My Ramcharger Build

[ENafziger]

Clean build. I like the way you integrated the winch into the OEM bumper!

 

[hemijimmy]

Thanks, I saw it done on youtube or a google search I believe. Anything I was unsure about was easily located on the internet. It makes doing this stuff much simpler that it used to be for sure. Its a fun truck to drive. Gets a lot of looks.

 

[hemijimmy]

Here is a few under hood shots. What really makes this a cool build is everything fits without re engineering it due to the cab and front clip being the same as the 250/350 trucks from the Gen 1 trucks. Dodge should have sold these from the factory.

 

[DVolk]

Nice build ,really clean RamCharger

 

[hemijimmy]

Update 2/6/18 5000 plus miles on the truck now and haven't had to touch it except oil and filters. I do need a new starter but ill wait till Im stranded my wife says. I ended up selling the 360 gas motor and the 727 trans with the transfer case. The Getrag 360 transmission not my favorite but shifts good. 4x4 works well. Overall been a good result and a lot of fun to build and drive. The old Cummins runs like a singer sowing machine. I have the Dana 60 rebuilt now and plan to start the Dana 70 soon. The 1/2 ton axles are just fine really but I have the 3/4 stuff so why not. I also want the cross over steering setup on the Dana 60 when done. Has some bump steer now with the factory setup. Its kind of loud inside on highway after a while, maybe one day ill sound deaden cab if I get bored. Im spoiled I guess with my 2017 3500.

 

[pwerwagn]

Looks awesome! Glad its running good. I hear ya on the noise, thats the one thing about my cummins ramcharger that isnt what i expected! That extra volume amplifies the noise like crazy!

Im thinking about doing Al's HNR/bedliner on part of the floor, then some other form of sound deadening/heat shielding on the firewall/etc.

--Jeff

 

[Fastback67]

Outstanding build, job well done!

I took the wife out for a quick spin this morning in my 90 W250. She asked me if I would turn the radio on for her... I just looked at her in disbelief... LOL!
Yeah, I think there's an application of sound deadening somewhere on my list now.

 

[EDankievitch]

Wow really nice job. I've always liked the Ramcharger. It shows that you took your time and did things the right way. Should you ever grow tired of it give me a shout I'd like a chance to own it.

 

[hemijimmy]

Wow really nice job. I've always liked the Ramcharger. It shows that you took your time and did things the right way. Should you ever grow tired of it give me a shout I'd like a chance to own it.

You know, my wife hates my Ramcharger. Not sure why. Too loud I guess or maybe wrong colors. Maybe it cost to much $$$. I think she would love me to sell it. At first I thought that was a bad thing but now if I dont want her to go with me I just take the Ramcharger. What do "most" women know anyway about good trucks. AC is cold, good sound system,Cummins powered, whats not to like.

Hey I have a 2017 Ram 3500 Dually with the full console and the dial up 4x4 system full time front end. I see you have the Spyn Tec free wheel front hubs, how do you like that setup. Did you see a noticeable mileage increase.Does it steer better in tight places. I already had to have the front axle disconnect actuator replaced under warranty. It was half locked trying to round corner at a traffic light in Nashville towing my big tow hauler snapping and popping. I have never cared for the full time front end 4x4. Its not that difficult to lock hubs when needed or if in winter weather just leave locked. I would love to hear your opinion of that setup. Might be my first upgrade on this truck.

Thanks

 

[dcs1968]

Nice build! Thanks for sharing.

 

[EDankievitch]

You know, my wife hates my Ramcharger. Not sure why. Too loud I guess or maybe wrong colors. Maybe it cost to much $$$. I think she would love me to sell it. At first I thought that was a bad thing but now if I dont want her to go with me I just take the Ramcharger. What do "most" women know anyway about good trucks. AC is cold, good sound system,Cummins powered, whats not to like.

