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Dodge Ram: Top Comfort Modifications

Transform the look and feel of your Dodge Ram by opting for one or more of these low to high cost comfort modifications.

By Charlie Gaston - June 24, 2015
Contributors: Gabriella Massari

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2008).

The Dodge Ram is a truck that was engineered and manufactured to bring muscle to the road. Whether you're using your vehicle to haul heavy loads across wide distances for long periods of time or using it to handle your everyday travel and commuting needs, you can add comfort modifications to the interior of your truck using a wide range of DIY and professionally-installed aftermarket modifications. From small modifications to larger, more expensive upgrades, there are a number of comfort modifications you can make to improve the interior of your truck, all without losing the heart and feel of this spectacular muscle truck.

Top Comfort Modifications

For a monster truck like the Dodge Ram, you can go beyond cup holders and window tinting to add comfort and style to your vehicle. We recommend tackling those old, worn out seats that keep you shifting from side to side while you drive, installing a higher performing stereo, and switching out your old light bulbs (both inside and outside of your truck) for more technologically advanced ones.

Seat Foam Replacement/Repair

DIY Cost – $15 to $20

Professional Cost – $150+

Skill Level – Moderate; you will need to peel back the upholstery and round out the hard edge of the frame.

Seat foam replacement is a recommended modification for seats that are worn out, uneven and just plain uncomfortable. Drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel will also benefit from adding a 2-inch layer of extra 20- to 40-pound foam padding to the driver's side (and possibly passenger' side) seat of their truck.

Replacing old, worn out seat foam is the cheapest comfort modification you can make to your Dodge Ram. Finding the materials is easy; you'll need basic tools, including a ball peen hammer to round out the hard edges of the frame, workman's glue to seal your materials together for a close, even fit, one yard of burlap to lay over the frame as you get started, a 14" x 14" x 2" sheet of replacement foam to lay over the frame, which should only be done after the burlap has been installed, for added support, and an equally sized piece of vinyl for an extra layer of protection between the foam and metal springs, which, of course, are connected to the frame. After you replace the original foam by sealing it into place with your workman's glue, and then allowing it to dry, you will need to reattach the upholstery for a professional finish.

This could also be a perfect time to switch out that old upholstery and install a more attractive, high end variety or leather seating. If you are interested in adding in new cup holders, this simple upgrade will only set you back around $50; going with a new Dodge Ram center console cup holder is recommended.

Step Bars

DIY Cost – $120+

Professional Cost – $200+

Skill Level – Easy; No prior experience is needed, and only a few simple tools are required.

Step bars are a great comfort modification to add to your truck, especially if you have a lifted truck that's more difficult to get into. Regardless of whether or not your truck is lifted, step bars allow for more functional entry and exit of your truck and can add a nice look to the sides. Adding step bars simply requires installing rivnuts into the holes on the sides of the truck, and securing the step bars with bolts. A step-by-step how-to is included in the link listed below in Related Discussions.

Step bars for the Ram vary and are plenty available online; generally, you can opt for an all-black look or stainless steel ones with stepping pads. There are various designs, so do some research online before settling with basic step bars if you want to upgrade both comfort and style with this mod.

Stereo Upgrade

DIY Cost – $100 and up

Professional Cost – $200 and up

Skill Level – Moderate; Installation is relatively simple, but for an advanced system you may want to take it to a professional.

For this upgrade, there are a few directions in which you can go. You could upgrade your door speakers for around $100 for a more noticeable improvement in sound quality. For the best fit, choose a good quality 6"x9" system, preferably without "tweekers" in the center. Rockford Fosgate is a trusted brand; however, there are cheaper brands on the market as well.

Or, you could switch out your OEM head unit for a higher performing aftermarket one; the decision to add an amplifier will depend on the system you choose. Custom (more pricey) setups are also available; however, these would need to be installed under your seats by a licensed professional, unless you are skilled in wiring.

Lighting Upgrades

DIY Cost – $65+

Professional Cost – $500+ for a complete overhaul of your lighting set up

Skill Level – Professional experience may be needed for more complex installations; however, simple lighting upgrades are a great option for die-hard DIYers in need of weekend project.

The truth is you have a number of options when it comes to improving the interior and exterior lighting of your vehicle. For the interior cabin, it's recommended that you replace O.E.M. lights with more technologically advanced LED lights, which provide greater illumination and last significantly longer than the traditional bulb. Although considered more of a cosmetic upgrade than a "comfort" one, you may want to consider adding a few interior colored lights for added personality and style; be sure to create a complimentary color scheme by choosing colors that match your upholstery or leather seating. Colored LED lights are pricier than regular LEDs, but are just as easy to install.

For your exterior lights, many Dodge Ram owners are choosing higher performing headlights and tail lights. LED projector headlights are a great option for drivers wanting to create a bold statement while on the road. LED truck grille kits offer an even bolder way to achieve better coverage on the road, while adding an aggressive modification to your truck.

Finally, you can also spruce up your truck with a darker window tint. However, keep in mind that dark interior lights with a dark window tint could make seeing inside your truck at night more difficult.

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