Any Ridetech users here?

[Alter Ego Trip]

I've looked through about every thread and have yet to see a 5th gen running Ridetech. I ended up with the black sheep Ram that disqualifies itself from most options (4x4 Etorque with 22's) according to Beltech and Maxtrac.

I looked at the IHC kit, but I don't love the idea of a 3" upper and lower on a 4x4 and I really don't want to go down the road of the cut kit. I'd love a drop spindle but don't want to have to fork out extra money for new hubs on a brand new truck.

So this has led me to Ridetech. It's the most expensive of the kits by a considerably amount, but I'm not opposed to it if I can keep close to the same ride quality while improving handling. I also like the fact I can independently adjust each corner for the exact attitude I want (I actually prefer a slight rake due to the Ram looking like it's nose high when bang on level). The rear cut kit looks way less involved as well. I'm planning on ending up somewhere around a 2.5/4 or 3/4.

I was just hoping some other members have tried this out and can provide some feedback on quality of parts, installation gremlins if any, and overall daily ride quality. I'd just hate to shell out $3,500 bucks and end up hating it. The much cheaper option is the Maxtrac front struts, rear 2" lowering spring, core 4x4 links, belltech bump stop, qa1 shocks, and adjustable panhard bar. I actually have everything but the 2" lowering springs, and talking with Maxtrac, they seem to think the 2" spring on the E torque would be closer to a 3" drop. I just don't know if I'll love the ride quality and the front struts are still suspect to me.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Me. I only used the front coil-overs and rear shocks because I have Timber Grove bags in the rear. But, I’m sure the entire kit rides fairly similar.

Rock Crawler’s Build

2022 1500 Laramie - Crew Cab - 2WD - 6’ 4” Bed - Granite Crystal Metallic - 5.7L V8 Hemi - Anti-Spin Diff / 3.92 Rear Axle - 33 Gallon Fuel Tank - Night Edition - Laramie Level 2 Equipment Group - Bed Utility Group - Advanced Safety Group - Trailer Tow Group - Technology Group - Rear Wheelhouse...

5thgenrams.com

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

Thanks. I was hoping to find someone running the entire kit, as rear dampening differences will definitely make a difference over all. From you experience, seeing as it appears you've tried a couple different lowering kits; how would you say the front ride tech compares to factory in terms of ride quality. I thought I read that you said when you were running just the fronts, it wasn't a noticeable difference compared to the Maxtrac kit? If that is the case; seeing as I have the Maxtrac struts already, I may be better served to just install those, cut the rear bump stops off, and toss in my Qa1 rear shocks and the Maxtrac leveling springs. I've just heard a lot of people complain about the RQ of the Maxtrac kit, and the fact the tires rub on the fender liners over large dips on the highway. Our roads suck around here, so having a good kit is important.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Thanks. I was hoping to find someone running the entire kit, as rear dampening differences will definitely make a difference over all. From you experience, seeing as it appears you've tried a couple different lowering kits; how would you say the front ride tech compares to factory in terms of ride quality. I thought I read that you said when you were running just the fronts, it wasn't a noticeable difference compared to the Maxtrac kit? If that is the case; seeing as I have the Maxtrac struts already, I may be better served to just install those, cut the rear bump stops off, and toss in my Qa1 rear shocks and the Maxtrac leveling springs. I've just heard a lot of people complain about the RQ of the Maxtrac kit, and the fact the tires rub on the fender liners over large dips on the highway. Our roads suck around here, so having a good kit is important.

The ride with Ridetech is quite a bit different than factory. The factory suspension on these trucks is pretty soft. Mine rode like a Cadillac when it was factory. Now, ride quality is obviously a personal perspective. I’d say a little stiffer, more responsive suspension is better. Especially on a lowered truck. I found the front Maxtrac setup to be fairly soft like factory suspension. I’m sure that is why it rubbed the fender liners. Others have not experienced that issue and I’m not sure why, or how. I was considering moving the clip on the strut to raise the truck up a little, but decided to just go with the Ridetech setup. I have not experienced the rubbing issues yet with the front Ridetech coil-overs. I will say the Ridetech is definitely a stiffer ride. I’m not saying it’s bad, just stiffer. Just driving straight down the road, there is some difference, it’s just not huge. I do feel bumps a little more. The cornering is night and day difference with the Ridetech front coil-overs and Ridetech rear shocks. I’m going to give it a little longer and then lower the rebound adjustment a few clicks on all four to see how the ride changes. I wish that the Ridetech kit offered compression adjustments as well, but they only offer rebound adjustments. I’m satisfied with the ride. It is a lowered tuck, which will never ride like a stock truck. I can’t see anyone being disappointed with the Ridetech kit, unless they expect it to ride like a factory truck. Throw on the struts you have, grab some rear lowering springs, get an alignment done and try that for a while. The springs should be pretty cheap. If you don’t like it after driving it for a while, get the Ridetech kit and sell your other stuff.

