If you had to do it all again, where would you start?

I'm currently in the market for 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab.
My end goal for the truck would be to install a BDS 6" suspension lift, max out some Bilstein 5100 struts to level the truck then tuck some nice 20" rims wrapped in 35" rubber. All in all it'll total a 8-9" lift when I'm done.

But right now, I'm currently shopping for a truck. I'm noticing there are a number of different stock variations of the 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab such as "off-road" addition, "big horn", etc.

Considering what my end goal is, which Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab STOCK package is best to start with?

I suppose I'm looking for the easiest, cheapest, and most logical route to achieve my end goal. If there are added benefits to beginning with certain truck packages, such as beefier rear end, or stock lift, or some other unforeseen benefits, I'd rather take that route. In the end, all I want is 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab with a level 8" lift up on 35", still has performance, and looks great. If I can get away with not messing with gears or other customization's, that would be awesome. I'm not looking to race, extreme off-road, etc...

So how bout it guys, where would you start if you had to do it all again?

Thanks!
Jason

 

Anythhing that has fog lights is a good package

 

If I could do it again? I would have waited for a truck that has 4x4 for one lol. But I would have really liked to have the in dash computer, nav, radio because my friend and his dad have them in their Rams and they are awesome. Fog lights are definitely good to have. Make sure you get the tow package, and if you want the sport package is another thing I would have liked to have since I don't like my chrome. Off road package can't hurt either I'm sure although I don't know what it does lol. If you're building a lifted truck though DITCH THE 20s. and get some 17s or 18s. The tires will be cheaper and your off road performance will increase. As for the amount of lift you want I wouldn't combine a suspension lift with the lift struts as I would think you're front end would end up 2" higher than your back end unless you get a bigger block or something. Sorry for the long response

 

For what you want to do...start with a 2500.

 

well if your set on a 1500 then you need to stay in the 06-08 years. if you go with 02-05 they have the t-bar front and you cant use the adjustable bilstiens on them. so with out a bodylift you can only get 6'' of lift unless you go with someone like fullthrottle suspension that offers like a 10'' lift but your talking like 5g's.

 

If you want 8" of lift then you either need to be looking at a 1500 4x2 or a SFA 2500 4x4. 8" is too much lift on an IFS 4x4 truck...

 

+1.. uh, check that... +100k...

Solid front axle, as found on 3/4 or 1ton, is the only way to go.. you go over 4" of lift on a torsion front end, ouch- it better be a good kit.. with a good kit, you can maybe press 6", but that is pushing your luck.. the intermediate shafts have all kinds of shear strength, but are seriously lacking in torsion strength.. they will snap in a heartbeat w/ 6" of lift and just one decent negative travel event.. even with the coil front ends, the intermediate shafts are still the weakness... again- you can twist the snot out of them and they won't break very often, but you put a stiff angle on them? it's got the strength of half cooked angel hair pasta..

furthermore, 1 tons are generally cheaper than 3/4 tons.. it doesn't make a lot of sense, huh? the only significant difference are springs.. they are stiffer/stronger on one tons..

if you're buying used, you're most likely going to find a one ton cheaper than a 3/4..

 

Is this a good deal? Looks good to me but I wanted to check with you guys.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

 

Uhh... Yes! 20K for a CTD with less than a 100K on the clock. I would be all over that! Make sure you check everything out in person though. I had a buddy just fly out from FL to AZ to go look at and buy a F250 with a Powerstroke. Got there and found out it was only a gas motor. He was pissed but still bought the truck because it was his way home lol

 

wow i wouldve killed that guy....thats a lot of money to waste on something that you thought, and turned out was completely different