Currently, in its fifth generation, the Ram 1500 has earned its share (and then some) of recognition and industry awards as well as proved to be a favorite among truck aficionados. Boasting one of the most enjoyable rides in the full-size pickup truck segment, the Ram 1500 does not disappoint. It’s comfortable and spacious for daily commutes, more than capable of off-roading, and offers enough tech to keep the family safe and happy. It also doesn’t hurt to have the option of either a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, or a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine – the last two being offered with the eTorque mild-hybrid system for seamless stops/starts at idle.
With a slew of trim levels, cab configurations, and optional equipment, the Ram 1500 is an all-around solid American truck that can be catered to your every need. The Ram 1500 truck is engineered to power you through any journey, no matter the road or the weather. If you are looking to take your Ram even further, we have compiled a list below touching upon some of the best modifications you can do. We cover exterior mods, suspension upgrades, and some underhood goodies to help start you off. So grab life by the horns and explore those uncharted roads, take on the extra workload, and drive on the daily with confidence.
#1 Grille Guards/Bull Bars
Your Ram 1500 truck is an investment, so you will want to protect its exterior as much as possible. Whether you are on the job site, tackling new terrain, or cruising on the highway, protecting your pickup’s front end is a smart move as dirt, rocks, and debris can be kicked up no matter where you’re driving. A grille guard or bull bar can provide an extra layer of protection for the front fascia and even help prevent damage to the lights, ultimately saving you money in the event of an unfortunate collision. Not only do grille guards and bull bars act as a defense shield, but they also give your Ram 1500 a more aggressive front-end appearance. It’s the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality to show people you mean business.
There are all different styles and setups to choose from when browsing the aftermarket for grille guards and bull bars. The main difference betweent the two is that a bull bar only protects the middle of your truck’s front end, while a grille guard covers the entire face, wrapping around the headlights too. Many of them also allow for the mounting of additional fog, driving, and off-road auxiliary lights on your Ram’s front end. This means that you can ultimately kill two birds with one stone and find a grille guard that includes integrated lights or a light bar for that ideal off-road pairing. When looking for a grille guard or bull bar, it’s important to check the product descriptions to make sure this is possible, as not all manufacturers offer these options.
Shop Grille Guards and Bull Bars Here.
#2 Running Boards/Side Steps
Now that we’ve covered protection, let’s move on to a more convenience-based mod: side steps and running boards. Both of these parts serve a number of functions, but primarily act to make entering and exiting your truck much easier. Whether you are driving the kids to practice, exploring new trails, or going camping, chances are that you will be going in and out of the truck frequently for equipment, supplies, and to head to your next stop. That’s where side steps and running boards come in. Both are very simple to install. Most come in a basic plug-and-play format and can quickly be bolted to the underside of your Ram 1500 in just seconds.
Running boards run the length of your truck’s cab on the bottom of either side and serve two functions. The first is obviously to act as a step to make getting into your cab less of a chore; this proves especially helpful on taller trucks. The second function is to protect against various forms of debris when your truck kicks up rocks and dirt from the road or trail. Having a running board can block some of the debris from being tossed high enough to scratch your side panels and doors. A little extra defense never hurts, right? What’s more, they can even double as a doormat, per se, where you and your passengers can wipe off dirt before entering the cab.
A truck side step provides the same functionality as a running board without an elongated profile. Side steps fold down or swivel out when you need them and can hide out of sight when you don’t. Beyond just ingress and egress, side steps provide a solid and sturdy platform for you to load and unload your bed as well. You can attach side steps to your Ram’s factory mounting positions along the length of your truck and even to the bed or under the tailgate for even greater access to your cargo areas.
Shop Running Boards/Side Steps Here.
#3 Cold Air Intake System
If you are looking to give your engine some added oomph and a nice rumble, a performance air intake is just what you need. Installing a cold air intake is one of the most popular first mods to do to any vehicle. That’s because it’s fairly inexpensive, boasts numerous benefits, and is super simple to install. By replacing the stock, restrictive intake in your Ram 1500, you can pump more air into the engine to experience power gains and increased efficiency. Cold air intakes can deliver noticeable differences in power and are a great starting point for upgrading your Ram 1500’s engine.
