Leveling Kit

[cRam1500]

I want to level my 2019 ram 1500 bighorn. I was looking at the motofab 3 inch front and 2 inch rear level. But i have been reading that it can really mess up the cv axles and struts. I would definitely be upgrading the control arms but i don't want to spend the money on cv axle spacers or new struts if its not absolute necessary. I do not offroad at all I am just looking for an improved look. Any recommendations?

 

[boogielander]

bilstein 5100s (the lowest cost acceptable choice) + UCA.
Unfortunately, quality UCA (Carli or Thuren) will run you almost $1k. One of my hated brand, Icon, tubular UCA will run you about there as well.

truck parts ain't cheap, especially if you want to do it correctly and not break your truck. If you are having difficulty dropping the coins on Bilstein 5100s... then don't because those spacers kit will definitely result in a more expensive repair bill later.

 

[cRam1500]

bilstein 5100s (the lowest cost acceptable choice) + UCA.
Unfortunately, quality UCA (Carli or Thuren) will run you almost $1k. One of my hated brand, Icon, tubular UCA will run you about there as well.

truck parts ain't cheap, especially if you want to do it correctly and not break your truck. If you are having difficulty dropping the coins on Bilstein 5100s... then don't because those spacers kit will definitely result in a more expensive repair bill later.

I'm actually looking at doing Belltech 4-Inch Height Adjustable Lifting Coil-Over Kit, Zone Offroad 4-Inch Suspension Lift Kit with Nitro Shocks, and ReadyLIFT SST Upper Control Arms for 2 to 4-Inch Lift. Only live once and this isn't too bad, around 3200 before installation cost. I don't know if they are all compatible or not yet.

 

[H2OMAN]

I'm actually looking at doing Belltech 4-Inch Height Adjustable Lifting Coil-Over Kit, Zone Offroad 4-Inch Suspension Lift Kit with Nitro Shocks, and ReadyLIFT SST Upper Control Arms for 2 to 4-Inch Lift. Only live once and this isn't too bad, around 3200 before installation cost. I don't know if they are all compatible or not yet.

Those are all pretty bottom end. BDS is considered the industry standard for lifts. Go with the BDS Fox kit and you'll be good to go.

 

[boogielander]

I'm actually looking at doing Belltech 4-Inch Height Adjustable Lifting Coil-Over Kit, Zone Offroad 4-Inch Suspension Lift Kit with Nitro Shocks, and ReadyLIFT SST Upper Control Arms for 2 to 4-Inch Lift. Only live once and this isn't too bad, around 3200 before installation cost. I don't know if they are all compatible or not yet.

What the waterman said, those are bottom barrel choices.
also understand this, if you want to do 4"+ kits, you will need to cut your lower shock mounts, and that is a path of no return and can (most likely will) drive up your install labor. I'd rather spend that extra money on labor to something like BDS Fox 3" kit (i mean... it's basically just regular Fox 2.5 kit with UCA and rear springs).
4"+ kits will also cause you trouble to find skid plates from legitimate manufacturer as well.

 

[cRam1500]

Those are all pretty bottom end. BDS is considered the industry standard for lifts. Go with the BDS Fox kit and you'll be good to go.

What the waterman said, those are bottom barrel choices.
also understand this, if you want to do 4"+ kits, you will need to cut your lower shock mounts, and that is a path of no return and can (most likely will) drive up your install labor. I'd rather spend that extra money on labor to something like BDS Fox 3" kit (i mean... it's basically just regular Fox 2.5 kit with UCA and rear springs).
4"+ kits will also cause you trouble to find skid plates from legitimate manufacturer as well.

even if i don't do any off-roading at all? i was looking at 4 inch because they all seem to correct the geometry the best.

 

[cRam1500]

Those are all pretty bottom end. BDS is considered the industry standard for lifts. Go with the BDS Fox kit and you'll be good to go.

I don't offroad at all though, closest ill get is dirt roads. and BDS and Zone are sister companies, i thought BDS is just catered towards more offroad tough.

 

[msnyder1112]

That’s a lift, not just a level. Spend the money, do it the right way.
Even with the “the right way”, you better A) learn to repair/service your own truck or B) be okay with paying someone A LOT of money for diagnostics/repairs. With B, understand that area dependent, you may have trouble finding someone cares enough to even want to help with things that come up.
And trust me, things will come up.

 

[cRam1500]

That’s a lift, not just a level. Spend the money, do it the right way.
Even with the “the right way”, you better A) learn to repair/service your own truck or B) be okay with paying someone A LOT of money for diagnostics/repairs. With B, understand that area dependent, you may have trouble finding someone cares enough to even want to help with things that come up.
And trust me, things will come up.

