Crazy - thinking of going GMC 1500 AT4

[Pyleketerson]

I have posted quite a bit here; I have a 2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Laramie that I really like. I have now owned it for two years with zero issues. I put a spacer leveling kit on it, and the more off-roading I do, the more I'm not liking the ride and afraid my ball joints are at risk. So...to that end, I either put money in to better suspension or look elsewhere. Now, the only hangup is I will NEVER buy a Crew Cab short box truck. A standard bed is a must. Also not upgrading to a Powerwagon because that is too much truck for my needs. So...I'm torn between upgrading my suspension on the Ram or moving over to a GMC AT4 half ton. I wish the Rebel Crew Cab came in a regular size bed but it does not. Short box only. My Ram, as great is it is, feels too much like a "city truck" and I'm just not in to that as much. Curious if anyone has thoughts or is in the same boat. Torn with this. Thanks all.

 

[TX_Phil]

Don't know what kind of offroading you will be doing but if you are concerned with the Ram IFS why would you go to another 1/2 ton IFS? Seems like you would be better served with a solid front axle which would point you to Ram 2500 or Ford F250. Both offer crew cab with 6.5' bed, gas or diesel options.

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

 

[Pyleketerson]

Don't know what kind of offroading you will be doing but if you are concerned with the Ram IFS why would you go to another 1/2 ton IFS? Seems like you would be better served with a solid front axle which would point you to Ram 2500 or Ford F250. Both offer crew cab with 6.5' bed, gas or diesel options.

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

Thanks for your reply and yeah that's a good question. I want to stick with a half ton, so I either upgrade my suspension or buy another truck with factory suspension that is more geared toward off-road (like the Rebel). I just REALLY wish the Rebel crew cab came with a standard bed. I will never own a short box. 3/4 tons are not that great off-road no matter what they say. They are towing rigs. However I'd seriously look at a Powerwagon but I'm not going to pay over $50k for a truck. I appreciate your input..let me know if I'm still off on my thinking.

 

[realralfy]

Look at investing in an Icon suspension. While expensive, it would be far more economical than trading for the GMC. I’d suggest this stage 4 system from Icon....It’s light years better than the ****ty Rancho suspension of the GMC AT4....

ICON 2019-Up Ram 1500 0-1.5

ICON 2019-Up Ram 1500 0-1.5

www.iconvehicledynamics.com

 

[Kooch80]

you have a no issue truck that you appear to really like except for off road performance. my vote is for upgrading your suspension on your current truck. do your research and pick what you believe will fit your needs

 

[Pyleketerson]

Thanks guys! I think you make valid points. Icon is on my list and it makes sense to check it out more, as opposed to the Rancho GM has which I know nothing about. Really appreciate it.

 

[Billy James]

Thanks guys! I think you make valid points. Icon is on my list and it makes sense to check it out more, as opposed to the Rancho GM has which I know nothing about. Really appreciate it.

Make sure to check out BDS lift kits as well. IMO, BDS is the way to go for a RAM "high end" lift kit.

 

[Scram1500]

Upgrade your suspension, make your own long bed Rebel. Even if you get a new AT4 you'll most likely want to upgrade that and be in the same boat again after two years

 

[Neurobit]

Title says it all. You’re crazy.

 

[Finn5033]

Another vote for upgrading your suspension. If you really like your truck I think it’s a no brainer. You’re going to lose your butt trading in a truck that’s only a couple years old. Plus for the money you can put a way better suspension in your truck than what comes on the AT4 as others have pointed out.

 

[LaxDfns15]

Upgrade your suspension, make your own long bed Rebel. Even if you get a new AT4 you'll most likely want to upgrade that and be in the same boat again after two years

This is exactly it. My friend has an AT4, and he's jealous of the ride in my Ram with the coils in the back. Upgrade your suspension. Even going all out with long travel it's cheaper than a new truck. Also, if you're off-roading quite a bit you should look into getting 18" wheels. The more sidewall you have on tires the better the ride is, plus there's less chance of you hitting a rim and scratching/denting/bending it.

Did you have a truck with leaf springs before your Ram? If so, do you remember the ride? Because I remember the ride in my Titan, and this thing is a dream compared to that.

