I call him, Jack. 2012 DCLB dirty truck build.

I am reluctant to start a build thread, what with all the awesome threads already going that are much further along than mine. Right now I have more plans than I actually have time put in to actually building the truck I want. We all have to start somewhere though, right?

Original vision. I grew up out west, camping and rock crawling with my pops in my formative years. So when I think of a 4wd off road set up, that's what I go on. High altitude, big granite, forest service logging roads, and deer camp in the middle of the woods. That's really what I want in the long run. The more I thought about it, the more I was able to ground myself in reality. I live in Indiana right now, altitude, and granite are nonexistent here. Corn fields, mud, and snow. I mean, what good is having rock sliders if I am never going to bump into rocks?

Reality. My taco is a daily driver truck. I got a double cab with the sole purpose of having room for my two boys. I got a long bed because I use it as a truck. So my build priorities are in order of utility, what do I need to change to make this truck more useful to support my lifestyle? Which, I guess is really what most builds are about in the long run anyway. Like me, the truck has to be a Jack-of-all-trades. Thus the name, Jack. Not like Captain Jack Sparrow... savvy? However, in the long run I want to be able to do expedition style road trips across the country with the whole family.

I got Jack back in August of 2015, shortly after my Ram 1500 decided to commit suicide by spontaneous combustion. Since then I checked the front/rear diff, and transfer case fluid, cleaned the throttle body, put in an AFE dry air filter, replaced the connector for the fan blower motor, and put on some basic Leer step bars (kids and wife are all short).

I want to make all my changes all at once, but that's not going to happen. My first priority is to get set up for my deer hunting trip in Colorado, early November.

Here's my list:
OME suspension kit (after going back and forth between this and the Bilistein 5100s)
-886 coils
-90000 strut
-Dakar full leaf pack
Cooper Discoverer MTP 265 75 16
Diff breather relocation mod
Plasti-dip grill (I don't like shiny)
CB radio and firestick setup, hood mount (most likely)
Other minor adjustments and mods as I find them, and time allows

Things I want to do in the long run:
US Offroad steel plate winch mount (and winch, obviously)
Steel bed rail and tailgate caps
Bed rack (I'm making this myself)
Better storage solution under the back seats
Storage solution for the back seat (something kid friendly, and accessible)
Gas can or rotopax for extra fuel
Firearm storage solution
Extra battery, solar charger, bed mounted plug system
(This spot reserved for more mods)

What good is a build thread without pictures? So here are some pics of putting on my Leer step bars. This was a prerequisite to the new suspension and tires. My family is short, but not that short. At 6' tall, I don't use them, and most likely won't use them even after the 4" increase...

Before


After


Exciting, I know. Try to contain yourselves. Like I said, this is just the start. Stay tuned for more, most likely in about a month or so lol.