*5 YEAR REVIEW, AND LET ME HELP YOU SPEND MONEY

OnTheReel

TRX Maniac
TRX of the Month 🏆
Joined
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Location
WI
Current Ride
2021 TRX
Well, I’m at the 1 year mark with my lovely 2021 TRX Level 2.
F7C3E168-981F-496F-ACFC-AAC883DD4D7F.jpeg
EBDCE979-2C28-4C6D-A361-863DE7B3E9AA.jpeg
Just under 8000 miles. It uses no oil, no coolant, no leaks. Lifetime fuel economy has crept up to 9.9 MPG according to the lie-o-meter. In the winter it was pegged between 7 and 8. So she hasn’t lived an easy life by any stretch with the majority of time spent in sport mode.

There has been no warranty work needed, but I have fixed a few things myself. First, the minor fit and finish things such as exhaust tip and hood alignment. Also, my ambient lighting wasn’t working from day one, traced and repaired a pinched wire on the rear door panel. I did have to take it in to have the VVT harness under the blower replaced, but that was the fault of a tree-rat chewing the wire, not the truck. Everything has been pretty much perfect and I’ve had a blast doing my small, subtle improvements over the past year.

Which brings me to the other point of this thread. As we get more and more members taking delivery of their trucks (or waiting), I figured I’d share what I’ve done with part numbers and/ or links when I can. Some of the mods are common, but others may be something you haven’t seen or thought of. And maybe I can support your truck spending addiction.

Once I got it home, literally same day job was for me to install the Mopar power steps. I like the low profile looks and factory integration. The part number at the time was 82215287AE and they were around $1400 bucks. I’m sure it went up since.

Next were color matched mirror caps. Billet Silver part numbers 6RP44JSCAA and 6RP45JSCAA. Usually around $35 on eBay, plus another $5 for a suction cup makes for a nice cheap mod.

At this time I also put on Adam’s Graphene ceramic coating as well as fluid changes. The coating has held up amazing and the fluid changes were a necessity due to under-filled transfer case and front diffs, Hercules-tight oil filter, and hand-tight oil cooler drain. Trust me, it’s better to just start over fresh if you’re capable.

I am currently using Redline 5w40 Euro, Fram Ultra XG2 filter, and ValvoMax drains for pan and cooler.

Pan:

Cooler:

Drivetrain got Redline 75w140 rear diff, Redline 75w85 front diff, and Mopar 68049954AC for the transfer case.

From there I did a barrage of small things over the following months.

Matte screen protector:

OEM Hitch cover:

Peragon tonneau cover:
https://www.peragon.com/shop/covers/Ram/1500/2021

WeatherTech bed mat:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ram-trx-new-body-without-ram-box-36701-3tg13/

Tazer DT: https://www.zautomotive.com/product/z_tzr_dt/#accessories

Bosch Icon 24A wiper blades, stock ones are lousy:

Gorilla 96644BDX black lugs:
https://smile.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-96644BDX-Factory-24-Pack/dp/B01N2ABJME/?tag=ramtrx05-20

I was also the first to get my mitts on WeatherTech mud flaps:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ront-rear-set-for-2021-ram-trx-110137-120137/

————————————

2022 brought some more modding and out of control spending, mainly in a stereo. I posted a long thread on the process. I didn’t update that thread but I actually went up to an active 3 way after posting it. And then subsequently back to stock due to annoying drone without ANC that made itself much more apparent towing my boat. The decision to go back to stock was also helped along by a new addition coming to our family and some other projects needing attention.

I am still running the JL Stealthbox, JL VX1000/1 amp, and the PAC interface. I am able to use factory ANC and enjoy my peace and quiet and blower whine. But with some extra bump when I want it.

