I recently put 2" taller springs on the front of my 1996 Ram 1500 4x4, and an add-a-leaf to the rear which added 2". I'd like to extend the bumpstops front and rear 1.5 - 2 inches. Any suggestions or aftermarket parts that have worked for you? I like the look with the 2" lift, now I need some larger tires (285's) and 4.10 gears. Thanks.

 

You don't need longer bump stops with 285's. Larger tires are the only reason you would need longer stops (to keep them from rubbing the fenders).

 

I suppose you could unbolt the factory bumpstop and build a spacer out of square tube, or if you've got the tools you do it with square stock and longer bolts. Do you know how much drop you need?
The purpose of bumpstops isn't just to keep tires from rubbing, it is also (and as important) to keep your rear packs from back arching. This is really hard on springs and can cause collapse or breakage.
In a perfect world, the bumpstop allows the springs to go flat but no further.

 

I thought that was what the overload spring was for (the fat one on the bottom).
hmm... learn something new every day.

 

Heheh..thats how I ruined my OEM springs...They started back arching around the overloads. Talk about a crappy ride, and no flex. That's what those cute little shelves are for on the lift blocks...to hit the factory bumpstop. Too bad the stop is about 2 inches too high to do any good.

 

Well you changed my mind about not getting longer bump stops. So back to the first post and the third reply, I think I'm gonna put a spacer between mine and the frame.

 

There's a weeeee bit of engineering involved here....

What you'd want to do is load the suspension by either "ramping" a rear tire or a front tire so all your load is on a rear tire. Jacking up the axle won't work, because you need to "force" the springs to flatten. Make sure you set the emergency brakes/block tires/ have a trusted helper in the drivers seat, etc.
I suppose if you have access to a load of rip rap or cement bags or something similar that would work. I don't have access to that.
The next part is tricky and a bit dangerous (SAFETY FIRST)!!! You'll need to measure the distance from your bumpstop to the "shelf" on your lift block. That will put YOU under the truck. So be careful!.
The dstance from the top of the shelf to the tip of the stop is your spacer length. It's better to be a bit too long because you can always trim the stop or spacer.

 

Get a skidder and a load of sand bags and a skid to put them on. That way if something happens the person in the skidder can pull the weight off.