2006 Dodge Ram 1500 - Fantastic Four - Rolling Appreciation

Before

Sgt. Ainsley Smart, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, in the United States Army, doesn’t like driving a truck that looks, handles, and performs like everyone else’s. He dreamt of someday improving every segment of his ’06 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab since he purchased it, but with his commitment to protect our country and his multiple tours overseas, he could never find the time to spin the wrenches. Sgt. Smart started talking with our "New Guy" Max Matthewson on Truckinweb.com. They discussed his ambition to begin construction on his dream Ram and that instantly got the gears in Max’s head turning. The Truckin’ staff discussed the situation and we unanimously decided to provide some assistance to Sgt. Smart’s dream. We found out he was going to be on leave here in California for 14 days, so our window of opportunity was narrow, but with some help from manufacturers and a good game plan, we were confident we could makeover his Dodge during one of those days.

To allow the mighty Hemi to breathe better, a K&N Gen. II air intake kit would replace the restrictive factory system. The ride height would be lowered by installing a Spring Tech 3-4-inch drop. This kit is both friendly on the wallet and easy to install. To achieve traction and styling, a set of Mamba Wheels Type M4 wheels, sized 22x9.5-inch, would be wrapped with Toyo Proxes ST-II 285/40R22 rubber. This transformation was accomplished in one day.

Follow along as we install these performance goodies at Matix Motorsports and Becker Wheel and Tire Center.

Highs:

Improved ride height
Enhanced overall appearance and styling
Increased engine performance
Improved tire traction and suspension cornering
All bolt-on parts

Lows:

Needs to remove the tube steps for a more custom look

Editor’s Note:
We chose Sgt. Smart’s Dodge Ram completely randomly after he contacted us and all of the stars aligned with his leave time and our deadlines for us to help him. We would love to help out our military every month, but it’s just not feasible. All of us at Truckin’ say "Thank You" to you service men and women for your sacrifice and commitment to our country.

1. The Spring Tech Suspension 3-4-inch drop kit that consists of shorter Spring Tech front coil springs, and gas-filled shocks, longer Spring Tech rear shackles, rear axlehousing saddles, and Spring Tech gas-filled shocks.
1. The Spring Tech Suspension 3-4-inch drop kit that consists of shorter Spring Tech front
2. Jason Weber, head installer at Matix Motorsports, in Anaheim, California, started by removing the factory wheels so the front suspension was ready to be disassembled. A 21mm socket and impact gun was used to remove the tie rod end nut.
2. Jason Weber, head installer at Matix Motorsports, in Anaheim, California, started by re
3. The tie rod was then removed from the spindle, followed by removing the brake caliper and rotor. The shock bolts were removed using a 21mm socket and impact gun, before removing the factory shock.
3. The tie rod was then removed from the spindle, followed by removing the brake caliper a

4. After removing the upper control arm from the spindle, it was leaned outward to allow the front coil spring to be carefully removed.
4. After removing the upper control arm from the spindle, it was leaned outward to allow t
5. This comparison photo shows the height difference between the factory spring and the 3-inch shorter Spring Tech coil spring.
5. This comparison photo shows the height difference between the factory spring and the 3-
6. After installing the rubber spring pocket boot on the new Spring Tech coil spring, it was carefully installed. A floor jack was used to raise the lower control arm and spindle allowing the upper control arm to be reinstalled.
6. After installing the rubber spring pocket boot on the new Spring Tech coil spring, it w

7. The Spring Tech front gas-filled shock was inserted into the lower control arm and secured through the upper shock mounting bracket.
7. The Spring Tech front gas-filled shock was inserted into the lower control arm and secu
8. With the shorter Spring Tech coil spring installed and the front upper and lower control arms, spindle, tie rod reinstalled and secured, the front suspension alteration was completed.
8. With the shorter Spring Tech coil spring installed and the front upper and lower contro
9. Moving to the rear, the factory rear suspension would be lowered by flipping the 12-bolt 9.25 rearend housing atop the leaf-spring packs. A 21mm socket and air impact gun were used to remove the factory shock bolts and shocks.
9. Moving to the rear, the factory rear suspension would be lowered by flipping the 12-bol

10. For safety and support of the rearend housing, a pair of screw jacks were used.
11. Jason used a 10mm socket and ratchet along with a 21mm open-end wrench to remove the leaf-spring pack rear shackle bolt.
11. Jason used a 10mm socket and ratchet along with a 21mm open-end wrench to remove the l
12. and 13. Jason applied penetrating oil to help loosen the rusty U-bolt nuts before breaking them loose using an impact gun with a 24mm deep socket. The old U-bolts were then removed.
12. and 13. Jason applied penetrating oil to help loosen the rusty U-bolt nuts before brea

12. and 13. Jason applied penetrating oil to help loosen the rusty U-bolt nuts before breaking them loose using an impact gun with a 24mm deep socket. The old U-bolts were then removed.
12. and 13. Jason applied penetrating oil to help loosen the rusty U-bolt nuts before brea
14. After removing the rear shackle and front hanger bolts, Jason muscled the rear leaf-spring packs from the rear suspension pickup mounting points.
14. After removing the rear shackle and front hanger bolts, Jason muscled the rear leaf-sp
15. A pair of welder clamps were used to secure the rear leaf-spring pack while the spring pack retainer bolt and U-bolt mounting plate was removed.
15. A pair of welder clamps were used to secure the rear leaf-spring pack while the spring