FOX 3.0 shocks for RAM 1500 2023

[jason ross]

Hey guys,

Has anyone fitted FOX 3.0 Shocks to their RAM? I currently have FOX 2.5 DSC fitted at the moment. I want to move that's set up to my other Ram (same gen) and try the FOX 3.0.

Thanks

 

[H2OMAN]

They don't make them for Ram. You would have to do a lot of customization to get them fitted.

 

[boogielander]

they don't make them for us because our coilover buckets will not fit 3.0s.

to fit them, you will need to do a full custom job:

• remove stock coilover bucket and weld in a wider/ bigger coilover bucket - that's a custom fabrication item.
• replace UCA - most likely custom fabrication since the dimensions are different
• Give your suspension geometry and spec to Fox, and order full custom solution.

At that point, you might as well add in LCA and custom frame hoops for bypasses as well. You can probably retain the spindle though, and you might as well get fiberglass fender as well.

The rear is easy completely doable without much custom fab required. But at that point, you might as well swap the arms and all the lines for more travel and add limit straps.

Understand this:
3.0" shocks don't necessary add MORE travel. It holds more fluid so heat doesn't do that much of damage to the fluids.
If you're looking for actual performance gain, consider revalving/ tuning to get better shock compression and rebound, and up the spring rates in the front a bit more for better compression when landing from a jump. These are all things that are much more cost effective than doing a full custom fab work.

 

[FrostyGym]

So, trade in your 1500 for an RHO or TRX and get a multitude of 3.0 offerings designed for that specific platform.

 

[H2OMAN]

So, trade in your 1500 for an RHO or TRX and get a multitude of 3.0 offerings designed for that specific platform.

Those come with active Bilsteins. There is no reason to change them out. You can't get better. and you would lose the active program.

 

[boogielander]

So, trade in your 1500 for an RHO or TRX and get a multitude of 3.0 offerings designed for that specific platform.

yes.

and regarding the bilsteins... of course you can get better than those with tuned Kings.
They ran a TRX with built 2500s on full Thuren catalogue before in the DTX group... stock TRX couldn't even keep up with the slowest HD in the fast group through the whoops.

that's precisely why Thuren is working on King applications for those - the RHO application is on their shop RHO already and being perfected - 3.0 in the front, 3.5 with bypass in the rear.

 

[H2OMAN]

High-performance hydraulic or large-body passive racing shocks are technically available. But good luck with that. If you have the Active suspension on the TRX, RHO, or Raptor. You have the best there is unless you have piles of cash.

 

[jason ross]

they don't make them for us because our coilover buckets will not fit 3.0s.

to fit them, you will need to do a full custom job:

• remove stock coilover bucket and weld in a wider/ bigger coilover bucket - that's a custom fabrication item.
• replace UCA - most likely custom fabrication since the dimensions are different
• Give your suspension geometry and spec to Fox, and order full custom solution.

At that point, you might as well add in LCA and custom frame hoops for bypasses as well. You can probably retain the spindle though, and you might as well get fiberglass fender as well.

The rear is easy completely doable without much custom fab required. But at that point, you might as well swap the arms and all the lines for more travel and add limit straps.

Understand this:
3.0" shocks don't necessary add MORE travel. It holds more fluid so heat doesn't do that much of damage to the fluids.
If you're looking for actual performance gain, consider revalving/ tuning to get better shock compression and rebound, and up the spring rates in the front a bit more for better compression when landing from a jump. These are all things that are much more cost effective than doing a full custom fab work.

Thanks man, very informative. I did a deep drive since posting, and saw that Kings have some good custom options which are comparable to Fox 3.0.

I have reached to Kings and hope to hear something soon. Ill be sure to add a post once i have a solution.

Thanks

 

[jason ross]

So, trade in your 1500 for an RHO or TRX and get a multitude of 3.0 offerings designed for that specific platform.

Where i am from a TRX is $65,000 USD more. and for $65,000 I could build a truck far greater then a TRX. On top of the money lost on trading it in. Its cost effective if I just upgrade the suspension with a custom job. RHO's sound like go cart.

 

[H2OMAN]

Where i am from a TRX is $65,000 USD more. and for $65,000 I could build a truck far greater then a TRX. On top of the money lost on trading it in. Its cost effective if I just upgrade the suspension with a custom job. RHO's sound like go cart.

That's what I did.

