So I called a local 4x4 shop a few days ago asking for a quote on lifting my truck. My plan is to do a 3" body lift and a 2" leveling kit. My truck is a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 Automatic Trans. This company said that there is NO body lift made for my truck, only for the manual transmission. I found this one. THIS is the kit I found for my truck. I don't see how it wouldn't work on my truck.

Then this guy also said that since my goal is to fit 35" tires, I'd only need a 2" leveling kit. I have a hard time believing that. Then he said I would only need 5" backspacing. Which according to my fiance is what my truck came with orignially. Please let me know if any of this information is wrong. Or if I am wrong in thinking that body kit listed above would fit my truck. I plan on calling the owner of this shop Monday.

 

Sure looks to me like it would fit...... That said, what is the purpose of the lift? Yeah, I know, bigger tires..... is that just for appearances sake though? Or, do you plan on taking this truck off-road?

Suspension lift will give you better off road performance, than a body lift/leveling blocks. Cost is a little more, but, in the end, I think you would like it better.

On the tires, it all depends on WHICH 35's he is talking about. If you use some skinny thing... then yeah, stock backspacing will probably work. (isn't it 4.5 inches though?? not sure on that score)

Also, keep in mind, your stock wheels are only 6.5 inches wide, it is possible to put TOO wide of a tire on a rim.... so, check the tires requirements before purchasing them...... or, are you planning on replacing the rims as well?

 

The truck at this point is only doing off-road at the beach and possibly mudding. But most likely only beach. The 35s I'm looking at are 12.50 which is what I already have on the truck as 33s. We are using the same wheels I have.

 

Not stock wheels I take it? Whats Pudding? Personally, I prefer chocolate......

 

totally meant mudding.

The wheels are aluminum dodge wheels. the 16s that came on the rams originally i believe. dont know how wide they are though... but the tires that came on them when we bought them are the same tires i still have on them and they look fine. they dont puff out much or anything.

 

you definately need more than a 2" leveling kit to fit 35/12.50 tires. i have diesel springs which give you about 2" and i rubbed like crazy on the bottom of the fender while turning.

 

She was also considering three inch body lift...... But, since she actually plans to USE the truck off-road, I would be far more inclined to go with a 5 or 5.5 inch suspension lift..... and skip the body lift altogether.

 

OK yes you can put 35's on a 4x4 with only a 2in spacer that is what my friend has no rub on flat land, but he has aftermarket rims, not 100 percent but the bs on the rims is 4.5......if not its 4

 

Seems like she wants to play with it though..... so, I am going to guess that with only 2", she is gonna rub.

If stock BS is 4.5... then, going to 5" BS might move the tires out far enough that they won't rub on the control arms at full lock.... maybe.

I think the general consensus here is that for 35's, Five inches of lift is where its at, along with 4.56 gears... (if not 4.88's, given the intended use....)

 

How much of a difference would the difference in gearing make?

And as far as doing suspension lift instead of body and leveling kits, if I were to do the 5 inches, I wouldn't be able to do it by February 28th which is when my inspection expires. I can do the 3" BL and 2" leveling kit and 35" mud tires for 2600 or get the 5" BDS Long ARM kit with replacement long arms and leaf packs for 2600 with no tires.