Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself; I'm a first time truck owner, just picked up a '97 2500 4x4 with the 5.9L V8 and a manual trans (http://imgur.com/a/7i6sQ). This forum seems active and a good place to learn.

I just got a pretty good deal on a set of 5 BFG A/T's (315-70-17) (mounted on some generic 17" wheels). The tires measure out to be ~33.5" in diameter, so next on my list is thinking through how I might modify the suspension to fit them and do a little bit of off-roading. I'll probably post another thread once I've read all the FAQ/sticky material about lift/leveling kits and have more specific questions. Any general advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Nick

 

Sharp truck! I like the brush guard! Welcome to DF, I'm relatively new myself. You're right, this is a great place to learn. There's a lot of great people here with knowledge about all different aspects of these trucks.

 

Shouldn't need anything but a 2" level on the front being its a 2500. I think wombat ranger had a 2500 with a 2" level and 35's, may he'll chime in.

 

Why is leveling trucks so popular? When you put weight in the back they look like they can't handle the load. Both pics in my sig are with something in the back of my truck (When it was light duty/ 2wd: a load of firewood, After I built it up, my ATV (about 750lbs))

 

The " leveling " is the cheapest way to lift, if he only wants 3" then 3" leveling spacers and 2" aal's, squatting solved.

 

But why not lift the front a rear evenly instead of more in the front... maybe I'm not understanding... what are "aal's"

 

AAL= Add A Leaf. Lifts the rear, and stiffens it up some.

Seems the leveled look is 'popular'.... even a fair few of the lift kits level the truck as well. I actually use my truck for work. (around the house.) I don't want it to squat even worse when it's loaded.

 

aal = add a leaf....which is the equivalent to adding spacers to the front springs and also gives a little more strength to the factory leaf springs. stock 2nd gen rams sit about 1" - 1.5" higher in the rear so therefore it is usually best to lift the front a little higher to get the nice level appearance.

*edit: gahhh heyyou beat me to it!

 

A lot of people don't like the rake, or don't use their truck for towing / carrying heavy stuff. It's also cheaper and easier to chuck a spacer in the front and not have to touch the back, since it will already clear 35's. I do, however, completely agree with your outlook on the subject. AAL's = add a leafs

edit: ^..erm they both beat me to it

 

I agree, Mine (with a 8800 GVRW suspension) sits just level when it's loaded. I don't want it to sag in the rear when I'm hauling something. The "nose dive" look isn't as noticeable the higher the truck gets, but if it squats even a half inch below the front holy hell, a blind guy could notice it a mile away!