Hey, I have searched but found nothing on this idea.... I have a 2001 Ram 1500 4x4 Sport. I am considering installing 2500 coil springs and putting my 2" coil spacer on top of these springs to get about 4-5" lift. I will do AAL in the rear with the leafs rearched to gain about 4" of lift. I was wondering if this is a good idea? If so, what other components would I have to swap out in order for this to work good? Any input would be great.... Thanks.

 

I've always been told that re-arching leaf springs is a bad idea, in that they will sag back down relatively quickly.

My two cents.

 

+1 don't waste money re-arching springs, they won't hold up. better to find, or build, a heavier spring pack. this is fairly easy, just get some junkyard springs of the right width, length, and center hole position, longer u-bolts, clamps. beware the 1500 leaf is 2 1/2 and the 2500 is 3". if you add a lot of height, you'll probably need longer shocks.

in the front end, you'll need to deal with steering, alignment, etc. take a really close look at the high dollar lift kits and see what's included. probably a pitman arm, maybe some other drop brackets. maybe you can duplicate it cheap. another idea is to shop the forums or ebay for used lift kits. some people get tired of them and remove them.

 

depends, on who archs them. I've had good luck with ford front leafs, arching and adding a aal. Always did pretty good for me. You will need longer control arms, and a new trackbar.

Hey I have been thinking about myself lowering my truck a bit, as I use it mostly for work now. My thought has been to swap someone springs. If you would be willing. I would like both your front springs and spacers. And in exchange I will give you my 2500 3" lift coils. Gained me about 4-5" lift. Also to sweeten the deal you can have my rear blocks they are 2"s if you are interested. PS. My pic below, is before the 2"blocks.

 

First of all thanks for the good, quick replys. The back is not really my main concern now, but I will certainly look into more AALs before rearching. As for the front, I would need longer control arms, a new trackbar, and a drop pitman arm? That doesn't seem too bad. Also, I kinda need shocks anyways, so I think I'll get the Rancho 5000 or 9000.

 

That would be a great swap, only one problem.... I live in Newfoundland, Canada, so shipping would be completely outrageous, especially for parts with those shipping weights. I will still consider it though, PM me or something. Thanks.

 

I had a set of 3500 diesel front springs in my 1500 for a while. They fit like a champ and Got about 3 1/4 inches of lift out of them. Problem was, it rode like an ox cart. spring rate was way too high. Also, my control arms were about maxed out. Any more lift that that and you would probably have to invest into a set of longer control arms. Not really an answer to your question, but just a little food for thought. You might think you are saving money but end up spending more in the long run to make it right. I ended up ditching all that stuff for a complete 5 inch kit which performed and rode better.

 

I would imagine that 3500 diesel ones would be too stiff, I was planning on trying 2500 springs that were meant for the gas engines. Has anyone tried this? If so, how did it ride?

 

I've got just the 2500 springs in the front of my '99 ram &
1 add-a-leaf with 2" blocks in the back. 2500 shocks front
& back and it beats the hell out of me. Great for plowing.
Great for towing but, better hold on if you hit a bumpy street.