I'd like to hear from the regulars here what you want to see and not see in the Dodge forum here on Pirate.

This *is* a rockcrawling site, but there's some latitude that can be afforded depending on the particular atmosphere of this section...

I don't want to come in here and start laying down the rules exactly like the Toy for Tow rig forums, I'd like to get a feel of what *works* here and see if we can clean things up a bit without stifling some good Dodge discussion :)

So let's hear some constructive suggestions, no whining allowed :p

Im up for anything innovative and new. Not asking the same questions about the diffs in a '77 power wagon.

But I think the biggest thing is that there are very few dodges on the trail. Out here, they are all tow rigs.

So, I think in conclusion, any sort of discussion about dodges, that relates to how the owners use the truck, and ways to make that better. Not stupid BS (as always on pirate). But much more freedeom than other boards, because, heck, there are no posts on this board.

Ok, good start... pretty much how I had it pegged.

I have two Dodges, and I think the diversity in my two Dodge trucks is actually a good example to show how different Dodge owners can be.

My 01 is an offroad only rig. It's locked front and rear on boggers, etc etc. I'm wanting to go balls to the wall with it and really make it a super capable vehicle for all types of terrain.

My 04.5 is a diesel, and it's just a tow rig. It has a small lift and some larger tires so it looks cool, but it's only function is as a daily driver and a tow rig for the other toys.

So one day I might be in here asking about linking up the rear on my 01 and putting Rocks under it, and then I might turn around and ask about installing a brake controller in the diesel, or maybe I have a problem with how it runs and I want to ask about that in here.

Except, as it is now, I would ask any question related to the diesel in the tow rig forum. If the forum was restructured so that "all" Dodge questions could be asked and answered, I guess I would start asking stuff like that in here.

I think part of the reason that the Dodge forum just has no posts is because it's mostly about the guys with older Dodges and what they do to upgrade their trucks for wheeling. Then somebody comes in asking about a lift for their 2nd or 3rd gen truck, and they just don't fit in with the rest of the stuff going on. So should they post their question in the Newbie section, or should they post it here in the Dodge section? There is just too much shit going on to know where to put everything so you don't get flamed.

I say let it be all-inclusive, but I really don't care either way.

For example: this was my last dodge. 96 ram half ton. I had it to go fishing with. And for the job of running fire roads 30-40 miles from the nearest highway, daily driving 20k miles a year, towing my 4runner to the trail, and flexing out at the mall, it worked great.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/322/62813226full8op.jpg

Its not a hardcore wheeler, but it saw plenty of trails in its own respect. A great example of a multi-purpose rig.

The sort of question I would ask about on this truck would be: How can I give it better steering, brakes, and suspension for its purpose. Not how to put on long travel rear springs, with the shocks through the bed.

For example, I put a DSS brace, 2500 steering box, wicked fab tie rod and drag link, power steering box, rancho 9k shocks (all around), 3" rancho front lift, 4.5" superlift rear springs (removed the block), rebuilt trans, plenum gasket, timing chain, etc on the truck, and asked questions about every item on pavement sucks before I did any work.

I think that this is a tough call.

Personally, I am more interested in the custom fab work and component swaps rather than the typical bolt-on stuff. Hell, if I wanted bolt-on stuff, I'd read more of whats on my site....

Basically, get rid of the mall crawler posts (stereo, lift 'kits', etc) and stick to drivetrain stuff, custom work, big-time body modifications, things like that.

I am going to have to agree with "Pavemen" on this one.. I am relatively new to the forum but I have been wheeling for almost 10 years. I build my trucks for extreme rockcrawling, but it is still my daily driver. The forum should exclude the "mall crawlers" and lean more towards the hardcore side of the 4x4 world. Drivetrain modifications, custom suspension work, custom body work, etc... that is what I am looking for.
http://www.4x4shots.com/displayimage.php?album=topn&cat=10052&pos=0

I think that this is a tough call.

Personally, I am more interested in the custom fab work and component swaps rather than the typical bolt-on stuff. Hell, if I wanted bolt-on stuff, I'd read more of whats on my site....
Basically, get rid of the mall crawler posts (stereo, lift 'kits', etc) and stick to drivetrain stuff, custom work, big-time body modifications, things like that.


