2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Beware!

[Ragin Ram]

I locked the keys in my Ram today. Used a slim jim and got the door open in about 30 seconds. At first I was relieved that I got the door open so easily, but now I'm concerned about how easy it is to break into it. A thief could probably get the door open easier than I can with a key... Not very comforting! If you leave valuables in your truck I strongly recommend some kind of theft deterrent. If anybody has any suggestions on keeping our trucks secure, please let us know.



Thanks.

 

[JCaldwell]

Locked my keys inside in Edmonton at a Klondike Days parking lot. It took the Lock Sugeon 1 1/2 hours to find me, as he was talking to me and without looking used a slim jim to open the door, less than 2 mins..... $28 CN. But had a great time.

 

[PZicha]

HOPE you enjoyed k-days ,I find it a huge rip off

 

[MuddFlapp]

I've always wanted a "Slim Jim", where's the best place to get one.



Gene Earl.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I've never been able to lock my keys in (unless they were on the seat) because of the CTM routines which release the doorlock if the key's in the ignition (I can only lock with the remote from outside). But your point on security is well-said. If you have a Quad check Genos for the under-seat safebox. Its great storage for when large drooling furballs aren't riding shotgun

 

[BCFAST]

An Invitation

Chrysler products are known to the hoodlum teen-aged car thieves as nothing more than a joy-ride invitation! During the summer, when school is out, my local Dodge dealer's body shop manager showed me his work list: 48 vehicles to repair; 41 were stolen/joy-ride/crash after police chase!! Mostly by high school gangstas. Apparently, getting in the door is easy; then, all that's needed is a flat screwdriver to pop off the glow ring, pull out the tumblers, stick in there, start the car, break the steering lock with your foot on the wheel, and away you go!! 15 seconds or less! Fortunately, these little $hits think our big diesel trucks arent a fun ride.....

 

[MikeR]

Heck yeah they're easy to break into!

Back when I had my '96 Ram,my dad and I used to work at the same company (different departments) for a short time. I always left my keys in the console and the doors unlocked. I never left for lunch,but dad would always take my Ram,and many times accidentally lock the door with my keys still in it. No problem,I'd just pull off the rubber moulding at the bottom of the window frame and slim jim'd it open in less than 1 minute. It's that simple!

 

[Doc Tinker]

YIKES!



I know this is a topic that needs to be discussed, but I hope the wrong dudes aren't reading. Time to install the alarm system I guess.



Doc

 

[Tulsa618]

Well, if ya can't keep'em out, at least try to make it hard for them to pop the ignition - I have something called "armored ignition" on mine. Ya gotta get into the column, then place this solid steel box around the entire ignition assembly. It has break-off bolts for installation, so if it ever needs to come out, it will be by drill. It's pretty thick stuff, and it completely encloses the lock cylinder, so it can't be popped out, much less pried apart.



I also have a little steel box that is attached under the center console. It's the perfect size for the ol' Glockamolie, spare mag, badge and a set of cuffs. It's electrically actuated, so in an emergency, one touch of the hidden button and the contents are in your hand! I never worry about someone breaking in putting another stolen firearm on the streets. It also has an additional key lock for added security if you feel like it's needed. (Of course I use that on the very rare occassion I have to leave the truck with the dealer in case someone accidently "bumps" the button. ) It's not as large as Geno's but it's a damned sight more convenient if you need to grab something in a hurry.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

nasty trick

I am surprised that no one mentioned the screwdriver to the rear slider. Anyone can get into a rear slider with a screwdriver in about 20 seconds. The factory latch just pops off and you are in.



Be sure to hide any valuables under the seat. Also, own a manual, because at least 90% of people can't drive stick.

 

[Newf Limo]

Install a hidden switch.

In the L. A. area, you could weld your doors shut and it wouldn't matter. I had a 94 4door S-10 Blazer Lt. It was a very nice little truc that took us on many an adventure. We had an alpine alarm that gave us continual trouble after a year and a half so we quit using it. I finished playing a round of golf at Eldorado Golf Course in Long Beach, came out to the parking lot and saw nothing but a pile of glass. When the truck was recovered, they found a pair of steel handled scissors on the floor. They used them to break away the collar on the steering column (left side) enough to access a lever that started the engine and let you drive as if you had the key in it. $1000. 00 damage for a joy ride, two weeks before christmas. Andrea and I were going to spend christmas at Mammoth mountain. Key word being WERE. If you are concerned, the best thing to do is install a secret switch (keyed or not) to the Cummins fuel system. Most of these Lazy, good-for -nothing *((&^#*^$*##*&^#*R*#'s are clueless about diesels anyways. Let them break it, but don't let them take it! You will feel that your truck has been violated and you will feel it personally too! It might as well have been in a major collision because it will never seem right again, even if they drove it across town like a grandma. (apologies to all those heavy-footed big Rig, drivin' super Grandma's that may be reading). I think a C-4 rigged anti theft device should be legalized! If I can't have my truck! Either Can You!



