New to the forums, I currently run a Ford and a 1972 Plymouth 'Cuda...fixing to come back to Dodge for my daily driver. I'm interested in picking up a Rumble Bee 4x4 in the relative future, and looking for some information if anyone wouldn't mind sharing.

First off I'm looking to see, what makes a "Rumble Bee", a Rumble Bee. Driveline, interior, suspension, (exterior i know), etc?

*Anything special about the Hemi? Or just the spec Hemi of the era.
*Only automatics built? any manuals?
*Differentials - Independent front or Solid? What size rear axle?
Limited Slip standard? Locker available? Likely gear ratios?
*Anything specific for lifting this style truck? Any marks left on the body after removing the 'ground effects'?
*Lift Kits for the 4x4 - I understand there are tons out there for Ram's. How much lift can be done to a 4x4 without any major modifications to the driveline? Avg cost for the kit? (I can install it) Body lifts available in addition to suspension?

*Longevity/Common failures? What are the common fail/weak points of these trucks? Also any mileage to where they seem to take a hit the most for reliability?

*Last, anyone have pictures of a lifted Rumble Bee? Looked all over with no success!


Here is my 'Cuda, you can see why I'm interested in the Rumble Bee's


Thanks!!!

 

First off I have to say that you have a sick cuda...
Now onto the rumble bee...other than the looks (paint, body kit, decal, some interrior peices) and a different exhaust from the factory (I think) they are the same as any other hemi reg cab 4x4 out there. Only made them with autos, gears out back are most likely 3.92's. As for lifting, it could be done but it seems like almost everyone with one goes the other direction and makes them into street trucks. There's a member here that has a 4x4 daytona which is pretty much the same as a rumble bee that has some meaty tires on it and it does look quite good....maybe he'll chime in soon.....

 

daytonas and rumble bees are almost the same, I have 35's on mine with just a 2" T-bar lift. and they only rub at full turn. and the only thing that makes them different from other reg reg cab rams, is body kit, decals, some interior stuff, exhaust and daytonas get a wing. these trucks have IFS. not solid front axles. I think they all come with 9.25 rearend with 3.92's. mine has an open diff.. I dont know who would order a truck from the factory with out a posi. so I'm putting in a auburn posi before winter.

and the body kit is just bolted on. you can remove it quite easy and the holes are on the bottom, so you wont beable to see them if you decide to take them off. I've had mine off road acouple times, it does pretty good. but its too good of a truck to be taking it off road all the time, thats what beaters are for.

 

and




http://www.car-stuff.com/dodgeliftkit.htm


Perf Accessories Body Lift Kit 2003-2005 Dodge Ram 1500
"PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES BODY LIFT KIT -- 3 Lift, Allows For Increased Tire Size For Improved Ground Clearance And Rugged Good Looks, Does Not Alter Factory Ride Quality Or Geometry, Includes High Grade Reinforced Nylon Lift Blocks, CNC Machined Splined Steering Shaft Extensions Where Applicable, Gold Zinc Plated Lift Kit Brackets And Grade 5 Zinc Plated Hardware, Comes With Steering Extension, Front And Rear Bumper Brackets, Gap Guards Sold Separately, Detailed Installation Instructions Allow For Trouble-Free Installation, With Manufacturer's Limited Lifetime Warranty"
FITS (ENGINE/CHASSIS)
SKU

PRICE

QTY
2003-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 P6460123 $317.94
#
2003-2003: 6Cyl 3.7L "Gas, FI, 225, MFI" Base
#
2003-2003: 8Cyl 4.7L "Gas, FI, 287, MFI" Base
#
2003-2003: 8Cyl 5.9L "Gas, FI, 360, MFI" Base
#
2004-2004: 6Cyl 3.7L "Gas, FI, 225, MFI" ST
#
2004-2004: 8Cyl 4.7L "FLEX, FI, 287, MFI" SLT
#
2004-2004: 8Cyl 4.7L "FLEX, FI, 287, MFI" ST
#
2004-2004: 8Cyl 4.7L "Gas, FI, 287, MFI" SLT
#
2004-2004: 8Cyl 4.7L "Gas, FI, 287, MFI" ST
#
2004-2005: 10Cyl 8.3L "Gas, FI, 505, MFI" SRT-10
#
2004-2005: 8Cyl 5.7L "Gas, FI, 345, MFI" SLT
#
2004-2005: 8Cyl 5.7L "Gas, FI, 345, MFI" ST
#
2005-2005: 6Cyl 3.7L "Gas, FI, 226, MFI" ST
#
2005-2005: 8Cyl 4.7L "FLEX, FI, 285, MFI" SLT
#
2005-2005: 8Cyl 4.7L "FLEX, FI, 285, MFI" ST
#
2005-2005: 8Cyl 4.7L "Gas, FI, 285, MFI" SLT
#
2005-2005: 8Cyl 4.7L "Gas, FI, 285, MFI" ST
#
2005-2005: 8Cyl 5.7L "Gas, FI, 345, MFI" Hemi Sport
#
2005-2005: 8Cyl 5.7L "Gas, FI, 345, MFI" Laramie
#
2005-2005: 8Cyl 5.7L "Gas, FI, 345, MFI" Rumble Bee