Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

Video Transcript for Roadmaster Base Plate Installation - 2008 Dodge Ram

Today on our 2008 Dodge Ram Pick-Up we'll be installing the Roadmaster MS Base Plate Kit, part number 280-5. To begin our install we'll first need to remove the front bumper. Our first step will be removing the electrical from the front bumper. For this application there is a fog light wire that we'll need to disconnect. Push up on the locking tab and press on the connector and remove the connector from the socket.Next we'll need to locate the eight fasteners that secure the front bumper to the frame flange. Once we remove each of these nuts and set them aside for installation later we'll now move to the top of the bumper where we'll need to remove two plastic push pin fasteners that secure a portion of the air dam.Now with the push pin fasteners removed we're ready to go ahead and remove the front bumper.

We'll pull straight out away from the vehicle until it releases and then we can go ahead and take it and set it aside for re-installation later. We're ready to go ahead and start installing the main receiver brace.This we'll fit underneath where the front bumper was just removed. To secure it to the front frame assembly we'll be using the half inch bolt along with a half inch flat washer, split lock washer and nut. Note each fastener that secures our new base plate kit will get red Loctite on the threads, part number LT37420. This will help to ensure that the hardware doesn't come loose over time.We'll put the bolt through the base plate.

For each fastening point that has an oblong hole is especially necessary to install the flat washer and then the split lock washer. Now with those two fasteners installed finger tight holding the base plate receiver in place, we'll move to the center forward attachment points; two on each side. As we put the half inch bolt through the receiver brace we'll then add an additional backing plate which is lined up with the manufacturer's pre-drilled holes.Then we'll secure these with the half inch bolt, flat washer, split lock washer and nut. Once we have all six installed and finger tight we'll now move to the rear braces. This will go from the base plate to the frame.

Once we identify the driver and passenger side we'll go ahead and use the 7/16 hardware to secure it to the base plate. We'll put the 7/16 bolt through the base plate then through the brace securing it with a split lock washer and nut.Once we have those in place we'll go ahead and snug them down to make sure they're secured. Then we'll need to drill out the attachment points on the other side of our brace to the frame. Using the brace as a template we'll now go ahead and use a half inch bit to mark the centering point of each attachment point. Once we have the center marked out we'll then use a pilot bit or smaller bit to drill them out.Using a step bit process we'll go to a larger bit and then to our final half inch size as per the instructions.

Now with our holes drilled out we'll go ahead and secure it with a bolt, split lock washer and on the inside of the frame we'll use the threaded backing plates. Once we have each one installed finger tight we'll then snug them down. Once we have them installed and tightened down we'll break off the ends of the backing plates.Now with all our hardware in place we're ready to go ahead and reinstall the front bumper assembly. However on this application we'll first need to remove the plastic fascia piece in the front bumper. To remove this fascia piece we'll need to remove the four push pin fasteners. With this removed we'll now allow the base plate arms to go through the front bumper. To remove these push pin fasteners you'll screw out the center point of the fastener and then pop the fastener out completely.Note over time these fasteners can become extremely difficult to remove. In extreme cases it'll be necessary to drill out the center portion of the fastener and then remove it. We'll go ahead and remove the fascia and set it aside as it will not be reinstalled. Now we're ready to go ahead and install the bumper. It's a good idea to get an extra set of hands to help you install the bumper as we line up the front bumper bolts to go back into position.Once into position we'll go ahead and reinstall the nuts we removed earlier. In some cases it may be necessary to remove several fasteners in order to get enough play out of the wheel liner to get it back into position. Once we get it into position we'll go ahead and reinstall the fasteners and move back underneath the vehicle so we can complete installing the bumper nuts and tighten them down.Now with our bumper nuts tightened down we'll go ahead and tighten down all of the base plate securing fasteners. Now with all our fasteners tightened down we'll go ahead and torque to specifications as indicated in the instructions. Now with all our fasteners secured and torqued to specifications we'll go ahead and reinstall the wiring for the fog lights and the push pin fasteners for the air dam.With that completed we're ready to hit the road. That does it for the installation of the Roadmaster MS Base Plate Kit, part number 280-5 on our 2008 Dodge Ram Pick-Up.