I have a 2003 4x4 quad cab Dodge Ram 1500. I'm currently in Afghanistan so my research on leveling kits is limited to the internet (cant go ask at a 4x4 shop) I'm fairly certain that im looking for a 2.5 inch leveling kit in the front and possibly 2 in the back, Ill have to measure when I get back to make sure that will in fact level the truck. I am curious what luck people have had with different brands/designs of leveling kits. Any info would be greatly appreciated as I have little else to do out here but imagine how awesome my truck will be when I get back.

 

Why would you need to do anything to the rear if you just want to level it. Around 2.5 should level the front with the rear as stock. If you lift the rear 2", you will need more level in front - actually would need lift in front to match it. As far as kits, if you just want to level it and not lift, the answer you will get mostly on this forum is that you don't need a kit - just get the front torsion bars cranked and then get an alignment. And with longer shocks, you can probably still get a decent ride out of it.

 

HemiGreg pretty much nailed it. If you lift the rear at all, you will need to level and lift the front. If all you're going for is level, crank those torsion bars about 2" and call it a day. Would not recommend going over 2" using this method though, as the increased angles on your CV joints could compromise their longevity. If you want to go higher than just level, look into a complete lift system. Quite a few out there, most in 4 and 6" flavors.

 

I keep forgetting to ask but are there any 2-3" drop kits for the rear? I wouldnt myself mind dropping the rear to make it level with the front. Imo less worries about geometry, extra wear and angles on the front.

 

Thanks for serving brother.

 

Sounds good maybe I will just do the Torsion bars. Up 2 inches. I want to avoid lift kits and excessively large tires that woud compromise the longevity of the truck SIGNIFICANTLY. The previous owner of the vehicle had some goofy low profile tires with spacers to push them out wide on the vehicle (hawaii thing). To sell it he removed all that an put what I assume are the standard size tires for a 2wd model on there. My ultimate goal is to put a beefy more aggressive tire on there. Im thinking between 33 an 34 inches. The idea of leveling the truck was to achieve this goal. Thoughts?

houseoftoes - your most welcome

 

33" (275/60) is the factory tire size for any 3rd gen RAM with 20" wheels. You will have no issue fitting a 33" tire even if you don't level the front of your truck. FWIW, a 4x4 or 4x2 with 17" wheels came from the factory with smaller tires than a 4x4 or 4x2 with 20" wheels.

 

I cant remember but if I was to hazard a guess, I'd assume it has 17 inch wheels. Any reason I cant get a 33 in tire on a 17 in wheel?

 

You can get bigger tires to fit your rims. Leveling should allow you up to 35" tire with no problems. Just search and read up if you plan on getting aftermarket rims. Depending on the size rims and tires you want, you want to pay attention to offset and backspacing as well as the tires themselves. I plan on leveling mine as well and putting on a more aggressive tire as well as drop to a 17" rim to replace the 20's i have now. I have the rims picked out and the tires to. I just have to do the level and pull the trigger on the new stuff. I am gonna try and get a few more miles out of the tires i have first.

 

just got mine done with exactly what you wanted, about 2 in the front and 2 in the back...think it came out pretty good