RAM 1500 Workshop and Builds in Canberra
If you own a RAM 1500 in Canberra or anywhere in the ACT, you already know it is not a vehicle a regular mechanic can confidently work on. The 5.7L HEMI eTorque, the eight-speed transmission, and the air suspension on higher trims all need a workshop that genuinely understands the platform. American Builds is that workshop.
RAM 1500 services we provide
Why RAM owners come to us
Our team has trained directly with American suppliers and we run genuine and high quality aftermarket parts only. As an authorised FOX distributor we hold large local stock for the most common RAM 1500 setups, which means you do not wait six weeks for a shock to come from the United States. We can also handle FOX warranty claims and rebuild shocks in-house, so you are not chasing parts when a service is due.
We have an in-house dyno cell and we tune RAM 1500s on a regular basis. We do not just bolt parts on; we calibrate the powertrain so the parts work properly. The result is a truck that drives better, sounds right, and lasts.
Popular RAM 1500 builds
Levelled
2 inch level, FOX 2.0 IFP shocks, 33 inch tyres on factory wheels, alignment. Improves ride and stance without affecting daily comfort.
Quote this buildTourer
2 inch lift, FOX 2.5 IFP shocks, GVM upgrade, bullbar, recovery points, dual battery, 33 inch all terrains. Built for highway towing and weekends away.
Quote this buildOff-Road
3 inch lift, FOX 2.5 reservoir shocks, 35 inch tyres, regear, full underbody armour, GVM upgrade, bullbar with winch, performance tune. Trail capable without losing daily drivability.
Quote this buildPerformance
dyno tune, cold air intake, performance exhaust, optional cam package and headers. Wakes the HEMI up and improves throttle response noticeably.
Quote this build5.7L HEMI: manifold cracking and lifter failure
Two issues plague the 5.7L HEMI eTorque enough that they should be on every RAM 1500 owner's radar: cracked exhaust manifolds (and broken manifold bolts) and lifter failure (the well-known MDS roller lifter problem).
Both can leave you off the road for weeks if they fail without warning. Both are predictable and we treat them as preventative maintenance. We can inspect manifold bolts and replace them with upgraded studs before they shear, and we can install proven lifter and camshaft solutions to prevent the catastrophic failures we see when these go untouched. If you book early, the work is straightforward and the truck is back with you quickly. If you wait until something lets go, the bill and the downtime go up dramatically.
Our HEMI experience runs deep. We are AMW4x4's authorised HEMI conversion partner in Australia, which means we work inside HEMI engines every single week. The same diagnostic and rebuild knowledge we use to convert Jeeps to 6.4L HEMI power is what we apply to your RAM 1500 5.7L. If your RAM 1500 is approaching 80,000km or you have noticed any ticking, exhaust leak smell, or rough idle, we can scan, inspect, and quote a clear preventative plan.
6.4L HEMI swap: turn your RAM 5.7 into a 392
If your 5.7L HEMI has a tired lifter, a cracked manifold, or just is not enough for the load you tow, the smart move is often a 6.4L HEMI swap rather than another rebuild. The 6.4L 392 produces around 470hp and 470lb-ft from a naturally aspirated package, slots into the 5.7L architecture with the right mounts and accessories, and gives you a noticeably stronger truck without going forced induction.
We do these swaps with the same drivetrain knowledge we apply to AMW4x4 Jeep HEMI conversions. New crate engine, supporting cooling and fuel components, transmission compatibility check, full ECU calibration, and a proper dyno tune. The result is a RAM 1500 that feels like it should have left the factory with a 392 in the first place. Talk to us if you are weighing up a 5.7 rebuild against a 6.4 step up; we will walk you through the cost, timeline and the trade-offs honestly.
Specialised wheel alignments for American trucks
Most workshops do a quick toe-and-go alignment that suits a Corolla. A 2,800kg RAM 1500 on 35 inch tyres needs a different approach. We do comprehensive wheel alignments specifically calibrated for American trucks: corrected caster for the chassis under load, camber set for the wheel and tyre package, full thrust angle correction, and post-alignment road test. This is essential after any lift, GVM upgrade, or tyre change. It is also the difference between tyres lasting 60,000km and tyres lasting 25,000km.
Servicing intervals and what we check
RAM 1500 trucks running on Australian conditions need a closer eye than the factory schedule sometimes suggests, especially if you tow regularly or drive on dirt. We service to manufacturer schedule for warranty compliance, but we also flag wear items that the book does not cover.
Every service includes a full underbody inspection, suspension and steering check, brake measurement, transmission and diff fluid sample, and an electronic scan for stored fault codes. If we find something developing, you get a clear quote before any work. We do not surprise you with charges.
Questions RAM 1500 owners ask us
Do I need to take my RAM 1500 to a Stellantis dealer for servicing?
No. Under Australian Consumer Law, your factory warranty cannot be voided simply because servicing is done outside a dealer, provided the work is performed to manufacturer specification using the right parts and oils. We service to the official RAM service schedule and use approved fluids, so your warranty stays intact.
How much does a GVM upgrade for a RAM 1500 cost?
It depends on whether you want a pre-rego (compliance plate) or post-rego upgrade, and which kit suits your build. Pre-rego upgrades are simpler and cheaper but need to be done before the truck is registered. Post-rego upgrades involve heavier components and an engineering certificate. Call us with your VIN and intended use and we will give you a fixed quote.
Can you lift a RAM 1500 and keep the factory air suspension?
Yes. We do air-retaining lift kits with the correct module and suspension components, and the factory air still works correctly after the upgrade. If you would rather move away from air entirely, we also do air suspension delete conversions to a conventional coil setup, which a lot of owners prefer for long-term reliability and lower service cost. Either path is something we do regularly and we are happy to walk you through the trade-offs.
Do you do dyno tuning for the 5.7L HEMI?
Yes. We have an in-house dyno cell and we tune the 5.7L HEMI for stock, bolt-on, and full build vehicles. Most clients see noticeable improvements in throttle response, transmission shift quality, and mid-range power. Tuning also pairs well with cold air intake and exhaust upgrades.
How long does a typical RAM 1500 build take?
Builds typically take 1 to 4 weeks. The range covers the time we need to do thorough quality assurance on every job, from initial fit through to final road test. If you need minimum downtime we can absolutely arrange it, but it requires a longer wait time before booking so we can lock in adequate staff and have every part on site and inspected before your truck arrives. Let us know your timeline and we will plan around it.
Where are you based?
Our workshop is at 4/61 Dacre Street, Mitchell ACT 2911. We are easy to reach from anywhere in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, the South Coast and the Snowy Mountains. Customers regularly travel from Sydney and Wagga, and some have driven from as far as Perth for specialist work.
Can you actually swap the 5.7L HEMI in my RAM 1500 for a 6.4L?
Yes. We have the drivetrain experience from doing AMW4x4 Jeep HEMI conversions every week, and the 6.4L 392 fits into the RAM 1500 5.7L architecture with the right supporting components. We supply the crate engine, do the install, handle ECU calibration and tune the result on our 2WD chassis dyno. Talk to us before you commit to a 5.7 rebuild, especially if your truck has lifter or manifold issues, because the 6.4 swap is sometimes the smarter spend.
Ready to book your RAM 1500 in?
Whether you need a service, a quote on a build, or want to chat about what is possible, we are happy to help.