X3

Here's my thing, as I stated in the other thread. I think everything should be in the proper forum. Anything tow rig related can go in the tow rig forum since there actually is one. Noob questions can go in that forum, etc. I would personally prefer to come here and read about trail rigs since that is what this site was recommended to me for. All the other stuff can be better placed in other forums or even other sites. I pretty much agree with Pavemen's post.

For example, the thread on the board now about some sort of CTD injector. I doubt anyone is running a CTD in a rock crawler and I have a sneaky suspicion that it is for a tow rig or daily driver. I feel that questions like that are better left to the tow rig section or even TDR. That's just my .02, and thanks for helping out, DRM!

I lean that way too - preferring to redirect the "tow rig" type qestions to the tow rig forum, even though they may be Dodge specific questions. I think the tow rig forum will get them better answers, but it will reduce the posts/threads here.

If you guys are ok with that, I can go for it. I just don't want to prune the forum down so far that there's nothing left.


So where do the Dodge crawlers hang out? Is it some other board? I know there are not tons of 'em, but there's gotta be some more! :D

Id like to see just technical stuff related to actuall off roading, not the tow rig to get there. The 'mall lift,' 'what stereo' kind of stuff should be gone.

Thanks.

I think that this is a tough call.

Personally, I am more interested in the custom fab work and component swaps rather than the typical bolt-on stuff. Hell, if I wanted bolt-on stuff, I'd read more of whats on my site....

Basically, get rid of the mall crawler posts (stereo, lift 'kits', etc) and stick to drivetrain stuff, custom work, big-time body modifications, things like that.

x 5

However I think my bolt on axle post was pretty good. :flipoff2:

I'm already starting to get the "bad" posts reported to me... thanks guys, that's the way this gets done :cool2:

Oh, and to let you guys know: sometimes I will leave a thread that you may think at first glance needs to go. However, it may contain info in there that has wider application than the seemingly "mall crawler" topic makes you think.

I dont mind the "simple" questions like bolt ons and regular service type stuff, but the "which year of CTD is the best..." gets old. I agree with keeping the tow rig stuff in the tow rig forum. Thanks for helping with the forum DRM.:D

I just want somebody fucking build something. Wheel something. I don't care. I want to see a hardcore Dodge do something.

It's more to do with the members than the mods. Moderators are doing a good job. The members are slackin' (myself included)

I just want somebody fucking build something. Wheel something. I don't care. I want to see a hardcore Dodge do something.

It's more to do with the members than the mods. Moderators are doing a good job. The members are slackin' (myself included)

Well, I haven't been able to talk dad into letting me retire his 98 Dakota Sport 4x4 and SAS it with 38's, so I can't help you on that part ;) But I will try to keep the board clean so that when those threads come up - they aren't lost in a sea of nonsense... deal?

I think that this is a tough call.

Personally, I am more interested in the custom fab work and component swaps rather than the typical bolt-on stuff. Hell, if I wanted bolt-on stuff, I'd read more of whats on my site....

Basically, get rid of the mall crawler posts (stereo, lift 'kits', etc) and stick to drivetrain stuff, custom work, big-time body modifications, things like that.
I agree with Jason on this there are plenty of other sites to go to for the bolt on crap. But one thing is for sure this forum will slow because there are so few that actually wheel their Dodges.

I don't mind if it slows down. One thing that everyone preaches on forums like this is the use of the search function. The search function is next to useless when you have to wade through 98 post about BS to find the one post that actually shows how someone did something. Maybe after the crap gets weeded out more of the hardcore guys will come back in here and post up some good stuff. Quality not quantity.

slow down here is fine. i liked Dodge Talk the way it was about a year ago.

while i would welcome the extra traffic if you want to send those posting things that dont fit here anymore to my site, I am trying to get past the 'site for newbies' stigma myself.

I don't mind if it slows down. One thing that everyone preaches on forums like this is the use of the search function. The search function is next to useless when you have to wade through 98 post about BS to find the one post that actually shows how someone did something. Maybe after the crap gets weeded out more of the hardcore guys will come back in here and post up some good stuff. Quality not quantity.
On the other hand, if everybody just searched all the time, it would be boring. There would be no need for new posts. And the only ones that would post new stuff would be the ones that don't know how to use the search - the newbs. SO then you don't have any new GOOD stuff. Just new BAD stuff....

