if i can ever get around to doing my leveling kit im going to put some procomp es9000 series shocks on it....

 

Yes, you should probably replace your shocks with some extended aftermarket shocks. Personally, I replaced all four shocks with ProComp ES3000 Series shocks and the truck handles offroading beautifully. Good luck!

 

not to hijack your thread, but, I am considering doing a levelling kit, I know my way around suspension pretty well, but have only ever worked on coil and leaf sprung, how difficult is it to do the levelling w/ torsion....02 1500 q/c 4x4? Thanks, Paul

 

I just leveled my 04 two weeks ago its easy to do, it took 5 and 1/2 turns on the torsion bolts and they are nowhere near maxed out Im not getting any shock noises, raised the front of truck 1 and 5/8 truck looks great! Im not gonna put new shocks on til these wear out.

 

the kit comes w/ new keyways though correct? I assumed you just replace existing and the new ones take care of the lift, no cranking needed. Just an assumption

 

i went ahead and ordered 4 skyjackers from jegs, $25 rebate when you buy four, so i figured why not go with them.

 

I didnt use a kit I did about 2 months of research on leveling on three different sites. I just cranked the torsion bars very easy process. Park on a level surface, measure the distance from the center of the front wheel to the fenderwell on both sides and write it down in case you want lower it back down, next jack up the front of truck, be sure to use jack stands, next get under the truck with a 1/2in breaker bar and a 18mm socket turn each torsion bar bolt 5 complete turns, make sure you mark them, next lower the truck back down bounce the truck up and down and take a look at it see if it looks level, take another measurement from the wheels to the fenderwell to see if its even if not adjust which side is lower. Take the truck for a ride with some turns and braking then come back and take another measurement if its even and you are happy with height you are done. Be sure to check the measurements in a week or so after the truck settles. Most Rams will level out with 5 to 8 turns so I have read, mine took 5 and a 1/2.

 

is the ride stiffer w/out the kit or about the same as stock, I was always advised never to crank torsion bars to to a brain rattling ride

 

Yeah, I'd say 2" max with stock shocks, especially if it's a 4x4 and you are gonna do ANY off-roading.
The kit's with the relocation brackets are a nice inexpensive solution, but the stock shocks are pretty lame. If the funds are there, opt for new shocks that are a little longer. IMO there are only two brands to look at for a 4x4, Rancho & Bilstein...

 

I think it rides,steers, and handles way better than the stock height! I dont think you get the bone jarring ride unless you really crank them up I only turned mine 5 and a 1/2 turns just enough to level it and get rid of that goin down hill look.