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

Of course, I would expect a lowered truck to have a stiffer feel. You cannot reduce travel distance and keep the same ride quality. There are some kits that are considerably better than others however. I have heard the belltech kits ride extremely rough compared to others brands, so I just didn't want to end up going a direction that ended with poor results. I'm OK with a sporty ride, not a rough ride, if that makes sense. I got my fill from my lowered SRT Jeep lol.

I agree with you on the compression rebound. I initially looked into Beltechs coil over kit that offered both, but for some reason they say it won't work with E torque vehicles, which makes 0 sense to me. They say the front suspension is different, but I can't find anything in the schematics that shows a differentiation between E torque and non E torque. I know the 22's have different hubs, but that has zero bearing on strut attachment. I could see them saying the additional weight would cause issues with the coil over being sprung differently, but I would think that would apply more to the rear than the front, and I don't see how that would be any different than riding around with an extra passenger anyways. The entire e torque system adds 90 lbs to a hemi, so I don't see how this would cause any issues with any kit (Maxtrac says their rear springs ride an inch lower with E torque trucks). If their springs are that weak, I don't think I'd want to go that direction anyways. That means throwing my dirtbike in the bed would drop the back over an inch? Seems like a lot.

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

So interesting enough; the planets aligned today. My Fox rep was in today and we were chatting about some lifted truck options and I mentioned they should play more in the lowered truck world. I told him I was looking at doing a Ride Tech kit on my truck and he just happened to be driving a truck they just got finished installing one on.

I got a chance to take it for a quick spin up the road which was super helpful. The kit itself is top notch. I was a bit surprised with the ride quality; it was definitely a bit stiffer than stock. While not quite as stiff as my lowered Jeep, it was quite a bit firmer than OEM. We have some pretty rough back roads, and the rear is stiff enough that the back end would dance around a bit over some rougher areas. Now I have no idea was the compression settings were at, so take some of this with a grain of salt. I would have loved to have had some time to tweak the settings and drive it around a bit. I absolutely love the look of this truck, the quick pic I snapped didn't do it much justice. I would kill to be able to track down a set of side skirts. You can find them for Silverados and older Rams, but nothing for the 5th gens sadly. This is a one off piece that they won't sell directly to the public.

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

Well I broke down and ordered the ride tech kit. After looking at the install issues with the Beltech rear end relocation; I don't want to go down that road. I also really like being able to independently level each corner to account for E torque/fuel, etc. Shooting for a 3/4 drop (Ridetech recommends 2" front drop is ideal to keep within best working range of strut, but I want a bit more than that, so it will be what it will be).

I'll post some thoughts in a few weeks when I get it installed.

 

[Tinscrew]

Well I broke down and ordered the ride tech kit. After looking at the install issues with the Beltech rear end relocation; I don't want to go down that road. I also really like being able to independently level each corner to account for E torque/fuel, etc. Shooting for a 3/4 drop (Ridetech recommends 2" front drop is ideal to keep within best working range of strut, but I want a bit more than that, so it will be what it will be).

I'll post some thoughts in a few weeks when I get it installed.

Cool. Curious minds will want to know. Good luck.

 

[Rock Crawler]

So interesting enough; the planets aligned today. My Fox rep was in today and we were chatting about some lifted truck options and I mentioned they should play more in the lowered truck world. I told him I was looking at doing a Ride Tech kit on my truck and he just happened to be driving a truck they just got finished installing one on.

I got a chance to take it for a quick spin up the road which was super helpful. The kit itself is top notch. I was a bit surprised with the ride quality; it was definitely a bit stiffer than stock. While not quite as stiff as my lowered Jeep, it was quite a bit firmer than OEM. We have some pretty rough back roads, and the rear is stiff enough that the back end would dance around a bit over some rougher areas. Now I have no idea was the compression settings were at, so take some of this with a grain of salt. I would have loved to have had some time to tweak the settings and drive it around a bit. I absolutely love the look of this truck, the quick pic I snapped didn't do it much justice. I would kill to be able to track down a set of side skirts. You can find them for Silverados and older Rams, but nothing for the 5th gens sadly. This is a one off piece that they won't sell directly to the public.

Yup, that’s the Black Widow SR650 Ram 1500. Apparently all body parts on the truck are made by them specifically for that truck. I’ve contacted them about the front bumper and they will not sell any of the parts from their truck to the public.

Black Widow SR650

Only seen lifted off road versions, never street. Would love to have the body kit off this thing...

5thgenrams.com

 

[Rock Crawler]

Well I broke down and ordered the ride tech kit. After looking at the install issues with the Beltech rear end relocation; I don't want to go down that road. I also really like being able to independently level each corner to account for E torque/fuel, etc. Shooting for a 3/4 drop (Ridetech recommends 2" front drop is ideal to keep within best working range of strut, but I want a bit more than that, so it will be what it will be).

