New 2500 with 10k mod budget advice

[josh richter]

Hey folks, just bought a 2019 ram 2500 CCSB Cummins tradesman. We have a farm and I will be towing close to max capacity (19k) about once a month. Other than that it will be my daily driver and I want to use it for camping/overlanding occasionally. My question is, I have budgeted 10k for outfitting it properly, how would you prioritize and what would you purchase given this budget? My thoughts are sumo springs and weight distributing hitch to manage my max tow, throw 35” ko2’s on the stock wheels to get a bit of off road capability while retaining the on road capacities and then possibly a titan replacement tank for extended range. At a loss after that. Also, we live on a mountain top and the 1/4 mile up our driveway is extremely steep and craggy so I was thinking maybe new gears would be helpful? What do you guys think?

 

[AH64ID]

Personally I would leave the suspension near stock, with the addition of some airbags that go outboard of the springs.

Since you plan to tow heavy stick with the stock size. My 0.02 is that there are much better tires than BFG, such as Cooper AT3 XLT’s.

Then I would run it for a while like that. See what limitations you actually run into. It’s a 8K lb truck, not a RZR.

 

[Jim W]

The only thing I could add would be to install a Mag-Hytec transmission oil pan. This will add extra capacity of transmission oil and allow you to drain through a drain plug for easer servicing.

These are not necessary but you might want to install an AL diff cover also. A Mag-Hytec Diff cover also adds extra capacity along with the ability of draining through a drain plug along with a dipstick to check fluid levels. The drain plug is magnetic which catches the fuzz in the diff. I have one on my truck and I do tow heavy. My diff temps when towing is normally around 145F. This is checked with an IFR heat gun about every two hours or so, when we pull into a rest area, along with the tire temps on my truck and trailer.

Another low cost item that some of us like and some do not is a drain valve installed into the oil plan for the engine. Geno's Garage sells several different version that you can choose from. This will facilitate with oil changes on your truck so, you do not get a three gallon bath every time you change the oil.

What diff gears set do you have in the truck, are they 3:73 or some over size.?

I have 3:73 gear set in my truck and I have no issue pulling my 34RL Cedar Creek.

 

[MtnRider]

I would drive it and tow for a bit and see where it stands stock before you start throwing a lot of money at it? I'll also chime in on the BFG's, not the best choice for a HD truck. I've had good luck with them on a 1/2 ton but not a HD truck. Nitto, Toyo, Cooper would be on my list. (goodyear wranglers are a no go as well). Of course going bigger is going to throw off the gear ratio which isn't a huge problem for a lot of people but since you are towing at the max load you will notice them (and your transmission will as well). Did you get 3.73 or 3.42 ratio? Hopefully 3.73.

Are you doing long range hauling? Fuel tank is a cool option but just be aware there is no way to calibrate it (that I have seen yet) so your gauge is always going to be off. Minor issue but can be an annoyance for some.

.

 

[Signal73]

Do you live in snow country?

 

[jgillott]

I would drive it and tow for a bit and see where it stands stock before you start throwing a lot of money at it?

This is my advice. Owning four of these Cummins powered Rams over the last 20+ years, the one thing that I've learned is that they are very capable and reliable out of the box. Use it for some time as is and then upgrade based upon your own observations. You may find that the needs/wants list that you may have now, may be completely different in 6 months or even a year.

Best of luck with your new purchase.

 

[Newsa]

Do they make Timbren suspension enhancements for the ram with coil springs in rear?

I don't have them but the lower capacity ones might be something to look into.

 

[cerberusiam]

Need info on gears and transmission to give good info.

For tires, BFG's are junk so don't waste the $$. The stock 17" rims do not give you and adequate rated tire for the truck so get a tire and wheel package that makes sense. Cooper, Nitto, and Toyo all make adequately rated tires in 18 or 20 inch versions. Note if you want something that will stand up to rough roads and towing you will have to go with an MT tire, the others are no hard enough to take much abuse. The Cooper STT Pro and STT Max are about the longest wearing tires I have found. Toyo and Nitto MT's are close.

Stock gearing and transmission, beyond a 33-34" tire you will stress the trans and mess with the engine operating range not to mention screw up the towing performance especially in extreme or harsh conditions. To use 35's you need 4.10's and you simply do not gain enough with 2 inches to warrant the cost unless you have money that is not useful elsewhere.

Going away from stock tire size with a 68RFE will require a VB and trans tuning or you put the trans at risk, especially if you are approaching max CCVW. With the AISIN nothing you can really do but make sure gears and tires are matched as closely as possible.

Start with a wheel and tire package, leveling springs, air bags, and some emissions compliant tuning and see how you like it.

 

[JPM]

ricksons?

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...es-almost-5000-lbs-cap-ea-999-midwest.268864/