Stealthbox:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13694677/JL-Audio-Stealthbox-Black.html
Amp:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698631/JL-Audio-VX1000-1i.html
Interface:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541AP4CH41/PAC-AmpPRO-AP4-CH41-Aftermarket-Amplifier-Interface.html

To complement the sub box and allow easier access to the RamBins, I bought the carpet rear floor mat to replace the rubber. Part number is: 82215409
5EB7FF30-A97E-48E9-9F66-A39CD0097069.jpeg

While doing the stereo I also installed the Paragoptics red lighting kit since everything was apart:
https://www.paragoptics.com/dt-ram-abl-crew-cab
4B0F8FFB-0EC5-4DD3-A212-C0BE89EC0547.jpeg

Some more reasonably priced mods followed.

Brighter reverse lights were a needed improvement:
https://www.shiftsandgrinsfabricati...amics-ssc1-pro-lights-and-wiring-harness/1249
69426838-6384-4288-88E4-5FBE187FD086.jpeg
16D4429B-D153-42FB-928C-C221F0BEE097.jpeg


Sway bar corrected the lean and added some sporty handling to boot. I am running it on the max stiffness setting:
https://justboltons.com/hellwig-rear-sway-bar-kit-for-2009-2021-ram-1500-4wd-with-2-4-lift-7883/
4C3E0EDD-CA33-4082-9C0B-784C454044D0.jpeg

This hardware was needed to complete the install:

While I was back there I added the black chrome Borla tips, easy bolt on improvement:
https://justboltons.com/borla-black-chrome-5-tips-304-stainless-steel-for-2021-2022-ram-trx-60718bc/E138EB9C-5EC5-400F-BF2C-1D9FA6683CB5.jpeg

Underhood mods are limited to the UPR catch can, and S&B intake.
70B3A43C-6D9F-4B2A-87B0-A3E010878523.jpeg

S&B:
https://solisracinggroup.com/jeep-dodge-performance-parts/sb-cold-air-intake-ram-trx-2021-2022/
Catch can:
https://www.uprproducts.com/15-21-d...eye-z-bracket-oil-catch-can-6-2l-plug-n-play/

Other interior mods & accessories include a Valentine 1 Gen 2 radar detector installed with mirror tap:
And a 3D printed windshield mount:
EB160104-862A-4AEE-92D6-8596B17559EC.jpeg


I found the 2022 bright pedals and also came up with these cool seat shields from a 2022+ Ram Limited. They replace the plain plastic with TRX matching black chrome trimmed parts that look fancier. Parts:
6VF061X7AB (passenger)
6VF071X7AB (driver)
5960492F-B62F-4F57-B05A-371C5072EB90.jpeg

BBD199B2-D481-4771-B80A-8B9EBE73B7E8.jpeg



Think that about covers it. I don’t have many other things planned, at least while under warranty. Truck is basically perfect anyway. But I will update if I get bored and find something else to improve!
 
Last edited:
That was an excellent and well organized write up. And it gave me a couple of ideas that I had not thought about. Thanks for taking the time to do that. (Even though you're costing me money😂)
 
Well, I’m at the 1 year mark with my lovely 2021 TRX Level 2.
View attachment 49110View attachment 49111
Just under 8000 miles. It uses no oil, no coolant, no clunk, and no leaks. Lifetime fuel economy has crept up to 9.9 MPG according to the lie-o-meter. In the winter it was pegged between 7 and 8. So she hasn’t lived an easy life by any stretch with the majority of time spent in sport mode.

There has been no warranty work needed, but I have fixed a few things myself. First, the minor fit and finish things such as exhaust tip and hood alignment. Also, my ambient lighting wasn’t working from day one, traced and repaired a pinched wire on the rear door panel. I did have to take it in to have the VVT harness under the blower replaced, but that was the fault of a tree-rat chewing the wire, not the truck. Everything has been pretty much perfect and I’ve had a blast doing my small, subtle improvements over the past year.

