RAM 1500 Lift Kit Installation — Coil Spring Expertise That Makes the Difference
The RAM 1500 is one of the best platforms in the truck market for a lift. Its independent front suspension with coil springs and coil-spring rear (on 2019+ DT models) or coil-spring front with leaf-spring rear (on Classic and older models) responds beautifully to a well-engineered lift kit. The result is a lifted truck that rides as good as — or better than — stock, with the ground clearance and tire fitment to back up its aggressive looks.
At Godspeed Off-Road, we’ve installed lift kits on every generation of RAM 1500 from the 4th-gen (2009-2018) through the current 5th-gen (2019+) and the RAM Classic that continues alongside it. Each platform has its nuances, and knowing those nuances is the difference between a lift that works and one that creates problems. We know these trucks inside and out.
RAM 1500 Lift Options by Height
2-Inch Leveling Kit: The RAM 1500 comes from the factory with a slight nose-down rake for towing stability. A 2-inch leveling kit brings the front up to match the rear, creating an even stance that fits 33-inch tires without modification. We use ReadyLIFT and Rough Country strut extensions for this application — a clean half-day install that transforms your truck’s look. Read our 2-inch lift guide.
3.5-Inch Lift: The sweet spot for RAM 1500 builds. At 3.5 inches, you’re clearing 35-inch tires comfortably and gaining meaningful ground clearance for trail use. BDS offers an excellent 3.5-inch kit for the RAM 1500 that includes new coilover spacers, radius arm drop brackets, rear blocks or springs, and all hardware. The Rough Country 3.5-inch kit with their N3 shocks is a popular budget option that still delivers solid results. See our 3.5-inch lift breakdown.
4-Inch Lift: Moving into serious territory. A 4-inch lift on a RAM 1500 typically involves a complete strut replacement up front (not just spacers), new rear springs or blocks, drop brackets for the sway bar and brake lines, and extended bump stops. BDS and Fabtech both make excellent 4-inch systems for the RAM platform. At this height, you’ll want to plan for re-gearing if you’re running 35-inch tires or larger. Explore our 4-inch lift guide.
6-Inch Lift: The full transformation. A 6-inch lift on a RAM 1500 replaces the entire front suspension geometry — new knuckles or crossmembers, extended-length coilovers, upgraded control arms, and a complete rear overhaul. This accommodates 37-inch tires and requires a 5.13 regear, extended CV axles, and lengthened brake lines. These are 2-3 day builds that result in a show-stopping truck. Read our 6-inch lift guide.
RAM 1500-Specific Considerations
Air Suspension (2013+): Many RAM 1500s, especially Laramie and Limited trims, come equipped with the factory four-corner air suspension. This system needs to be either retained and calibrated for the lift, or converted to a traditional coilover setup. We can do both — retaining the air ride preserves the auto-leveling and ride-height adjustment features, while converting to coilovers gives you a simpler, more off-road-oriented setup. BDS offers air-ride-compatible lift kits specifically for these trucks.
5th-Gen (2019+) Rear Coil Springs: The current-generation RAM 1500 DT moved to a coil-spring rear suspension with a five-link setup — a departure from the traditional leaf springs used on every previous RAM truck. This rear end rides better than any full-size truck on the market, but it also means the rear lift approach is different: coil spacers or new coils instead of blocks or add-a-leafs. We stock parts for both the new DT platform and the Classic.
Electronic Stability Control: RAM’s electronic stability control system monitors vehicle dynamics and can trigger interventions after a lift if the system isn’t recalibrated. We adjust steering angle sensors and ESP settings as part of every RAM 1500 lift installation to ensure the system works correctly at the new ride height — no false triggers, no warning lights.
Brands We Install on RAM 1500s
Our go-to manufacturers for RAM 1500 lift kits: BDS Suspension (our top pick for 3.5-6 inch lifts — excellent engineering, NX2 shocks), Rough Country (strong value across all lift heights), Fox (performance coilovers and shocks for builds that demand adjustability), Icon Vehicle Dynamics (premium extended-travel systems), and ReadyLIFT (quality leveling and mild lift kits). We match the brand to your budget, your use case, and your RAM’s specific configuration.
Many RAM 1500 lift customers add new wheels and tires during the lift installation to complete the transformation in one shop visit. We also recommend evaluating your bumper and armor needs while the truck is in the shop — it’s more efficient to do everything at once.
Ready to Lift Your RAM 1500?
Call us at (941) 706-0071 or visit us at 2858 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. We’ll assess your truck, match you with the right kit, and build your RAM the way you’ve been imagining it.