Ok, so here's the deal...

I have an '03 ram 1500 4wd with the 5.9L v8. Off road and towing package.

What I wish to do is put about a 6 to 8 inch suspension lift on it, but I'm considering changing out most of the front end back to the A-frames with something much more heavy duty. I don't like the idea of putting bigger tires on it without re-enforcing everything behind them. I know what I'm talking about doing is a lot of work, but I'm kind of the opinion that If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right. My father owns an auto repair shop, so just about any and all facilities I would need to do this are at my disposal, but my old man has never done anything in the aftermarket performance department. That's why I'm asking here. Thoughts? Advice? Help me out here guys. Pretty please .

Also, the truck came with a small protective plate for the oil pan, but I'm wondering if there's anything out there a little more...heavy duty for protecting the undercarriage. I'm thinking of putting Road Armor over the grill and front end, but what about the rest?

-Donnie

 

You can buy lift kits that change out the weaker parts for stronger ones though they can cost quite a bit more. I think somewhere in the $2000 range.
Go to a scrap yard and find a big piece of 3/8's sheet metal and skid plate the bottom of the whole truck. Then again, your truck would weigh another ton.