98 Dodge ram 1500 2WD.

I measured the edge of the front a rear wheel well and is measures to basically a 5in difference.

Will the spacer make it look like it raised it 5in though?

Also is a 2.5in spacer alright for a 2WD, because Ive heard that 2.0 is the most for a 4WD?

 

If you put a 2 inch spacer in, it will look like it was raised 2 inches.

I think you can get away with 3" on either 2 or 4wd.... then you need to start changing other parts.

 

i have a 2.5in coil space on my 2001 2500 4x4

 

I've got a 3" spacer on mine which is a 4x4 besides a stiff ride it serves its purpose "climb logs often."

 

2.5" is the highest a 2WD can go without new upper control arms. Like stated, 2.5" is going to lift you 2.5". So you measure from bottom of wheel well to center of wheel, then add about 2.5". You will still be the same height in the rear, but since you will lift the front, the rear will pivot downward some. So your bumper will be slightly lower. I suggest new shocks with 2.5". Any lower and you should be fine

 

I would just get new lift coils. Its only a little more $$ and it makes the truck ride much better when replacing the stock springs.

 

Ahh ok that makes sense. Just trying to make sure I have all my facts straight before I spend $100+

Thanks for all the help.

 

Yet more questions I have to ask.

If you go higher than 2.5in spacers or 2.5in lift coils, does replacing the upper control arm line the geometry of everything up so that it is reasonable again?
(I assume so)

Also what is the difference between the upper control arms that you would put on if it's higher than 2.5in coil spacers or 2.5in lift coils, than the stock upper control arms?

 

New upper control arms have different balljoint mounting angles. (plus a few other minor differences.) Going with more lift beyond the 2.5, starts getting the upper ball joints to the point where THEY are the travel limiter. They aren't really designed for that kind of abuse, so, instead, they break..... with disastrous consequences......

Much beyond the 2.5 inches, along with the control arms, I would also recommend replacing the shocks as well.

 

I just remembered something HeyYou said and this is what I got; I'm guessing the larger upper control are are, well, larger, and stick out further, which eases the stress/angle's on the upper ball joint.

Edit: HeyYou beat me to it.