...devil's advocate

I think that this is a tough call.

Personally, I am more interested in the custom fab work and component swaps rather than the typical bolt-on stuff. Hell, if I wanted bolt-on stuff, I'd read more of whats on my site....

Basically, get rid of the mall crawler posts (stereo, lift 'kits', etc) and stick to drivetrain stuff, custom work, big-time body modifications, things like that.


x6.

To go one further, there are a lot of questions that have been getting asked lately in here that have definitely been covered plenty of times before. The biggest one is "What drivetrain do I have in my truck?" This has been covered in relatively good detail. I have personally always searched first and then asked a question if I can't find the answer I was looking for.

I haven't spent much time in the dodge talk area as of late because of all the garbage that seems to be permeating this forum. I would probably come in here more frequently again if I didn't have to weed through all the posts about stereos and crappy accessories that people should be able to figure out for themselves.

I guess you could list the other Dodge sites in a sticky at the top and give an example of type of question to refer to the other sites before posting here. This is just an idea. I don't know if you want to advertise other sites or not.

I don't know if you want to advertise other sites or not.

No - Pirate4x4.com is the only site on the internet... didn't you get the memo? ;) :D

David, I didn't know you were the Mod for this section or I'd have pm'd you instead.

People bitch about being told to "Search" but it's there to keep out most of the redundant crap. It also enables you to refine your question.

Having said that I understand that a "search" isn't always productive. Post get muddied up with Bull shit and it makes for a difficult read.

But this is PBB. People need to be told to take their post to the Newb, tow or whatever section without all the drama.
I like this section when it has "Rock Crawling " tech. It's not a mud site or a Mall crawler site. However, engine and tranny tech is nice at times too when it comes to Mopars.

Hows that for saying alot without making sense

I hear ya man, makes perfect sense :)

I have been here awhile but rarely post in the Dodge section. However i would like to see more of the "hardcore" talk rather than mall crusier stuff..

So too clairify if i want to talk about putting an ARB, CTMS and cromly shafts in my vaccum cad Dana 44 is that a Dodge section or tow rig section? (not being sarcastic i really and thinking about this)

I'm a Mopar guy, I have 4 Mopars, 3 are 4wd but only 1 of them is a rock crawler.

I like to see Dodge tech like new ideas, slick fab work, SAS's, drivetrain conversions, flexy suspension builds, engine rebuilds, and sick body mods.

I hate to see posts asking "what's the best lift", "how much lift do I need", "what axles do I have", blah, blah, blah.

Too many times I've seen the Dodge board turn into the "help desk" for every person that happens to own a Dodge.

I do believe that tow rig questions should go to the towing board and newb questions should go to the newbie board. However, this summer I'm going to swap a '91 CTD into my '75 W200, it's not a crawler, it's more of a tow rig (but not my main tow rig) and I still plan to have a build up thread on the Pirate Dodge board because I feel it still fits what this board was intended for and I think there will be some interest.

i want to see solid tech, in traditional pirate fashion. i'd much rather see one thread a month pop up in here that actually has some substantial info or legit questions vs. a bunch of threads that are the same gay crap you can go read on any number of dodge truck specific boards.

pirate has always been known as the "college" level 4 wheeling board, and i don't think the dodge section should be any different. i'd just as soon see this section removed/deleted before accepting any less.

I hope to see more custom builds and ideas. We dont have a rock worth pissing on in New york state, just alot of mud, snow, and maple trees to destroy the rotted trucks we have here :shaking: . I used to really enjoy the site, and the rock crawlers have inspired many of the mods I have for my 75 ramcharger project coming up. As far as all the tow rig questions I dont even read them, Diesels are neat, but alas I dont, and cant afford one. So I will continue to plow my parking lot and driveway with my ramcharger (I have two, and as far as Im concerned, could always use more). As far as all the newbies, buy a service manual and read it, the knowledge is priceless, dana 44/ Dodge 91/4, Ok to about 35 inchers, use a 4 inch lift, cut your fenders blah, blah blah. Two words, acually one ramchargercentral.com

I hope to see more custom builds and ideas. We dont have a rock worth pissing on in New york state, just alot of mud, snow, and maple trees to destroy the rotted trucks we have here :shaking: . I used to really enjoy the site, and the rock crawlers have inspired many of the mods I have for my 75 ramcharger project coming up. As far as all the tow rig questions I dont even read them, Diesels are neat, but alas I dont, and cant afford one. So I will continue to plow my parking lot and driveway with my ramcharger (I have two, and as far as Im concerned, could always use more). As far as all the newbies, buy a service manual and read it, the knowledge is priceless, dana 44/ Dodge 91/4, Ok to about 35 inchers, use a 4 inch lift, cut your fenders blah, blah blah. Two words, acually one ramchargercentral.com

.

