Can I add a little class to my ST ??

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I purchased a stripped down ST version to take advantage of the rebate and to save a few bucks.

Extremely happy with the truck (my first Dodge) and even happier with the performance and power of the Cummins.

But there are a few "ginger bread" items I'd like to add . . and was interested in some advice / feedback on whether they were do'able.

First off . . the interior dome light . . it only comes on when the door is open . . immediately goes off when closed. I'd like to add that time delay feature where the lights stay on, even after the door has been closed, then off once the ignition switch is turned on. Is this a simple add on? Anyone with experience.

Second . . I'd like to add power locks . . again, is this something that can be accomplished?

Any other ideas on simple upgrades that can be accomplished?

Thanks in advance . .
Michael

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00 Driftwood 2500 ST QC ISB LB 5spd 3:54 LSD Tow & Camper Groups

my photos

 

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Michael-

I thought I was the only guy with an ST #ad


I bought mine so I could use it like a truck and not baby it like a car. It's so much easier on my mind when I jump in covered with mud crud and know I don't have to shampoo seats or carpet. Oh yeah, it was the only way I could afford my first 4x4.

I can't help you on the dome light delay but I saw a power door lock kit in the Summit Racing catalogue. I believe it's made by Power Everything Corporation and costs about 75. 00.

243

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1999 Quad Cab 2500 ST 4X4 SB 24V/5speed 3. 54/LSD Driftwood/Agate
[*] 275hp Injectors, Wastegate Elbow, Boost Module by TXRam, Straight Pipe
[*] VDO Boost and Pyrometer on Autometer Gauge Pod
[*] 235/85/16 Dunlop Mud Rovers, RS9000's, Hella 500 Driving Lights Husky Liners
[*] Smittybilt Sure-Steps, Magellan 315 GPS mounted on shifter console

-- email address removed --

 

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So there is at least one other. #ad


I wanted the ralley wheels, no carpet or cloth upholstery and the 5sp. We do a lot of camping and fishing . . sure is a load off my mind not worrying about the abuse the interior takes. Besides these features . . it was one of four remaining y2k's in stock in my area that qualified for the rebate when I purchased. The other 3 were slt shortbed autos.

Thanks for the info . .
Michael

 

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Michael,
Do a search for this info (search button at the top of the page)and see what you come up with.
Also ask you friendly Dodge mechanic about the stock part and ease of installation.
good luck.

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2001 4X4 ETH 6 spd, QC, SLT,SB, 3:54, Flame Red, 4" exhaust turbo back, EGT,boost guages

 

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Just because someone has an SLT doesn't mean they baby it. I like the cloth seats and carpet because they take a lot of the mud off my pants and boots when I get in.

Seriously, my first Cummins 4x4 was an ST. I used to pull into the car wash, throw open both doors, and hose off the seats and floor mats with the high-pressure hose -- sometimes the dash and windshield too depending on how much mud I got into with the windows down. I got some funny looks, but the inside was spotless when I finished and it only took a few seconds. There are some advantages to the KISS approach.

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1999 24V, NV4500HD, QC, 4x4, 3. 54, 8' Bed w/ Rhino Lining, 285/75R16s on 16x8 Eagles, Glasstite high topper

 

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I love my ST. Ordered it just the way I wanted it. Can't stand power this and that, it offends me. Would have bought without power steering/brakes if was possible. I wanted the rally wheels also. I have had people with SLT's ask me "how much extra were the wheels?!!!!!!" Everyone comments how good my truck looks, no one says (at least to me) why no power windows/locks/mirrors/leather/cd player, etc. , etc. , etc. I would have paid more to take all that stuff off!!!!! Hope I did not offend anyone, just being me.

 

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madams, Get a shop manual or borrow one for your year and model years preceding yours. Then go hunting in a junk yard for the parts. Electric door lock should't be that hard. Don't know about delayed light.
I bought the ST because of no power doors or windows. Plus The ST came with the console. I wanted cloth interior but not Parlor(living room) quality since I was intending to use the truck in my business, but wanted to be able to use for dress up occasions. Took me 2 years to find ST model, I was looking for 2x2 but bought the 4x4 when I found it.
Had a Regal 2-dr for 14 yrs, the power window swithes lasted 8(replaced) the nylon gears lasted 10 yrs had to replace whole window motor. Door locks held up the best, but did't like the set up. When you hit the swicht both doors would unlock. Good luck up grading.

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Missouri Mule 96 White 4X4 ST club cab,(grey int. ),5 spd, 3. 54 reg dif, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards, front and side of bed,Pofile V bug shield,
99 Freight liner FL60 blue Cummins 24v 215 hp, 520 torgue,6 spd 3. 59 no spin rear, 16 ft dry box (white) 19. 5 low profile tires,Weight 11,000, gvw 23000, 11 to 12 mpg
Bill Thomas (Wild Bill)

 

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Groovy... I was beginning to think I had the only ST!!! I had to talk to 5 dealerships, including one that laughed at me when I told them what I'd be willing to pay, but I finally got what I wanted. No carpet, no cloth seats, 5-spd, 4x4, and of course... a Cummins! The only options I wanted were A/C and a sliding rear window. My last truck was a Tacoma with every conceivable option... it was like driving a Cadillac. This time around, I wanted a TRUCK!

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Y2K 2500 4X4 5-spd reg cab

 

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Love my ST more and more every day. Whenever I ride in my buddies SLT, I just can't seem to get COMFORTABLE - always worrying about getting a stain on the floor mat protector cover protectors. Vinyl = less time cleaning, more money for BOMBing!

