I'll start by saying I love my RAM 1500, but I HATE the front bumper. For a 4wd truck, it seems that the bumper is way too low to the ground. Is it the bumper design or the suspension? Should I look for a replacement bumper that gives greater ground clearance? if so, any suggestions? Or do I need to look at an expensive option such as a lift kit?

Thanks

 

a leveling kit will raise it up, and they're very affordable. you can remove the lower air dam as well, though it looks better on IMO. here's a pic of my truck with a 1.5" leveling kit, which is about the smallest you can get. most people run a 2" or 2.5" kit.

 

More than likely, it's aerodynamics for greater fuel efficiency. Lift the truck, take of the lower valance, etc.. These are your main options

 

What does a leveling kit include, as far as parts go, and how is it installed? Is it something that can be done in a garage by yourself or is it more of a shop thing?

Rob

 

there's two different ways to do it: with strut spacers or with adjustable shocks (Bilstein 5100's). here's a link to the strut spacers i used (with a pic to give you an idea): http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/G...view=250190010

that's just one of many leveling kits. what's shown in the pic is exactly what you get in the box and the only parts needed. they look like they're very easy to install and most people do it themselves, but i payed a shop just because i didn't feel like doing it myself.

couple of things to note: you have to get an alignment after it's installed since your wheels will be out of camber. and it could potentially void your warranty on some of the front suspension components (ball joints etc.) if something fails and it's determined to be caused by the leveling kit. also some people experience 4WD vibration after a leveling kit is installed. but that's a common problem even for stock trucks driven directly off the lot.

 

I removed the lower valance on my 2011 Ram the same weekend I purchased the truck..looks better. I purchased the adjustable Bilstein shocks and set at 1.4". It didn't level the truck, but made a big difference in looks. I tested 4 wheel drive and have no vibration what so ever. I wish I had set at the 2.1" setting though. 1.4" didn't change the geometry of my front half-shafts at all...I have given great consideration to maxing the shocks out at the 2.8" setting. I am still 2" from being level. This should level me with a .6" rake.

You're right though, This front bumper is too big in my opinion and is lower than the F-150s. I measured the difference, but don't remember the dimensions. I, also, purchased the Rough Country 1.25" body lift, but haven't installed it yet....it's a lot of work and I don't have the time right now.

 

Thanks for all the info, I think i will be looking into a leveling kit. Pretty sure i can do the work myself too.

 

Porter - thanks for the info.

Rob

 

Did you do the shock install yourself? Any special tools needed?

Thanks,
Rob

 

Due to my job requirements this semester, I had a local shop install the shocks and a front end alignment.