I recently inherited my dads truck after he passed away. It's a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 5.9. I'd like to bump up the performence a bit and add some basic mods(step bars, bed cover, lights, etc). Possible small lift and performence chip.

I guess my question is where to start?

btw my dash it crack free.

 

welcome to df.
start with Nasta Step bars. all stainless, no chrome, won't rust. its a easy first diy project. this place is good. also try amazon.
http://www.svcustoms.com/

in-channel vent visors, music, backup lights, driving lights, chip, big tires.
i'd avoid the lift.

 

free up the intake and exhaust easy to do and not to costly you well get a little bet better mpg and more power

 

Currently I don't have any exaust, but that will be changed soon enough.

 

sorry about your dad....

steps bars, lights, and bed cover do your homework... ask people who have them their opinions - also price shop then shop somemore...

chips, air filters, fuel line magnets, cat eliminators, mufflers, multi prong plugs ... etc be VERY suspicious... boasting of bolt on HP gains often all "hype"

 

I agree. Anything that doesn't relate to performence I'm ok with getting and installing. It's the other stuff that's a pain. So much to choose from. I'm not looking for mods to make my truck a racing beast, but more or less to give it a little boost in performence and MPG. Exaust I'm getting from LMC truck, due to them selling a whole kit for the truck.

 

Before we start looking into performance, there are somethings you need to inspect before you start dropping cash on it.
1. Plenum- Well known to blow out robbing you of power, fuel mileage, and oil consumption.
2. Be wary of the transmission.
3. Inspect the front end. There are very many weak points that are prone to go bad.

On a "chip" I hope you mean tuner.
Being a 2000 you have 3 main options.
1. SCT (Probably the best choice if you are going to be doing some major engine work. IE. Cam.)
2. Superchips, Great for a truck that will stay very close to stock, but with a few mods like exhaust and intake work.
3. Hypertech, Meant for increased fuel mileage. Not great in the power department though.

Welcome to the forum. I am the resident thread jacker/ *******.

 

The transmission has been serviced and checked out. As well as the front end. The plenum will get looked at before any performence mods are done.

As for the "chip" or "tuner" aspect, I like the Hypertech idea. I'd rather get bettehr fuel mileage than an increase in power. The power is good enough for my needs. In the future there might be major engine work, but that's still far away.

I'd like to keep this truck for as long as possible. I think with some TLC it can last a long time.

Thanks for the info and help.

 

READing you want to keep I must suggest
1) trans cooler best money spent

2) avoid "chips" tuners etc always a trade off -

ask yourself:
if it is that great why did the manufacturer not configure that way

 

That's not really a valid question because the factory does a lot of things on the basis of cost or other considerations and not performance. There is often room for improvement in any product.