Hey guys new Dodge owner from a 04 GMC 2500 (gasser) Lookin forward to picking up my 2005 Ram 3500 QC SRW CTR 6spd manual tomorrow.

It needs some work, from what I've read here kinda typical Dodge stuff, u-joints, ball joints and some other minor stuff like rear rotors/pads. Planning to get these things fixed asap. Then would like to make the truck reliable, replace anything that perhaps could cause problems in the future...any suggestions? Also looking to mod the truck somewhat, performance and appearance. Performance wise is there any place you guys think I should start? I'd like to be close to 400 reliable hp. with ability to tow heavy day in and out. It has straight pipe exhaust right now, otherwise pretty much stock.

 

OK,

Gauges, GDP 392 or FASS 150/150, Clutch (Southbend or CON), Intake, Drop the exhaust get a 5", turbo (62/14 or 64/14 or 62/80),Head studs if you want twins or compound turbos, Then go crazy...Smarty, Quadzilla, Edge, Predator, TST, TS MP-8, then get a 52' fuel tanker to feed her.....

 

Yeah get gauges first. I gotta Quadzilla Commander which is a electronic set of gauges, I think it's a better deal than seperate analog gauges and has data logging ability, hooks up to performance boxes well, is cheaper than seperate analog gauges, and doesn't take up as much room.
After gauges, maybe a Smarty. If you don't drive TOO TOO (whatever that means) hard, you can get away (IMO) with 50-maybe 100 HP increase and the stock trans will PROBABLY hold up, at least for a while. IMO, if you're planing to do any performance past 50 HP increase, start budgeting for at least a torque converter and valve body for your automatic.

 

6 spd here, still need to beef up tranny? Clutch eventually im sure

 

Welcome to DTR!

 

thanks CTDinMT
lol Shakin red I'm not sure of what half the things you mentioned are... but i'm reading as much as I can and tryin to learn fast
on my engine it says 325hp, how much torque would I have? Anyone recommend a muffler? The straight pipe is just way to loud for the city, I know I'll be gettin tickets left right and centre. Enjoyin the Dodge so far!

 

Dont know if you are still under warranty or not but if you are and concerend about warranty work, I would go with the edge with attitude monitor. The monitor has all of the guages that would need I one nice little box. If you use the edge system, everything and be unpluged and the dealer has know way to know what was one there. I will stay with the edge untill warranty is gone.
What city do you live in that the popo would give you a ticket for you exhaust. I have has a couple of cops here is phoenix,az that have pulled me over just to say how much they loved the sound of it. Good luck. Let us know if you need anything else. There are a lot of really cool guys here and are willing to help. WELCOME TO YOU KNOW HOME

 

Here is what a lot of people like for a muffler, it also has a sound clip so you can hear what it sounds like. http://www.rokktech.com/_mgxroot/page_10437.html
Dunno if youi got a mega, or what type of truck, sometimes they will put a resonator in for a megacab (abouit $60-75) cause it can cause drone in these trucks. I got more links if you want but lots are from TDR (paid site, but a good addition to your internet browsing if you u gotta Dodge 5.9)
Regarding 'detectability', just about everyone agrees that the Smarty, after you return it to stock, (less than 5 minutes) is undetectable (and that includes 'key count', etc.)
You might want to clean off the soot off the quarter panel and exhaust though!

My truck is a 325 and it's rated at 600 or 610 torque, I forget which, but (obvioiusly) it's a '05.
Oh, fill out your signature so we can tell what you have.

 

Welcome to the Dodge boys club. To get 400rwhp is not that hard with the cummins, there will be lots of different opinions but the most reliable and easy to work with would be an open air intake, attitude with monitor, no need for guages then, 50hp injectors and a turbo built for towing, that straight pipe exhaust will get pretty loud when you are towing so you may want to try MBRP 4 or 5" to keep the flow but kill some of the drone. I am half way to doing the same thing to my '04, just need the turbo and injectors now.

 

the only time guys tear up the 6 spd is during sled pulling they break the main shaft. other than that you have a strong manual trans that will take some abuse. I would get a good clutch first like south bend. then go from there. guages would be a good thing also. I had the tst & bully dog stacked on my 05 it ran pretty well.

 

get out now once you get the 400hp you will want more and then you will be in a few grand with no end in sight leave now before you loss your soul the HP and Tq gods....