Welcome, Slagathor.

I run a completely stock 4G64 and I am quite happy with its performance. It works fine for hauling and just getting around. I have nothing to prove by racing anyone, going no where fast, or road racing (I did that as a teenager in Los Angeles). Those complaining about their 2.0 carbed engines make me glad I have a fuel-injected 2.4 that can actually REACH the high end of the speedometer. On the highway, I actually have to watch it or I'll be doing 80.

RockAuto.com has been a boon for finding parts. Others on this forum can tell you about good vs. bad performance parts...experience is the best teacher, and they have that experience.

Keeping the timing belts in good repair, clean fuel filter and functioning valve seals are about all I can suggest. Some suggest removing the EGR valves, I've chosen to just keep mine in good operating order. And to top it off, a few members here can get you parts directly.

I am of the opinion that, as more of these trucks get irreversibly hacked and wheezed, the stock trucks increase in market value. But you'll find few dedicated Max/Ram owners concerned with market values: we'll be buried in these trucks when we die.