I'm not buying till the new year - or at least I keep telling myself that. This time I'm going to have some money to spend right off the bat to customize the truck a little. (Hey, dual income no kids has its perks.)

Unless Ram surprises me with some other bright colors for 2014, mine will be a flame red crew cab. Probably Express (unless I can get a Sport without the center console). I'm definitely at least going to level it, if not lift it just a bit. Can't go too high or I'll get in trouble with the boss.

What I envision is bright red with gloss black accents instead of chrome. Rims, rails, steps, badges, grill insert. Maybe fender flares? Maybe black plasti-dip for some parts instead of paint if I can find somewhere here to get it done. What would you recommend?

Would a leveling kit make enough room for 35s or would I need to lift the truck to ensure they don't rub? If a lift is needed, how much? I'm not going to be off-roading for fun so at worst, rubbing might become an issue for speed bumps or steep driveway curbs. I've got Nitto Terra Grapplers on my '03. I like the look and likely will buy some for my new truck. Not sure yet if I'm going 20" or dropping to 18" for that beefy tire look.

I'm eager to buy, but I want to see the 2014s before I decide which year model - and I'm guessing the deals on the 2013s will be over before the 2014s are available and there won't be any good deals on the 2014s until the new year. Conundrum!

 

Since 2013 was a mild refresh, 2014 shouldn't be that different. We know the Desiel is coming, plus a wider use of the air suspension, but really that'll probably be it on the hardware side. Colors and packages they have the the all black Express, but that's it so far.

Once you get the truck, give it a shot with plasti-dip on your own. A little bit of time, and masking tape, and blacking out the badges on your own is very doable. I plasti-dipped my RAM logos on front and back, and it really was a breeze. Best part is, if you do manage to screw up, or just get sick of the look, it just peels off.

35s on a leveled truck would be pushing it. I guess it would depend a lot on if you keep the stock wheels or go aftermarket. I leveled my 2009 (2in front spacers), and kept the stock 20in wheels. On the stock wheels there's just not enough offset to handle 35s on the front. I have 33s, and while there's plenty more room in the wheel well, they rub pretty heavy on wheel lock while turning.

What options are must haves for you? Depending on what you want, you can probably get almost everything you're looking for on an Express.

 

How long does plasti-dip last? Does it start peeling/chipping after a time? Can it cause corrosion problems underneath?

 

I've had mine on there a couple of months, and I haven't had any issues with it. I've taken a couple of road trips, and don't have any paint chips in the coat from rocks or anything. At first I was a little worried what the local car wash would do to it, but no problems there either. I'm not sure what road salt will do to it, but since I live on the 2nd ring of Hell, we don't have to worry about snow down here.

No corrosion as far as I can tell. I'd say the Plasti-dip would probably help protect it, as long as it was cleaned well before the Plasti-dip was put on and nothing was trapped under there.

 

2014 are on dealer lots and pretty much the same as 2013 except now express can get the 8 speed as a $500 option

 

I have had my emblems plasti-dip'd for over a year now, and they have been through many car washes (not the touch-less ones either, REAL car washes) and through a Canadian winter.

They are still looking as good as when I first did them.