Leftlane has brought you details and images of Ram Runner style trucks over the past year, but now Mopar has officially released its kit along with pricing and options.
But in the event you somehow missed it, the Ram Runner is a special off-road truck that is equipped with a myriad of parts normally only found in the aftermarket, ranging from suspension, to bumpers to wider fenders and beyond.
“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO, Mopar. “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”
The premise of the Ram Runner kit is that enthusiasts can apply OEM-quality (and engineered) parts to their existing 2009-2011 Ram 1500 trucks at their own pace and to the extent that their personal style desires. The ability to order parts in a piecemeal or full kit fashion allows enthusiasts with all different budgets and tastes to build their truck just how they want it, rather than having to buy an all-new truck that comes completely finished from day one.
For those who want the whole deal in one shot, the Pre-runner stage II kit will run $13,270, and includes a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, Fox three-inch internal bypass shocks, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel tie rods. The net result? An impressive 14-inches of front and rear suspension travel.
But the suspension kit is just a starting point for those looking to traverse the desert or mountain at highway speeds, which of course will need an off-road front bumper made of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate that offers a 41-degree approach angle. This heavy-duty off-road bumper will set you back $1,250. But if you’re going to push your Ram Runner that hard, you better keep a spare tire, and for that Mopar has you covered with the off-road tire carrier. This unique mount installs in the bed of the truck and carries a full-size off-road wheel and tire combo, setting you back a cool $1,010 (wheel and tire not included).
Of course, if you want to really use your truck and show your friends just how high and far you can jump your Ram, then you will want a set of fiberglass fenders front and rear. The front set will set you back $1,020, while the rear fenders (6’4” bed only) will require another $1,020 of your cold, hard cash. These fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, greater articulation and give the truck a legitimate pre-runner look and feel.
If you’re going to get the custom fenders, well then you better complete the custom look with the sport performance hood made of stamped aluminum, boasting dual scoops. As far as custom hoods go, this piece comes in at a bargain price of just $978.
All show and no go? Of course not. In addition to the suspension, protection and cosmetic appeal, Mopar also has a “loud and proud” dual cat-back exhaust for 5.7-liter-equipped trucks as well. This exhaust will set you back $1,135, and comes complete with chrome tips.
In case you weren’t adding it up as you went, a fully customized Ram Runner is going to add a cool $19,683 to the price of your Ram 1500. That is of course assuming you do the labor yourself and don’t pay sales tax.
If the pricing doesn’t scare you, head down to your local Chrysler dealer and order your parts directly from the parts counter and let the fun begin.
For two weeks each year around Easter, Moab, Utah, becomes one the most amazing places in the world for fans of four-wheeled fun. If you've never been to Moab, you owe it to yourself to head there at some point, if for nothing more than to gaze at some of the most amazing and beautiful backcountry in the world, bathed as far as the eye can see in red slickock. But if you're a fan of off-road vehicles -- most notably Jeeps -- it is a pilgrimage you absolutely must make, especially for the annual Red Rock 4Wheeler's Easter Jeep Safari (now in its 45th year). It's no wonder then that Jeep's top designers and engineers have been coming to Moab for more than a decade to show off one-off concepts and other Mopar skunkwerks projects to the 4x4 faithful.
The Jeep-sponsored event is called the Mopar Underground and is run by Mark Allen, head of design for Jeep. This ragtag crew of in-house pickup and SUV enthusiasts get to dip into one of the biggest and coolest parts bins in the world to create just about anything their twisted imaginations can formulate. Fortunately, the projects they assemble and design aren't so twisted that they can't be brought to the 4x4 club's yearly event. They even give attending media a chance to take their creations out for a spin in several remote back-country locations. Each vehicle typically reflects an aspect of the Jeep or Ram Truck character but has its own personality. Some explore current trends in the off-road or racing industries, some are more futuristic, and others are just plain cool. Get a free and easy new car price quote in minutes.