 

[FrostyGym]

Where i am from a TRX is $65,000 USD more. and for $65,000 I could build a truck far greater then a TRX. On top of the money lost on trading it in. Its cost effective if I just upgrade the suspension with a custom job. RHO's sound like go cart.

I don't disagree; the used market does have TRX's for mid 70's pending mileage. It was meant more as a though experiment of costs.
The Ram 1500 and most traditional half ton pickup trucks are very limited in front travel and with the IFS setup really don't yield much past OEM even with longer travel shocks. (I'm aware of removing the sway bar). I would fair venture that a factory designed long travel setup is a superior start point for an extreme performer than a standard 1500 which has 8 inches of front suspension travel. I've seen Carli Kings grant another inch requiring longer brake lines to get you 9 inches.
I came from 4RUNNER's which have way more suspension options which include secondary shock sets, and I still find it frustrating that we are so limited.

Dirt King has offered a long travel set of upper and lower control arms, CV axles and such. Allows for 13.5" of suspension travel. Mind you this is for the 4th Gen Ram as most companies stopped developing these kits for the 1500 once the TRX hit the market. I don't doubt these kits can be retrofitted to the 5th Gen.

Next pursuit for guys is getting 37's to fit their setup and most aren't aware that in 2019 Ram started friction welding the carrier bearings in the diff to make re-gearing a real challenge for getting responsiveness back. AEV stopped all support for Ram 1500 and when I asked them why, they said "ask the 4th gen customers".

I'm aware of the limitations of my truck but love what it offers overall. My goal has and still is to get similar performance from my Rebel as a Gen 1 Raptor which is lofty as I'm limited on suspension travel.

Carli published really good articles on what it took to develop suspension for the 5th Gen 1500. Adjectives like "tight" and "binding" were common.

I hope you find a way and create a great write up of how you did it.

 

[boogielander]

Thanks man, very informative. I did a deep drive since posting, and saw that Kings have some good custom options which are comparable to Fox 3.0.

I have reached to Kings and hope to hear something soon. Ill be sure to add a post once i have a solution.

Thanks

you can contact Thuren too.
they are the King 2.5 body but entirely different valving so it's a direct bolt on swap.

 

[boogielander]

I don't disagree; the used market does have TRX's for mid 70's pending mileage. It was meant more as a though experiment of costs.
The Ram 1500 and most traditional half ton pickup trucks are very limited in front travel and with the IFS setup really don't yield much past OEM even with longer travel shocks. (I'm aware of removing the sway bar). I would fair venture that a factory designed long travel setup is a superior start point for an extreme performer than a standard 1500 which has 8 inches of front suspension travel. I've seen Carli Kings grant another inch requiring longer brake lines to get you 9 inches.
I came from 4RUNNER's which have way more suspension options which include secondary shock sets, and I still find it frustrating that we are so limited.

Dirt King has offered a long travel set of upper and lower control arms, CV axles and such. Allows for 13.5" of suspension travel. Mind you this is for the 4th Gen Ram as most companies stopped developing these kits for the 1500 once the TRX hit the market. I don't doubt these kits can be retrofitted to the 5th Gen.

Next pursuit for guys is getting 37's to fit their setup and most aren't aware that in 2019 Ram started friction welding the carrier bearings in the diff to make re-gearing a real challenge for getting responsiveness back. AEV stopped all support for Ram 1500 and when I asked them why, they said "ask the 4th gen customers".

I'm aware of the limitations of my truck but love what it offers overall. My goal has and still is to get similar performance from my Rebel as a Gen 1 Raptor which is lofty as I'm limited on suspension travel.

Carli published really good articles on what it took to develop suspension for the 5th Gen 1500. Adjectives like "tight" and "binding" were common.

I hope you find a way and create a great write up of how you did it.

ay I came from 5th gen 4runner lol
ran stock Kings with adjusters on mine and changed the spring rates and it was already a performer. i couldn't keep up with gen 2 raptors because of the weight and lack of power. drove customers' LT 4runners and GX and yes they are awesome on dirt but no good on pavement.

