Daniel Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas top Dodge Ram off-road trucks modifications guides: The extra clearance between the undercarriage and the road allows you to navigate even the toughest territory without damaging the bottom of your truck. Not only that, but being higher off the ground allows you to install bigger, badder tires – giving you better traction in the dirt, rocks, and mud. With a lifted truck, there’s almost no terrain you can’t dominate! Driving these streets in an ordinary truck can prematurely wear out the shocks and struts, not to mention put your tires at risk of a bent rim or even popping! Installing a lift kit in Arkansas can help protect your truck from the damage of everyday usage by toughening up the chassis and tires. See additional information at Danny Gaston.
The Ram 1500 offers V-6 and V-8 gasoline powertrains that pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system, though the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is also available without the electric support. A diesel is also available for 2023, though Ram intends to stop production of this engine in January 2023. Until then, the 260-hp diesel V-6 is available under the hoods of 1500 Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trims. For adventurous folk, the rugged Rebel model provides beefier looks and legitimate off-road capability. Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs, unlike the traditional leaf-spring setup found on domestic rivals. Models equipped with air suspension even have an adjustable ride height, which aids fuel efficiency and off-road performance.
The business side of DOR was officially started in 2010 and has grown steadily every single year. We started out selling steering boxes and long arms from other manufacturers, and as those products started to become harder to buy, we started making our own products. 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.
Best Dodge Ram trucks custom made suspensions producer with Danny Gaston: The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds. Its maximum towing capacity exceeds all but the Ford F-150, which currently tops 13,000 pounds. Rams with the crew cab body style—including the Rebel model—can’t tow as much as those with the extended cab. Nonetheless, the more passenger-friendly 1500 crew cab can still tow north of 11,500 pounds. With hybridized V-6 and V-8 engines, as well as a diesel option, the Ram 1500 lineup has varied fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the most efficient Ram, the rear-drive diesel, nabs a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg. The gas V-6 and V-8, meanwhile, top out at 23 and 20 mpg combined, respectively. A 1500 Rebel with the gas V-6 we tested returned 24 mpg on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. That’s 6 and 4 mpg better than a V-8 Rebel and a V-8 Laramie, which lacked electric-assist, we tested. For more information about the Ram 1500’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
How does the 1500 drive? Our test truck had the V8 engine and the eight-speed transmission. They work so well together that we could recommend this truck on that basis alone. It’s strong and it’s easy to drive in just about every situation. The same can largely be said for the EcoDiesel powertrain — especially if you appreciate the pulling power of diesel torque. But there’s much more to the Ram than solid powertrain choices. We’ve tested many Ram configurations, and they all impress us with their steady steering, confident braking and secure handling. Ram’s decade-old decision to walk away from leaf springs and switch to a coil-spring rear suspension continues to pay dividends.
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.
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. Ram’s engine choices are largely independent of trim, so you’re not forced to spend more for a big engine if you want an economical V6 in a nicely trimmed truck. On the flip side, you can also buy the top-tier diesel in something like a Tradesman work truck, a unique move that makes it a diesel bargain compared to the competition. You won’t find anything more than the usual warranty coverage, but that’s no bad thing.
About Daniel Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas : He is the founder of Arkansas Young Tourism Professionals group, part of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Nominated for Arkansas Business 30 under 30 in 2005, 2006, 2007. Danny Gaston is the oldest grandson and protégé of Jim Gaston, legendary Arkansas business man and philanthropist. Selected by National Geographic to be on advisory board for World magazine in 1997 at age 15. Former co-owner of Gaston’s White River Resort in Lakeview, Arkansas and current owner of Gaston Land Development.