Bob 4x4 Question

[BIGNASTY]

Bob I recently picked up a 2004 Crew Cab 3500 4x4 SRW Long Bed 78 K on the dial. I need to go to Calif to retrieve this truck.

was wondering what would be the changes that YOU WOULD MAKE to the suspension and running gear? It will be used extensively off road in a cattle operation feeding livestock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnXCVS-QXvQ

 

[JKosten]

Until Bob answers...

I would recommend at minimum for reliability aspects:

-Full fluid service on all components
-Check ball joints and u-joints
-Aftermarket additional fuel filter (I use a Racor 2 micron)
-Steering box brace (see: http://www.genosgarage.com/product/PPM-8558-04/steering-box-stabilizer )
-08+ steering (see: http://www.cjcoffroad.com/Mopar-2008-5-Dodge-HD-Steering-Upgrade-p/mopar-52122362al.htm )
-Track bar bushings (see: http://www.genosgarage.com/product/lukeslink-bushingkt2/trackbar-rebuild )
-Deep transmission pan (see: http://www.genosgarage.com/product/mh-727dd-9803/transmission-pans )

Depending on the bed weight: either Air bags or Timbrens. For a ranch environment the Timbrens would have less maintenance involved than an air system, unless you want to have onboard air for other options. (see: http://timbren.com/products-page/ses/DR3500CA/ )

Front coils: are you planing on leaving it stock height? If "leveling" or installing 3" coils, plan on also replacing the trackbar to recenter the axle. ( See: http://www.genosgarage.com/product/ppm-8550/trackbar-rebuild or https://www.thurenfabrication.com/p...2003-2012-dodge-ram-adjustable-track-bar.html)

As for shocks, if most of the work will be low speed (under 40mph) then look at a set of Bilstein 5100s or Thuren Overland shocks. ( See: http://www.genosgarage.com/category/suspension or https://www.thurenfabrication.com/p...mponents/shocks/overland-front-1994-2013.html )