Wow, I've been carrying that around since Christmas of '98.

Hope you get something out of my misfortune.

 

[rob10858]

most of our problems have been with the "smash and grab" breakins where no alarm would save your personal property from being stolen. your truck aint worth your life, take it from someone that has had to deal with about this 20 times in the last few years. lojack will take care of your vehicle, get it. the problem is the damage done and trying to settle with the ins companies. its when someone comes through my window and takes my best allison krauss cd that i get really mad. i wish i could take my newf on the road with me, he doesnt have a mean streak in him , but id love to see some of the harda. . kids faces out there when they came face to face with a protective 175 lb bear. "courage without ferocity" its too bad more people dont have that trait.

 

[Bigsaint]

Most of our auto thefts, and we don't have many, are from residents leaving the keys in the ignition, doors unlocked.



Packman, the Saints are the same. They look real tough, talk the talk so to speak. Just show them a biscuit and you made a friend for life. Of course, could always track down the bad guys by checking for doggy drool on their clothing



Scott W.

 

[EricBu12]

Here is a site that I have on my truck, This attaches to either your clutch or the brake peddle to disable the interrupt for starting like the clutch switch for starting. it holds it up and is unpickable W/ the round style lock and is unbreakable. can't cut it at all and the peddles are hardend steel. would take 2 hours with a hacksaw then you wouldn't be able to drive it anyway.

I use this whenever I want to be sure the truck will stay there no matter what. they might break into it but can't take it.



http://www.unbreakable.com/

The silver part at the bottom od the unit comes up to lock the peddle up when you pull the bent part of the handle at the top. I can't even start it with the key when this is on!!

 

[EricBu12]

Here is a closeup pic

 

[Todd T]

I dont even take the keys out of my truck, (at home) and I hardly ever lock it. (anywhere)



I have a State-Farm-alarm-system. if it comes up missing, I'll call them, to alert them.



BTW: I live and work in a very small community where things are still done the "OLD WAY. "

 

['956Wheel]

My brother is a Snap-On dealer, theives love these trucks! They know the "standard" alarm wiring. Dave spent nights awake babysitting the darn thing. We got together and with the help of a mig welder and his little brothers, (thats me), fabication skills we created a "denver boot". Its a lot like what the cops stick on your car when you don't pay your parking tickets. Basically its a wheel chock with a 1 1/4" rod going through the "handhole of the wheel and a plate covering the lug nuts. ""arms" made of 2' sq. 1/4" wall tubing hinge up and the rod is put through the handholes and locked in place, its got one of those big chrome American (brand) padlocks encased to avoid cutting. NO MORE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS! The thing is fairly light and is "schoolbus yellow" with reflective tape so it can be seen. If you do this DO NOT DRIVE OFF WITH IT ON... umm he got about 1/2 foot if that. No damage to the "invention".



Mike

 

['956Wheel]

So sorry to tell you bros who count on the club and all its "relatives", brake to wheel, clutch to wheel... NFG There is a catalog, I will NOT say which, that has a simple tool that snaps those things off like nothing. NO OR LITTLE STRENGTH IS REQUIRED... a 12 year old girl can do it. I am certain some of the bros have seen the catalog as well as the tool... . shhh!

 

[OldCrank]

Alarming news

They'll get in if they want to. On mine they just stuck a screwdriver through the door between the plastic outside handle and the sheetmetal and then levered up the lock. I hesitate to call it sheetmetal any more, tin foil is closer. You could bang on my old '64 Dodge truck with a sledge and barely dent it.

I put a Mopar alarm on ours after that. Pretty well put together, it's called the EVS ll, and it's a fairly easy install using the factory harnesses and such. Uses the existing door lock remote to lock and load, and has a LED/switch to let people know it's there and to shut it off when you're working on the truck (you have to unlock the truck with the remote to be able to shut off the alarm). A little pricey at 300 bones, but I've had mine for over 2 1/2 years now with no trouble with break-ins or false alarms. Amazing too, since my wife likes to keep a pile of CD's (no Allison Krauss) in the pocket and her cellphone in the shifter boot. I keep telling her she should just put a welcome mat outside whenever she parks it (yeah, you can guess the reaction that gets).

In case you are interested:

Part# 82300985 = module

Part# 82202443 = wiring kit

By the way, slim-jims can usually be found through a local tool dealer like Mac or Snap-On. I bought an outstanding lock picking set and slim-jim set through my Mac guy. The lock picking set (Mac part# LT600PK) even worked on a file cabinet that I couldn't find a key for. Don't have a part# for the slim-jims.

 

[Scot]

Originally posted by MuddFlapp

I've always wanted a "Slim Jim", where's the best place to get one.



Gene Earl.

Around here, you can walk into nearly auto parts store such as O'Reilys or Autozone and buy one. There are several different models. I have the best luck with the flat spring steel ones.



Then again, I have had to remove a door panel to get one out!