3.5 kits - driving off-road

[fletch7276]

I’m one of the many people waiting for a legit 4” lift kit. But my patience is waning. For those of you with 3.5 kits, how do you rate the Offroad ride quality? Do you feel the struts or arms fully extending, clanking in bumpy off-road conditions? Lots of threads about these kits, but no one has talked about being off-road with them.
I have the ready lift 2 inch leveling UCA kit, and it drives great, just want 2 more inches
I’m less worried about the differential angle, more about wheel travel and extension.
Pic of my truck below.
Thanks

 

[AFMech]

BDS just came out with a 4” kit.

SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

Leveling kits and up to 8 inch lift heights making room for larger wheels and tires Complete systems are engineered for high performance on and off-road use Heavy duty bracketry backed by the BDS No Fine Print Warranty Correct steering geometry for proper handling in any condition Vehicle tuned...

bds-suspension.com

 

[Steelwheelz]

I’m one of the many people waiting for a legit 4” lift kit. But my patience is waning. For those of you with 3.5 kits, how do you rate the Offroad ride quality? Do you feel the struts or arms fully extending, clanking in bumpy off-road conditions? Lots of threads about these kits, but no one has talked about being off-road with them.
I have the ready lift 2 inch leveling UCA kit, and it drives great, just want 2 more inches
I’m less worried about the differential angle, more about wheel travel and extension.
Pic of my truck below.
Thanks

What size wheel offset you running? Tires?



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[fletch7276]

What size wheel offset you running? Tires?



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I’m running ridge grapplers 35x12.5x20 on 20x9 fuel crush wheels, 0 offset. Since my post, I went ahead and put the RL 3.5 kit on the truck. I love the look and height, but I’ve definitely compromised off-road capability. Gone wheeling with it a few times. Wishing I would have spent the additional money on BDS.
I bought some 1” spacers but haven’t installed them yet.

 

[Bluelinebuild]

truck sits perfect!

 

[DavidNJ]

How far did the 35x12.5 tires stick out with zero offset? Do you have a straight front/back picture off the side?

Did you need anything beyond the initial lift (my guess is 2" would be enough) to clear the 35x12.50 tires? You don't have rock sliders, is breakover height an issue? In the BDS kit they lower the front differential. Although it gets a skid plate that also acts as a chassis stiffener and differential mount, the advantage is in angles of approach, departure, and breakover. Are they currently problems?

 

[Derek_Rebel]

I’m running ridge grapplers 35x12.5x20 on 20x9 fuel crush wheels, 0 offset. Since my post, I went ahead and put the RL 3.5 kit on the truck. I love the look and height, but I’ve definitely compromised off-road capability. Gone wheeling with it a few times. Wishing I would have spent the additional money on BDS.
I bought some 1” spacers but haven’t installed them yet.

Just curious, how did it compromise your off roading ability?

 

[jabara572]

The entire reason BDS lowers the front diff is to keep the CV axles at a decent angle. New knuckles correct the tie rod end and control arm angles.

All these spacer/preload kits do is jack your truck up to the top of the suspension articulation (think of tire drooping if you hang it in the air. A non-lifted truck would be middle range, allowing the tire to both compress and extend. Not only are your riding around at the top of your suspension travel, if you flex off road and the tire droops it can droop 2" (or whatever your spacer is) PAST its maximum extension. Also preload spacers like the 3.5" kit "essentially" stiffen the spring so much they make for a very rough ride.

Theres a reason the BDS kit is ~$2,000 more.

 

[fletch7276]

Here is a side view. Tires are almost flush with flare, maybe a few mm sticking out. No mechanical issues, sounds or problems, but yes, travel is almost fully extended...and I knew that going into it... so I can get a clunk easily when driving bumpy fire roads.
I may swap the kit for BDS 4”. Would improve off-road capability immensely but does feels weird spending $2k to make the truck “look” exactly the same. You get what you pay for

 

[Sugar]

How is normal driving with the 3.5 kit? I am debating on which route I want to go. I do not do a lot of off-road so that may not be a huge concern for me.

 

[11B4X4]

OP-

I couldn't agree more. I don't take my truck offroad much but even the on road performance is lacking with the 3.5" RL. I'm holding out for Zone to come out with a 4". The truck rides so rough lifted like it is.

 

[Sugar]

OP-

I couldn't agree more. I don't take my truck offroad much but even the on road performance is lacking with the 3.5" RL. I'm holding out for Zone to come out with a 4". The truck rides so rough lifted like it is.

Thats what I was assuming would happen. I will most likely wait for something else or go with the MOPAR kit.