Just picked myself up a 2006 Ram 3500 4 door 4x4 6ft box auto, Well So far ive spent 3 hours screening through the forums and searching im gone crosseyed, What im looking for is everything, The truck is bone stock, has 74000kms on it, was pretty well taken care of, I want it too last me for a long long time. I don't really plan on doing any heavy duty towing with it, just a ocasional trailer now and then, nothing that's gonna put too much strain on it.

SO first thing i guess im looking for is something too make that tranny last... Was reading about valve bodys or something make a big difference... Next would be the front end, I wanna know what everyones opionion on aftermarket upgrades so im not in a snowbank trying to fix a track bar or ball joint.

I would like too chip it too get a little more grunt for pulling and be able to tune it back down for economy. So basicly what im asking is everyone just feel free too recommend any upgrades i can do and what order i should do them in.

I will take pictures of all my installs and try and share my experiences along the way! Feel free too let me know anything from diff covers too ball joints!

Thanks!

 

Call up Dave Goerend for transmissions, and get a Smarty for some more power.

Congratulations on the new truck! '06s are the best year (I am partial to them)

Tobin

 

First thing is to get some airlow by changing the muffler to a 4" straight through muffler like my Nelson, cost me $67 at my local Cummins store.
THen change the intake or modify the stock air box.

Before you add a programmer you should look at getting some gauges. Pyro for towing, boost, fuel pressure and tranny temp gauge.

Then you'll be ready for a programmer, Smarty Junior would be good for a little added ooomph, but I like my Bully Dog Triple Dog for a little more power. Running Crazy Larry would fry your auto for sure.

Once you start modding it kinda snowballs.

Enjoy the new truck
(another happy 06 guy here)

 

Gauges first ! When you get to the transmission, as Tobin stated, call Dave. You will not be sorry.

 

... at least not until he sees the total bill having it sent to Newfoundland...

 

Absolutely LOVE my 2006, GREAT TRUCK.

I did gauges first, then eliminated the muffler, added a good intake. Got to know my truck, performs excellently, didn't add any power box, have plenty. I do have a Smarty, BNIB, have yet to use it.

HAVE FUN, ENJOY.


CD

 

I will go with gauges (Fuel, EGT and Boost) for sure but the rest needs to wait until you are sure of how you plan to use the truck. The 48re is not a bad transmission for the occasional hauler. Sure the Goerend built transmission would be great but it is a ton of money that may never be appreciated.

If you are mechanically inclined, Do a FULL service yourself to determine the condition of everything. 74,000 km is nothing on this truck and may not have even had all of the different fluids changed yet.

See and learn how it works stock then think about what YOU would want to make it better. When you have had the truck a few months and read a lot more then 3 hours on the forum then you will say, I think I need to tighten this up or make that cooler or what ever and you will then have a better idea what to ask for a specific need you have.

Give it a little time then make the truck your own not what someone else thinks it should be. Also welcome to the forum.

 

I'll second CamperAndy's reply.

Good luck!

 

is there a newfie joke in here somewhere?

 

wow very impressed with the amount of feedback already! So this is what I have gatherd, My first investment is gauges and this is what I found,

http://www.egauges.com/vdo_grou.asp?Series=EVM_R

I would think 4 gauges would be enough for my needs, EGT, Boost, Fuel and Tranny temp, in a 4 pod a pillar config or something custom... Does anyone know where I could find a Center console like without the seat for the truck, I think some Laramie have them

I guess after gauges I would install a cold air intake and a exhaust to help it breath better right?

 

Try this place. http://www.dieselmanor.com/gauges/DM-3gk-isd.asp Most add an "A" pillar mount for gauges but you can get them that mount over the mirror.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...Q5fAccessories


Im looking for that, But the whole thing that will replace that center seat

 

Got mine from Diesel Manor as well.
I think the DiPricol closer to the factory gauges though, right down to the way the pointer extends into the centre button, they cost a little more though:





Besides the pillar and the thing that sticks to the windshield up by the mirror (that tends to fall off all the time I hear) you can get mounts for the steering column and ontop of the dash.

 

Not at all.
I'm just relating to what I'm finding looking at the price of tires, Toyo's are over $400 each up here. We see how much you get them for delivered to your door, then we figure in the difference in our dollars, then add all our taxes and the bottom line is quite a shock. I don't imagine a Goerend tranny is that cheap to begin with.

No Newfy joke...

 

actually im in fort mcmurray alberta... not newfoundland atm