Which brings me to the other point of this thread. As we get more and more members taking delivery of their trucks (or waiting), I figured I’d share what I’ve done with part numbers and/ or links when I can. Some of the mods are common, but others may be something you haven’t seen or thought of. And maybe I can support your truck spending addiction.

Once I got it home, literally same day job was for me to install the Mopar power steps. I like the low profile looks and factory integration. The part number at the time was 82215287AE and they were around $1400 bucks. I’m sure it went up since.

Next were color matched mirror caps. Billet Silver part numbers 6RP44JSCAA and 6RP45JSCAA. Usually around $35 on eBay, plus another $5 for a suction cup makes for a nice cheap mod.

At this time I also put on Adam’s Graphene ceramic coating as well as fluid changes. The coating has held up amazing and the fluid changes were a necessity due to under-filled transfer case and front diffs, Hercules-tight oil filter, and hand-tight oil cooler drain. Trust me, it’s better to just start over fresh if you’re capable.

I am currently using Redline 0w40, MO-041 filter, and a Votex magnetic drain plug.

Drivetrain got Redline 75w140 rear diff, Redline 75w85 front diff, and Mopar 68049954AC for the transfer case.

From there I did a barrage of small things over the following months.

Matte screen protector:

OEM Hitch cover:

Peragon tonneau cover:
https://www.peragon.com/shop/covers/Ram/1500/2021

WeatherTech bed mat:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ram-trx-new-body-without-ram-box-36701-3tg13/

Tazer DT: https://www.zautomotive.com/product/z_tzr_dt/#accessories

Bosch Icon 24A wiper blades, stock ones are lousy:

Gorilla 96644BDX black lugs:
https://smile.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-96644BDX-Factory-24-Pack/dp/B01N2ABJME/?tag=ramtrx05-20

I was also the first to get my mitts on WeatherTech mud flaps:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ront-rear-set-for-2021-ram-trx-110137-120137/

————————————

2022 brought some more modding and out of control spending, mainly in a stereo. I posted a long thread on the process. I didn’t update that thread but I actually went up to an active 3 way after posting it. And then subsequently back to stock due to annoying drone without ANC that made itself much more apparent towing my boat. The decision to go back to stock was also helped along by a new addition coming to our family and some other projects needing attention.

I am still running the JL Stealthbox, JL VX1000/1 amp, and the PAC interface. I am able to use factory ANC and enjoy my peace and quiet and blower whine. But with some extra bump when I want it.

Stealthbox:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13694677/JL-Audio-Stealthbox-Black.html
Amp:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698631/JL-Audio-VX1000-1i.html
Interface:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541AP4CH41/PAC-AmpPRO-AP4-CH41-Aftermarket-Amplifier-Interface.html

To complement the sub box and allow easier access to the RamBins, I bought the carpet rear floor mat to replace the rubber. Part number is: 82215409
View attachment 49117
While doing the stereo I also installed the Paragoptics red lighting kit since everything was apart:
https://www.paragoptics.com/dt-ram-abl-crew-cab
View attachment 49116
Some more reasonably priced mods followed.

Brighter reverse lights were a needed improvement:
https://www.shiftsandgrinsfabricati...mics-ssc1-pro-lights-and-wiring-harness/1249?
View attachment 49119View attachment 49120

Sway bar corrected the lean and added some sporty handling to boot. I am running it on the max stiffness setting:
https://justboltons.com/hellwig-rear-sway-bar-kit-for-2009-2021-ram-1500-4wd-with-2-4-lift-7883/
View attachment 49112
This hardware was needed to complete the install:

While I was back there I added the black chrome Borla tips, easy bolt on improvement:
https://justboltons.com/borla-black-chrome-5-tips-304-stainless-steel-for-2021-2022-ram-trx-60718bc/View attachment 49118

Underhood mods are limited to the UPR catch can, and S&B intake.
View attachment 49113
S&B:
https://solisracinggroup.com/jeep-dodge-performance-parts/sb-cold-air-intake-ram-trx-2021-2022/
Catch can:
https://www.uprproducts.com/15-21-d...eye-z-bracket-oil-catch-can-6-2l-plug-n-play/

