Alright so I've always wanted to lift my truck, and I think I'm finally going to do it, especially since I'm re-gearing it next week with some nice 4:10's. I've researched all different kinds of kits and what-not and nothing really satisfied what I was looking for. My suspension is pretty shot, and I mean shot, my truck was originally a farm truck, so I can only imagine the abuse it took. I'm really looking to replace the shocks, coils, control arms, and would prefer an add-a-leaf, at least I think that's what I'm looking for, unless someone advises me otherwise. I'm also going for 3 inches, nothing more so I don't really have to change everything but just enough to give it that extra height. I'm also trying to stay away from all body lifts, I don't see much point in them besides the low cost of them.
Rough Country did seem to cover all of these grounds with this lift kit; http://www.roughcountry.com/dodge_4wd_94-01_3.html
But I am doing my best to stay away from brands like Rough Country, I don't have anything against them, just haven't heard too much positive feedback about such. So this leads me to think about just mix-matching parts almost so-to-speak. I hear good things about Skyjacker, but that crap is expensive.
What I'm really looking for the info of what size the stock shocks are, and what would be required for a 3 inch lift kit, as well as the coil springs. Or if anyone else has done this in the past, tips or guidance couldn't hurt. I would love some nice Monroe shocks or something, but not sure on the height I need.
Just a side note, I want to stick on some new rims, I have 285/75/r16 all BFG A/T and they don't stick out at all. I would love to stick some new rims, because the stock 16x7 are ugly and make my tires rub. Some 16x8 with a 4 inch back spacing should fit fine correct and give some out the wheel well action? I'm not sure on offset, so what should I look for? Thanks

 

You shouldn't have to replace your control arms, they are not a wearing component. You would save some $ by just replacing the bushings. For coils, you can buy new 3" lift springs from anywhere or swap in coils from a 2500 ram.

For shocks, just buy 0-3" lift shocks. If the brand only gives you ext/comp height just call them and ask what you need. There's a shocks poll thread in the faq/diy section if you need ideas for brands. A 1-1.5" AAL from skyjacker is what you'll want for the back. It's not recommended to stack blocks in the rear to achieve lift, like that rough country kit is gonna do.

And there's nothing wrong with a 2-3" body lift.. looks nearly the same as a 3" suspension lift and allows for bigger tires.

 

I'm in agreement with Matt as good general info. I'd add to shop around. There are places out there that will meet your needs, just need to find them.

There are recent threads about AAL. That topic is beat so hard it gives Matt a nose bleed. lol

For the shocks, you do need to look for dodge specific ones b/c they will account for the right bolt size and sleeve spacing.

With a max of 3", then you can avoid pitman arm and trackbar mods. Those are the biggest things.

You will have to get an alignment done b/c the caster will change.

Wheels -- are you wanting to stay 16"? A good backspacing is 4.5".

 

I didn't do a custom lift but I pieced it together and spent less than 500. I bought Skyjacker 3" coils back when they were discontinuing the red ones and got them on sale for 200ish. They sat for several years until I got the AAL and CAs at the cheapest online source. Then for the shocks I bought Skyjackers when they had a buy 4 get 1. Did the labor myself with two friends. I already had a 0-3" Thuren t-bar in the truck so it was ready to go. Been great for almost three years. 3" is the perfect height for daily driving. It sits and looks like a 2500 does stock. I run 285s on stock chrome wheels but I am not crazy about them. Too heavy, stiff and slows the truck. If you get gears, you will like them.

 

4wheelparts and Randy's Ring and Pinion
http://www.4wheelparts.com/
http://www.ringpinion.com/

That is 2 places I have spent thousands of dollars at and hundreds of thousands of man hours installing their stuff. I trust them and the direction they have sent me with my whole heart. Seriously, Randy's Off Road and Rand's Ring and Pinion are two places I have personally walked into, gotten the scoop from them on custom installs and advice. There was a time I built Jeeps, Jeep suspension and did a whole lot of custom work that you only see in competitions.

 

topguncustomz is a good place to browse. get an idea on how they piece together the 3" kits.
personally, i put together my own. 2500 coils. aal springs 4' long, a 3rd gen track bar kit, tube control arms 1/2 longer than stock, THEN LEAVE IT ALONE! you may catch that dreaded "lift it 1 inch more" bug!

 

http://www.topguncustomz.com/c-5-sus...182-1190-2455-

 

It's a costly bug that one, Op go big or go home lol.

 

yea it is, i started my RAM with a 3" lift. and before it was over i had 9" soooo yeaa.....

cheapest way to get ur 3" would be blocks in the back, and either a 3" leveling spacer in front or lift coils.

 

here is the links to my coils, add a leafs, and brackets (which, because I have the ORE I didn't need, but a regular Ram would)
Coils: http://m.summitracing.com/parts/SJA-D30
Leafs: http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...A2637A0A0.aspx
Sway bar brackets: http://www.hellbentsteel.com/dodge-r...-brackets.html
Track bar bracket: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFY-30902 would recommend this lift to anyone looking for a mild lift!


^^^There is links to what I used