Best Dodge trucks suspensions provider by Dodge Off Road: The very first DOR-manufactured product was our 2nd gen non-adjustable long arm kit, which started when the company that made Dick Cepek long arms went out of business and we purchased the remaining inventory to sell off. Then we started coming up with other products for Ram trucks that fit a niche market, where we could focus on quality and price but not have a lot of competition. Read even more details on Dodge Off Road parts. Everything we do at DOR is based on our own experiences building trucks, Jeeps, and buggies since the late 90’s – this is truly a company built by Ram enthusiasts, for Ram enthusiasts. What started out as a garage-based business with just a few basic tools and a strong forum presence, now we have a fully functioning facility with CNC equipment and in-house powdercoating, all done at our location in Lakeview, Arkansas on Bull Shoals Lake.
For even more firepower, seek the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX, reviewed separately. Ram’s split-folding tailgate and lockable bed cargo boxes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this half-ton’s cleverness. Ram also offers the 1500 with a giant 12.0-inch infotainment screen for those really looking to show off. With an impressive 12,750-pound max tow rating and a heavy bias for luxury, the Ram 1500 is our favorite full-size pickup available today.
Another unique thing about DOR is that we only sell Dodge Ram parts. We are one of the only companies in the world that strictly specializes in Ram trucks, which is a testament to our loyalty and dedication the brand. The company was not started just to make money off Ram owners – it was started because we love building our trucks. Dodge Off Road continues to grow and be successful because our customers love their DOR-equipped trucks, and we love getting to help build them. Is the 1500 a good value? The Ram 1500’s build quality, at first, feels and looks great, especially in the more upscale trim levels such as Big Horn, Laramie and beyond. However, after spending some extended time in a long-term test truck, we experienced a few part failures, revealing lesser quality than we originally perceived. Ram pricing remains pretty competitive, though.
The Ram 1500 has a host of available driver-assistance technology that range from automated emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Ram 1500’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert; Available automatic high-beams headlights; Available adaptive cruise control. Ram has a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is only eclipsed by the Nissan Titan’s lengthier coverage. Likewise, the half-ton Sierra and Silverado as well as the Toyota Tundra offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Our passion for Dodge trucks started with a regular cab short bed 4×4 with a 360 2nd gen back in 1995, and we’ve always focused more heavily on the 94-02 models because they are such epic trucks and most companies just don’t support them the way that they should be. The aggressive styling of the 2nd gen truck is what made the later generations successful. 1st gens are awesome trucks too, but all trucks kind of looked the same back then. When Dodge came out with the 2nd gen Ram in 1994, it was a game changer for the entire industry. We are one of the only companies in the world that makes high performance suspension parts specifically for 2nd gen trucks, and nobody knows 2nd gens better than we do. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th gen offerings are really good but you can tell by the sheer number of products we make for 2nd gens that they are our area of expertise.
How comfortable is the 1500? Wind and road noise is minimal, particularly in higher trim levels. Even the rumbling V8 provides only a soothing soundtrack unless you decide to open it up. The Ram 1500 expertly soaks up varying road imperfections and does it without the rough ride you’d normally expect from a light-duty pickup. The front seats are nicely shaped to provide comfort and support over long distances, and that’s even true of the entry-level Tradesman. Even the rear bench has an agreeable backrest angle, and it reclines a surprising amount in higher trims. We also like the Ram 1500’s effective climate control system, which offers rear center A/C vents even if you get three-across front seating.
Best Dodge Ram steering parts store by Dodge Off Road: Our staff has now grown to include nine people, and will continue to expand to meet the demands of our customer base and our dealers. By keeping most parts of the job in our own shop, we are able to save you more money and get custom built parts out faster than other companies. We also test our products religiously to ensure the highest quality and strength. Our on-site 10 acre proving ground and 160 acre private off road park allows us to quickly build, test, modify, and re-test parts in a fraction of the time it would normally take. We also four wheel all over the United States, so if you see us on the trail, please say hello. This isn’t just a job for us – it’s a lifestyle! Some of our favorite trails are in Colorado and Utah, but you might catch us in Southern California and Las Vegas when we need some dirt therapy.
How’s the fuel economy? The Ram’s combined city/highway fuel economy ranges, for the most part, from the high teens to the low 20s depending on the engine and whether you get rear- or four-wheel drive. But the EcoDiesel V6 is the mpg star here. With rear-wheel drive, it posts an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. With the optional 33-gallon tank, it can go about 1,000 highway miles on a fill-up. Our 4WD test truck with the diesel returned a 24.2 mpg average over 923 mixed-driving test miles.