It’s a well-known fact that the more oxygen a vehicle receives, the more combustion that will take place. This is where a cold air intake system comes in. It lets your car breathe more freely and breathe cooler air at that. While it won’t immediately transform your truck into a racecar overnight, an upgraded air intake system will deliver a slew of benefits for your Ram 1500. These include additional horsepower, improved acceleration, better gas mileage, and enhanced sound. What’s more, a cold air intake system will save you money on filters in the long run. That’s because its filter only needs to be cleaned every 30,000 miles whereas the stock paper one needs to be replaced every 15,000 miles.
When used together with other performance-enhancing mods, like a cat-back exhaust and tune, a cold air intake can really take your truck to the next level. You can opt for either a complete cold air intake system upgrade or just a high-flow filter to see an instant increase in your Ram 1500’s performance.
#4 Exhaust System Upgrade
A practical next step to take after switching out your Ram 1500’s stock air intake is to upgrade its exhaust system as well. If you want your truck to sound as beefy as it looks, a performance exhaust system is just what you need to tie the entire look together. There are a number of different reasons why you may want to change your stock exhaust, including increased power, improved efficiency, and a more attractive sound. A performance exhaust frees up some of the power in your Ram’s engine, which allows for a quicker and more efficient path with which exhaust gases can escape. This allows your engine to breathe better and, thus, create more power. Apart from the performance gains and better mpg, exhaust systems can deliver a deep and aggressive growl that can transform the presence of your truck and give it a more sporty appeal.
There are plenty of options when it comes to exhaust components and systems. You can choose individual parts (i.e. mufflers, high-flow cats, headers, etc.) or opt for a complete exhaust system that includes the whole package for the maximum gains. When browsing the aftermarket for exhaust systems, you’ll come across axle-back and cat-back exhausts. The former generally replaces the muffler, tips, and a small section of piping. The latter replaces all of the exhaust piping from the catalytic converter back to the muffler. You can also choose a header-back, which replaces all of the stock components to experience the maximum benefits. The choice is up to you and what you want from your truck.
Shop Complete Exhaust Systems Here.
#5 Lift Kits/Leveling Kits
Now that you have your Ram sounding more aggressive, it’s time to treat it to a more aggressive stance. One of the most common and best off-road modifications to do is upgrade your truck’s suspension. Lift kits and leveling kits are two great options for taking your Ram 1500 to new heights, literally, and giving you more comfort and control on your next trail adventure. Not only will a lift kit or leveling kit provide more ground clearance, but it will also improve your truck’s breakover angle, approach angle, and departure angle. It also delivers the stability, flexibility, and confidence you need to go virtually anywhere. Just like sports cars are intended to be low, trucks are intended to be high. When choosing between the two, it’s important to think about the type of driving you are going to do and choose the right package and appropriate lift for it. Let’s now go over what the difference is between a lift kit and a leveling kit to help you along.
Whether you have owned a truck before or are a first-time owner, you’ve probably noticed that the rear sits higher than the front. This is because trucks are built to haul heavy loads in the bed and the additional height is needed so the truck doesn’t sag when extra weight is added. However, when you are not hauling things, it may look somewhat “off”. One simple way to fix this is with a leveling kit. Leveling kits allow you to raise the front end of your truck a few inches so that it matches, or is level, with the back end. While leveling kits are mainly used for looks, they can provide added ground clearance too – but only about an inch or two of lift. Most leveling kits also retain the factory ride quality of your truck and are fairly affordable, making them a great bang for the buck.
A lift kit is intended to provide increased height, better off-road performance, and additional ground clearance. While these are going to cost more than a leveling kit, they also offer far greater benefits than a mere leveling kit. Lift kits on the aftermarket can range from one inch up to more than seven inches and are much more involved than leveling kits. Most lift kits will also retain the factory steering and ride quality while providing added ground clearance so that you can fit a larger wheel and tire package. This is a double bonus that will help your truck crawl over rocks and tackle tough terrain with no problems. One thing to remember is that the higher you go, the higher the center of gravity will be. This can cause some stability issues and make driving on the highway at high speeds less safe.
