Hello all, I am brand new to the forum so I hope I'm in the right place. I just acquired a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport (with 40k miles!) and have done the customary upgrades: new tires, LED's, cosmetic stuff. I am interested in leveling the truck (I've read through what I found here but didn't see my specific question addressed), and in researching it I see what I believe are a couple options. I have found aftermarket torsion keys (so-called leveling kits) that advertise anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of front lift, but have also seen some guys on Youtube install coil-overs to accomplish the same leveling. Now obviously coil-overs would have the added benefit of improving ride and suspension, but is there anything inherently wrong with simply leveling it with new torsion keys? Does this method screw up the geometry? Am I missing something about the torsion keys? It just seems so straightforward I feel like there is something I'm not understanding. The difference in cost between the torsion keys and new coil-overs is astronomical, plus I can likely do the torsion mod myself (not a mechanic, but you couldn't tell it from my garage; I'm no slouch under the hood, only thing I won't touch is geared stuff like trannies or TC's, they scare me, and nobody ever taught me). But most drivetrain/suspension/brake type jobs I tackle myself; if I don't have the right tool I buy it. Still cheaper than paying to have work done. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

Do the coil-overs replace the torsion bars? Or are they in addition to them?

In all reality, you could probably get one or two inches just by cranking up your existing torsion keys......

No matter which way you go though, it is going to affect suspension geometry. You can lift too much, as you start having issues with balljoint angles. 1 or 2 inches probably isn't an issue, but, 3 or more, and I think you are going to need to do something different with control arms/balljoints.....

 

I hope I'm responding in proper place. Thanks for the input. I don't know if the coil overs replace or augment, I'll have to look into that. I wouldn't need more than 2 inches I don't think to simply level the truck I may try the new torsion keys and just keep it mild. Thanks again.