Build-ups are my favorite...

No - Pirate4x4.com is the only site on the internet... didn't you get the memo? ;) :D
Dam I didn't get it. I guess that is why all the noob type post in here. ;) :D

, I am trying to get past the 'site for newbies' stigma myself.
I dont wanna bring your "peeps" into this, but....i told you so...



on topic....


Since the search is gone and ive already started the coilover conv on my dodge....i wouldnt say im totally lost, but i did lose some info i was wantin to use. What i suggest is maybe a sticky at the top for people who are lookin to do the leaf spring swap or coilover swap on some 94-01 dodges, while not being a total walk through step by step, more of like a sticky of pointers. Where to make measurements, where to cut, where to reinforce-leafs. For coilovers, spring rate, mounting anything else that goes with it....im slowly learning myself.... i dunno just an idea.

I am very into 94-01's... being that I have one. I used to be into the 88-98 GM's, and had planned to SAS my Tahoe, but it got totalled right before I could. Anyway, we gathered an 88-98 SAS Thread and it never got stickied. Now the newbs are still making a new post every week on the subject. I got tired of popping off about my own thread, so I just kind of gave up on them. If it would have been stickied, then the thread would have built up, and the info would have been much more organized.

I'd actually like to do both (leaf conversion, and coil conversion). Is that weird? I just am a cheap bastard, but I want some trick shit... I would love to know where everybody is putting their leaf brackets in order to run 52" GM rears up Front. I'd also like to know who shot Kennedy.

If the mod just moved all the BS as it popped up, the other noobs might get the idea. Or maybe a newb check in thread??? I dont know. I think the crap scared off a lot of good tech. why go to the trouble of posting your build if its just gonna get buried in 5 hrs by "biggest tires for my dually?" thread.

I'd be happy with 4x4 tech for vehicles that actually go offroad. Engine performance and drivetrain stuff is good too, as long as it isn't "which chip for my diesel" kinda crap.
Travis..

If the mod just moved all the BS as it popped up, the other noobs might get the idea.

I'm working on exactly that... let's give it a few weeks and see how it pans out.

No problem DRM. In the short time since you popped in here the difference has been immediate and obvious. While it might cut down on overall posts, at least the posts that are here will have something in them worth reading! You have my thanks. :D

No problem DRM. In the short time since you popped in here the difference has been immediate and obvious. While it might cut down on overall posts, at least the posts that are here will have something in them worth reading! You have my thanks. :DLike the old days of PJTPW's actual Powerwagon, and 3/4TonYJ's Dodge build-up. The days when FULLSIZE actually had a fullsize - but it never moved. When Rockmup's rig wasn't uber badass. SO much has changed.

But the good ole days were the good ole days, because it was just tech. It was slow, but it was tech, damnit.

DRM you are already kickin' ass.

Like the old days of PJTPW's actual Powerwagon


That was a great build up.

Most fullsize Dodge trucks aren't all out rock crawlers, but trail trucks and/ or mud trucks too. I think all bolt on questions in this forum should be forwarded to Jason's site (PS.com) as it covers all the day to day and mall crawler stuff. Tow rigs should go to the tow rigs, blah blah blah

If a guy wants to build a 408 stroker and stuff dueces and 52s under a '98 Ram, BUT it's only for NJ mudding- why couldn't he post here?? There is the possibility I could learn from his buildup and use that info on my trail truck. I also think something like the '98-99 crossover steering upgrade is an important "bolt on" that should be posted (right RamV), but it isn't specifically for rock crawling (although it helps).

We don't have a ton of rocks in the east, but my I have been to tellico and Paragon several times with plans to go to Badlands, Harlan and windrock this year... I have done a ton of mods to my '94 ram truck to make it more capable- some bolt on, some totally custom done by myself... Do I qualify to post here even though I'm not a hard core rock crawler??