I’m steering away from spacers now. I was looking at the 4” zone with Belltech 4” coilovers in the front and ready lift UCAS

 

[boogielander]

even if i don't do any off-roading at all? i was looking at 4 inch because they all seem to correct the geometry the best.

yes even if no offroading. those kits that you linked still utilizes spacers, all kinds of wrong.

spacers don't ride good, period. i've had seat time on all kinds of suspension setup (perks of being a tech), and any IFS involving spacers ride like junk.

spending all those money and cutting your frame (well, lower arm mount) just to has the stance of a stock 2500 Power Wagon is just pointless, you're better off saving that money by going bilstein 5100s and then get yourself some steak and lobster dinner.

or if you must spend over $3k, do this instead:

https://www.carlisuspension.com/product/dodge/ram-1500/suspension-systems/2019-suspension-systems/commuter-system-2019/

Carli is one of the most reputable, top tier suppliers for Ram applications, not some junk like belltech or zone.

 

[cRam1500]

yes even if no offroading. those kits that you linked still utilizes spacers, all kinds of wrong.

spacers don't ride good, period. i've had seat time on all kinds of suspension setup (perks of being a tech), and any IFS involving spacers ride like junk.

spending all those money and cutting your frame (well, lower arm mount) just to has the stance of a stock 2500 Power Wagon is just pointless, you're better off saving that money by going bilstein 5100s and then get yourself some steak and lobster dinner.

or if you must spend over $3k, do this instead:

https://www.carlisuspension.com/product/dodge/ram-1500/suspension-systems/2019-suspension-systems/commuter-system-2019/

Carli is one of the most reputable, top tier suppliers for Ram applications, not some junk like belltech or zone.

I appreciate your recommendations, this kit

yes even if no offroading. those kits that you linked still utilizes spacers, all kinds of wrong.

spacers don't ride good, period. i've had seat time on all kinds of suspension setup (perks of being a tech), and any IFS involving spacers ride like junk.

spending all those money and cutting your frame (well, lower arm mount) just to has the stance of a stock 2500 Power Wagon is just pointless, you're better off saving that money by going bilstein 5100s and then get yourself some steak and lobster dinner.

or if you must spend over $3k, do this instead:

https://www.carlisuspension.com/product/dodge/ram-1500/suspension-systems/2019-suspension-systems/commuter-system-2019/

Carli is one of the most reputable, top tier suppliers for Ram applications, not some junk like belltech or zone.

where do you recommend to buy the bilsteins from? there are a bunch of sites that carry them. And i know the zone lift uses spacers in the front so thats why i wanted to use 4 inch coilovers in the front so i wouldnt have to use the spacers that come with the kit. Again, thank you for your help!

 

[boogielander]

I appreciate your recommendations, this kit

where do you recommend to buy the bilsteins from? there are a bunch of sites that carry them. And i know the zone lift uses spacers in the front so thats why i wanted to use 4 inch coilovers in the front so i wouldnt have to use the spacers that come with the kit. Again, thank you for your help!

you really want to cut your lower arm mounts on the frame side to run 4" then drop the diff to get the same ground clearance huh... take it from someone who builds trucks, jeeps, and offroad rigs for a living, you don't want to do that.

your local reputable/ trustable 4x4 shop should get you the bilsteins and install them for you. the shop should be able to get bilsteins at wholesale pricing and should (not saying they all will, but most will) give you some discount on the parts as well especially if you have them install it for you. i don't recommend sourcing your own parts and bring to installer to install, because no matter how careful you are, there's always a chance of somebody messing up and you bringing the wrong item. i've dealt with that a few times and it's not a pleasant experience at all... the truck sits on the lift in pieces until correct parts are delivered. Always hate when it happens... one lift occupied waiting for part= one less lift making money. also know that installers usually don't have warranty for customer supplied parts, so if something goes wrong later down the line (not saying Bilsteins will, but with mickey mouse stuff like Zone) you will have to pay labor again to replace it. On the other hand, if shop supplies the parts, it will be on the shop to make it right for you and no additional dimes are needed.

if you're in socal you can pm me for my shop info, we can hook you up. if you still want that zone bs, then sorry we're a legit offroad shop and I have a reputation to uphold, so you'll need to look elsewhere.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

As much as I respect these guys, their scare tactics are crazy!!

