So right now I have my 2001 ram 5.9 4x4 with only 2" spacers and new shocks as far as my suspension goes.. I want to upgrade my suspension a little to have a nicer stance so i have some ideas..

First, I want to get either 2" or 3" coils. I was thinking either get the 3" and take off the spacers or get the 2" and leave them to have a total of 4" in the front. I'm leaning more towards getting the 2" and leaving the spacers.

Second, is get some add-a-leafs for the rear. I would get 2" add-a-leafs. So if i were to have the 2" coils in the front with the spacers and the 2" add-a-leafs in the rear it would sit level and get 2" lift overall.

Now some questions..

If I had the 4" total lift in the front would I need to get new control arms?

I know I would need new shocks so would I be able to get away with getting 4 2"-3" shocks? Or would I need to get the 4"-5" shocks? And if I did need to get the 4"-5" would it be bad to have those in the rear with only 2" of lift? Or would I need to buy a pair of 4"-5" for the front and then a pair of 2"-3" for the rear?

Sorry if any of this is confusing but its getting kind of nice out now so my mind is going crazy with ideas for the ram haha, thanks for any help I can get.

 

the word on the street is the stock control arms can handle 3" of lift, now there are some options for new arms.

http://www.extremesuspensions.com/st...me.php?cat=270
http://thurenfabrication.com/controlarms.html
http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/G...view=231297669


Now, the shocks. The reason to upgrade to a longer shock is to return the resting length to the center of the shock body. This means, the way your truck sits right now, the stock shock should be in the center of its travel, if you move the frame away from the axle (lift) the shock will rest closer to its full extended length. wether or not you can use a certain length shock depends on the travel of your new suspension. you want to make sure you're not going to bottom out the shocks in normal driving conditions. the axles will most likely hang up on the shocks when they are at full droop (like when the frame is on jack stands with the tires off) this is normal, but not a concern because the amount of suspension travel you see in this condition far exceeds anything you will see on the street. If you off-road a lot and see some high flex situations, then you will have to take that into account when choosing your new shocks

 

I am definitely going to get that 6 inch lift for the dodge on that site!!! that is gnarly, especially for $1300, that is so b/a!

 

Thanks helms for the info..

So your saying since the shock needs to be center in the resting position, and me wanting 4" total in the front, that the shock made for 4"-5" of lift would be the one I want. And since i'm only adding 2" in the rear that the 2"-3" lift shock would be the one that i want. So I would have to look for them selling in pairs lol.

And if the stock control arms can supposedly handle 3" of lift, then I would need longer ones, correct?

 

ya, im not 100% on how to measure shocks, but i think you split the difference of the lift to the shock body, so if you have a 10" shock now, and you lift it 4", you would need a 2" longer shock body.... get it? and shocks sell in singles, so order two of each

 

Oh ok yea that makes seance thanks man.

Do you know of any good sites that sell shocks? I have Rough Country shocks now and I pretty much just got them cause they were cheep. I'll get them again if I don't find anything else but I want to look at some other ones too if anyone knows a site that sells better shocks for maybe a little cheaper.

 

You are kinda in the same boat i'm in. I called top gun customz today and picked the guys brain. I am getting there 3 in lift for my 95 2500 and my question to him was do i leave the leveling kit in or do i take it out. He said that I would have to take it out because there kits will have your truck sitting level.

So in reality you are getting 5 inch springs to compensate for the leveling kit. Plus you also get new longer traveling arms and a relocater kit for the sway bar and the add a leaf for the rear plus 4 brand new shocks for under 700 bucks how can you beat that So give them a call like i did and he said they will make any size lift you want. I personally dont like the spacers and would rather have all spring in the front instead I will be selling mine a little later on after i get my kit

 

I think once you go over 5", you need to start worrying about modifying your drivelines, so there may be some "hidden" cost there.