I have a 96 ram 1500 4x4 with 3.9 gears, nv3500 5 speed transmission and currently have 265/75/16 bfg at.. Shocks are originals with 210, 000 miles on them. Im in need of tires and obviously shocks. I know stock I could run the bfg at 285/75/16 but since I need new shocks im unsure if I should do a small lift or not. Ive done some searching for 2-3" lift kits but havent found too much as far as what to stay away from and what I should look for. I don't have thousands to spend but if I could get a decent small lift kit with shocks for just a lil more than what id be. Buying shocks for i would much rather do that. Any suggestions on 2-3" lift kits would be much appreciated and could I go bigger than 285/75/16 on stock rims with a lift or would I need a new rim with a different backspacing? Any pictures of setups would be helpful too. Thanks

 

Your decisions need to be based on how you use your rig.

Is this just to pavement pound?

Percentage of pavement/offroad (if any)

You'll learn ALOT here once you provide some insight on your use. Tons of similar threads here to look at...like the 37" tire 7" lift thread.

 

Do ocasional offroad. 33" tire or close is the most. I definitely wont do more than a 3" because I don't want to be changing more than springs and stuff. Don't want to get involved in control arms and everything involved in lifting over 3" I just havent found enough info to really see the advantages or disadvantages between blocks or AA and spacers or new springs up front. Im 99 % sure im gonna go with the 285/75/16 either bfg at or mt. I got 50k-60k miles out of my A/T. Would the mt get over 40k? Probably 70% onroad 30% offroad or maybe a lil more

 

I picked up a 3" leveling kit for the front and 2" blocks for the rear. Cost me $150 bucks off ebay. Then I bought new rough country shocks made for a 2-3" lift for 150 bucks off the ruff country web site. Took me and a buddy about 8 hours to install.

I am very pleased with the results. 3" lift for only $300 bucks.

I could not clear 33" tires with the stock rims tho, they rubbed so I had to buy some offsets.

 

Spacers vs. Springs: Not really much difference there, with springs, you have the potential for more suspension travel, which is good for really rough terrain, or rock climbing..... aside from that, either is just as good.

AAL vs. Blocks. I really dislike using blocks. Our trucks already come with blocks from the factory, and stacking them is something I have always believed to be a really bad idea. Another strike against blocks, especially if you off-road frequently, is they move the axle even further from the springs, giving it a nice long lever arm to apply all that torque to the springs.... you get axle wrap, and wheel hop. AAL's don't contribute to either.

 

get yourself a set of diesel coil springs, and a 2" aal. that combination, along with 4 new shocks, should be under or right around 300.

i have v10 springs up front currently, and i paid 65 bucks for em. 100 bucks for my 2" HD aal, and 150 for my skyjacker shocks. so its a little bit over 300 but is a quick easy lift solution!

 

Going up to 33" tires you'll need a max backspacing of 4.5" to clear the control arms, but you'll scrub the inner fender well near the door. With a 3" lift that does come with control arms and springs, that is averted.

I believe some people here can get by with just 2.5" spacer on stock lift proper wheel spacing.

Both of the above will maintain your stock stiffness.

Going the v10 or diesel springs will accomplish same lift as stated, but will stiffen your ride.

If you ever think you may actually taller or larger down the road, then I encourage more thoughtful research from the standpoint of doing the work....1x. At least you are better off with 3.92 gears for 33"s.

 

For the 2500 v10/diesel springs and 2" aal (any brand to stay away from or go with?) Would I get the springs used from a salvage yard or would it be better new? And for shocks I would get all 4 shocks for a 2" lift? And as far as future 2-3" is most id ever do with my 1500 and I think im gonna go with a 285/75/16 just gotta pick between the bfg AT or the MT. I know my truck can clear that fine stock but i wouldnt mind a lil extra height. From some research ive done ive gotten too many mixed things as far as shocks. Im a boat mechanic but im not familiar with shocks on vehicles and ive gotten pretty confused on what I should get. I cant afford the beat but I also don't want to get the cheapest junk and have to change them out again real soon. I believe in you get what you pay for but also know aome stuff is the exact same product but named different and has the same quality for half the price

 

i just bought used v10 springs. i also have a set of diesel springs here too, that im going to be installing soon.

for the aal, i have a skyjacker leaf. brand doesnt matter as far as that goes.

go to www.topgunustomz.com and you will find everything you need!

 

I got a similar set up as Redneck, I got some used 3500 diesel coils for $45 and rear AALs for $40, they are rough or tuff country, I forget. So $85 for lift plus what ever you choose for shocks. I'm due for some shocks and stock shock for 2500 8800# GVW are slightly longer than half ton (at napa), so that was the route I think I'm gonna go.