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'00 2500 reg cab LB 4x4, 5spd, LSD, Van Aaken, 275 injectors, regulator boost fooler w/elbow, combo boost/egt guage, line-x, alumasport diamond toolbox, vernier idle controler, cold front, Warn front receiver, ventvisors and stepguards by autoventshade, OEM foglights, Super H headlight bulbs, my own "brite box", hide-a-hook, loadsaver, G-tech, name a factory option - I don't have it!

 

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Articat,
Here in Vermont we know how to get trucks dirty. Sure I have an SLT, but it gets just as dirty as any ST!! And it stays dirty even easier than your ST.

Hey, if I can every find an day off while at home lets get together for a 'dirty' contest!!

#ad

 

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Should we change this post to the "ST lovers Club"? I just picked up mine, love it to death. Dealer was perplexed why I was spending so much $$ and didn't want an SLT. Hell, he was curious why I wanted a manual transmission... Go figure. No offense to the SLT owners (the majority), but just never liked power windows/locks. Even if I do have to unbuckle and stretch over to roll passenger window. It's part of owning a truck. I really debated vinyl seats because you can just hose them off. I surf/windsurf lots and in Winter I hate taking off rubber to go check other spots when tide changes. I made a nice thick vinyl seat cover for that.
Just rambling on... don't have an answer for the lights or power locks...
Jacko


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2500 QC ST 4WD SWB, Patriot Blue/Agate.
DEE/ETH, Trailer-Camper-Plow, 3. 54 LSD, rear-slider, cab-lights, 265's.

 

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Oh yeah. I ordered pure truck no sissified electric garbage. Reg cab ETH/DEE No options.
PURE TRUCK. Uh well I'm alittle ashamed to admit that I did get sissified cloth seats and A/C but the important thing is that I am ashamed. My dealer made me give him a 500$ check to order it because he said he couldnt sell it. I still have not installed my "Tractor Mode" cruise control because I cant decide on the throttle cable from a Yazoo mower or a cessna 172. How bout that for simplicity. ST or die!!!! Resist these SUV hybrid trucks and return to simplicity.

 

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UNITE ST BROTHERS!!

 

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An update on what I found/did so far.

I added the westin nerf bars . . really great kit. Sturdy and looks great.

I added the cab clearance light kit . . about 4 hours labor. Less than $50

While the headliner was down . . I added the extra passenger side ceiling pull handle. The roof is already to accept this handle . . all you have to do is transfer the holes through the head liner. I used a upholstry needle. The headliner doesn't need to be removed . . easy addition for less than $20

I have located a power door lock universal kit from Auto LOC. Lifetime warrenty. Remote Keyless entry . . less than $150. Im still doing my homework on this one.

FYI
Michael

 

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Dave, yes I admit that you are a fair match in a dirty contest #ad
send me an email and let me know when you are home - you seem to be going back and forth to CA more than ever.

Madams, I suggest you start a new thread in the products forum - this one seems to have degenerated into nothing more than back patting by ST owners.

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'00 2500 reg cab LB 4x4, 5spd, LSD, Van Aaken, 275 injectors, regulator boost fooler w/elbow, combo boost/egt guage, line-x, alumasport diamond toolbox, vernier idle controler, cold front, Warn front receiver, ventvisors and stepguards by autoventshade, OEM foglights, Super H headlight bulbs, my own "brite box", hide-a-hook, loadsaver, G-tech, name a factory option - I don't have it!

 

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The only reason I got a SLT is so when going down the road I can roll down the other window to listen to my 5 inch Pipe Bomb. #ad
I didn't get carpet though, cow **** is kinda rough on it.

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99, 4x4, slt, 3500,5spd,
3. 54 gears, black,hoswel bale bed, blue box, Pac-
Brake, 5in. sraightpipe, K&N, silencer ring removed, 5 star aluminum wheels,brushguard, Westin nerf bars, blackouts, eclipse stereo, matrix headlight bulbs, blue neon fog lights, KC Daylighter, Dodge splash guards, Lund Cold Fronts

-- email address removed --
Phil's Page.com

 

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Michael, Wild Bill, roycrown: Exactly. I have an SLT only because it's what I could find used. Can't afford new, but if I could, it would not have A/C, power windows or door locks. Just something else to go wrong. Besides, I like the idea of being able to crank down my windows in the event of power failure, such as in an unexpected submersion. As for power steering and brakes, not really in the same class. We would be hard-pressed without them, especially with the weight of the Cummins. My SLT has fabric seats but practical rubber floor covering. Kept my old '81 Dodge 4x4 for firewood, bush beating and other rough chores, but eventually
the SLT will have to withstand the rigours of working for a living like any other self respecting truck. I think it's up to it.

jacko: have you used a bed liner or spray-on of any kind to protect against the salt water? We windsurf regularly over here on the west coast and I'm thinking it might be wise to spray the bed sooner rather than later. Never did on my old Dodge and it's now showing signs of salt water corrosion from dripping wet suits, sails, booms etc. (logging, hauling rock and other forms of work-a-day rough use probably contributed too) #ad


Cheers, Pete.

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'97 2500 CC 4x4 5spd 3. 54LSD all stock except K&N Air, EGT&Boost Guages - next Psychotty & 4" exhaust

 

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JackTar:::I kept my 81 W-150 also, to "save" the new one, at least for a while. I bought it new, ordered it, had to take power brakes, but was able to get manual steering!! A little bothersome only when backing/parking a trailer, otherwise glad steering is manual. Don't like the brakes. Been a good truck, still gets compliments.

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'99 2500 ST 4X4, 5spd. , 3. 54, black/drftwood, camper pkg. , carpeting, rear slider, air dam, DC diamond plate running boards and rear flaps, Jacobs E-brake, Draw-Tite reciever, Tekonsha Voyager, 2wd Lo Kit.