3rd gen. noob... any suggestions?

[NLamke]

Hi, just got my first new truck, first diesel, first Dodge etc... So I buy this new truck and everyone starts giving me a bad time 'cause I bought a Dodge. Nothing takes the pride of a new vehicle away like that. Then I find this place, and think, "Wow, now this seems like the place for me and my Dodge"

I finally splurged and bought an 05 3500 SRW, SB, 4X4, A/T, SLT as my new primary vehicle. Basically, I would like to know from all of the experience out there, (that I am lacking) what are nice additions, add-ons, gadgets and so on. Any veterans wanna chime in? My first customizing was to put some decals on it, and I think for my second, I'm looking at some Mastercraft Courser C/T 33X12. 50X17 tires for it. I think I've got pics and so forth set up in my profile, hope it works.

 

[JCleary]

Welcome. Don't mind those folks that can't appreciate your truck. They're just bummed that they don't have one.



As far as mods are concerned, possibilities are endless. Listed below is my first wave of goodies. I bought the truck in October.

 

[abdiver]

05 3500 SRW, SB, 4X4 Ya got a GREAT truck

I have been look'n and Dodge is the only one with the cummins Best engine around

Bet your buddy's just have ford and chevys You got the best

Good luck with your truck

 

[scootergmc]

I highly recommend the search function mod.

 

[macdaddy]

Hey lam

Sounds like a nice truck I'm on my second dodge Cummins. All I have ever owned before that was Chevy's with 454's ugh welcome to the TDR if you cant find it in here you wont find it anywhere!!!

Mac

 

[McCRam]

Welcome. They wont be laughing when they are on there second engine and your is just getting broke in. Nice looking truck.

 

[Jengle]

Welcome. Set up your signature with the truck type and additions. They are just jealous. First mod should be a set of mud flaps to keep the rock chips off the rockers and paint, if you don't have any. If you can't find what you want, just get a cheap set from Pep Boys to hold you until you find the right ones, but get something on there. After that, go easy and have fun.

 

[LightmanE300]

Nlamke - congrats on the new ride. A few mods you might want to consider right off the bat are the mopar molded mud flaps and the mopar rear wheel well liners. They really are easy to install with basic tools and help protect your new ride. After that you might consider some basic mods like a spray in bedliner, or some steps as you mentioned.

 

[MichaelWright]

Nlamke,



Welcome and Congradulations on the new truck!!



What kinda guys are you running around with, picking on you because you bought a Dodge? Find some new friends!



As far as mods, boy your going to get into trouble! Hold on to your wallet!



The first thing, is to make sure that your high idle has been activated by the dealer. And check to make sure you have the block heater "cord/plug" installed. It used to come installed from the factory (cord w/plug), now it is a dealer option, the block heater is still factory installed, you have that.



A good set of mud flaps like others said, I like the Mopar ones from the dealer. Also a complete set of floor mats, front and back. I like the Husky Liners, catch all of the melted snow off of my boots, and are form fitted to the floor. Look good too. While we are in the interior, a good set of seat covers will fit the bill. I went with the Mopars, front and back. They are a dark graphite color in a heavy water proofed canvas, with Ram logos embroidered on the head rests. Quite a few of us have them here, and are very happy with them. Shop the Mopar parts on the internet, prices should be better then the dealer. Also check ebay, there are some good prices for this stuff on there at times.



I also found that a good set of nerf bars will help getting in and out of the truck. I pulled the factory grab handle out in a matter of months. I found the Nasta stainless steel (including mounting hardware), nerfs have been holding up real well. Second winter on mine, and still nice and shiny. You can find them on ebay for around $250 + ship. I paid over $500 for mine locally, but wife was complaining, needed a set asap.



And next on my list, get the spray in bed liner. I went with Line-X, seems to be the most popular here. Cuts down on highway noise and protects that bed. The over the rail option looks real nice on our trucks. Your looking at around $400 installed.



And what the heck, lets level the truck! Look here www.jackit.com or over at www.koreperformance.com I would also recommend the Bilstien 5100 shocks, many of us here have them and swear by them. You think your truck rides nice now, throw on a set of Bilstiens, worth every penny. Around $75 ea.



Also take a look here: www.genosgarage.com They are very popular for parts, lots of nice Dodge CTD stuff.



Well, that should keep you busy for awhile!



Mike

 

[Kennywould]

Welcome. Don't mind those folks that can't appreciate your truck. They're just bummed that they don't have one.



As far as mods are concerned, possibilities are endless. Listed below is my first wave of goodies. I bought the truck in October.

Here, here I'll second that!

 

[Kennywould]

Hi, just got my first new truck, first diesel, first Dodge etc...

Hey, my brother lives in Missoula! I thought you guy's all drove Chev's up there!

 

[NLamke]

Wow, thanks for the warm welcome everyone. My dad is a die hard ford man, buddy at work is Ford man also, and chevy's chevy's chevy's... . geeesh. I actually do have one friend that has owned Dodge CTD's in the past and just recently switched to GM Duramaxx, he actually likes my new truck though. He's a member here and was the one that turned me on to the TDR website. I got my block heater all wired up, that was easy, I'm an electrician by trade, put it on a automatic timer and everything. Well, thanks again everyone, I'm off to try to round up a cold front before the -20 degree weather hits later this week.

 

[MichaelWright]

That sucks, your gonna have to find a new dad! :{



Mike

 

[NLamke]

LOL, he'll be jealous next year when it's MY truck we take hunting, and he gets to feel the power of the cummins. If all that power wasn't enough to make him cry, when I tell him I get better fuel milage than his 1/2 ford gasser, that WILL get him! So the last laugh will be mine

 

[testraub]

Welcome to the Club! First Cummins and First 4x4 here too I did at least have a Dodge '95 1500 2x4 before this one I LOVE the Dodge! It's been nothing less then the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned ( Including my Dodge 72 Charger). I hope you enjoy it as much as I am enjoying the New Dodge I bought. Got questions, I hope I can help If not... I've found this site one of the best $35. 00 I ever spent for information!

 

[DocDetonancour]

Had all new Chevys till I bought my 96 CTD (after many hours pondering). I wouldn't have traded the 96 for a new Chevy or Ford gasser. The 04 is much better than the 96! Nuff said. . Doc

 

[NLamke]

Got another goodie today. Picked up the Mopar cold front (the one the fits under the hood). I wasn't too keen on having to put some ugly cold front over my grill, then saw this at the local dealer today..... it sure is sexy! One more thing, what is the high idle feature that I should make sure my dealer did?

 

[MichaelWright]

If I remember correctly, you should be able to engage a high idle using your fuel pedal and cruise control. I do not have this option on my truck, as it was not available on the 03's. I do know that the dealer has to load a program, or turn on the feature, with your particular truck. You will want this on those cold mornings, the truck will warm up much faster. And it is good for your motor, the high idle keeps the oil pressure up, making sure you are getting proper lubrication, and prevents wet stacking.



Mike