So I just traded a Frankenstein of a 87 Ford F250 Diesel Lariat 4X4 w/ 6" lift and 37" Humvee wranglers for a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4X4 (360 magnum, short bed, regular cab). I haven't owned a Dodge truck before but I really like the way they look. I have been thinking of adding 3" of lift to the truck mostly for looks and somewhat for offroad uses, nothing major, no rock climbing. I have seen some people use a 2" block in the rear and a 3" spring spacer in the front.

I am wondering if anyone knows if there is anything to watch for with the Sport model? It looks like it rides a little higher than other 1500 with its stock suspension but I could be wrong.

Also, does anyone have a formula for a good lift kit at the best price? I don't mind getting rear suspension parts from one place and front suspension from another in order to take advantage of good prices ala carte.

Thanks

 

The sport package is purely cosmetic, only the offroad editions were taller. There's already a factory 3" block in the back so I wouldn't go blocks. I'd suggest a 3" spacer up front and a 2" aal in back. I believe it's tuff country who makes the cheapest 2" aal I'd seen, believe they were 70 bucks or so. As for spacers I normally suggest hell bent steel ones but I don't think they make a 3". Might check out topguncustomz.com. They are very helpful and prolly already have a package you'd like.

 

http://www.topguncustomz.com/p-8722-...d-a-leafs.aspx

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...id=58269686109

And whatever shocks you'd like.

 

Thanks for the links. So do I need to order longer shocks for the increase in lift? Sorry, I am kind of new at this kind of customizing. All the work i have done to vehicles has been to fix or repar them back to factory specs which isn't generally hard to do and there is a lot of information on it. For example, you can walk into AutoZone and get any part for any vehicle just by telling them what vehicle you have. A whole different story when you are trying to decide how you want your truck to look. It really is more of an art. You have to invision the look and then find the parts that will make it happen along with making sure they will fit easily with your vehicle.

Anyway, I will post before, during, and after pics when I do this conversion.

 

For a small lift, 2-3" I think the shocks are fine (not positive though), unless you plan to flex the suspension. In that case get shocks to match the lift.

I have factory length shocks, but then I only have a 2" level in the front and stock rear.

 

The cheapest aal is top gunz customs. You can get it shipped for $60 on eBay.

 

Yep! It has about a 3 1/2 inch block in the rear. Nothing major in the front. I need to get some pictures posted.

 

If you keep factory length shocks it'll ride rough. They do make shock extenders if you're wanting to go the cheap way.