CV Joints at "Extreme angle"??
There is always a trade-off when you "cheat" to gain height. There is a reason why a suspension lift costs $1000+ and level kits are $100 and cranks (for the '02-'05 guys) are free.
Now usually, cranking the bolts or getting the keys (provided you not go over about 2") does not increase the CV angle too severely, and other than stiffening up the ride of the front end a bit, doesn't have an adverse effect on the truck. So 'beater, I'm thinking you either went a bit over the 1.5" you think you did, or you've got other issues going on under there. Stressed and sagging torsion bars will require more lift be placed on the keys to get it to level for example.
The '06+ trucks don't seem to take leveling as well. The angles of the CVs seem to be greater with coil spacers. Remember, you guys have a completely different front end. Also, and nobody has ever given me a reason why, but Dodge went to a slightly thinner shafted (weaker) CV axle in the '06+ 3rd Gens. This is confirmed thru parts dept and Mopar service guys. Don't know if it was simply done for cost or fitment issues with the coil over fronts.
Too much angle is a broken CV waiting to happen. If it's really severe there 'beater and even though your '03 can withstand a little more angle than a newer truck, you need to address it...
Now usually, cranking the bolts or getting the keys (provided you not go over about 2") does not increase the CV angle too severely, and other than stiffening up the ride of the front end a bit, doesn't have an adverse effect on the truck. So 'beater, I'm thinking you either went a bit over the 1.5" you think you did, or you've got other issues going on under there. Stressed and sagging torsion bars will require more lift be placed on the keys to get it to level for example.
The '06+ trucks don't seem to take leveling as well. The angles of the CVs seem to be greater with coil spacers. Remember, you guys have a completely different front end. Also, and nobody has ever given me a reason why, but Dodge went to a slightly thinner shafted (weaker) CV axle in the '06+ 3rd Gens. This is confirmed thru parts dept and Mopar service guys. Don't know if it was simply done for cost or fitment issues with the coil over fronts.
Too much angle is a broken CV waiting to happen. If it's really severe there 'beater and even though your '03 can withstand a little more angle than a newer truck, you need to address it...
Yeah I wish I had a solid front end. I loved it on my Jeep Cherokee I used to have. I am not a big fan of the suspension on the front end of my truck after dealing with that leveling kit problem. I wish there was a reliable way to level the 06-08 rams. I just don't get how there are guys on here that put those level kits on and have no problems? I cranked the torsion bars on my 98 durango and had it for 4 years and never had a problem....
I've seen a LOT worse. Unless coupled with very large, heavy tires (like 37s and bigger) I don't think you'll have a problem, unless you plan on being featured on an episode of Extreme 4x4.
But it does look like a heck of a lot more than 1.5" higher from end to end. You sure you only went up 1.5" or were they level to start with?
But it does look like a heck of a lot more than 1.5" higher from end to end. You sure you only went up 1.5" or were they level to start with?