the reason why 5th gen Rams are not getting all the support is not because TRX came out, but because the DT people are not willing to spend the money unlike the Toyota crowd. Lots of DT guys are just about looks than actual performance, that's why you see all these 4"+ trucks. Then there are the people who are buying cheap stuff like RC/ Rancho etc or even junk spacer lifts. DK (or Camburg, forgot which one) said it's in development since 2019.
I know there are custom welded kits available in small quantities and require some test fitting and perfection, but I'm set on getting a 2500 and do Thuren Predator Kit ($20k+ all said and done) instead of sinking more money into my current truck to help build and develop something that majority of community doesn't appreciate. The demand is just not there. And the LT axle is currently the biggest hurdle that I see.
And that's the thing: people who want to do high speed stuff are on HD platforms, trussing their axles and running Thuren tuned 3.0, 3.5/ or even 4.0 Kings with trussed axles and other welded support parts.

oh and 37s on 3" lift is totally doable with 3.92. Even regearing there are already small quantities of shops/ techs who figured out how to do it. Just need more trimming than my current aggressive trimming job that I've done on my truck. There are quite a few near me who are running 37s already and I had the opportunity to direct trade my 35s for 37s a few weeks back, but the spare situation held me back - can't fit 37s at the spare location.

but besides all that, I am at the same boat as you. my truck currently does everything that I want it to do: the range, the overlanding capabilities, the boogie in the desert, etc. But certainly there are rooms for improvement that only a Power Wagon on 37s with Thuren Predator Kit can fill lol

 

[FrostyGym]

ay I came from 5th gen 4runner lol
ran stock Kings with adjusters on mine and changed the spring rates and it was already a performer. i couldn't keep up with gen 2 raptors because of the weight and lack of power. drove customers' LT 4runners and GX and yes they are awesome on dirt but no good on pavement.

the reason why 5th gen Rams are not getting all the support is not because TRX came out, but because the DT people are not willing to spend the money unlike the Toyota crowd. Lots of DT guys are just about looks than actual performance, that's why you see all these 4"+ trucks. Then there are the people who are buying cheap stuff like RC/ Rancho etc or even junk spacer lifts. DK (or Camburg, forgot which one) said it's in development since 2019.
I know there are custom welded kits available in small quantities and require some test fitting and perfection, but I'm set on getting a 2500 and do Thuren Predator Kit ($20k+ all said and done) instead of sinking more money into my current truck to help build and develop something that majority of community doesn't appreciate. The demand is just not there. And the LT axle is currently the biggest hurdle that I see.
And that's the thing: people who want to do high speed stuff are on HD platforms, trussing their axles and running Thuren tuned 3.0, 3.5/ or even 4.0 Kings with trussed axles and other welded support parts.

oh and 37s on 3" lift is totally doable with 3.92. Even regearing there are already small quantities of shops/ techs who figured out how to do it. Just need more trimming than my current aggressive trimming job that I've done on my truck. There are quite a few near me who are running 37s already and I had the opportunity to direct trade my 35s for 37s a few weeks back, but the spare situation held me back - can't fit 37s at the spare location.

but besides all that, I am at the same boat as you. my truck currently does everything that I want it to do: the range, the overlanding capabilities, the boogie in the desert, etc. But certainly there are rooms for improvement that only a Power Wagon on 37s with Thuren Predator Kit can fill lol

Hey real Talk here... When you first installed the FOX did it render any additional down travel front and rear over stock? Mine appears very minimal even with the new UCA's. I'm getting the Carli Brake lines and sway bar links but may not if it isn't necessary.
I've seen guys run C and D rated 37's on here this forum. 100% agree that most Ram owners prefer spacers/ looks over suspension. That's what I meant when I referenced AEV not carrying any support for us anymore.

 

[justinv13]

Don't sleep on the bilstein 8112 option. If you want the performance of a king 3.0 internal bypass shock, the 8112's are the closest you can get in a bolt on assembly.

 

[KichoRebel]

I don't disagree; the used market does have TRX's for mid 70's pending mileage. It was meant more as a though experiment of costs.
The Ram 1500 and most traditional half ton pickup trucks are very limited in front travel and with the IFS setup really don't yield much past OEM even with longer travel shocks. (I'm aware of removing the sway bar). I would fair venture that a factory designed long travel setup is a superior start point for an extreme performer than a standard 1500 which has 8 inches of front suspension travel. I've seen Carli Kings grant another inch requiring longer brake lines to get you 9 inches.
I came from 4RUNNER's which have way more suspension options which include secondary shock sets, and I still find it frustrating that we are so limited.

Dirt King has offered a long travel set of upper and lower control arms, CV axles and such. Allows for 13.5" of suspension travel. Mind you this is for the 4th Gen Ram as most companies stopped developing these kits for the 1500 once the TRX hit the market. I don't doubt these kits can be retrofitted to the 5th Gen.

