2015 Ram 1500 Parts & Accessories
The 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 was launched with only a few minor changes: a new exterior color option and new instrument panel on the Luxury Group package on SLT trucks. Its three powerful engine options include a base Pentastar 3.6L V6 that produces 305 horsepower, a 5.7L Hemi V8 delivering 395 horsepower and an EcoDiesel 3.0L V6 capable of 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. An eight speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive come standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are also available. The Ram’s signature coil spring rear suspension means the truck absorbs bumps and potholes better than its other full-sized counterparts. The available four-corner suspension only helps further improve ride quality. All models can tow a minimum of 4,190 pounds, and when properly equipped the 2015 Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,650 pounds.
Wheeling Around Town
A quick and effective means of ensuring your Ram stands out from the rest of the flock is with a new set of aftermarket wheels. When choosing new wheels, there will be a few key decision to make, one being the wheel stance:
- Stock: Tires will be set into the wheel well, exactly like your stock setup;
- Flush: Tires will line up with the wheel well;
- Aggressive: Tires will extend 1-inch from the fenders;
- Very Aggressive: Tires will extend 2-inches from the fenders.
The next decision is the size of the wheel, which will then impact the size of the tire you can gor for. For Ram owners looking for a bit of lift -- about a 3% increase -- without the expense of an actual kit, larger wheels (and tires) are one way to get it. The general rule of thumb here is the “plus 1” rule: 1-inch lift = 1-inch of tire height. That is to say, an inch of tire height equates to an inch of extra lift. However, this doesn’t apply to width so if you do go wider, you may need different backspacing for your wheels. And, should you go too high without an actual lift kit, you’ll definitely encounter rubbing when driving or turning. Wheel offset is another consideration, this is usually referenced with either a zero, positive or negative integer and indicates how far away the mounting face is from the center of the wheel. Wheels with zero wheel offset means the hub mounting surface is inline with the center of the wheel; positive offset is when the mounting face is in front (on the street side) of the centerline of the wheel. Finally, negative offset is when the mount is behind the wheel centerline. These can be referred to as “deep dish” wheels. Proper offset will ensure your new wheel and tire package has enough clearance and nothing rubs when driving. The wrong offset can reduce stability and potentially interfere with braking. Finally, the actual design of the wheel itself offers even more customisation: go for the Rebel look, a chromed out effect or one that is completely blacked out. Just remember your lug nut pattern and bear in mind though that in many states, tires that extend past the fender are not street legal!
Keep it Street Legal
So if you do want larger tires on your Ram, a set of fender flares will keep you street legal. As fender flares themselves will usually protrude out from the truck’s body, most -- though not all -- their extra width will allow you to fit a larger, wider wheel. By covering more of its tread, they help to reduce flying road debris and the likelihood of damage to other road users from that debris. Even without a larger tire, fender flares offer increased clearance for improved articulation and are effectively body armour that protect the sides of your pickup from brushes with branches or shopping carts.
