Hey guys, so I have a 2001 Ram 1500 QC/SB Sport that I'm going to turn into a wheeler. However right now money is tight (school) so I'm making a $1000 budget. However once I grad (this June) then it will get a 7" long arm kit, 38's and a dove tail with a cage. But for right now I need a basic list to get me trail worthy. I just threw on some new 33" MT's and am bolting up front and rear auxiliaries lights and a winch next weekend. What else can I do to get it more off road capable? I live in Seattle Washington and want to wheel out at walker valley if you're familiar with the area maybe you can shed light on what I need.

 

A rear locker is easily the single best off-road improvement you can make.

 

If you're going to 38's, first thing you need to do is gears, I'd say 4.88s.

And to Hahns' point, you can usually pick up a Detroit Locker for just over $600. I've yet to find one cheaper....

 

What about a lock-right? Those are like $350-$400? It's not a spool, it's like a Detroit just it the whole carrier, it replaces the spider gears.

Since I'm gonna runner big(ger) tires I'm gonna do Dana 60/70 swaps. Can either be done on my budget?

Oh I'm also gonna do Rick sliders soon too

 

Good to see your are providing a budget for reference. In looking at Walker Valley, looks like you have tree trails for the most part. Some decent rock gardens, but lots of mud opportunities. Given that it's winter consider finding roads that do not get plowed and still allow access for snow fun.

What do you think your planned type of wheeling will be? Will this truck double as a daily driver? If its going to ONLY be a trail rig (e.g., green sticker), then your options/cost open greatly.

Some of those things need to be understood before some good recommendations.

My first off the cuff is to see if you can go to 35s, but not if your gear ratio is still 3.55. I wouldn't recommend putting any mods into the stock axles. You can certainly get DODGE D60/D70s (stick to same year as possible though to minimize mismatch) pair for that budget. However, you'll be stuck with the same problematic unit bearing up front. There are mods you can do to convert it to free-spin economically using Ford Outers. Yet still with any axle swap it's highly suggested to rebuild the axle if you're not sure of history. Master install kit, gears, etc.

The rear LSD, which I think you have is actually a good performer barring the clips haven't broke yet.

Honestly, I'd keep the $1000 to be prepared for fixes you currently need. Get some seat time with "careful" wheeling. Find a local club. In addition to that winch, get some tow straps, shackles and other recovery type gear.

There's my starter for you.

ps. on 33s you'll need a great deal of protection added. Rear is notorious hanger. Good thing you have rock sliders in mind. keep in mind airing down will drop you more. Cheap thing to do is a front leveling set of spacers.

 

Oh ok that's all super helpful! The truck is still street legal and gets driven to the mud holes right now and whenever I want to drive a truck, but I do have my car for daily transportation. Sounds like I should just do a locker and spend the $ on basic protection and maintanence. Eventually the truck will become a full time trail rig, but not till I grad. Thanks for the input!

 

FYI Wh1t3 we don't have that Green Sticker BS up here. Getting stuff licensed is so easy its funny.

Stewie I bought my D60 30 spline 4.56-up for $300 off craigslist.

OP if you don't want to invest a ton of money in the axles you aren't going to keep for long, look into welding your spider gears in the rear. It makes your tires chirp going around corners on dry pavement, but if it's not your daily it's not such a huge deal. If you ever want some help working on your rig let me know, I am not very far south.

 

if you can find a set of 3/4 ton axle for a decent price you would easily be able to do that swap for under 1000$ and itd be way better then trying to upgrade the garbage half tons, i blew mine apart with 37s on my truck. the front axle is a direct bolt in swap no problems whatsoever the back your most likey going to have to move the leaf spring perches in on the axle due to the 3 inch leaf springs on the 2500/3500 and the 2.5 wide springs on 1500. i did my entire swap in a couple days it was easy as hell, and i havent had any problems since wheelin with 40s all the time

 

Here is the steps.

1. Get a saw.
2. Buy tires in the size you want.
3. Put tires on the truck.
4. Use the saw and cut the fenders.
5. Get a sticker that says "Mudweiser"

Last and final step is use the leftover $980.00 for beer... Problems solved..

 

^^ $20 for a set of large mud tires AND a saw?