Lightning's 2022 RAM 1500 TRX Upgrades

Lightning's 2022 RAM 1500 TRX Upgrades

Lightning's 2022 RAM 1500 TRX with Level 2 Electronics Package. Ordered in December 2021. Delivered in June 2022 to Glendale Dodge Ram. As if the 702 hp 6.2L supercharged huckable truck wasn't good enough from the factory, all parameters have been mountered!

(In alphabetical order)

AMP Research

I've had at least four trucks with AMP electric running boards and it's unlikely that I'll ever own another brand... not because my friend Eric is an engineer there, but because I'm always impressed with the fit and finish. They have never cut corners. The materials and engineering is top notch. And, I can't stand how slow stock MOPAR and GM running boards deploy. AMP are quick and quite. 


Apex Designs

Rapid Precision Valve Stems are patent-pending fast deflation tire valves which  allow you to quickly dump street air pressure to your preferred off-road pressure. 

Here’s how it works:

Unscrew the valve stem cover and place your preferred pressure gauge onto the valve. Now simply slide gate cover out and watch your air gauge real-time as the pressure drops. Slide the gate cover closed and replace the cap...you're done.

The toggle action allows you to precisely throttle the air to hit your exact desired pressure. It’s fast...very fast. You can expect tire deflation from 35 psi to 10 psi in less than 15 seconds (Based on a 35” tire).

And best of all, they mate to the factory TPMS sensors! 

Billet Technology

Signature Series Anodized Billet Aluminum Catch Can with aluminum hose ends. 

In the year that I've owned the catch can, I've emptied it out twice. Both times about 1/3 of the can was filled with sludge. It really works. 

Borla


Brawler Fab

 

California Car Cover

I've been buying California Car Covers since the mid-1990s. I have friends who've tried other brands and keep coming back. Just like other things in the life, you get what you pay for. 

There are various materials to choose from depending on your application. My cars and trucks sit outside so I have always chosen the Superweave material. It's lightweight, 100% UV resistant and virtually water and snow-proof. A neighbor's tree hangs over my driveway and drips sap. The Superweave prevents any sap and bird droppings from passing through to the paint. 

If you have a garage-kept car or truck with show-quality paint, you'll want the Stretch Fit Indoor Custom Car Cover with Flannel Lining. I gave one of these covers in black to Gale Banks for his 2005 Ford GT. He loves it. 

Cal Car Cover also has economical covers too, along with hundreds of accessories, cleaning supplies and products for auto enthusiasts. 

Here's what I'm using for the TRX. 

Use code TRUCKSHOW for 15% off everything at carcarcover.com. 

California Car Cover for RAM 1500 TRX

Diode Dynamics

Add significantly more light output when backing up at night with Diode Dynamics' Stage Series HitchMount Reverse Light Kit. This kit allows you to mount one SSC1 or C1R LED pod in your 2-inch trailer hitch receiver, adding a high-power reverse light, additional running light, and an optional 4th brake light. With the included wiring harness, this kit connects to your vehicle's factory trailer hitch wiring for simple, everyday operation.

To gain easier access to the backside of the 7-pin trailer connector, I lowered the spare tire. This made the installation so much easier. A feature that I really appreciate is the plug on the back of the CR1 pod that allows for easy removal when I need the hitch to tow. 

EGR USA

I could go on and on about the RollTrack bed cover. It is quite literally the best bed cover I've owned. Period. There's nothing their engineers haven't thought of. When you lock your doors, it locks the cover. You can open and close the cover from your factory key fob! The cover even knows when someone is trying to break in and it locks itself! 

  • RollTrac Electric Retractable Bed Cover
  • Aluminum construction for security
  • Smaller cannister to increase more bed space
  • Integrated central locking
  • Onboard buttons – no remote needed
  • Universal T-rail for mounting accessories
  • Open/Close anti-pinch feature
  • Smart ECU/Variable speed control
  • Drains on each corner. No water intrusion 

Eibach

After almost a year driving with these springs, I can attest that they feel as good or better than stock, and yet they're taller, allowing me to run 37" tires. I've ran Eibach's on half a dozen cars and have always been impressed with the ride quality. 

Hellwig

Front and rear sway bars reduce body roll and dramatically improve on-road ride control. Hellwig sway bars feature larger than stock diameters and precision engineered components. Hellwig front sway bars for the TRX measure 1-3/8" while the rear sway bars measure 7/8". While the TRX comes with a sway bar in front stock, it does not have one in the rear. Adding the rear adjustable bar made an immediate improvement. The truck now feels more planted, especially in turns with uneven road surfaces. 

Hellwig Rear Sway Bay installed on a 2022 RAM 1500 TRX

HRE

FlowForm FT1 Monoblock 20" Wheels

This cast aluminum flow-formed wheel is made in Japan with the highest level of design and engineering available in the world today. Load rated for your mid-sized or full-size truck, the FlowForm® FT1 comes in 5 and 6 lug applications for popular vehicles such as Toyota Tacoma/4Runner, Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator, the new Ford Bronco, plus half-ton 1500 Chevy, RAM and Ford trucks including Ford Raptor.

    IGLA

    UPDATE: 2/19/24 

    I would no longer own a TRX had it not been for the IGLA. Thieves broke the back window, slid in and attempted to put the truck in key-pairing mode, which the IGLA unit prevented. Unsuccessful, they hopped in their car and sped off. IGLA saved my truck.  

