Adding 1 more inch

[JohnProvident]

Just wanted to see some opinions. I have an ORP with Bilstein 5100 shocks front and back. So I technically have an overall 3 inch lift. I have the 5100s in the back too. My control arms are good for up to 4 inches so I was thinking about adding 1 inch spacers front and back to get that last inch of lift.

Thoughts and opinions?
I’m not worried about the ride quality I’m curious of the health of the truck doing this.

 

[PurpleRT]

Terrible idea… its not just the control arm angles to worry about its also the angle of the cv axles along w/ other components. Once you go over 3 inches you need to get into one of the more pricier lift kits that will drop and relocate the differential, correct the pinion angle etc.

 

[JohnProvident]

Terrible idea… it’s not just the control arm angles to worry about it’s also the angle of the cv axles along w/ other components. Once you go over 3 inches you need to get into one of the more pricier lift kits that will drop and relocate the differential, correct the pinion angle etc.

The reason I asked about this is because I had seen others on this forum say once you get passed 4 inches is when you have to worry about that.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Max 3.5 Front, plus Bilstein doesn't recommend using spacers with their lift struts. 4" and above needs a differential drop. Spacers are garbage on the front anyways with IFS.

 

[JohnProvident]

Max 3.5 Front, plus Bilstein doesn't recommend using spacers with their lift struts. 4" and above needs a differential drop. Spacers are garbage on the front anyways with IFS.

Well thank you both for the input I will not be adding one more inch lol. I’m glad I asked.

 

[PurpleRT]

Maybe it was after 3.5 but I wouldn’t dare play it that close not worth the trade off.

 

[JohnProvident]

It’s hard to find this info online. I’m just curious all what you actually have to do to lift your RAM lets say 5 or 6 inches?

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

It’s hard to find this info online. I’m just curious all what you actually have to do to lift your RAM lets say 5 or 6 inches?

Proper lift kit that cuts the crossmember up front to drop differential and longer knuckles to keep CV axles in proper alignment. Same with anything 4" and above.

All the parts pictured,

4 Inch Lift Kit | Ram 1500 (19-24) 4WD

BDS steps up the performance and capability of the 2019-2024 RAM 1500 trucks with a 4-inch suspension lift kit. Designed to improve stance, performance, and capability, this kit includes everything necessary to set your truck up right with clearance for up to 35" tires This kit takes advantage...

bds-suspension.com

 

[JohnProvident]

Proper lift kit that cuts the crossmember up front to drop differential and longer knuckles to keep CV axles in proper alignment. Same with anything 4" and above.

All the parts pictured,

4 Inch Lift Kit | Ram 1500 (19-24) 4WD

BDS steps up the performance and capability of the 2019-2024 RAM 1500 trucks with a 4-inch suspension lift kit. Designed to improve stance, performance, and capability, this kit includes everything necessary to set your truck up right with clearance for up to 35" tires This kit takes advantage...

bds-suspension.com

One day…

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

One day…

I've had 4" and 35's, 2" and 35's which got swapped to 6" and 37's on 4th Gen. Now I'm sticking with BDS 3" w/ Fox 2.5's on 35's.

 

[Davidbt]

One day…

It's kinda like owning a Jeep. Just Empty Every Pocket.

 

[SD Rebel]

I think Carli stated 2.5" is the max they would go with the RAM's suspension, but they are probably a bit conservative. I'm assuming that 2.5" is the max before drop-down kits need to be installed.

 

[JohnProvident]

I think Carli stated 2.5" is the max they would go with the RAM's suspension, but they are probably a bit conservative. I'm assuming that 2.5" is the max before drop-down kits need to be installed.

Yea im at 3” right now and I haven’t had a single issue. But this is where I’ll leave it for now

 

[SD Rebel]

Yea im at 3” right now and I haven’t had a single issue. But this is where I’ll leave it for now

Absolutey. Carli usually pretty conservative, I'm sure it's about wear on certain components which you probably wouldn't see for many thousands and thousands of miles, if at all.

 

[JerryBsizzle]

Yea im at 3” right now and I haven’t had a single issue. But this is where I’ll leave it for now

Yea man don't do it. IMO you are tempting fate with even 3", but if you are good hopefully it stays that way. Once you go with a 4" or 6" lift there is no going back stock. Here is a good illustration of an OEM steering knuckle on the left and a BDS 4/6 knuckle on the right. I use my stock control arms on the 6" lift (they suck though and will upgrade to something beefier).

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

BDS does 3" with no issues, same as Eibach. RC does 3.5, but I've heard of both BDS Fox coilovers and Eibach coilovers have some adjustability for 3.5 MAX. I wouldn't push it past there.

 

[boogielander]

the correct way to do this would be trade in your truck with IFS and get a 2500 with solid axles. That way, you don't have to worry about CV, UCA, messing up your frame with no additional benefit, and using spacers on IFS.