The "First 5 Mods": Essential Upgrades Every 4th Gen RAM Owner Needs
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So, you just picked up a 2009–2018 RAM 1500 (or the newer 1500 Classic).
The paint is shiny, the 5.7L Hemi has plenty of power, and the interior is massive. But as you spend more time behind the wheel, you start to notice the "quirks."
The front end dives every time you hit the brakes. The headlights look like dim yellow candles compared to modern traffic. You might even hear that dreaded "tick-tick-tick" from the engine bay every morning.
The 4th Gen RAM is an incredible platform, but it left the factory with some well-documented compromises. The good news? The aftermarket has had over a decade to perfect the solutions. You don't need a massive budget to transform this truck; you just need the "Core 5" upgrades that 90% of RAM owners eventually install. From Bilstein 5100 leveling shocks to BD Diesel heavy-duty manifolds, these are the 50-state legal mods that turn a stock RAM into the truck it should have been from day one.
Compare The "Core 5"
Maximum Satisfaction. 50-State Legal.
|
Product Category |
Main Benefit |
Install Difficulty |
Best For |
|
Bilstein 5100 Shocks |
Leveling. Lifts front up to 2.1" and stops the "floaty" ride. |
Hard. Spring swap. |
Stance. Fitting 33-35" tires while improving handling. |
|
Floor Liners |
Protection. Husky X-Act liners trap mud and spills. |
Instant. |
Resale Value. Keeping the 4th Gen interior pristine. |
|
LED Lighting |
Visibility. Premium AlphaRex or Morimoto assemblies. |
Medium. Bolt-on. |
Safety. Ditching the dim yellow factory halogen glow. |
|
50-State Exhaust |
Sound. Borla or Magnaflow cat-back systems. |
Medium. Bolt-on. |
The Rumble. Hearing the Hemi without emissions issues. |
|
HD Manifolds |
Fixes "Hemi Tick." Reinforced iron to prevent warping. |
Hard. Bolt extraction. |
Reliability. Fixing broken exhaust studs once and for all. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Best Sellers)
Why is every RAM owner upgrading to Bilstein 5100s?
It fixes the ride and the stance simultaneously.
The 4th Gen RAM is notorious for a "boaty" feel on the highway. The Bilstein 5100 series is a mono-tube gas shock that is significantly more controlled than the factory units. The front struts feature multiple snap-ring grooves that allow you to lift the front end (up to 2.1" or 2.8") using your factory coil springs. It is the safest, 50-state legal way to level your truck for 35-inch tires.
How do I fix the "Hemi Tick" permanently?
Don't just replace the bolts; replace the manifold.
The ticking sound you hear on cold starts is usually a broken exhaust manifold bolt. The factory cast-iron manifolds warp over time due to heat, which snaps the rear studs. If you install new bolts on a warped manifold, they will just snap again. The permanent fix is upgrading to a heavy-duty BD Diesel or Dorman manifold that is thicker and reinforced to resist warping.
Will an aftermarket exhaust pass emissions?
Yes, if it is a "Cat-Back" or "Axle-Back."
Our collection only features 50-state legal exhaust systems from brands like Borla, Magnaflow, and MBRP. These systems replace the pipes after the catalytic converters. Because they do not tamper with the factory emissions equipment, they are 100% legal in all 50 states while still providing that deep V8 rumble.
Build your RAM right.
Start with the proven, 50-state legal upgrades that thousands of owners trust. Shop our verified collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Best Sellers.