Dear folks,</P>


I have been peering around this site for a while now. I just had to put my two cents worth into things. So here is my story.....</P>


First of all let me tell you about my truck. It is a 1999 Dodge Ram, Quad Cab, 2WD, SLT in forest Green. I bought it new in SunnyvaleCalifornia (10 miles north of San Jose) in July of 1999 with 103 miles on it. It was special ordered from the factory but later was foundon a lot in MarinaCa (10 miles north of Monterey). It was driven from Marina to Sunnyvale (hence the 103 miles) by oneof the detailguys in the shop. The largest engine avaliable was the318. This isthe semi rare SLT with a 5 speed transmission. Itis not a very popular option in the rest of the world much less herein the land ofthe 2 hour 20 mile commute of the Silicoln Valley.</P>


I will say thatthisreally is my dream vehicle.All ofthe usefullness of a truck with the fun factor of a sports car. Alright....lets be serious...it will never be a sports car...but it is a lot offun. My license plate is also mydodgeforum member name (5SPDSLT). Pleaseno laughing. I didn't even realizewhat it might implie when I ordered it. At least it kept my ex-wife out of it. My licenseframe does also say </P>


" DODGE RAM S L T"</P>


"A 5K LBS SPORTS CAR"</P>


Anyway, it started out life a little rough. A mere 47.5 hours after I took it off the lot I was rear ended. Not so good to the other car. It took everything in me not to kill the guy. The only damage to the truck was the bumper....no paint needed no frame damage. It did total the other car HAAAA!!!!</P>


Its current mods are as follows:</P>


Flowmaster three chamber muffler; front and rear pipes remain stock for stealth. No other items installed at this time. Cold air is next. I am trying to design a true ram cold air intake that comes in from the right side of the radiator but I still need to figure a few things out (i.e. water issues when it rains). There is only one computer that is avaliabe for the 99 5 speed but fornow it is fine. Well I do dream of a headers and a supercharger.........</P>


Rear end was changed when the original rear end (3.21:1) scattered at 40K miles. Replaced with factory set of 3.55:1 gears and added posi-trac. It was not avaliable at the time of new (with the 5 speed)but worth the $200 I put into it later.</P>


Tires were replaced with Coopers H/T's in a 265/70-16. Made all the difference in the world as far as handling goes. Wanted the 17X8's off of the OFF ROAD package but I like the tri-yin-yang style 16X7's it came with.</P>


Kyb's front and rear with the Mono-Max in front and the Gas-A-Just in the rear. Eurothane bushing in the stock 32mm front sway bar made a huge difference as well. I have a Hellwig 1 1/8" rear bar that I got off of E-Bay for $32 that is waiting for a hardware kit to install. After that I am done with the suspension. I wanted to create a good handling but comfy ride. Brake will be in the future but for now the Raybestos Super Stops do a fine job.</P>


The interior is basiclly stock. It does have a hands free speaker, mic, and stand for a cel phone. It is a little difficult to drive a stick and talk at the same time. The stereo is an Alpine unit with AF/FM/CD/MP3 running to Alpine 6X9's in the front doors and 6" in the rear doors. I also have a Clairion SRV303 20CM (approx 7 3/4") self contained and powered subwoofer underthe frontcenter seat. I was able to run the wires for the sub control in tocenter consol. Thecontrol unitsits in what wasthebuissiness car holder and looks like it wasment to be there. The guy atthe shopsaid it couldn't be done much less do it andkeepthe rear cup holder and center consol. Silly guy.Tell me I can't do something and I will do anything to prove you wrong. </P>


My back ground is automotive repair but my 9-5 is selling, designing, engineering and installing lubrication systems. You know like the ones at your local Jiffy Lube or dealeship. I work direct with the major oil company reps to set up new and existing shops. Our company also services tire mounting equipment, brake lathes, lifts and A/C recycling machines.</P>


Well this is probably more that you all wanted to know. I do have input an a strong opinion. But will alway listen to others.....you just never know when you will find useful info for every parts of life</P>


Eric</P>


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Impressive post Eric, welcome and enjoy the site. Enjoy your 2 hour 20 mile commute<IMG src=smileys/smiley36.gif border="0">, that sucks.

 

Eric,

FABULOUS!! You're invited to the family BBQ already!! My license plate is RAMRULZ. I didn't think anything bad on yours until you pointed it out... LOL!

Glad you joined, hope to see you often!! You truck sounds fabulous and I want PICTURES!

~Amanda

 

Thank you both. If you have read any of my inputs yet you will notice that I get very long winded in my responses. Hope it does not drive people too nuts. I tend to over-explain things a bit......guess it comes with my line of work.</P>


I will get some pictues here soon. As I have may have inplied....I tend to make my truck more for 'go' than 'show'. I oftenwilluse the term'stealth'. Any one with a keen eye would pick up (get it......pick-up ) on the subtle items that make my baby special. Theothers couldn't care less anyway.</P>


BTW....I like mine medium-rare......thanks. (yes you get the twisted sense of humor with this as well)</P>


Eric
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<IMG src=smileys/smiley2.gif border="0">Cole Slaw or Potato Salad?

'Lady' ismore go than show right now as well. She's been repainted, and has cool Dodge seat covers, but I want to replace the carpet, headliner, door panels and more inside... so... I definately have more go fast mods at the moment. LOL! Can't wait to hear about yours. <IMG src=smileys/smiley17.gif border="0">

Long winded isn't bad... at times better then people who don't explain themselves at all when speaking. We're glad to have you!

You bring the Vollyball Net, okay? {<IMG src=smileys/smiley36.gif border="0">}

~Amanda

 

hey, you need a COOOL Dodge Forum sticker to go on that truck. I bet Amanda has that green or can get it! Please post some pictures! </P>


I'll bring fried green tomatoes!<IMG src=smileys/smiley4.gif border="0">LOL</P>


The 5 speed isn't very popular around the south, either. Hate that about your commute but would love to see the truck. Glad to have you!</P>

 

crappy commute you have there. a great explaination is better than somebody that says just because. welcome to the Forum.

 

Thanks again. I will have to admit that my description of my commute was a generalality (is that a real word??????<IMG src=smileys/smiley5.gif border="0">). My commute time really depends on the route that I choose to take. If I take the most direct route (about 10 miles) an leave on time (6:15) I can usually make it there by 7AM. If I leave 5 minutes latter then I will be late (7:15-7:30)</P>


Now, If I take the faster route, and of course I do (careful....remember last time you said 'I DO' Eric...SSSSHHHHH!!!!!!!.....they are alllistening.....) I can leave at 6:30AM and get there at about 5 minutes to 7AM. It is only 20 miles if I take that route. And I can even leave 5 minutes late and still have time to pour a cup of coffee.</P>


Both are common freeway routes and one accident will make either of them a real nightmare. Every once and a while I get tempted by the original route...and it has yet to let me down as far as getting to work late. </P>


.......Anyway.......I will bring the deviled eggs (I hope they keep) and a fruitcake, not me of course. It is left over from Christmas...........1993.</P>


Eric</P>