OK, first off let me state that I am happy with the way my '05 1500 QC 4X4 looks after the 2" torsion bar crank leveled it out and the LT285/70R17 BFG All-Terrain AT-KO's were installed. I have no problems with the appearance.

One small caveat is that the ride is definitely rough. Well, I'll be specific. On the road the ride is A-Ok. It's off-road (or gravel road) that the ride is harsh. I'm pretty confident that on a decent-sized bump it's bottoming out.

Give me some suggestions on some replacement shocks to cure this problem that won't break the bank. The wife is starting to roll her eyes at the $$$.

 

tell the wife to look the other way!! lol but i dont know how much shocks would really help you with the crank... i would reccomend some bilstiens thought they are very nice

 

bdhuntr i feel ya. I recently cranked my t-bars up too and since i have heard a few noises from the front too. I only turned my 05 QC up 1.5", but whenever I hit a pothole I get a hard jolt/noise from the front. IMO its the shocks bottoming out/ suspension bottoming out. Ive got my eye on some 0-2 inch lifted shocks, hope it'll take care of the problem.

 

Yep, you do the TB crank, you need longer shocks or a shock extension bracket. Since you are on a budget, I've heard great things about the Monroe reflex shocks. The Bilsteins are nice but expensive. You want a shock that is 2" longer. I've heard that the 01 ram 1500 oem application is the one you want.

 

If you search my user ID and use the words "leveling kit" I'm sure you'll find some interesting info. I've had my front lifted for about 14,000 miles, and have replaced the front ball joints and drivers side axle twice (because the angle is too much for the boot, not the joint). I put on longer shocks, and now when the front suspension is at full droop, the outer CV boot contacts the lower control arm, causing the boot to wear. It also maxes out the upper ball joint angle. So if I had to do it again, I would keep the stock shocks, or get a real suspension lift. FYI, I also have a rear add-a-leaf worth close to 3" of lift.

 

MH426, where there any early warning signs that the parts were wearing out?

 

well, I've had my torsion bars cranked for a week now. As stated ealier I've heard this "noise" due to any bumps/potholes I've hit and been thinking of new 0-2 inch longer shocks.
I've also been keeping an eye on my front tires and today when I got to work I noticed that they are deffinatly wearing funny. Really would have liked to keep it this way, but after reading about ball joint problems and such, I'm just going to settle for the 265's and turn the torsions back to stock. I like my truck too much.