So I recently got my father's truck and I have plans to build it up. I know that rough country makes a 3 and a 5 inch lift kit but I don't know how much bigger of an engine i can throw into it my dad said the frame won't hold the weight of a diesel engine and it has an automatic transmission and I want to swap with a manual but I don't know what will fit any answers would be great thanks

 

It already has the 5.9, the biggest engine that came in the 1500's. Some folks have stroked out the 5.9, to 408 cubes..... Not an inexpensive endeavor though. I saw one once that the owner installed a 4BT diesel, (cummins 4 popper, instead of the six.) and he seemed pretty happy with that.... Many options, just depends on your skills and budget. Moving this to second gen ram section for ya.

 

Frame is the same on all 2nd gens. It's the suspension and axles that are limited. Only other limits are money and time.