2013 Ram 2500
Heavily refreshed, the 2013 Ram 2500 packs a ton of new features both inside the cabin and underneath the sheet metal. A strengthened chassis, suspension and steering system enables a maximum tow rating of 18,350 lbs when properly equipped, and a class 5 hitch is now standard on all trucks. On the inside, the Ram 2500 gets an all-new center console that features the next-generation Uconnect media technology screen, with features such as smartphone control (remote start, lock, unlock) and Wifi hot spotting. Two engines and three transmission options make up the powertrain lineup, starting with a 5.7L Hemi V8 and the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel. A 6-speed manual transmission is an available option, whereas the 68RFE 6-speed automatic is the baseline choice. Owners can upgrade to a Aisin AS69RC heavy duty automatic gearbox when paired with the diesel engine. One last notable change is the disappearance of any and all 'Dodge' nomenclature. From now on, the three-quarter ton pickup (alongside half-ton and one-ton) are all named and classified exclusively under the Ram brand.
Suspension Restoration
The main wear item in the suspension of the 2013 Ram 2500 are the shock absorbers. Realistically speaking, coil springs do wear out but at a much slower rate than the shocks. Excessive bouncing, sag and a harsh ride are all symptoms of shocks that just can't properly dampen the coil springs anymore. Selecting replacement shock absorbers for a 2013 Ram 2500 isn't a complicated affair, nor is installing them.
- Restore ride comfort
- Stop excessive bouncing
- Get better dampening
It simply boils down to how the truck is configured and how you plan to use it. For pickups at regular ride height and intended for working on the regular, a larger diameter shock absorber will fit the bill. With slightly increased oil capacity and nitrogen charge, these shocks are heavy-load ready and should have good longevity. For lifted and off-road going 2013 Ram 2500, the variables change. First, if the truck is indeed lifted it is critical to pick a shock that is intended to work with the lift height of the truck. Otherwise, the shock may not be of the appropriate length and certainly won't be valved correctly such that it wears prematurely. The other variable to consider, particularly for trail loving Ram 2500s, is cooling capacity. Given the more frequent oscillation experienced during trail driving, off-road tuned shocks have larger oil capacity (and oftentimes a remote reservoir) to prevent the internal oil from overheating, foaming and then experiencing cavitation.
New Lights, New Look
Upgrading the head lights on a 2013 Ram 2500 will not only give new style to the front end, but more importantly, improve visibility at night as well as increase safety by making your own truck more visible to other drivers. There are a ton of different aftermarket styles to choose from for a Ram 2500, with the majority of them switching to LED as the primary light source. LEDs, as compared to conventional or HID lights, provide more luminosity per power inputted (more efficient), and, as a solid state device, are less susceptible to damage through oscillation or bumps. There are two factors that differentiate a quality set of aftermarket head light assemblies versus a cheap set. First is the ability of the assembly to properly focus and project the light in a useful matter. The quality of the lens and reflector plate, alongside the ability to properly adjust the aim of the light, are paramount in producing a good, useful beam. Second is the state of the electronics, or the completeness of the kit. 2013 Ram 2500 trucks can be highly sensitive to headlight swaps, as the OEM headlights are actually controlled by a function of the ECU. This means low quality electronics integrated into the new headlight assembly can create havoc on the dashboard, with all tons of warnings and dash lights illuminating if the improper resistance is sensed across the light.