Other than my rant- I love this site and have learned a ton- mostly from some of the other forums though.
TD

Do I qualify to post here even though I'm not a hard core rock crawler??I think so. Let's see...

locked d60's f/r swapped in
winch, sliders, tube bumper
rock rash, body damage, wheeled ALOT, etc

yea, I think it's a good rig :smokin:

all i really have to say is that i used to get pissed when i was a web novice and was always told to "search !" i hated (and still do) searching cause im not good at it. well now i understand! searching isnt fun, but neither is reading the same question from 10 different people in 1 week. the basic tech has been covered 1000 times. there arent many questions (about stock components) that cant be answered with a bit of searching. so here i am preaching what used to piss me off. another thing ive noticed is that it seems like people forgot how to use a tape measure! (and thier imagination)

im not a regular here, i am on ps.com. here there are just too many "03 dodge, lift question".. too many people have been doing it for too long. thats the reason its gonna be hard to get rid of it all

im not a regular here because of all these questions, 90% of the time i come here, i stay in the jeep forums and others. dodge just doesnt have the tech people and i want to read about.

my .02

here there are just too many "03 dodge, lift question"..


I can promise those "03 Dodge lift questions" won't be here for long any more - they will get moved to the newbie section as soon as I catch them (don't forget to use the little "!" icon to report threads to the moderators).

I can't create the tech, but I think I can help weed out the mess so the real tech is more prominent and focused.

im not a regular here, i am on ps.com. here there are just too many "03 dodge, lift question".. too many people have been doing it for too long. thats the reason its gonna be hard to get rid of it all

im not a regular here because of all these questions, 90% of the time i come here, i stay in the jeep forums and others. dodge just doesnt have the tech people and i want to read about.

my .02
I beg to differ. There IS tech. The problem is the jackasses who cover it up, or belittle it with their newbie bullshit.

I don't know if noobie is the right term but my new DD is an 07 dakota and I'd like to have somewhere to post - and it's not because I don't know how to chop off the front and and SAS it but more of it's a new truck and it's neat to see what people do to new trucks too.

I agree it probably doesn't belong in the same section though. Sorta like how jeeps are split up maybe?

That is a great idea. Sure the "hardcore Dodge" section is limited, but I think it would be nice to group the hardcore builds, even some trail ride pics, and questions in a sub forum. Newbie questions or even general engine performance and stuff could be in "general"

I don't know if we really have enough traffic to warrant sub-forums and such. I just figure the hardcore stuff stays and the bolt on lift kit questions can be booted to the general noob forum. I mean seriously, you need to ask questions where there are a lot of people around who have experience with what you are asking about. There are probably not a whole lot of people here who have and brand new truck with a lift kit and can answer stuff like that. What are here are a lot of guys who do not mind making swiss cheese out of their rig to make it work better offroad. I think we need to keep the beating, drilling and welding and leave the polishing, painting and showing somewhere else.

I don't know if we really have enough traffic to warrant sub-forums and such. I just figure the hardcore stuff stays and the bolt on lift kit questions can be booted to the general noob forum. I mean seriously, you need to ask questions where there are a lot of people around who have experience with what you are asking about. There are probably not a whole lot of people here who have and brand new truck with a lift kit and can answer stuff like that. What are here are a lot of guys who do not mind making swiss cheese out of their rig to make it work better offroad. I think we need to keep the beating, drilling and welding and leave the polishing, painting and showing somewhere else.

AMEN

I don't know if we really have enough traffic to warrant sub-forums and such. I just figure the hardcore stuff stays and the bolt on lift kit questions can be booted to the general noob forum. I mean seriously, you need to ask questions where there are a lot of people around who have experience with what you are asking about. There are probably not a whole lot of people here who have and brand new truck with a lift kit and can answer stuff like that. What are here are a lot of guys who do not mind making swiss cheese out of their rig to make it work better offroad. I think we need to keep the beating, drilling and welding and leave the polishing, painting and showing somewhere else.

I don't even see the point of booting it over to the newbie forum. Just leave it here. Maybe that way this board will get 10 posts per week rather than 2.

Delete the bullshit. We dont need newbie lift kit tech for a new truck.