2003 Dodge Ram 2500 overlander

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Vadim

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Contributor III

1,402
Sacramento, CA
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8234

Well I feel like just as I get one vehicle done and ready for camping and going off road, another catches my attention. I picked up this 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins a day before a planned trip and seeing as how everything checked out on it, I decided to take it on that 800 mile trip through Nevada desert and mountains. The truck was amazing to say the least. It came with a skyjacker 6” lift, 35’s, intake and exhaust. We started the trip through Reno and then on to Nixon. Hit up some old tungsten mines, school bus canyon, some drag racing on black rock desert, climbing in high rock canyon and stopping by a few wild hot springs that we swam in. Had a great time with friends who were all impressed with the full size truck doing what it did. The truck had a slight hickup due to a transfer case link bushing breaking and the shifter not functioning. A couple of zip ties and it was good to go. The trails were covered pretty narrowly with brush so the truck came back with quite a bit of custom pin striping. Time to do some work to clean up a bunch of bits and ends on the truck and then to figure out a name for her.
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Vadim

Rank IV
Launch Member

Contributor III

1,402
Sacramento, CA
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8234

Well Ive been waiting to do a few mods to the truck to get some updated pictures up. I have fixed a lot of small things on it that were broken at the time of purchase and in addition I have also de-chromed the truck. Plasti dipped the bumpers and grill, new black badges, bed lined the interior of the bed, got new Raceline Monster 17x9 wheels on some Federal Xplora RT 37x12.50r17, and restored the headlights. Next few purchases maybe some Carli dual rate springs to soften up the ride, some winch bumpers (with winch) and sliders.

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Vadim

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Contributor III

1,402
Sacramento, CA
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8234

In the previous truck picture the tires are Toyo’s but those have been replaced with the Federal’s.
 

RoarinRow

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Elk Grove, CA, USA
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Rolando
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Nispiros
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Well Ive been waiting to do a few mods to the truck to get some updated pictures up. I have fixed a lot of small things on it that were broken at the time of purchase and in addition I have also de-chromed the truck. Plasti dipped the bumpers and grill, new black badges, bed lined the interior of the bed, got new Raceline Monster 17x9 wheels on some Federal Xplora RT 37x12.50r17, and restored the headlights. Next few purchases maybe some Carli dual rate springs to soften up the ride, some winch bumpers (with winch) and sliders.

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Wow looks like a new truck!
 

trail_runn4r

US Rocky Mtn. Local Expert. Colorado: Denver Area
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Denver, CO, USA
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Carlo
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Donzelli
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Well Ive been waiting to do a few mods to the truck to get some updated pictures up. I have fixed a lot of small things on it that were broken at the time of purchase and in addition I have also de-chromed the truck. Plasti dipped the bumpers and grill, new black badges, bed lined the interior of the bed, got new Raceline Monster 17x9 wheels on some Federal Xplora RT 37x12.50r17, and restored the headlights. Next few purchases maybe some Carli dual rate springs to soften up the ride, some winch bumpers (with winch) and sliders.

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waaaaaay better now! Nice work, can’t wait to see how you progress.
 

ChambersFamily

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Enthusiast III

646
North Plains, OR, USA
First Name
Marshall
Last Name
Chambers
Member #

24004

Still got tape on your tailgate cable haha. Yeah it looks awesome, I had a 04 in the same color, loved that truck. Enjoy it!
 

Vadim

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Contributor III

1,402
Sacramento, CA
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8234

I ordered a set of diy bumpers from Coastal Offroad for the truck. They designed them for the gas 2500 so I am working with them to adapt to the diesel version. Slightly different frame mounts in the front and di. So far I have tacked the full rear bumper together. Should be fully welded and semi finished by this weekend.
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Vadim

Rank IV
Launch Member

Contributor III

1,402
Sacramento, CA
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8234

Bumpers look great! Any issues making the front work with Cummins?
The original design was from a gas powerwagon so it didn't fit but I worked with Coastal Offroad to give them calculations for new frame plates and now it works. Basically the plates were extended outwards 1.75". However theres no way to mount a winch in the bumper. They said they will offer the hitch receiver option for cummins owners but I ended up building my own to not lose time. Theirs may end up being different then mine.
 
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PNW EXPLR

Local Expert Southeast Washington, USA
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Kennewick, WA, USA
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Michael
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Denniston
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Great looking truck! Probably partial...
What were the mods that were needed to make the rear fit?