Ok, guys... while i was on R&R, I bought a SILVER 2003 Dodge Ram Laramie, 5.7L Hemi (2WD) and im completely lost on how to accomplish what i'd like to get done. I am a HUGE interior guy, and i have all of that figured out already. what i need help on is PERFORMANCE and EXTERIOR. I want big tires on it. i see a lot about 35", and that sounds good to me.

do i just level it? is it worth it? what kind of tires? Tonoue(sp?) Cover and a slide out or just low pro tool box? Brush Guard? nerf bars? Also, is the grille considered the ENTIRE piece or just a little insert? (mine is painted and i want chrome)

all i have so far is a new exhaust, blacked out windows and rain guards. (I am still currently deployed, so its hard to figure all this out. Amazon.com has been my new bestfriend.)

 

Damn, too bad yours isn't Red. I would have traded you tomo. I am in Olathe. (I have a chrome grill.)

I might still trade you and paint it. When are you getting back?

With a 2wd you are going to need a little more than just a level to fit 35's.

I am running a 2wd with 6 inch lift on 34's





But many people run much larger tires. I like having some fender gap.

Well more people will chime in and help you get some more stuff figured out.


Thank you for serving for our great nation and keeping us all safe.

 

dang, yea... that would have been nice. i should be back in the next couple months. Hopefully, it will be REAL soon.

6" is probably a little more than i want to go. what could i do with a level? should i do a body lift? im so out of my element. lol.

what about performance wise. this is where i need the most help.

 

With an 03 you are going to have a little trouble being that your PCM is a little less tune-able than the 05 and up.

But there is still a lot that you can do.

Long tube headers, Superchips tuner, ported Throttle body, you could also regear it higher. That wont be a bad idea since you are going to be getting larger tires.

You could do a 2 inch or 2.5 inch level with new shocks and a 3 inch body lift and fit 35's . Matt99 has that exact set up.

 

A level with some aggressive 33's would look good. That is what I plan on doing. I already have the level kit, just waiting for the right wheels and tire combo to come along that makes me pull the trigger on them.

 

You can go through my sig link at the bottom and see some of the things I have done and maybe get some ideas. There are a lot of guys here with some really nice trucks and mods

Welcome to the site BTW.

 

OE I hate those sideways pictures...I have to turn my laptop haha

Like he said, you will need more than a level to fit 35s. I mean, you COULD fit them and have a bit of rubbing even after trimming plastic, but its generally not recommended. You could not off road at all, and have problems towing also. It would be more trouble than its worth.

 

Sorry Matt. I am due for some better pictures. I still have a gap in my front bumper and it bugs me. Once I start working my city job again. I will have access to a heated garage with lots of tools. I am going back down an inch.

 

You should just put a 3in body lift on with good bumper brackets. Of course, you would need new tires haha

 

I wouldn't NEED. But want plays a huge factor there.

I think my wife would be upset if I lifted it more. I am almost done with this truck, we graduate in May and she should have a full time teaching job in the fall. A new truck has been agreed upon before we start popping the little ones out. So if I get a new truck, guess what

I am just trying to make this truck complete. I have ordered little bits and pieces over the last couple months from PCP to fix it up. Next is the cracked tow mirror. Then the dented bumper. Then the rust on the fender. Its all coming together, again.