Next pursuit for guys is getting 37's to fit their setup and most aren't aware that in 2019 Ram started friction welding the carrier bearings in the diff to make re-gearing a real challenge for getting responsiveness back. AEV stopped all support for Ram 1500 and when I asked them why, they said "ask the 4th gen customers".

I'm aware of the limitations of my truck but love what it offers overall. My goal has and still is to get similar performance from my Rebel as a Gen 1 Raptor which is lofty as I'm limited on suspension travel.

Carli published really good articles on what it took to develop suspension for the 5th Gen 1500. Adjectives like "tight" and "binding" were common.

I hope you find a way and create a great write up of how you did it.

This is my dream too!
I want to "dance" with a TRX or a Raptor. Not to beat them, I know that will require us to add a long travel custom suspension.
I've been breaking my head daily, doing research for about 2 weeks now, and haven't found a perfect option for me.
I think the most advance coilover today is the 8112 Bilsteins, but I can't figure out a way to be at 4 inch lift without losing their performance.
Don't get me wrong, I do like the looks of the 4 inch but more importantly, when going on trails, before being at 4 inches I just hit too many rocks that others didn't hit.

I was about to pull the trigger for the BDS 5 inch lift with FOX 2.5 and no strut spacer, so the only way to make the lift would be to have the longer coilover and provide more travel. AI said an average of 11 inches compared to the 9 I think we have.
It would be what I was looking for BUT I don't want to sit that high for fear of a rollover on the dunes. I would love to be at a 4 inch for both worlds.

I think we can also ask Kings for a custom length coilover, honestly I haven't asked them yet for info.

Carli setup seems to also be the next best thing after the Bilsteins 8112s but again, at least for me, I want a little more lift.

I did contact Dirt King about their long travel suspension, but for now, nothing in the near future. I gues we have to keep asking so that they start thinking there is business.

 

[boogielander]

Hey real Talk here... When you first installed the FOX did it render any additional down travel front and rear over stock? Mine appears very minimal even with the new UCA's. I'm getting the Carli Brake lines and sway bar links but may not if it isn't necessary.
I've seen guys run C and D rated 37's on here this forum. 100% agree that most Ram owners prefer spacers/ looks over suspension. That's what I meant when I referenced AEV not carrying any support for us anymore.

oh yeah. when i put the truck on the lift and raise it, it takes the posts to go more before the tires leave the ground. i think i was able to get 8" of droop or something in the front, with the preload at fox factory settings (aka, maybe about 2" lift over non Rebel/ non ORG, 1" lift over Rebel/ ORG) Carli advertises 9" of droop.
the rear was even more. then after I came back from Alaska and noticed my spring sagged from the weight and all the high speed runs I've done, I swapped springs and traded some droop for ride height. Now I am at 3" over non Rebel and non ORG.
I remember because I was super surprised when I saw it.

the rear end link is definitely highly recommended but even at my current full droop my front brake lines are still with slack.

 

[boogielander]

This is my dream too!
I want to "dance" with a TRX or a Raptor. Not to beat them, I know that will require us to add a long travel custom suspension.
I've been breaking my head daily, doing research for about 2 weeks now, and haven't found a perfect option for me.
I think the most advance coilover today is the 8112 Bilsteins, but I can't figure out a way to be at 4 inch lift without losing their performance.
Don't get me wrong, I do like the looks of the 4 inch but more importantly, when going on trails, before being at 4 inches I just hit too many rocks that others didn't hit.

I was about to pull the trigger for the BDS 5 inch lift with FOX 2.5 and no strut spacer, so the only way to make the lift would be to have the longer coilover and provide more travel. AI said an average of 11 inches compared to the 9 I think we have.
It would be what I was looking for BUT I don't want to sit that high for fear of a rollover on the dunes. I would love to be at a 4 inch for both worlds.

I think we can also ask Kings for a custom length coilover, honestly I haven't asked them yet for info.

Carli setup seems to also be the next best thing after the Bilsteins 8112s but again, at least for me, I want a little more lift.

