Well I have been given the ultimate gift. My wife has given approval of either spending $40K on a new stock truck or spending $40K on a slightly used truck that is all hooked up.

My desire is to have a vehicle that we be able to take me and her, along with our dog, to any place we could think of going, within reason of course.

But I also desire to have the baddest Dodge in town. I live in the mountains of North Carolina and it does get rather cold, so reliability is one of the most important things I am looking for. I am wanting to keep this truck well into the 200,000 mile range.

The particulars I am looking for are:
500+hp
1000+ft/lb
37" tires
camper top with rack for gear
front and rear bumpers
winch in front

I know that I am wanting to do a lot with this truck, but I think that I will be able to make it happen. I am looking for any and all input on how this will be able to become a reality. This will also be my first diesel and my first Dodge. I really want the reliability of the Cummins and still have solid axles.

Thanks so much in advance for any and all help, and if there are any questions please email me or pm me. Have a good one, and let the fun begin.

Kevin Merritt

 

Find a 1998 12 valve quad cab 4x4 and bomb the heck outta it.

 

Your probably looking at $7,000-$10,000 to get anything stock to where you want it, but the process has been the best part for me. I wouldn't trade the step by step education for anything.

On the other hand you can get a lot of bombed truck for $30-35,000 and add what you want that it doesn't have. Don't think the 3rd Gen trucks are up to 500 hp yet, but I may be wrong.

If I was doing it over again I would do exactly what I did...find a low mileage 02 and bomb away as your wallet allows! You'll find others equally partial to the 12v trucks..but did I mention I love my 02.



Good luck!

RJ

 

You could drop some of that HERE

Rich

 

I would look for a good used 24V Quadcab. The 12 Valves can make insane power but the 24V gives you the ability to back down some of the power if the conditions require, like icy and slick roads or occasional towing to keep the EGTs in check.

If you are after 500Hp you will be upgrading or replacing the weakest link on a 24V, the lift pump. To run 500Hp on a daily driver w/ 37" tires I think you will want to run twins to keep decent spoolup without blacking out the sun.

I am sure I know some one who would like to help you get there.

 

Big Brother twins, Mach 6 EDM injectors, TST PM3 Comp/EZ combo (or Edge Drag Comp), head work, cam, fuel system of your choice (FASS, RASP), tranny of your choice (or clutch). That should put you at or above your 500 hp mark.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...480952373&rd=1

 

A lot would depend on if you can do a lot of the work yourself and like a loud truck or a quiet one. The more years that pass since the 12v were made the harder it is to find one with low milage. A '98 QC 12v would be nice but I REALLY like the way the new trucks drive. Straight piping a 3rd gen can make them loud again too if that is something you like. The down side of the 3rd gens is EGT's. You could almost do what you want with a brand new truck if you got a stick. With a auto it would be a few thousand more. I paid just under 34k out the door for my '04.5 (with 6% tax). A Turbo, Exhaust, Intake, TST box and you'd be there for hp. Then you need a clutch or built auto. Then the lift and tires and wheels. Worse case scenario you could get a low milage '03 (that gets better milage) and save 5K+ for more mods. That extra 5K+ would buy you a set of twins with some change for headstuds . I would also look to 4.10 gears if your going to run that big of a tire. The 3rd gen trucks have the best brakes of all so that will help stop those big tires too.

 

You can have mine for 40K....

I'll throw in a good cleanin', no charge!


Tony

 

Gee you dont ask for much do ya?. Buy a new one, the misses wil give in to mods eventually.

 

Buy an 02 and mod it.

 

I appreciate all of the comments and support so far. I never thought about needing twin turbos, but it does make sense due to the bigger tires. Keep this stuff coming, and hopefully in a few months I will have the baddest truck in Boone. Take care.

Kevin

 

I will sell you mine for $40,000.00.Perfect condition 22,000 miles.twin turbos 640 horse.quad cab short bed 4x4.it loves dogs.pulls a trailer what more could you want.Kurt

 

Right on apache ! That is so true !!!...she also saw her first diesel drag races last week which didn't hurt either

 

man, for that kind of cash, you might as well up the horsepower/tq numbers to 700/1400++