I have a 2005 ram 1500 and was looking into either a lift kit or a leveling kit, i dont know which one i want. I dont do that much off roading but i want to be able to when i can. I do tow and haul heavy loads sometimes, so would i need airbags or timbrens or something like that to be able to effectively? Lastly, is a lift kit w/o new coils and leave springs worth it since you are still limited to the factory wheel travel? Thanks

 

Level kits can be rough on front end components, especially CV axles which it forces to run at higher angles. The advantage of a true suspension lift is that the better ones keep front end geometry at stock levels despite higher lift.

I have air bags, love 'em.

I don't see a big advantage to rear leafs over blocks at moderate lift heights, but I'm not a big fan of large blocks in the rear, it can get shaky and I don't really like a U-bolt when it's too long, especially when hauling/towing lots of weight. U-bolts can twist and/or fail. My rule of thumb is 2" blocks are fine, 3" is pretty much the limit and if it calls for 4", then I'd rather do new leafs. So basically with a 4" suspension lift I'd do blocks in the rear, with a 6" kit I'd rather see leafs or at least a leaf and smaller block combo...

 

What lift kits would you recommend and how do they ride on the highway and around curves? Also I have always wondered how do you know how much psi to fill the airbags with for a certain load?

 

A mild level 2" or less is ok, or you can just crank the torsion bars 1 1/2 - 2" for free. Although some have gone higher, I don't recommend it. A fairly inexpensive combo would be to crank the torsion bars and add a 3" body lift. You'll have 4.5-5" up front, be level (or close to it) and labor aside, have under $400 in the thing.

As far as suspension kits, you get what you pay for. I personally like the Rancho in a 4" lift (that's what I have) or the Skyjacker in a 6" kit. They replace more stock components with larger, beefier ones than most kits and utilize a full sub-frame as apposed to just a single or dual cross member brace. But again, you get what you pay for and these kits are on the upper end of the price scale.

My lift, I think it rides better on pavement than it did stock, although a big reason is it came with Rancho RS9000 shocks which are light years better than the stockers. Obviously ANY time you raise the center of gravity, you create more body lean on fast, tight turns -- but if you are lifting a truck, you have no reason to try to be Mario Andretti on turns...

 

Do you have anymore pics of your truck with the 4" lift? Do you ever haul a heavy load in the bed, like say 1500 lbs. plus, or tow heavy trailers? If so do you have to inflate the airbags without the truck riding nose up?