Zone is a great company owned by BDS. I've ran their kits with no issues and you are not cutting any shock mounts. You are cutting the crossmember mounts. Please research from other places as these comments are just funny.

I'm not getting into a b*tch session about this. Research research research.

I will say this Spacers are garbage when used for 3.5 and under, do a proper suspension swap. Spacers used with 4+ are fine and no issues because of how the system is set up. Yes a 4" coilover would be best, but make sure different manufactures items will work together, because not all will.

I would recommend the BDS w/ FOX for 3" or many have had good dealings with Rough Country 3.5 w/ M1 upgrade. If you really want to cut the crossmember, I'd bite the bullet for 6".

 

[cRam1500]

As much as I respect these guys, their scare tactics are crazy!!

Zone is a great company owned by BDS. I've ran their kits with no issues and you are not cutting any shock mounts. You are cutting the crossmember mounts. Please research from other places as these comments are just funny.

I'm not getting into a b*tch session about this. Research research research.

I will say this Spacers are garbage when used for 3.5 and under, do a proper suspension swap. Spacers used with 4+ are fine and no issues because of how the system is set up. Yes a 4" coilover would be best, but make sure different manufactures items will work together, because not all will.

I would recommend the BDS w/ FOX for 3" or many have had good dealings with Rough Country 3.5 w/ M1 upgrade. If you really want to cut the crossmember, I'd bite the bullet for 6".

I appreciate your take on all this. With the 3” BDS, does that mess up the geometry a lot? Or is it just minimal and won’t do enough to cause damage? Thanks

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

I appreciate your take on all this. With the 3” BDS, does that mess up the geometry a lot? Or is it just minimal and won’t do enough to cause damage? Thanks

With the 3" you'll be fine with no issues. With coilovers, in time they will need rebuilding, but that will depend on your use and driving over time.

I've ran Mopar 2" Bilstein 5100's, Zone 4" w/ Bilstein 5100's and Superlift 6" w/ Bilstein 6112/5160's and will be eventually installing my BDS 3" w/ FOX adjustable this spring. They have all been great with no issues. Try to get the best, within your budget, but if budget doesn't allow, save up until you can.

As I mentioned, Spacers under 3.5" are a NO NO, unless using on rear, but try to get coils if you can.

 

[mplaramie]

I appreciate your take on all this. With the 3” BDS, does that mess up the geometry a lot? Or is it just minimal and won’t do enough to cause damage? Thanks

With the 3" you'll be fine with no issues. With coilovers, in time they will need rebuilding, but that will depend on your use and driving over time.

I've ran Mopar 2" Bilstein 5100's, Zone 4" w/ Bilstein 5100's and Superlift 6" w/ Bilstein 6112/5160's and will be eventually installing my BDS 3" w/ FOX adjustable this spring. They have all been great with no issues. Try to get the best, within your budget, but if budget doesn't allow, save up until you can.

As I mentioned, Spacers under 3.5" are a NO NO, unless using on rear, but try to get coils if you can.

I've got the BDS 3" and liking it so far. Had it on for about a year (5k miles).

 

[cRam1500]

With the 3" you'll be fine with no issues. With coilovers, in time they will need rebuilding, but that will depend on your use and driving over time.

I've ran Mopar 2" Bilstein 5100's, Zone 4" w/ Bilstein 5100's and Superlift 6" w/ Bilstein 6112/5160's and will be eventually installing my BDS 3" w/ FOX adjustable this spring. They have all been great with no issues. Try to get the best, within your budget, but if budget doesn't allow, save up until you can.

As I mentioned, Spacers under 3.5" are a NO NO, unless using on rear, but try to get coils if you can.

How does running the zone with bilstein 5100s work? Cause don’t they only adjust to 2 3/4”?

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

How does running the zone with bilstein 5100s work? Cause don’t they only adjust to 2 3/4”?

You're still using the spacers that come with 4", but if I was swapping suspension, I wasn't re-using oem garbage struts. 5100 give a more controlled ride and with raising center of gravity, they help with body roll. Plus you can level it slightly more, if you choose. All lifts give a rake like factory.

 

[Jedi9]

I got 3 inches in front with the Bilsteins (quad cab), 2" in the rear with the tuftruck springs and retain a 3/4" rake that doesn't squat with a trailer. My folks were really surprised at the ride comfort, they have a gen 4 Ram. I only had a 1 3/4" rake to start with and had to lift the front more than an inch to slide my butt underneath to change oil, work on the truck. couldn't believe how low these trucks came from the factory. Definitely get some new UCAs.

 

[Steekaa]

Go with the BDS Fox kit and you're good to go.