    I chose the IGLA digital anti-theft system because it not only blocks the engine from running (via CAN bus and LIN bus intercepts), it also prevents key fob duplication. Before I start the truck, I enter my custom code using my choice of factory steering wheel or A/V buttons. Failure to enter the code results in the engine being disabled. It also comes with a key fob that works by proximity. If you carry the key fob, entering the custom code is not necessary. 

    BENEFITS

    • No subscription or any extra payments.
    • Easy to install and no interference with the standard wiring.
    • Tiny size — easy to install, difficult to find. In fact, I don't know where Jon from IGLA SoCal hid mine. He wouldn't allow me to watch the installation. This is to prevent me and others from telling people where its hidden. The location of the module is apparently a trade secret. 
    • It blocks the engine and automatic transmission without disrupting any electrical circuits, thus retaining the manufacturer's warranty.
    • Authorization is via a Bluetooth keyfob, smartphone, or standard buttons.
    • Anti-carjacking mode that shuts off the engine safely.
    • It supports the CAN Dialog technology to connect optional security and information modules interacting via the car's standard wiring.
    • Service mode — temporarily disables security features when you take your car to maintenance.

    IGLA dealer locator

     

    JL Audio

    Toyo Tires

    • Open Country R/T Trail 37X12.50R20LT
    • The Open Country R/T Trail rugged terrain tire delivers better off-road grip than a traditional all-terrain tire, most evident in the sand, mud, and deep snow. The extra-thick shoulder and sidewall lugs dig into deep and soft terrain. This thickness also provides impact and puncture resistance. I chose these Toyos not only for the ride, grip and off-road prowess, but because they're quiet. And, at 12.5" wide, they won't rub at full lock during compression like 13.5" wide tires will do.  

    VALVETRONIC EXHAUST 

    I love my TRX's exhaust. Unfortunately, my neighbors don't. So, I contacted Valvetronic Designs and ordered a Truck/SUV Valved Muffler Kit that includes a set of two 3.5" single inlet, single outlet mufflers with vacuum-actuated valves. The beautifully polished 304 stainless steel mufflers were TIG welded to my existing exhaust system. The compact size of the mufflers was perfect. It's almost like the universal system was made for the TRX. 

    When at rest, the valves are closed and the exhaust is forced through the packing material. The exhaust note is not just quieter—the truck sounds like it has a much smaller engine with a huge muffler. Very little exhaust sound enters the cabin. Not only do the neighbors appreciate the early morning cold starts, I also find the stereo system isn't fighting the exhaust anymore. But of course, there is some added backpressure so if I know I'm going to get on the gas, I open up the valves and let 'er rip. The Valvetronic mufflers do cut the overall sound by a few db over stock because they seem to act as a Helmholtz resonators, cancelling out some of the harshness that TRX owners are familiar with. I don't mind the loss of the harsh crackle. 

    The vacuum valve control is mounted on the passenger side bed wall near the tailgate. I opted for this position to keep it away from the shifting contents of the bed, and the box isn't waterproof. This location keeps it away from moisture. The +12v power must be switched or it'll kill your battery. I ran the +12v cable through the fender, under the bed to the driver's side and all the way up to the auxiliary fuse block where it's connected to a factory aux switch in the center console. The vacuum line followed the same path but split off at the mufflers. There's a brass Y fitting so one vacuum line can supply both muffler actuators. Overall, I'm very impressed with the setup. 

    Wilwood Engineering

    Wilwood’s Tactical Extreme TX6R Big Brake kits are ultimate in braking performance for Truck, SUV and Armored Vehicles. Using TX6R radial mount six-piston calipers and massive 16.00” GT-60 straight-vane Spec-37 alloy rotors, these kits deliver consistent stopping power and extreme duty durability under sustained high heat with this ready-to-bolt-on kit. The calipers are volume matched for compatibility with the original equipment power brake system output. Kits include radial mount caliper brackets and all the necessary hardware to complete the installation. Braided stainless steel flex lines will need to be purchased for some applications. A minium 20" wheel diameter is required to clear the calipers.


    XPEL Paint Protection

    • Ultimate Fusion Paint Protection Film: An optically clear, high gloss, self-healing film that protects vehicles from rock chips, scuffs, and light scratches. Developed with a hydrophobic top-coat, the film’s naturally slick surface helps repel water, making protected surfaces easier to wash and stay clean. Every painted surface of the truck is wrapped in this amazing film. Unless I told you it was there, you wouldn't know it. 
    • Prime XR Plus Nano-Ceramic window tint: As someone who's suffered from skin cancer, this tint's UV-blocking technology is very important. The nano-ceramic particle technology blocks up to 98% of the infrared heat which is amazing during hot SoCal summer days. I coated all for side windows, back window, sunroof and windshield. You can't even tell there's film on the windshield. But boy does it reduce the heat. 
    • Fusion Plus Ceramic Coating was applied to all glass, plastics including bumpers and mirror caps and the faces and barrels of the wheels. Since applying it, I've watched the rain bead off during three heavy storms with no water spotting. 

    XPEL Installer Locator


    Z Automotive

    • Tazer DT: An essential tool for owners of 2019 through 2023 Ram 1500 (New Body Style Only, including Ram TRX). Allows you to customize electronic features either not offered by RAM. Among my favorite features are auto-mirror folding upon engine shutdown and park transmission brake disable. I often find myself parking in tight space so having the mirrors fold in automatically is incredibly convenient. And, how often have you tried to drive forward or backward with your door open so you can see the ground? This feature disables the transmission lockout which otherwise prevents you from rolling in gear with the door open. 

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    1 comment

    You may have said the color on an episode but I always assumed it was red, but it is pretty nice in black and a cool build all around, even for lightning.

    Eli

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