Hello, i have a 1500 5.2 ram that is failing on me (parts of my tranny fell out). I want to put some thought into my next vehicle and would like some opinions on what i want from my next ram. (for or against my current thinking)

I am a novice/beginner to auto work. ive done a couple engine rebuilds and some gearing but that's about it.

I like the 1500 ride and i dont do alot of heavy work but i am very very hard on my trucks when i play. for this reason im thinking of grabbing a 2500 this time round with a 5.9.

I want 400HP (with out nos) out of the engine and at least 400 f/lbs of torque. i plan to do a full engine, tranny, and transfer case rebuild. I currently have a dana 60/80 axle set with ARB lockers and 4.88 (if memory serves, i built the axles a few years ago) YG. I plan to install a cold air intake with a nos kit for an extra boost if im bogged down.

I was thinking of running my breather lines into my air intake and putting a snorkle up the side. i have had my rams under water (past the mirrors) for up to 4 min or so before with out any major issues but im not sure what should be done to the engines/trannys to "water proof" them for that kind of work.

I plan to put a lift kit on this truck but im not sure how much i will need. id like to run 36 or 37" tires. does anyone know how much room i need to add to fit this size onto a 2500? id like to keep the truck as low as possible to prevent rolling over again.

I am not sure what kind of cranks/cams are needed if i plan to run nos. i already plan to get forged pistons but i also dont know what types of torque converts/clutch plates should be used to rebuild such a thing for accepting the extra power. i do plan to use this as a winter driver/summer fun truck so it will see road use.

edit:
[I am thinking of adding a turbo to the engine also

another question i have is what is best for more HP, cat back dual or manifold back dual exhaust. I would like to stay in double digit gas mileage also, so a balance of the two is needed.

How does one water proof the distrib for water adventures? just silicone seal it?]

I plan on this being a project to work on while i take my auto classes at collage during witch time i will have another truck as my daily driver.

thanks for the input.

 

why not just buy a cummins if your going to turbo a gas motor.

 

wow just wow.... talkin about alottttttttttttttttttt of time and money there.

 

yeah u want the dream car 10 second quaters on 37's and able to smash trough a mud pit good luck with that

 

Buying a cummins would make your goals a lot easier to reach,

 

I just had flashbacks to '01.....high school kids coming up to the parts counter...." Dood, you got NAWSE??!!?? "

Me: Got what?

" NAWSE! you know, that stuff that makes you go fast "

Me: Oh, you mean "En Oh Ess" ?? as in Nitrous Oxide Systems?? Ya, we carry that.





As to the OP, I 2nd the Cummins suggestion....more money up front, but less in the end to get where you want....

 

What in the hell do you plan on using said truck for? Climbing Mt. Everest, or just going to McDonalds?

 

Going to be cutting her close for the drive threw lol I'd just get a cummins you can work on the motor to a extent and always transfer all your credits to the diesel course if you want to be able to go all the way.

 

I have been debating between the i6 or v8. thing is im planing to do as much of the work as i can myself and ive never worked on a diesel. that said i suppose it would be a good thing to learn.

I am not looking as much for speed as i am torque and power. I plan to use this as a driver and a play truck for some off road action. my last ram before my 5.2 was a 5.9 99 1500. it was submerged in mudd boggs many times, rolled over on 4 separate occasions, used for clearing land, plowing, and some towing. im looking to build a truck that i can take off road after coming from home depot with out worrying about needing a wrecker to pull me out or water logging my truck to its death.

 

ive been looking at the engine types. ive been reading that the 12V diesel might have more low end torque over the 24V but the 24V would have more high end torque. if that's the case im leaning towards the 12V.

second is the fuel system. ive read that dodge changed to a common rail system in 03. if thats the case, how hard would it be to convert a 99-01 to a common rail?

how many miles do the turbos last in the 2500's? id assume 60K or so but most everyone i know had a gas engine so id appreciate any experience you all have with the diesel side of things on here.

thanks