My first new (to me) 04 Dodge 2500

All I can say is “WOW” and “WOW”, I really like this truck. 04 SLT Quad 5.9/Auto, Graphite Gray, Black Interior, 101k miles, Hypertech tuner, K&N CAI, rear air bags, stock wheels, and I believe there is an aftermarket exhaust (still doing the research on the exhaust and tuner). Only ran one tank of fuel through her at this point, and it’s so new that I haven’t even turned the radio on yet, as the sound of the turbo put a smile on my face from ear to ear. At first my wife was skeptical of the diesel, but after she drove it she wants it. So, I guess I’ll be sharing.

Body is in great shape, running gear is tight, engine and tranny are strong, interior is like new. The only think I don’t really care for is the stance with the fender flairs and the stock wheels/tires, and of course the level. I like the flairs, so they will stay, but am looking into some new wheels and tires to give it a little more aggressive stance, and help fill in the 2.5” gap I have from the outside of the tire to the outside of the flair. Probably looking at around the 33” tires max with either 17x8, 17x9, 18x7, or 18x9. Not really sure yet, still doing a ton of research on tire size, wheel size, back space, offset, and the do’s and don’ts that go along with each (like too much negitive Offset is hard on the bearings, ball joints, ect…). My biggest problem right now is not knowing what size tires will fit the 17x8 wheel (how big, Diameter and width), and not jeopardize SAFTEY and drivability, Or do I need to jump up to a 9” wide wheel. Will be driving in the snow.

Also researching the leveling kits. Would like to give it a little lift in the front to help offset the rear air bags. Probably start out with 1.5” spring spacers, maybe 2”. Once I get the stance I want, I will order the full front spring kit. Still doing the research on the leveling kits though. The only think I am really stuck on is all the components required to keep perfect geometry in the suspension and steering. Understanding that longer travel shocks are req’d, possibly an adjustable track arm. But still researching, what’s req’d for what length of lift to keep perfect geometry. I do not want to take any short cuts and sacrifice the near perfect drivability it has right now.

And the MPG is another “WOW”. So far just basing it off of the mpg readout gauge, the first tank averaged 24.6 mpg. This was driving it back from WI 400 miles 55/70 mph. Playing around with the mpg gauge I was getting around 27.2 at 55mph, 24.3 at 65mph, and 22.7 at 70mph. I will have a better idea once I start calculating actual miles and gal used. Not sure how accurate the mpg gauge is, but it still gave me a good feeling.

I haven’t completely done my part yet, as far as searching for information needed. So, I wouldn’t be asking any questions just yet from you guys until I do my part. There is a ton of posts with answers to most all of my questions. Just need to search and find them.


Thanks, and hopefully I will be welcomed to the forum.

Bill