My truck was in need of new coil springs and shocks, it would bottom out just going over a parking lot speed bump. I wanted a little lift in the front to level it out and after some research I found some guys had opted to use 2500 coil springs for about 2” of lift. However finding out specifics took some probing. I thought this short write up might help someone else who is considering the swap.

My truck: 1999 1500 Laramie SLT Quad Cab with a 5.9 Gas engine.
Tires are 265/75/16
I purchased a new set of Moog 2500 gas engine coil springs Part #CC1708 from
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...g.php?a=G-moog
These are factory progressive rate coils for a 1996 2500 5.9 gas engine.
Also installed new shocks: Pro Comp ES3000 part number #325553
From: http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...t_pn=EXP325553
These are good for up to 3” of lift.
Nothing else is needed except for an Alignment.
Be sure to block rear wheels and set parking brake.
Using 2 floor jacks, one under each side of axle, Jack up truck with wheels about 2-4 inches off the ground, place frame on jack stands and then remove wheels. Remove the shock towers and shocks, disconnect sway bar links at sway bar. Lower axle down evenly on each side until coils are loose enough to remove from truck, watch brake lines and other things so that nothing binds. May need to disconnect Track-bar ( I did not ).
Clean up the rubber Isolators to reuse. Install in reverse order.
I did not need spring compressors with the removal or install, but it was a snug fit going back in with the new coils. Make sure coils are properly oriented when reinstalling, this is what took me the extra hour on the install, figuring out the proper orientation, your truck may be different as to orientation. I switched coils around 3 times before getting the orientation right, I wanted things perfect and they are.
Tear down time 1 hr., Install time 3 hrs.
Old coils free height measure: Drive side 16.5” Pass side 16.25”
Diameter .760
New coils free height measure: Drive side 18” Pass side 17.75”
Diameter .812
I netted 1.75” of lift, truck now sets perfect with the rear .25” higher.
Ride is much improved, a little stiffer than factory but feels good to me,
If I was going to wheel hard I would opt for the Nitro gas charged ES9000 shocks. Total cost was $170 parts, $57 Alignment.
I am well pleased, later I plan on adding the 2” spacers and all else needed for a total of 3.75” of Lift, 285/75/16 tires and 4:10 gears

Truck before



Truck After



Ride Height Before 14.5" Measured From Top Of axle Housing



Ride Height After 16.25" Measured From Top Of axle Housing



Axle Center to Fender Before 22-7/8"



Axle Center To Fender After 24-3/4"



2500 Coils VS. 1500 Coils

 

Looks good! Thanks for the info and pictures!

 

Good work! Looks like a bit more fun to be had in a couple weeks, eh?

 

Thanks for the info. Not to long ago i posted on here to see if anyone has done this because i didnt want to be the guinea pig! lol. but i will defanatly be looking into the project now!

 

I know what im doing now for my subtle lift, Great info and pics man!

 

have you noticed your rear is now lower than your front by a 1/2 inch

 

Rear is 1/4" higher

 

looks good.

this is my truck stock height (about a month after i bought it)


my truck with just diesel coils and 35's


my truck with diesel coils, and a 2" skyjacker HD aal

 

wait redneck ram, did you add deisel springs to your gasser as just a bolt right in? like hylander?

 

yes sir!

all the 4x4 coil springs whether theyre from a 1500, 2500, or 3500, gas or diesel, they are all the same diameter, and are all interchangeable.