Dodge

The Ram platform can be built a lot of different ways, from a daily-driven 1500 to a work truck, overland setup or something aimed much more heavily at desert and off-road use. The TRX takes that even further from the factory, but there is still plenty of room to build around how you actually use it.

For some trucks, the right starting point might be suspension and tires. Others benefit more from lighting, exhaust, bed accessories or recovery gear.

At 9AM, we like building these trucks around what they actually need to do. Start with the parts that solve a problem or make the truck more useful, then build from there.

Suspension

Suspension is one of the biggest areas for Ram builds. The Dirt King 4130 Upper Control Arms are a good starting point for lifted 1500s, while the Dirt King Long Travel Spec Coilovers make more sense when the truck is being pushed much harder off-road.

Lighting

Lighting is an easy upgrade to appreciate once the truck starts spending time off pavement after dark. The Baja Designs Rebel/TRX Dual S2 Fog Pocket Kit gives newer Ram and TRX owners a clean factory-location upgrade, while the Baja Designs RAM XL Sport A-Pillar Kit adds more forward lighting for 2500 and 3500 applications.

Powertrain

Exhaust and intake upgrades are common ways to change the character of a Ram without turning it into a full engine build. The AWE TRX 0FG Cat-Back Exhaust is an option for supercharged TRX trucks, while the AWE 2025+ Ram 1500 3.0TT Touring Exhaust covers the newer Hurricane-powered 1500.

Exterior

Exterior upgrades can add real function to a truck that sees dirt. The Dirt King Prerunner Front Bumper gives 2009-2018 Ram 1500 owners added protection and multiple lighting options without turning the front end into something overly complicated.

Overland

For camping and longer trips away from pavement, the useful upgrades are usually the ones that help carry and organize gear. Something like the OVS 53QT Aluminum Storage Box gives tools, recovery gear and camp equipment a dedicated place instead of letting everything roll around in the bed.

Recovery

If the truck regularly leaves pavement, recovery gear should be part of the build early. MAXTRAX Xtreme Recovery Boards and the ARB Premium Recovery Kit cover a lot of the basics before you find yourself needing them.

Off-Road Wheels

Wheel width, offset, tire size and suspension all need to work together on a Ram. The Method 701 is the kind of off-road-focused wheel we like for builds where tire sidewall and actual trail use matter more than simply fitting the largest wheel possible.

Interior

As lighting and other accessories start getting added, keeping the electrical side organized becomes more important. The Switch Pros RCR-FORCE-12 gives you one clean place to control a larger accessory setup from inside the truck.