Other interior mods & accessories include a Valentine 1 Gen 2 radar detector installed with mirror tap:
And a 3D printed windshield mount:
View attachment 49115

I found the 2022 bright pedals and also came up with these cool seat shields from a 2022+ Ram Limited. They replace the plain plastic with TRX matching black chrome trimmed parts that look fancier. Parts:
6VF061X7AB (passenger)
6VF071X7AB (driver)
View attachment 49114
View attachment 49121

I also came up with a quick and easy kill switch to at least slightly reduce the theft risk. It is not a huge concern in my area but I sleep better with it:
https://www.ram-trx.com/threads/“plug-and-play”-anti-theft-kill-switch.10323/

Think that about covers it. I don’t have many other things planned, at least while under warranty. Truck is basically perfect anyway. But I will update if I get bored and find something else to improve!
Dude, love it great job! I have very similar feelings about my bucket.
 
Solid post. 👍

Where are you getting the MO-041 filter? They seem to be readily available on Amazon, but there are several reviews mentioning rusty filters.
 
RE oil filter: i just bought 4 MO-041 off amazon with no rust!

For the front & rear axles, do we use the oils with limited slip additives or no? Most im seeing have the slip additives (redline included)
 
Great writeup and some food for thought.

Any chance you could provide more details on your steps to address the hood alignment?
There are two threaded plastic posts that you can screw in or out to raise or lower each side of the hood. I just took it a little at a time until it looked right. I also found there is a little “give and take” to it. The hood is like a fulcrum and going up on one side wants to bring the other edge down a little. And going up too high on both sides will make the hood damn near impossible to close.
D314966B-57C0-4918-A70D-D71424AE12C9.webp
 
Solid post. 👍

Where are you getting the MO-041 filter? They seem to be readily available on Amazon, but there are several reviews mentioning rusty filters.
I was curious and bought one on Amazon last week since for the longest time they just weren’t available. I did that big oil filter thread and the word on the street was that the MO-041 was going to be replaced with a new version in the fall.

Well, the one I got a couple days ago from Amazon is identical to the older stock I had sitting around. Only difference is the labeling paint on the can was a little lighter. But that’s it. No rust or anything and packaged nicely.
RE oil filter: i just bought 4 MO-041 off amazon with no rust!

For the front & rear axles, do we use the oils with limited slip additives or no? Most im seeing have the slip additives (redline included)
The friction modifier isn’t required but I’ve been using oils with it. As you said, most have it included in the blend.

It’s not going to hurt anything because aside from clutch packs, LSDs have the same basic designs and see the same stresses as open diffs. The LS additive can’t (and doesn’t) compromise the protection of the actual gearing and other parts.
 
Bro! Thanks for the informative write up, excellent work and sweet truck!
Your VVT was fucked by a tree rat! Epic!
 
What are the part numbers for the bright pedals?
Brake pad is 68551101AA. Cost me $32. Heat it up real good before trying to install, it’s a bitch. I bought the gas pedal from a salvage truck so I don’t have the PN unfortunately. Have to change the whole pedal assembly, not just an overlay or pad you can put on your existing pedal. Kind of a pain.
 
I ”HATE“ tree rats! My wife gets mad at me all the time for sniping them with my pellet gun. We live in town 🤪. And my pellet gun is pretty loud.
Might become an option for me soon. They also chewed a hole in my $900 boat cover a couple months ago. I bought some peppermint spray stuff that seems to work for a little while. Also picked up some electrical tape from Honda that’s embedded with capsaicin. Makes chewing wires a little too spicy for the bastards.
 
@OnTheReel, how do you like the Paragon tonneau cover and how is it holding up? Looks like a solid alternative to the canister options from the pictures but everyone has their 3 cents on which one is best.
 

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