4th Gen Console In 3rd Gen Ram (Beginners Guide)
The center console allows easier access to your stuff without cluttering your vehicle. It keeps your car organized and all your things within reach.
Apart from being a storage compartment, it features electronic gadgets, controls, and a display screen.
The center console has evolved, with unique designs and technologically advanced equipment to meet your needs. In addition, you can improve its function by installing an aftermath console. But be sure the console fits in your vehicle before you buy one.
Will a 4th Gen Center Console Fit a 3rd Gen?
It is possible to upgrade your 3rd gen center console with a 4th gen center console in your Dodge Ram. Read more about 5th Gen Ram 1500 Mods as well.
It might seem difficult initially, but with the proper knowledge and skill, you can complete this task in less than an hour or two.
Besides the storage compartment of the 4th gen Dodge’s center console, it also has a 12v outlet, a USB port, and a headphone connection plug.
A 3rd gen center console might also have these kinds of outlets, but they might lack a few modifications.
So they are not entirely different from fourth-gen, just some added modifications.
Are you finding it hard to buy the 4th gen center console? I will suggest you check Amazon or eBay.
I am very sure you can find them there. Or you can visit any junkyard around your neighborhood, and you might be lucky to get one.
You might have searched the internet and found little or no information on this topic.
That might be because only a few people have wanted these kinds of upgrades and tried such modifications before.
But this should not stop you from upgrading your vehicle. That’s why this article is here in the first place.
Can You Install a 4th Gen Dodge Ram Center Console Into 3rd Gen Ram Yourself?
The answer is yes. But it depends on your skills and the kind of toolbox you have. It also depends on your willpower.
Are you determined to upgrade your 3rd gen Dodge Ram to the 4th gen console?
No matter the difficulty during the process, you will keep going if you are determined to get the upgrade.
At least several people have done it already. So, you can manage to bolt your 4th Gen center console into the 3rd Gen RAM with success, even if it cant fit in perfectly as the latter.
On the other hand, it may not be a perfect fit because the 3rd Gen center console cup holder is a few inches longer than the 4th Gen center console.
Although plenty of people have not done these kinds of upgrades because of how tenacious or unattainable they might think it is, the truth is they are easy to fix.
All you need to do is follow the steps I will provide you, and you will do a great job. This DIY is not unattainable.
How Do You Fit 4th Gen Console in 3rd Gen Ram?
A 4th generation center console differs slightly from the 3rd generation Dodge center console.
The 4th gen center console makes a more detailed Dodge Ram when installed, and I hope that’s why you are going for this upgrade.
How can you fit 4th gen console in a 3rd gen ram? Below are a few steps you can follow:
- First, remove both screws holding the vent cover behind the console.
- Next, unscrew all screws behind the console that you can find on the corners.
- Remove Ram’s lower console (the cup holders and other compartments). You will find three 8mm bolts; unscrew them and raise the plastic. At this point, the console should come out seamlessly.
- A few tabs will come off by themselves the moment you take out the console, but if the one you have doesn’t, you need to apply a bit of force.
- There are four hidden console bolts underneath the air vent ( that is if the Ram comes with rear air. First, pull and disconnect the clip from the vent lip; then, the console bolts will become visible. Use the wrench to remove these nuts.
- After removing all nuts on the console, you will see a black strap attached to the seatbelts on both ends. Detach the seatbelts out the black straps, then remove the strap.
- You will find power outlets below this point. Unfortunately, there’ll be no power outlets in the center console if you have an SXT truck; thus, you will not have to put your electrical skill to use. But if you find any power source beneath the console, disconnect them gently.
- Four clips hold the rear air vent. You must pull them up and remove your air vent from the console. (This is for trucks equipped with rear air vents. Skip this step if your truck doesn’t have one).
- As mentioned earlier, the 4th Gen console has a USB port, an AUX outlet, and a power outlet. However, the 3rd Gen consoles do not have these. So if this is the case, you just have you tie these wires and tuck them on your passenger seat.
- Aftermarket radios have AUX and a USB outlet behind them, so you might not need to connect the one on the console. Yours might come with all these outlets, but please try your best to be careful while wiring. Make sure you know each wire’s destination. But if you find it hard to figure out, you might want to call an electrician to help you.
- A new center console comes without a space for a rear air vent. Remove the air vent and stuff it with anything. Then, put the console pieces into the front vent port. There’ll be no need for mounting it; provided it’s installed with the port, you are good to go.
- The new console has four nuts screwed in. Unscrew them and keep them somewhere safe. The two back studs are in line, but the two front studs are an inch farther.
- Put the console, mark, pull it off, and drill the marked area. All four studs will be in line after this. Then guide the nuts through the hole and screw them. I’ll suggest you guide them in simultaneously before screwing. Screw them tightly until the console is firm.
And then you have a new 4th gen center console upgrade in your 3rd gen Dodge Ram.
So you have more storage compartments for yourself and the person sitting in front.
4th Gen Floor Console in 3rd Gen Ram – Rough In
Conclusion
Functionality has been the reason behind upgrades.
And for a 3rd gen Dodge Ram, the center console to be upgraded to a 4th gen center console, a more functional and convenient driving experience is eminent.
So it’s possible to make this kind of upgrade, don’t limit yourselves to an old-fashioned model.
