After enjoying some quality seat time in the new '09 Dodge Ram during our Truck of the Year contest, we just had to get our hands on one to make it look and perform even better. Starting with a loaded Laramie Ram, we had the perfect truck for an awesome daily driver, especially when the 390hp Hemi box was checked on the invoice. Our only dilemma was time. When we received our '09 Ram, parts were scarce and companies were still designing and building parts for Dodge's latest and greatest. Fortunately, several manufacturers were able to ship us their first off-the-shelf components for the Ram.
Ground Force was sourced for its new 2/4 lowering kit featuring drop coil springs, tuned shocks, and new bumpstops. Whereas the 20-inch factory wheels looked nice, nothing equals a drop kit matched with a big wheel and tire combo. We picked up the phone and ordered a set of 24-inch Giovanna Berlin wheels in matte black with Koko Kuture bezels. With the '09 Ram having a new coil spring suspension with increased handling, we wanted to get the most out it with a performance tire. Toyo Tires answered that call with its new Proxes ST II tires sized 295/35R24. Helping to get even more power from the already-stout Hemi is a high-flow intake system from Airaid and a hot-rod sounding exhaust system from MagnaFlow. The combination of more air in and out of the 5.7L Hemi paid dividends on throttle response, overall power, and increased MPG.
It's hard to turn the wrenches and take the photos at the same time, which is why we drove to The Custom Truck Shop, located in San Dimas, California, for the install. Having a 10-year relationship with the crew at The Custom Truck Shop ensured we would have knowledgeable and friendly service. Needing only six hours to transform the new Ram, the crew had our Dodge rolling in style fast. Check out how easily we modified the '09 Ram and turned it into a legitimate show truck driver.
 Popping the hood on the '09...  Popping the hood on the '09 Ram revealed its powerful 390 hp 5.7L V-8. As with all good things, we had an idea to make it better thanks to Airaid. |  Troy, at The Custom Truck...  Troy, at The Custom Truck Shop in San Dimas, California, began our install by disconnecting the air intake temp sensor (AIT) and pulling the breather hose from the front side of the airbox. |  After loosening the hose clamps...  After loosening the hose clamps with a 5/16-inch nut driver, Troy pulled the air inlet hose free. |