Catmechanic's 2500

[Catmechanic]

I've been slowly adding a number of things to my truck, and while several things can be found in various other threads I decided to compile them into a single thread here in the "Member's Builds" section, mostly to make it easier for myself to find in the future. The truck is a 2020 CCSB 6.7 Bighorn trim with the silver edition package.

As it looked when I brought it home.

 

[Catmechanic]

First change was to ditch the OEM chrome running boards and replace with AMP Research power steps. I prefer the clean lines and the way it makes the truck appear visually taller than it is. Pics with the steps in both the up and down positions.

 

[Catmechanic]

Next was swapping the halogen headlights for the Longhorn/Limited adaptive motion full LEDs. To my knowledge this was the first truck anywhere to get this modification and have everything function as it would from the factory. Many thanks to Jimmy07 for his expertise, without which the swap would not have been possible. The swap is documented in detail in another thread here so I will not repeat it, I'll only include a few pics here.

 

[Catmechanic]

Here is a link to the headlight modification info with more pics and details.

Laramie Headlights on a Tradesman??

How much were the lights? I got them for $1059 to my door for the pair. Should have been $1199 but they messed up and honored the price.

hdrams.com

 

[Catmechanic]

I was working by myself so I didn't get any installation pics but I installed Carli leveling springs, adjustable track-bar, and front torsion sway bar. Entire process took about 4 hours on my own. Since the bilsteins that came on the truck from the factory only have 5k miles on them and everything Fox/King from Carli is back ordered for several months, I installed $30 fleabay shock extensions until I can get replacements. The truck rides very well and should now be ready for 37s in the near future. As it sits now it clears my 7-foot garage door header by about 1". As the springs break in slightly I could *probably* just barely clear with 35s. 37s will have me parking outside so I may be building a cover from the front of my shop to keep it mostly out of the elements.

 

[1651Naismith]

My 2021 should be showing up in 4-6 weeks and I’ve been thinking about the Carli sway and track bars (mine has the blistiens / off road package). Was there a noticeable difference in ride quality with the changes you made?

 

[Catmechanic]

My 2021 should be showing up in 4-6 weeks and I’ve been thinking about the Carli sway and track bars (mine has the blistiens / off road package). Was there a noticeable difference in ride quality with the changes you made?

The answer to that question is loaded with opinion and bias as in general people tend to think more favorably of things they spend lots of money on.

My honest opinion is that between the somewhat softer Carli coils and the less harsh side to side from the sway bar it is a *very slight* improvement. I have enough experience with off road suspension though to know that the largest influence on ride is shock selection/tuning and link geometry. Since shocks weren't changed and link geometry was altered slightly in an unfavorable direction (leveling without correcting control arm angle) I didn't expect much change. I wasn't looking for ride improvement as I think the trucks ride great from the factory, I wanted clearance for 37s.

 

[Catmechanic]

I was pretty distracted so I failed to take any pics, but I managed to get my LED BSM tail lights, BSM mirrors, passive entry door handles, and all of the associated wiring installed.

The mirrors kinda suck in the HD trucks and even looking over my shoulder I change lanes into someone about once per month. I decided anything I could do to help was worthwhile and since I wanted LED tail lights to match the Limited headlights I installed earlier, I figured why not go with the BSM/RCP versions.

Having to dig my keys out to unlock the door with stuff in my arms has been a bit of a pain in the ass, so since I was going to have the doors apart to add the mirror harnesses for BSM, I might as well add the passive entry stuff while I'm there.

Thanks to Jimmy07 for the harnesses and information it all performs flawlessly. Great work as always.

 

[whitexc]

Interested in hearing more about the passive entry. Digging the key out sucks. Spoiled with this Durango we have.

What is involved in this? How much of an investment is there?

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

[Catmechanic]

You need the door handles, the tailgate antenna, and a harness to go from each handle to the plug that connects the door to the body. Aside from that ots just some settings via AlfaOBD.

I bought granite crystal / chrome strip handles to match what I already have for $110/ea, then purchased the harness for each side from Jimmy07. He can quote prices for those.

Install of the first one took about 4.5 hours. The second one was just about an hour since I had learned several things the first time around. You can also add the passive entry handles to the rear doors if that appeals to you.

 

[Sir Snacksalot]

Do you happen to be able to point us in the direction of a write up for that? That’s one thing I really miss from my last truck..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Catmechanic]

It's on another page, but here is what I used.

Adding Passive Entry: How-to

If you've seen the original thread on adding passive entry, HERE, you are likely well aware of the issues with getting it to work on the newer trucks that didn’t come with it from the factory. This thread will walk you through getting it to work on the 5th gen DT’s (and the HD trucks) just as it...

5thgenrams.com

 

[gimmie11s]

First change was to ditch the OEM chrome running boards and replace with AMP Research power steps. I prefer the clean lines and the way it makes the truck appear visually taller than it is. Pics with the steps in both the up and down positions.

View attachment 13674View attachment 13675

You cant even see them when theyre up. Awesome... i ordered some Amps last night.. cant wait to get them on my truck.

 

[Catmechanic]

It's been a while since I've really done anything to the truck, but the transforces finally got replaced after 45k miles. I could have gotten another 5-10k but with winter here I didn't want to push my luck.

I leveled the truck quite some time ago in preparation for larger tires, so I went with 37x12.5-20 Falken AT3w on the stock longhorn wheels because I really like them. I also added 2" Bora spacers. I didn't have to trim anything until I added the spacers. I trimmed the pinch weld as well as the plastic fender liner. I don't like the normal open hole when the liner is trimmed so I used a few zip ties and a soldering iron to weld a flat piece in to fill the hole. 

 

[jsalbre]

I like it. The big wheels with big tires gives it a bit of a “Hot Wheels” look.

 

[Catmechanic]

It's been quite some time since I've updated here. I've just been driving and enjoying the truck... until September that is. My wife heard it (my hearing is ****) making a ticking noise. Changed the oil and it went away, then came back and got progressively louder. Took it to the dealership. Long (3 week diagnosis) story short, confirmed it was a collapsed lifter. Ram replaced the short block under warranty at 79k miles. They scoffed a little at the CAT fuel filters but paid the entire bill no questions. Dealership had my truck for 86 days start to finish.

On another front, I bought a color matched front bumper nearly 3 years ago but didn't install it because I did not have a matching rear. Well the week before Christmas one popped up on marketplace about 30 minutes from me; $200 for the deer-damaged front and really nice rear so I jumped on them. Took a little time Christmas eve to get the new ones swapped out and I LOVE the new look. Externally my bighorn is indistinguishable from a longhorn. I have a CJC intercooler skid on the way and will post pics once that's installed.