the very best exhaust for a HEMI 5.7 L?
This is subjective, but numerous owners prefer the Borla S-Type for a "middle-ground" sound that is loud when you desire it however peaceful at cruising speeds. For optimal volume, the Flowmaster Outlaw series is a top competitor.
4. Do I require an alignment after setting up a leveling package?
Yes. Any time the front suspension geometry is changed, a positioning is necessary to prevent premature tire wear and guarantee the truck tracks directly.
5. Are visit website -off" parts worth it?
In many cases, no. While they are cheaper, vital parts like suspension arms or lighting typically do not have the testing and quality control of established brands, resulting in security dangers or premature failure.
The Ram 1500 is a formidable maker in its stock type, but the aftermarket industry enables owners to open its true potential. Whether the goal is to improve the sound of the V8, increase the truck's capability off the beaten path, or protect the interior from the rigors of day-to-day work, there is an option offered. By picking trusted brand names and thinking about how each modification affects the lorry's overall consistency, Ram owners can produce a truly one-of-a-kind pickup that serves them for several years to come.
