Update: shocks, hitch, etc

[Sawbones]

I can now confirm the Rancho RSX 9000's will fit, and work great, on the '03 3500 with 315 BFG's and a 2" front lift. Use the part #'s listed in the FAQ section.



As of today, I also have a true class V Putnam receiver hitch with 1500# tongue weight and 15,000# carrying weight (no weight distribution required). Installation does require cutting the tubular crossmember receiver attachments in order to preserve the bumper supports which are an integral part of the OEM hitch.

However, you do not have to lift the bed to do so. An added bonus is that the 315 spare still fits beneath the bed.



Got the Bushwhacker black diamond pattern bell rail guard to complement the Camlocker low profile tool box as well and am quite pleased.



I really appreciate the info I've gotten from this board, just wanted to contribute a little back.



Maybe Santa will bring me a bomb or two.

 

[Duck]

I don't know, sounds like you've emptied Santa's bag pretty good so far

 

[mehaffydr]

Sawbones, I see you have a 2" lift with 315's. Do you have any problem with rubbing on those tires. and do you have stock wheels



Thanks.

 

[Sawbones]

Sawbones, I see you have a 2" lift with 315's. Do you have any problem with rubbing on those tires. and do you have stock wheels

I had a slight rub in hard cornering BEFORE installing the lift. None now, stock rims.

 

[jmadden]

Sawbones -- which Putnam hitch fits?



If a truck ('04) came without the factory towing package can the factory 7-pin connection just be plugged in to the harness fully functional? Or does the towing package have some actual use (the factory hitch just doesn't cut it).



jm

 

[Sawbones]

jm, the part # for the '03 is 25211, or go to www.putnamhitch.com. They don't list a # for the '04 yet, but unless there was a frame modification it should fit.



I'm not sure I understand the second part of your question. If you got the towing package, you should have the standard class III hitch, a 7 pin wiring harness, and the transmission cooler. I realize that Dodge calls their hitch a class IV, but it is clearly labeled to have a 5000# gross towing capacity and 500# tongue weight rating, which is a class III hitch in most books.

 

[jmadden]

Sawbones -- the 2nd part of the question is if I don't get the towing package (i. e. , factory 7-pin plug and the receiver hitch that just gets removed & given away), does all of the wiring exist so that a trailer brake controller could be installed (i. e. , plug in) and could a factory 7-pin plug just get plug into the harness? $250 seems like too much for a receiver that goes away, if most of the wiring already exists.



jm

 

[Sawbones]

jm: I understand now. Since I got the towing package, I don't know if the 7 pin harness is included in a truck without the package or not. A quick trip to the dealer should clear that up. There is some redundant wiring on these trucks. It would certainly be easier to install a new hitch without having to cut out the old one. My biggest concern would be whether or not a truck without the towing package could be ordered to include the auxillary transmission cooler.



All thing being equal, it would probably be easier (and cheaper) to cut out and throw away the existing receiver rather than having to install new wiring and the cooler.