I'll post some thoughts in a few weeks when I get it installed.

Start a build thread for your truck in the members truck section after you get started. This will give a way to follow your build.

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

Yup, that’s the Black Widow SR650 Ram 1500. Apparently all body parts on the truck are made by them specifically for that truck. I’ve contacted them about the front bumper and they will not sell any of the parts from their truck to the public.

Black Widow SR650

Only seen lifted off road versions, never street. Would love to have the body kit off this thing...

5thgenrams.com

He mentioned they have been toying with the idea of selling parts separately. I understand why they don't but AEV went that direction, and haven't really cannibalized their normal sales. I think they'd make more profit going that direction and I don't really see anyone suddenly not buying their pre built trucks because someone is running around with just the front bumper lol.

 

[Rock Crawler]

He mentioned they have been toying with the idea of selling parts separately. I understand why they don't but AEV went that direction, and haven't really cannibalized their normal sales. I think they'd make more profit going that direction and I don't really see anyone suddenly not buying their pre built trucks because someone is running around with just the front bumper lol.

What pre-built trucks? They have all but completely disappeared. I cannot find any information online about them after the first few popped up for sale at Black Widow authorized dealers. Not even on their own website. I guess maybe it is now a custom order only truck? You give them your new truck, plus $50K in cash and you get a Black Widow SR650? I agree that it would not hurt their sales if you could buy some of the body parts. I guess they just want the exclusivity. Bummer!

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

I'm in MT so we only stock lifted Rocky Ridge and Widows. I didn't even know they offered lowered trucks till now lol.

I about fell over when he quoted me the price on the 650. I think the lifted trucks are a horrible investment, but that version makes zero sense.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Well I broke down and ordered the ride tech kit. After looking at the install issues with the Beltech rear end relocation; I don't want to go down that road. I also really like being able to independently level each corner to account for E torque/fuel, etc. Shooting for a 3/4 drop (Ridetech recommends 2" front drop is ideal to keep within best working range of strut, but I want a bit more than that, so it will be what it will be).

I'll post some thoughts in a few weeks when I get it installed.

If I was lowering, I would of made same choice with Ridetech.

 

[ridetech_ben]

Hey guys! I'm Ben from Ridetech and I am actually the lead development engineer of the Ram kit! Came across this forum and thought I would chime in a little bit.

Seems like the largest concern of any drop is ride quality... And I could not agree more! Ridetech's main goal in developing this kit was to get these trucks low, but not at the mercy of any sacrifices. I mean when you pay $50-$60k for a new truck that drives amazing from the factory, the last thing you want to do is kill that ride quality. My experience driving multiple of these lowered trucks- WOW! We were able to achieve our desired stance and performance goals with, in my opinion, actually increasing ride quality by eliminating the "floating" feeling of the stock suspension and replacing it with a responsive system ready to carve corners or cruise the interstate. I think everyone will be very pleasantly surprised by how much a difference the rebound adjustment on our monotube shocks does for ride quality. The SR650 trucks are built to be the ultimate sport truck, so they are tuned to be a little sportier. A few clicks of adjustment on rebound, and boom, you will be met with the ride quality you were after.

Not to mention, our 4-link bars with our R-joint technology in them will allow you to lay the best burnouts without any axle hop... but I digress... Please reach out with any other questions! I am very proud of this kit that our team developed and how it turned out! Happy 4th!

 

[ridetech_ben]

And news just in....
Hennessey running Ridetech! Only the best for the best!

 

[Rock Crawler]

So, I assume that Black Widow dropped the SR650 and Hennessey picked it up and called it the Mammoth 400? Nice truck. Hopefully one day they will make some of those body parts available to the public…………..at a reasonable price.

RAM 1500 Sport Truck Upgrade - Hennessey Performance

The MAMMOTH 400 RAM 1500 sport upgrades by Hennessey are the best warranty-guaranteed RAM 1500 upgrades and modifications.

www.hennesseyperformance.com

 

[Alter Ego Trip]

Good to hear Ben. Ride is subjective so you'll get an old guy's perspective in a couple weeks.

 

[ridetech_ben]

Can't wait to hear back on what you think! We have just started to see the sales pick up for it, so I am excited to hear the feedback as guys get the system installed. If I didn't just get my 2017 Rebel where I want it and my newborn twin boys + 21 month old daughter at home, I'd have a 5th gen on our kit no doubt!

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Can't wait to hear back on what you think! We have just started to see the sales pick up for it, so I am excited to hear the feedback as guys get the system installed. If I didn't just get my 2017 Rebel where I want it and my newborn twin boys + 21 month old daughter at home, I'd have a 5th gen on our kit no doubt!

I promote the setup on RAM pages when I see others asking about lowering.