Hey I have a 2017 Ram 3500 Dually with the full console and the dial up 4x4 system full time front end. I see you have the Spyn Tec free wheel front hubs, how do you like that setup. Did you see a noticeable mileage increase.Does it steer better in tight places. I already had to have the front axle disconnect actuator replaced under warranty. It was half locked trying to round corner at a traffic light in Nashville towing my big tow hauler snapping and popping. I have never cared for the full time front end 4x4. Its not that difficult to lock hubs when needed or if in winter weather just leave locked. I would love to hear your opinion of that setup. Might be my first upgrade on this truck.

Thanks

Yes I'm running the Spyntec free wheeling hubs this is my 3rd truck I've installed a hub kit into. I've been very happy with them. I average about 1.5 Mpg better than stock. The 13 was the last year before the central axle disconnect system's great return. My only issue was having to boar out the wheels to clear the hubs. I think if I was to do it again I would use the hub kit from Ram Man. He's adapted the Ford hubs to fit our Rams. While not re build-able they are much shorter and I think would work with my wheels with out having to modify them. After installing the Hubs I find you can back off on the Toe in setting. Less drag less toe in needed. The steering wheel feels lighter/ less effort needed to move it. All that is great but by far the best advantage of on installing the hub kits is the fact that when not in 4 wheel mode, wheel hubs unlocked nothing turns the drive shafts the transfer case all that stuff does not turn. No turn no wear. Life is good...

 

[DonFitzwater]

Great, reasonably simple build! You get around to sound deadening the Ramcharger yet?

 

[brods]

Very nice! How is the ride with all the weight up front?

 

[hemijimmy]

Great, reasonably simple build! You get around to sound deadening the Ramcharger yet?

No sound deadening yet. Just enjoying to much to rip interior out yet. Have decent stereo just crank it up drowns out cummins sort of.

 

[hemijimmy]

Very nice! How is the ride with all the weight up front?

The 5 inch lift front springs handle the cummins very well. No sag. Decent ride. Super Lift made in USA 1/2 ton Ramcharger springs.

 

[hemijimmy]

The 1/2 ton axles have done just fine. I don't beat on it. I'm sure I could break something if I tried. I still have not rebuilt rear dana 70 yet. Dana 60 front ready to install. Maybe next year. We are moving soon building a new home out in the country on 4 acres. Axles have to wait for now.

 

[hemijimmy]

Yes I'm running the Spyntec free wheeling hubs this is my 3rd truck I've installed a hub kit into. I've been very happy with them. I average about 1.5 Mpg better than stock. The 13 was the last year before the central axle disconnect system's great return. My only issue was having to boar out the wheels to clear the hubs. I think if I was to do it again I would use the hub kit from Ram Man. He's adapted the Ford hubs to fit our Rams. While not re build-able they are much shorter and I think would work with my wheels with out having to modify them. After installing the Hubs I find you can back off on the Toe in setting. Less drag less toe in needed. The steering wheel feels lighter/ less effort needed to move it. All that is great but by far the best advantage of on installing the hub kits is the fact that when not in 4 wheel mode, wheel hubs unlocked nothing turns the drive shafts the transfer case all that stuff does not turn. No turn no wear. Life is good...

Ive have been looking at the Ram Man front hubs. If you send your stock front wheel adapters to him after purchase he sends machined ones to you at no up charge. All bearings replaceable. Im doing that change at some point. I dont care for the full time front end. Mileage sucks. Still binds a little on sharp turns on pavement. Not sure why Ram went this way. A whole lot of unnecessary ware on front end parts. Locking hubs great upgrade.

 

[EDankievitch]

Ram is selling trucks for the push button crowd today. All they want to do is turn a knob or push a button. The Central axle disconnect is a compromise to get a bit better Mpg's and make the transfercase last a bit longer. I'll take a manual locking Hub and a manual transfercase any day. While I haven't had any issues with my current transfercase I Know one day when I really need it that shifting motor in it is going to fail an I'll be stuck. What really threw me was the 2012 that I had ordered before this 13 I had ordered a manual transmission in the 12 I couldn't get a manual transfercase unless I got the lower trim level.
That said I really love the Ramcharger you've done an awesome job.