when people complain about those being too stiff, that simply means they don't know how to adjust the DSC or they never did. Or, they maxed out the front at 3" so suspension travel is reduced, which makes the ride stiffer because the shock cannot compress and rebound as much. Maxing out the front at 3" is a common mistake a lot of people make... they trade "suspension performance" for "looks."
5100s are the baseline for lift kits. Get those and throw a set of quality UCAs and you're good. Steer away from ICONs. We don't carry them at the shop anymore because of quality issues (leaking within 6 months of install) but I've seen the pin tops sheering off (happened quite often), billet UCA sheering off, and premature blown or leaks from customers and friends of friends who run them.
Another cost effective and simple plug and play option is the Ironman 4x4 kit.
Foam Cell Pro 2" Suspension Lift Kit Suited For 2019+ Ram 1500 - Stage 2
Comes with everything you need. They are on sale right now so great time to get them (website listed as out of stock, maybe contact them to see how to proceed)
Alternatively, you can just get the Carli 2.0 Commuter System:
https://www.carlisuspension.com/pro...2019-suspension-systems/commuter-system-2019/
Great package with Carli's tuning and comes with everything you need. No more headache on which additional component you need.
If you want adjustability, Fox 2.5 DSC is the way to go. You DO NOT need to get the BDS kit, just throw a set of UCAs and you're good. With Fox 2.5 DSC, you have the ability to do on and offroad mode. My on-road setting is comfortable for long pavement drive:
- I did a 12 hour drive this past weekend from Grand Canyon North to SoCal and it was comfortable
- I did a 4 days round trip from SoCal to Montana and it was awesome
- Did a 1500 miles round trip last Memorial Day weekend in 3 days, and it was so comfortable it made me yawn
- Did a 1200 miles round trip last Labor Day weekend in 3 days, including pulling an all-nighter and it was so comfortable made me zone out on those long dark highways
- Not to count all those 800-1000 miles weekend trips... all piece of cake
offroad wise, when my friends with BIlsteins or other non-race orientated shocks were struggling with washboards with stuff rattling around in their rigs, I was just cruising along in comfort enjoying the ride. On flatter dirt roads or dirt roads with smaller washboards, I can open it up and hit 60-70 mph and the truck wants more, while my friends top out at 40 or so.
Now, if you carry constant load in the bed, then you will want to invest in some quality rear springs (and rear end links). Carli's multi-rate rear springs are great for that: they are designed to hold up to 500lb constant load without squatting, and even with under 500lb load, they are not too stiff or bouncy either. That's because the incorporated "tender spring" design is built in to absorb the weight.
Also, when running 35s, you need to pay attention to the tire spec and UCA clearance. Make sure you're running at least -12mm offset (or 4.5" backspacing) to clear the UCA, and just trim the plastic fender liner to avoid rubbing. See here:
35x12.5R18 on Performance Orientated Lift - a Overview, Procedure, and Review.
See this for my full review and analysis on the Fox 2.5 DSC:
Fox 2.5 DSC Suspension - A Brief Overview, Procedure, and Review of Proper Suspension Setup
Current setup with Fox 2.5 DSC all around, Carli UCA, Carli Rebel HD Rear Springs, and Carli Rear End Links with ~700lb in the bed (went over the 500lb rating by 200lb)
View attachment 184142
As you can see, no squatting in the back and still sits pretty level
Last year's setup: Same suspension, but with about 300lb in the bed (summer camping load, no camper) and it sat at the same height in the rear
View attachment 184144
