Realistic lift <=2" options (Bilstein vs Mopar)

[RedWhite&PatriotBlue]

Maybe someone can shed some light on this, as I've read over 40 pages of different threads and I think I more confused now, than when I started. My truck is a non-ORP Laramie crew cab. I am on the fence between lifting the truck with the 2" Mopar lift, or going with Bilstein 5100s to get <2" and nearly level (I want some rake as I tow and haul). I will be putting larger off road tires, but no bigger than 295/60/20s. I'm not married to that tire, but will at least go 275/60/20s, just don't want rubbing and need better offroad tread.

I am a function over form kind of guy, and the truck does and will see some rutted gravel roads, fire roads, and creek crossings in its life. I would like suspension travel and not just looks. With that being said, I don't need more than 2" of lift to accomplish this, and realistically I think 1"-2" and bigger tires would do the trick. What's the best way to accomplish this goal?

The Mopar lift comes complete, but if I go the Bilstein route, will I need front UCAs? What about track bar re-location? Do I need ORP springs? Anything else I am forgetting?

 

[Doc33]

Also depends on your budget, Bilstein level would be cheaper.

 

[RedWhite&PatriotBlue]

Also depends on your budget, Bilstein level would be cheaper.

I'm ready to pony up to the Mopar lift cost. I'm willing to go up to $1,500 in total cost if need be.

 

[Doc33]

Next question is do you want to lift front and back which the mopar kit does or just level the front with the bilstein?

 

[5thGenLoco]

Bils at 2" in front, 1" rear spacer, you'll have some rake for towing. No need for new uca's or track bar relocation bracket. The Bils ride nearly as smooth as factory but handle bumps and such better.

 

[Cgs1967]

I went with Mopar with Fox shocks. The ride is great.

 

[‘19ramlveryeha]

Bils at 2" in front, 1" rear spacer, you'll have some rake for towing. No need for new uca's or track bar relocation bracket. The Bils ride nearly as smooth as factory but handle bumps and such better.

This is correct. Since non orp you won’t need the ucas. Bilsteins are fantastic. Ride has been great so far. I went with the 285/60r20. A “33.5’” tire. Really once it’s mounted it come out to like 32.75”. But fits the wheel well nicely. Could go to 34” without a problem. You might be able to do 35”.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Doc33]

275/65/20 will also fit with bilstein set at #5 position

 

[‘19ramlveryeha]

275/65/20 will also fit with bilstein set at #5 position

That’s what mine is set to but with orp


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RedWhite&PatriotBlue]

I went with Mopar with Fox shocks. The ride is great.
View attachment 93357

Hot damn, that's the color of my truck as well! What tire size is that?

 

[RedWhite&PatriotBlue]

So a guy could go with just the bilstein 5100s in front and a 1" in spacer in back and that would essentially by the parts needed? I'd likely go ahead and do bilsteins in the back if I take out the shock to add the spacer. With Bilstein's how does the ride compare to stock? I saw 5thGenLoco said "nearly" as good, is there anything that is worth other than maybe a little harsher with bigger tires?

Really appreciate you guys! I love the knowledge in this forum.

 

[BostonBLS]

I have a non-orp laramie. I picked up a set of rebel front bilstein take offs. This will net you a 1" lift in the front. They also came with a 1/2" spacer for a total of 1.5" over stock. But you could leave them out and just get the 1". Also came with the rear bilstein shocks. All of this I paid less than bilsteins, don't have to switch the springs, and it is technically OEM.

Just another option if you can find a set of rebel (or ORP even for non bilstein but still 1" lift) take offs.

 

[5thGenLoco]

So a guy could go with just the bilstein 5100s in front and a 1" in spacer in back and that would essentially by the parts needed? I'd likely go ahead and do bilsteins in the back if I take out the shock to add the spacer. With Bilstein's how does the ride compare to stock? I saw 5thGenLoco said "nearly" as good, is there anything that is worth other than maybe a little harsher with bigger tires?

Really appreciate you guys! I love the knowledge in this forum.

Yes, that is all you'd need although not sure if the stock rears are long enough for the added 1". The Bils are, however. IMO, the stock ride was too soft and had poor rebound control. Much better now with the Bils but, it won't be as soft/sloppy if that is what you're wanting.

 

[RedWhite&PatriotBlue]

Yes, that is all you'd need although not sure if the stock rears are long enough for the added 1". The Bils are, however. IMO, the stock ride was too soft and had poor rebound control. Much better now with the Bils but, it won't be as soft/sloppy if that is what you're wanting.

I think I'm leaning towards this option now. I could get a set Bilsteins and be good to go for what I want vs the entire mopar kit.

 

[DenCoRam]

Like you, I read a lot of threads and had a tough time choosing. I wanted to lift the front, but <2" while improving performance. I settled on the Bilstein 6112 fronts and 5160 rears.

 

[z0n3]

I’d go with bilsteins at setting 4 or 5 probably. Save about a $1000 over the mopar kit for other add ons.

 

[RedWhite&PatriotBlue]

Like you, I read a lot of threads and had a tough time choosing. I wanted to lift the front, but <2" while improving performance. I settled on the Bilstein 6112 fronts and 5160 rears.

How is the ride with your setup? I was looking at the 5100s but do the remote reservoir 5160s make a noticeable difference?

 

[DenCoRam]

How is the ride with your setup? I was looking at the 5100s but do the remote reservoir 5160s make a noticeable difference?

Not really any noticeable difference in ride from stock rebel suspension. Haven't gotten a chance to put it through it's paces in any rough stuff.

 

[RedWhite&PatriotBlue]

After some researching on here and elsewhere, I think I'm going to go with the following (if Bilstein's come back in stock):
- Bilstein 6112 setup
- Icon 1.5" Rear Coil Springs
- Mopar 2" UCA
- Tires 295/60/20
Any concern anyone sees? I'd like to go with the Rough Country UCAs, but they explicitly state 3-3.5" suspension lift installs only. With this setup, I can run 1.5" lift in the rear, and 2.2" lift in front on Bilstein setting #7, and keep roughly 1.3" rake.

Any other UCS recommendations for this setup?

 

[z0n3]

After some researching on here and elsewhere, I think I'm going to go with the following (if Bilstein's come back in stock):
- Bilstein 6112 setup
- Icon 1.5" Rear Coil Springs
- Mopar 2" UCA
- Tires 295/60/20
Any concern anyone sees? I'd like to go with the Rough Country UCAs, but they explicitly state 3-3.5" suspension lift installs only. With this setup, I can run 1.5" lift in the rear, and 2.2" lift in front on Bilstein setting #7, and keep roughly 1.3" rake.

Any other UCS recommendations for this setup?

You can also go with ready lift UCA's. The 2" level kit on amazon is like $375 and you can sell the spacers. Those UCA's will certainly handle 2.2" of lift.