 

[TX_Phil]

Thanks for your reply and yeah that's a good question. I want to stick with a half ton, so I either upgrade my suspension or buy another truck with factory suspension that is more geared toward off-road (like the Rebel). I just REALLY wish the Rebel crew cab came with a standard bed. I will never own a short box. 3/4 tons are not that great off-road no matter what they say. They are towing rigs. However I'd seriously look at a Powerwagon but I'm not going to pay over $50k for a truck. I appreciate your input..let me know if I'm still off on my thinking.

Off in your thinking? Not in the least it's your truck and your $$. Buy what makes you happy.

I traded in a Chevy Z71 4x4 with pro-comp 5" lift with adjustable shocks. Even with all those goodies it still used stock GM a-arms, bushing and such. With the 34x18x13 tires it did well off road but it by no means a heavy duty off road beast. My Ram is too new now but it will be upgraded eventually.

My vote would be to upgrade the ram, make it what you want. Sure you know this but full suspension systems and lift kits are not one in the same. Sounds like you want / need a suspension system more than just height.

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

 

[pilottim]

Upgrade the Ram! Another to look at if you are willing to wait a little longer is Carli Suspension our of Lake Elsinore, CA. They're in final R&D for DT Rams, saying their packages should be out in late 2020. http://carlisuspension.com/

 

[Chuck19]

Upgrade the Ram suspension gets my vote! Instead of making it like a Rebel make it better than a Rebel!Upgrade to a Carli suspension system and dont look back! BDS is good too (Ihave had both Carli and BDS )and honestly what makes or breaks an after market suspension system IMO is the shocks so make sure whatever shocks you get are valved for your off roading needs. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

 

[Pyleketerson]

I sure am glad I posted here. Thanks you guys. I am going to upgrade my Ram! Now that I am committed I’m really looking forward to it. I will spend some time looking through what each of you suggested. I’ll post when I decide exactly what to do. Cheers

 

[antwon412]

Option C. Do nothing now. Trade in towards a TRX soon...

 

[Pyleketerson]

Here is my Ram Laramie as it stands now. OK my plan is to de-chrome myself and upgrade suspension/lift as well as wheels/tires. Hell yeah! Thanks everyone!

 

[Pyleketerson]

Alright guys so I finally came to my senses and did what you suggested and make my own 6.4 bed Rebel. I traded in my Laramie (above) for a 2020 BTS, went with the BDS suspension with Fox coilovers, 18x9 Fuel Vector wheels and 35/11.5/18 Falken Wildpeak A/T tires. Very happy with the results. I’ll try to get better pics later but this is it in my gravel driveway and before I tinted the front windows. Next is spray in bedliner and Flowmaster exhaust.

 

[Hydroblueguy]

I have posted quite a bit here; I have a 2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Laramie that I really like. I have now owned it for two years with zero issues. I put a spacer leveling kit on it, and the more off-roading I do, the more I'm not liking the ride and afraid my ball joints are at risk. So...to that end, I either put money in to better suspension or look elsewhere. Now, the only hangup is I will NEVER buy a Crew Cab short box truck. A standard bed is a must. Also not upgrading to a Powerwagon because that is too much truck for my needs. So...I'm torn between upgrading my suspension on the Ram or moving over to a GMC AT4 half ton. I wish the Rebel Crew Cab came in a regular size bed but it does not. Short box only. My Ram, as great is it is, feels too much like a "city truck" and I'm just not in to that as much. Curious if anyone has thoughts or is in the same boat. Torn with this. Thanks all.

Glad you have had no issues. I’ve had mine 10 months and it has had issues since day 1! What a pos and Ram and all 3 dealers I’ve been to have done nothing but try to cover up my issues. I can tell you one thing I’d trade it before you do have issues. Buy a gmc and never go back to ram, my best advice for you. Dealers don’t care about the customer and ram cares is a big joke! Good luck!

 

[Pyleketerson]

Glad you have had no issues. I’ve had mine 10 months and it has had issues since day 1! What a pos and Ram and all 3 dealers I’ve been to have done nothing but try to cover up my issues. I can tell you one thing I’d trade it before you do have issues. Buy a gmc and never go back to ram, my best advice for you. Dealers don’t care about the customer and ram cares is a big joke! Good luck!

Dang. That’s really too bad. I haven’t had any issues with my two 5th gens I’ve owned. Ram Cares helped me find a bed panel on my brand new Laramie a couple years ago when it was hit. Sorry you’ve been through so much trouble. Best of luck to you as well.