Blog > Articles by: James Grossaint

Author Archive

Ridetech Front Air Suspension for 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
June 3rd, 2011 by James Grossaint
I finally got the front air suspension, so I can complete my truck. I decided to go with a ShockWave with a single-stage adjustment. The bag allows a total of -5 drop and improves handling. The ShockWave design is a bag with a shock going through the center, and it allows for adjustment in shock firmness. The installation is pretty straightforward, with minor cutting to allow for extra clearance. The minor cutting can be done with a simple hand grinder.

Read more

Installations No Comments »
2009 Dodge Ram 1500, Ridetech Front Air Suspension
James Installs a VIAIR Kit and a Firestone Gauge on His Dodge Ram
December 28th, 2010 by James Grossaint
I finished installing my new rear suspension, but, like any air bag, you need to have a compressor, tank, switch, and gauge setup to control the height of the vehicle. After hours of reading and pricing, I decided to go with a VIAIR kit with a Firestone gauge and switch panel.
Read more

Installations 1 Comment
Dodge Ram 1500, Firestone Gauge and Switch Panel, Viair Compressor and Tank Kit
Projector-Style Light for Dodge Rams
December 14th, 2010 by James Grossaint
You can completely change the look of a truck with just headlights. Go Recon has been our go-to light company for headlights, taillights, LED bulbs, and more. They have released a projector-style light for the 09-newer Dodge Rams. This style of light features Angel Eyes (LED rings around the high/low beam bulbs), which comes standard on all newer high end cars, such a BMW. The low beam has the projector lens, which allows me to install HID bulbs (High Intensity Discharge), which is a standard feature on high end cars.
Read more

Product Review No Comments »
2009 Dodge Ram 1500
Street Scene Roll Pan Review
November 30th, 2010 by James Grossaint
Street Scene has just released a molded urethane roll pan for the 2009+ Ram 1500. This will replace the bumper with no cutting required. They do provide detailed instructions on the installation, including how to prep and paint the roll pan. There is a spot for the license plate, but you will need to create the holes where you’ll mount the license plate lights. I simply drilled a hole above the plate and used glue to attach the light holder to the roll pan, which still allowed me to replace the bulb if it went out.
Read more

Product Review No Comments »
2009 Dodge Ram 1500, Street Scene Rollpan
Installing a RideTech Lowering Kit on a 2009 Dodge Ram
November 16th, 2010 by James Grossaint
After a couple months of riding on my Ground Force lowering kit, like every guy’s mentality I just had to keep going…lower. In order for me to get the look I wanted, I would have to go with a company that manufactures what I feel are the BEST quality air bags in today’s industry: RideTech. I talked to Tony over at RideTech and with great enthusiasm they shipped me one of their production rear 2009+ Dodge Ram kits, which includes custom bags that are designed with a taper so the bag doesn’t get hung up or blow out when I run lower pressure for truck shows or parking. New heavy-duty sway bar links correct the angle, allowing the sway bar to function properly. The kit includes a pair of high-quality, smooth-riding shocks and any hardware needed to install the parts.
Read more

Installations No Comments »
Dodge Ram 1500, Ground Force Lowering Kit
Diablo Catch Can Review
October 14th, 2010 by James Grossaint
The 5.7 Hemi, named after its hemisphere-shaped combustion chambers, has been Dodge’s go-to motor since the 1960s, has been used in NASCAR, and has been modified and developed all the way through today. The newer trucks with the 5.7 have PVC, which sends any unburned gas from the crankcase back into the throttle body and can cause minor horsepower loss and sludge buildup.
Read more

Product Review No Comments »
Coolant Recovery Tank, Dodge Ram 1500
Weather Tech Digital Fit Floor Liners
May 11th, 2010 by James Grossaint

Since most Of the modifications I installed so far were exterior or power related, I felt like
I should take care of the interior too. I contacted Weather Tech to order a set of their
Digital Fit Floor Liners. I looked at other companies we carry but felt Weather Tech had an edge over the competition.

Read more

Product Review, Upgrades No Comments »
Dodge Ram 1500, WeatherTech Liners
Dodge Ram Upgrades: Air Bags and Antenna
April 6th, 2010 by James Grossaint
Continuing on the upgrades I’ve made to my ’09 Dodge, I decided to tackle the A’s: Air Bags & Antennas.

Air Bags

After lowering the truck I decided to add Firestone helper bags to help when I put stuff in the bed of my truck. The install is a do-it-yourself project and takes about 4-5 hours. You have to jack the truck up and unbolt the shocks, sway bar, and track bar. This will allow the axle to fall and the coil springs to drop out. You can then slide the new bags in and re-bolt the rear end together. Finally, you route the airlines and finish with the valve to fill air from any pump.

Read more

Upgrades 2 Comments
Air Bags, Antenna, Dodge Ram 1500
Project S-10 Revolution: Rear Suspension
April 1st, 2010 by James Grossaint
Below are the CAD designs for the rear suspension on my Chevy S-10. I decided to go with a 3-link suspension. These are the lower trailing arms, which measure 50″ long and will connect the rear axle housing to the frame. When complete, this should allow for about 30″ travel.

Read more

Dream Rig No Comments »
CAD, Prerunner
Testing Out My Upgraded 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
March 26th, 2010 by James Grossaint
Last time I told you about the lifts, wheels, and tires that went into turning my basic 2008 Jeep Wrangler into a 7 foot beast. But before I could take it on the test run, there were a few more things I wanted to add:

Read more

Off-Roading Adventures, Upgrades 2 Comments
AIRAID Intake, AIRAID Throttle Body Spacer, ARB Speedy Seal Kit, Batteries, Fender Flares, Fire Extinguisher, Hypertech Programmer, Jeep JK, Lights, Magnaflow Exhaust, Smittybilt Bumpers, Smittybilt Fire Extinguisher Mount, Smittybilt Jack, Smittybilt Tire Deflators, smittybilt winch, Viair Compressor and Tank Kit