hey all i own a 2nd gen ram a 2000 ram 1500 4x4 sport..the other day i test drove a 02 1500 4x4 and it sat at least 3 or more inches lower than my 2000 2nd gen 1500 4x4.can anyone tell me why the 3rd gen sit lower?

 

That's funny, but when I went from my old '98 to my '04 I noted how much higher the 3rd Gen was.

I needed 5" of lift to clear the 35s on my 2nd Gen and although I have 4" for 35s on my 3rd Gen it really only needs 2" of lift to clear 'em...

 

Probably because gas prices started to go up and manufacturers started to focus on fuel efficiency.

I like the squared off higher look of the 2nd gens compared to the lower, nose heavy 3rd gens.

 

see, thats the one thing I always disliked about them. They sat up really high and had go kart lookin sized tires on them...lol

 

I really couldnt understand why the 02 i test drove was lower but now i know there just made that way.guess ill stick to my 2nd gen ram seeing as i like to be up higher.im not saying the 3rd gen ram 1500s look but bad they dont. i just like the higher look.maybe ill get a 3rd gen 2500 if i can find one.

 

I think the wheel wells on the 3rd gens are larger than that of the second gens. There was a whole lot less to rub on IIRC. 2nd gens also had the control arms to rub against, 3rd gens, as you know, don't have as much to rub.

 

just wondering on a 3rd gen 1500 whats the biggest tire size to fit on it stock 33"? like the 2nd gens?

 

You have to level the 3rd gen 1500's IIRC.

 

The 3rd GEN 1500 went to independent front suspension where as the 2nd Gen have solid from axles for 4x4's. Thats the biggest reason. Look at 2500 4x4 and they sit up a whole lot higher than 1500 4x4. The 3rd Gen has their front diff tuck up in the frame, stationary, with cv axles connecting the wheels. Just completely different technology.

 

im going to be buying a 3rd gen 1500 4x4.can anyone tell me how many inches lower they sit from the 2nd gen?I forgot to
measure the one i was looking at .I want to lift it to the same height as my old 2nd gen thanks.