Top Dodge Ram steering parts store with Daniel Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas

Danny Gaston best rated Dodge Ram off-road vehicles modifications advices: You don’t have to go off-roading to experience the benefits of a lift kit. Your truck suffers from wear and tear just from daily driving. Even though we don’t have much experience with bad weather here in Arkansas, our roads and highways still have their fair share of potholes and cracks. Plus, our topography is naturally uneven, thanks to our many mountains, hills, and canyons. Basic driving on marked streets and roadways puts your standard truck at risk for damage, especially if you hit a pothole that really jolts you around. See even more info at https://www.instagram.com/realdjgaston/.

Although the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX (reviewed separately) diminishes the desirability of the Rebel, we still think it’s the half-ton Ram to get. We’d opt for the crew cab with four-wheel drive, and spend the money to get the V-8 over the standard V-6. We’d also add the available air suspension for its selectable ride height. As doing so requires either the Level 1 or Level 2 package, we think the latter’s the way to go, as it includes items such as remote start, a 115-volt power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, and passive hands-free entry. We’d also nab the 33-gallon fuel tank, which ought to noticeably improve the truck’s driving range (a 26-gallon tank comes standard). The only other options we’d recommend are the Safety and Convenience package (adaptive cruise, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist) and the Multifunction Tailgate, which also brings a spray-in bedliner.

Dodge Off Road was started by Danny Gaston (known as djgaston on all of the old Dodge truck forums) back in 2005, originally as a forum for off roading Ram owners to discuss their truck builds, without the politics or commercialization of other forums. The forum has died off with the popularity of social media apps, but there is still a wealth of knowledge on our forum and that is how many of our customers find us. The reason we do this is because almost two decades of heavily modifying our own Ram trucks and four wheeling them regularly taught us where the weak points are with these trucks and with other products. We build things stronger because it doesn’t cost much more in materials or labor, but the results are so much better.

Excellent Dodge Ram trucks steering parts manufacturer from 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.

The Ram 1500 can also get as dirty as you dare thanks to the TRX, a no-holds-barred off-road monster. Aimed squarely at the Ford Raptor (T. rex vs. Raptor — get it?) the TRX boasts a hysterical 702-horsepower supercharged V8, suspension designed for high-speed desert running and enough creature comforts to almost make you forget you’re barely getting 10 miles to the gallon. No doubt you’re familiar with the Ram’s closest rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150. All three of these trucks offer similar levels of power, capability, technology and customization. Toyota’s back with its recently redesigned Tundra, too. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see if the Ram 1500 has what it takes to earn a spot in your garage.

How’s the tech? The optional 12-inch touchscreen is a dazzling addition to any vehicle, let alone a pickup truck. It offers a huge map and sharp graphics. The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system is also impressive and offers navigation. Both get multiple USB and USB-C ports, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Meanwhile, the 5-inch screen in the Tradesman has the basics down pat. Ram unfortunately does not include any driver assist features as standard equipment. Only the Laramie model and above offer parking sensors, forward collision mitigation and lane departure mitigation. When it’s equipped, adaptive cruise control does a good job of bringing the truck down to a complete stop. Automated parking assistance is available, and it works admirably.

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.

About Danny Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas : He is the founder of Arkansas Young Tourism Professionals group, part of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Nominated for Arkansas Business 20 under 20 in 2001 and 2002. Danny Gaston is the oldest grandson and protégé of Jim Gaston, legendary Arkansas business man and philanthropist. Selected by Senator Blanche Lincoln for Sony internship in Tokyo, Japan in 1998 at age 16. Featured on Dirt Trax television show in 2004-2007 for Arkansas off road riding episodes and current owner of Dodge Off Road.