I did contact Dirt King about their long travel suspension, but for now, nothing in the near future. I gues we have to keep asking so that they start thinking there is business.

going 4" does not net you more travel, unless you do custom coilovers.
BDS and other brands that make 4"+ kits all require cutting your UCA mounts to fit the diff drop bracket, and none of them advertise any scientific numbers. So the only logical conclusion is: they trade travel for ride height. Higher ride height = less travel, since your coilover is the same length, there's nothing added.
That is precisely why all those trophy trucks do not have tall ride heights.

Even if you manage to get yourself a set of shocks that accommodate for higher ride heights (4"), you'll be limited to the same droop because your CV axle is now your constrain (assuming you got the spindles and the UCA).

here's a fact: you do NOT need LT to "dance" with TRX or raptors in the suspension department. You need a set of properly tuned King or Fox and you'll be able to do it. (Powertrain is another department that's not part of this discussion)

Marketing and advertisement materials indicate 8112 ZC is on King or Fox level, but my real world experience tells me they are overly exaggerated. Carli setup is great, but it is not as great as most people would think. Carli works for 80% of the people whose talents and skillset are the limiting factor, so it feels like Carli works. But for the 20% of the people who have more talents and skills (aka, the OG guys of Dodge Truck Extreme - who ran deserts for the past 10+ years and are/ were involved in suspension development for Carli and Thuren), Thuren is the answer.

So, instead of messing with longer shocks and trying to chase 3.0 performance, pick up the phone, call Don Thuren at Thuren Fabrication and tell him you want a set of Kings with his most aggressive tuning. Then tell him you want the arms and end links and everything else. And when he asks what you want to do, tell him you want to dance with raptors and TRX in the suspension department. He'll get you straight with least amount of headache and thinking on your part.

 

[justinv13]

going 4" does not net you more travel, unless you do custom coilovers.
BDS and other brands that make 4"+ kits all require cutting your UCA mounts to fit the diff drop bracket, and none of them advertise any scientific numbers. So the only logical conclusion is: they trade travel for ride height. Higher ride height = less travel, since your coilover is the same length, there's nothing added.
That is precisely why all those trophy trucks do not have tall ride heights.

Even if you manage to get yourself a set of shocks that accommodate for higher ride heights (4"), you'll be limited to the same droop because your CV axle is now your constrain (assuming you got the spindles and the UCA).

here's a fact: you do NOT need LT to "dance" with TRX or raptors in the suspension department. You need a set of properly tuned King or Fox and you'll be able to do it. (Powertrain is another department that's not part of this discussion)

Marketing and advertisement materials indicate 8112 ZC is on King or Fox level, but my real world experience tells me they are overly exaggerated. Carli setup is great, but it is not as great as most people would think. Carli works for 80% of the people whose talents and skillset are the limiting factor, so it feels like Carli works. But for the 20% of the people who have more talents and skills (aka, the OG guys of Dodge Truck Extreme - who ran deserts for the past 10+ years and are/ were involved in suspension development for Carli and Thuren), Thuren is the answer.

So, instead of messing with longer shocks and trying to chase 3.0 performance, pick up the phone, call Don Thuren at Thuren Fabrication and tell him you want a set of Kings with his most aggressive tuning. Then tell him you want the arms and end links and everything else. And when he asks what you want to do, tell him you want to dance with raptors and TRX in the suspension department. He'll get you straight with least amount of headache and thinking on your part.

I've never tried thuren or carli, but I had accutune custom valve a set of fox 2.5's on an old 2011 silverado and that was an incredible experience. With the sway bar disconnected on that truck, the ride was excellent and I could not find any negatives. If carli or thuren are as good as their reputation, then they are an excellent option.

On my '24 ram I started with off the shelf King 2.5(accutune wouldn't valve them for our trucks because they have never done one). They fell short in a couple departments, but they definitely increased wheel travel. I'm currently running the 8112's up front with kings on the rear and it is very good, but still not perfect like my 2011 silvy. The 8112's do have less travel than the kings, but they definitely perform better in almost every way. From the driver's seat, they make it feel as though there is 10-11"of travel instead of 8-9", in my opinion.

Question for Boogie: have you had any issues with your front cv axles on your current setup? That was something I was concerned with on the King's. Also, do you ever run with a disconnected sway bar? I assume not since you run around with a load typically, but I find the ride far superior with both disconnected in an unladen truck.

In conclusion, if you want an easy quick buy option, 8112's are excellent, but I have no doubt that custom valving could ultimately be the best option. In addition, if ground clearance is high on the priority list, 8112's are not going to keep up with Fox and King. Just my 2 cents...