Free Guide To Ram 1500 Suspension Lift Kits

Understanding RAM 1500 Suspension Systems and Lift Kit Basics

The RAM 1500 is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks in North America, with over 500,000 units sold annually. Like all vehicles, the RAM 1500 sits at a manufacturer-determined height designed for on-road comfort, towing capacity, and safety. A suspension lift kit is an aftermarket modification that raises the vehicle's body and frame above the factory suspension components. Learning about these systems helps truck owners understand what changes occur when modifications are made.

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Factory RAM 1500 suspension uses a coil spring independent front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension. The front ride height from the ground to the wheel well typically measures around 33-35 inches depending on the model year and trim level. The rear height measures approximately 32-34 inches. These measurements affect not only appearance but also the vehicle's center of gravity, approach angles, and how weight distributes across the suspension components.

Suspension lift kits work by replacing or extending existing suspension components. The most common types include body lifts, suspension lifts, and combination systems. Body lifts raise only the truck bed and cab while leaving the frame and axles in place. Suspension lifts raise the actual suspension components, creating more ground clearance and often improving off-road capability. Understanding these differences matters because each type affects the vehicle differently in terms of performance, ride quality, and component wear.

The RAM 1500's specific suspension configuration means that modifications interact with existing systems in particular ways. For example, lifting a RAM 1500 can affect driveline angles, brake line tension, and how the transmission shifts under load. Owners who understand these mechanical relationships can make more informed decisions about which lift height works for their needs and what supporting modifications might be necessary.

Practical Takeaway: Before exploring lift options, familiarize yourself with your specific RAM 1500 model year's factory suspension measurements and component types. This baseline information allows you to understand what different lift heights actually change about your truck's geometry and function.

Types of RAM 1500 Lift Kits and Their Characteristics

Body lift kits represent the most straightforward modification option. These systems use spacers installed between the frame and the body, typically raising the truck between 1 and 3 inches. A popular example is the ReadyLIFT body lift, which costs between $300 and $600 depending on lift height. Body lifts don't affect the suspension's ride quality because the suspension components themselves don't change. However, they do increase the distance between the frame and body, which some owners use to fit larger tires underneath.

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Suspension lifts involve replacing springs, shocks, and sometimes control arms with aftermarket versions designed to sit taller. These kits typically range from 2.5 to 6 inches of lift. A 3-inch suspension lift for a RAM 1500 might cost between $1,200 and $2,500 depending on component quality and brand. Suspension lifts do affect ride quality because they change how the springs and shocks work together. Many owners report that quality suspension lifts actually improve ride smoothness on rough terrain by allowing better wheel articulation.

Combination lifts pair a body lift with a suspension lift, allowing total raises of 4 to 8 inches or more. This approach gives maximum ground clearance while distributing the height gain across both systems. Some owners choose a 2-inch suspension lift combined with a 2-inch body lift to achieve 4 inches total without the harshness that sometimes comes from a single 4-inch suspension lift.

Specific RAM 1500 lift kit manufacturers include BDS Suspension, Rough Country, Skyjacker, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics. Each brand uses different approaches. BDS kits often feature coil-over shocks that many drivers find provide better handling. Rough Country kits tend toward more budget-friendly pricing. Icon kits target serious off-road trucks and use high-end materials. Comparing specifications across brands reveals differences in shock dampening, spring rates, and included components like extended brake lines and differential drop brackets.

Practical Takeaway: Research your intended lift height first, then compare kits from multiple manufacturers at that height. Different brands achieve the same lift through different component combinations, affecting cost, ride quality, and long-term durability. Reading user reviews of specific kits helps identify real-world performance differences.

Planning Your Lift Kit Installation and Vehicle Modifications

Proper planning prevents expensive mistakes and ensures your RAM 1500 lift kit works as intended. The first step involves determining your actual lift goals. Do you want to fit larger tires? Improve off-road capability? Simply raise your truck's appearance? These questions matter because they directly influence which kit type makes sense. A truck primarily used on highways might benefit from a modest 2-inch suspension lift, while a truck used for off-road recreation might justify a 4 to 6-inch system.

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Tire size compatibility represents a critical planning consideration. Factory RAM 1500 trucks typically come with 18 or 20-inch wheels wearing all-season tires. A 2-inch lift usually allows 33-inch tires to fit with minor modification. A 4-inch lift typically accommodates 35-inch tires. A 6-inch lift supports up to 37-inch tires. However, each tire size increase affects speedometer accuracy, fuel economy, and transmission shift points. For example, upgrading from 33-inch to 35-inch tires reduces fuel economy by approximately 3 to 5 percent and can reduce horsepower by 15 to 25 horses due to increased rolling resistance.

Additional modifications often become necessary once a lift kit is installed. Extended brake lines are typically required, costing $150 to $300. Driveline angles may need correcting through differential drop kits ($200 to $400). Longer shocks might be needed for the rear lift gate, costing $50 to $150. Some owners add reinforced control arms or upgraded ball joints to handle the stress of a lifted suspension, adding $400 to $800 to the total project cost. These supporting modifications often determine whether a lift system functions smoothly or creates handling issues.

Your RAM 1500's model year matters significantly for compatibility. A lift kit designed for 2019-2024 trucks won't fit 2009-2018 models due to suspension geometry differences. Even within a generation, different trim levels sometimes use different suspension components. A RAM 1500 Classic model uses different suspension than a modern generation RAM 1500. Always verify your specific model year and trim level against kit compatibility information before purchasing.

Practical Takeaway: Create a detailed project plan listing your lift kit, all supporting modifications needed, and realistic total costs. Budget for professional installation ($500 to $1,500) unless you have significant mechanical experience. A complete plan prevents discovering mid-project that additional expensive modifications are suddenly necessary.

Installation Methods: DIY Versus Professional Service

Installing a lift kit ranges from straightforward to complex depending on the system type. Body lifts represent the simplest option, requiring basic hand tools and 3 to 5 hours of work. The process involves lifting the truck on jack stands, removing bolts that connect the body to the frame, inserting spacers at each connection point, and reinstalling bolts. Many mechanically-minded owners complete body lifts in their driveways. YouTube videos from manufacturers like ReadyLIFT provide step-by-step visual guides for this process.

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Suspension lifts demand more expertise because they involve removing and replacing springs, shocks, and sometimes control arms. A 3-inch suspension lift typically requires 8 to 12 hours of work. Specific steps include: removing wheels and tires, disconnecting the front suspension from the frame, compressing the existing springs, removing old springs and shocks, installing new components in reverse order, then adjusting everything to ensure proper alignment. A single missed step or component installed backward can create unsafe handling or component failure. This complexity is why many owners choose professional installation even when they're generally mechanically capable.

Professional installation shops typically charge $1,000 to $2,000 in labor for suspension lift kits, though some shops charge by the hour at rates of $75 to $150 per hour. This cost buys expertise, proper tools, and warranty coverage if something goes wrong. Professional shops have alignment racks that ensure the truck handles correctly after installation. They can identify and address additional modifications needed, like driveline angle correction, that DI