My Newest Winter Beater Truck: 1998 Dodge Ram SLT 4x4 (AK370Z)
 

Yup.. so I finally got myself a beater car/truck for the winter. Since last year we didn't get any snow, I was thinking maybe this year we will get hammered (N.E. members, remember 15" snow of February 2010?). Since Sandy destroyed a lot of our furniture and electronics, my dad suggested that I should get a full bed truck instead of a car. So, after searching for a few weeks, I finally found this truck. It's a 1998 Dodge Ram SLT Laramie 4x4. It only has 98,xxx miles, 1 owner, 4x4 and a full size bed. I paid about $3500 (including tax, tag and title). It's not perfect but it has done it's job last month or so ( I bought it in November). It feels soo weird driving this truck because I have NEVER driven a truck (or even a SUV before). All my sports coupe sat 4" from the ground! I drove sports coupe's all my life. This one (seems like these model Dodge rams) sits so much higher than the ground, sometimes I have to remind myself that to slow down in turns and such.. I'm still getting used to driving this. I don't have any big plans for it. Upgrade the sound system, do a little tune up, alignment, full detail etc. I just want some snow so that I can try out the 4x4 lol haha :driving:

Here are some pictures. If anyone here owns this model truck or have information, I do have some questions about some stuff about the truck.

Pics:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps54b873a0.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps16e39992.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psc1a273e8.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps9667f381.jpg
Gave it a quick wash and Adams Polishes Machine Super Sealant

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps1d4c1326.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps341e3fd1.jpg
Adams VRT on the Tires. Truck seems very well taken care of. 5.2L V8 American Muscle

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps67160346.jpg
I actually have the Dodge Decal now. That's the only thing pretty much missing exterior wise.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...pseec65c49.jpg
Full Size Bed. Backing up is a nightmare lol

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psabf7c5b2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psbd0dff5b.jpg
I hand washed the whole truck bed and applied Adams VRT! Ate up 8 oz of VRT! :eek:


Interior pics:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psa2f11493.jpg
Very Clean. I cleaned them again and applied fabric protector.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps06b3275e.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps27b72d16.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps5fbfa7f6.jpg
These weren't so great But I used this AMAZING product from Detailer's Domain Called 1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner. GREAT results :tup: I may write a review of this product later.
Here's an example thread what this plastic cleaner can do! :eek: http://www.detailersdomain.com/Griot...Kit_p_768.html

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps79eb8a90.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps3a4290bf.jpg

Sound System upgrade:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps5fc2f0f7.jpg

Headunit: Alpine CDA-9856


Front Speakers: Kenwood KFC-G6930 6" x 9" 3-way car speakers


Rear Speakers: Kenwood KFC-1364S 5-1/4" 3-way car speakers

These upgraded system should sound pretty good. Currently it sounds horrible. It's a cassette deck with blown speakers! So this Alpine Head unit along with those speakers should be decent upgrade. :tup:

That thing will really come in handy and it's been really taken care of, nice job! :tup:

Congrats on the truck AK :tup:

Nice, AK :tup:

I know hoe the winter beater thing goes now, cool truck dude. :tup:

very nice! Good pick up (pun intended)

You know AK, you're leaving yourself open to all kinds of trolling...........

Very nice. Looks to be in great shape for the age.

That interior ain't no 370Z, LOL

nice pick up! I need a truck myself as much hauling as I do picking up stuff on Craigslist :)

Leave it to Frost to have a Hoe just for the winter months...

Damn that truck is in immaculate condition...congrats!! Perfect winter ride! :tup:

You gotta love 1988 plastic in a 1998 truck.:rofl2: lol Go American cars of the late 20th century. :tup: The truck is in awesome condition and i hope it serves you well and for a long time. :tiphat: Congrats

nice ak! :tup: congrats.