Hey there guys, my name is Troy, and I just joined this forum to try and get some helpful information on visual modifications and possibly a little performance too.
My dad has a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 8L V10, and the clear coat is failing on the roof, and begining on the hood. So it looks like we are gonna need a paint job! I suggested black, because, obviously, it is the best color. ( I drive a black 1996 camaro). Well let's get on with it, here are a few pics of the truck i took a few months back, it is dirty, but you get the idea



Just a mostly stock truck for now. What I have in mind for the truck is a little more custom, something that will stand out from the crowd just a little, while still being practical. I was thinking, once the truck was black, I would install a billet grill behind the stock chrome grill to replace the honeycomb, some better looking headlights, and stainless steel rocker panels to cover the length of the truck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/94-01...98577878QQrdZ1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/94-01...05133116QQrdZ1

Now I was checking out eBay for some of those stainless rockers, but I was unable to find anything that would work for the Ext. Cab with long bed, so if you guys know of other sites to check out, it would be appriciated!

I'm open to any new suggestions and opinions on what i'm thinking so far.

-Troy

 

I did a search and read a few threads, looks like my best bet performance wise is headers, exhaust, intake, and throttle body?

My dad isn't too into performance, especially for a truck, so i don't think headers or P&P is gonna happen. If there is a decent gain from just a new muffler, i might be able to talk him into that, as long as it doesn't make the truck too loud. Slightly louder than stock would be okay, but to be heard from too far away won't go over too well.

comments? suggestions?

 

with stainless rockers you'll need to be careful of water getting behind and rusting out. be sure to seal the edges.
the same, some rocks may pit the rockers and cause rust pellets.

would you consider spray on rockers?

for basic performance and fuel saving upgrades those are the better choices, as well as a programmed PCM (chipped to 87 as it were).
exhaust, i may be wrong, but a flowmaster50 would work for you. i believe its supposed to be quieter than the 40, it was in another thread, but it could be vice versa.

intake, most would suggest a K&N CAI. I personally have an AirRaid. helps with MPG just as well. easy install.

throttlebody- ask anyone with a fastman for their opinions. im sure they're all quite pleased. but thats mainly performance over savings.

 

What exactly are spray-on rockers? I assume some sort of hipo-liner type thing? a rough protective coat?

The stainless rockers was gonna be for appearance, just to add some contrast. If the truck gets a coat of black on it, the chrome is going to really stand out, and mirror-finish rockers will compliment the paint very well, as well as bring together the chrome from the front and rear bumpers, and tie the wheels, mirrors, and runners around the bed all together.

How does a simple drop-in K&N filter do? Or possibly a homemade CAI, I've seen it done for camaros pretty easily, I figure it should be possible on this beast too?

 

well as for looks u can get stainless door and tail gate handles and chrome tail light covers and a chrome fuel door and thrid brake light cover if u keeping the chrome. things for the front u could get the sport bumper if u not going to keep the chrome up front. another thing would be a ram air hood head light wise i would go with the sport headlights the clear and are really bright. performance wise not to sure i got the v-8 dont know to much about the v-10 but its alread got like 400 and something ftlbs of torque how much ya need lol gears in the back would make it faster but crappier mpg

 

Thanks for the suggestions!
I'm not a fan of chrome fuel doors or altezza tail lights, and a new hood a little out of the question. The third brake light is enough contrast as is, so i think chrome wouldn't do a whole lot.

Where can I find stainless steel rocker panels to fit this truck?

 

TTT

Anthing that would add a few ft lbs and maybe a few horsies while upping the gas milage sounds good, with such a huge engine, when pulling a trailer, this thing guzzles gas like there's no tomorrow..

 

The first thig that I would do and it won't cost you a nickle is to drill out and center the front license plate on the front bumper. Why the hell Dodge came up with the hokey bracket that looks stupid is beyond me when they have plenty of room right on the bumper.

Center it, drill it, and loose the hokey plastic bracket and your Ram will look night and day different from the front.

Just my opinion ... BTW : [sm=welcomesign.gif]

 

thanks for the comments and suggestions!

Does anyone know where I can find those rocker panels?

 

This forum sure has a ton of traffic but still hardly any responses.

No one knows where I can find stainless rockers for my truck?