2009+ Ram 1500 2wd - CST Lift & Factory Wheels

A frequent question we receive is... "can I keep my factory Dodge wheels when I install a CST 4" spindle lift" ???

The answer is yes, but only if a factory (or very close to factory) tire size is used. Here are a few pictures of a customers 2009 Ram 1500 2wd truck equipped with the CST 6" lift. This truck is equipped with the CST 6" lift. This lift includes the CST 4" lift spindle, a 2" CST / Daystar coil spring spacer, and a 4" rear lift kit that includes extended length rear shocks...



In this next image you can see the area of concern that we have when running a factory Dodge wheel with oversize tires on a truck equipped with a CST 4" lift spindle. The clearance between the tire sidewall and the CST 4" lift spindle is reduced as you run a wider than stock tire. If you were to install a 12.50" wide tire the tire's sidewall would be VERY close to making contact with the CST spindle. If the tire had an aggressive sidewall the sidewall lugs could easily rub on the upper portion of the spindle. A rubber tire rubbing a 1018 plate steel spindle is going to lose the battle every time. That is why both CST and PerformanceLifts.com state the use of an aftermarket wheel that has LESS back space than the factory wheel is required when running larger than factory tires.



Note the shape of the CST 4" lift spindle. It angles inward toward the center of the truck as it goes up toward the upper control arm ball-joint pocket. This means if you have a larger than 17" diameter wheel, say factory 20's, you can safely increase the tire width slightly over a factory size tire and still have some clearance between the tire sidewall and the CST 4" lift spindle. In some cases we have customers using a very small .250" wheel spacer clearing 305 (12.00" wide) series tires on factory 20" Dodge wheels.




And one more front end angled shot for good measure...




-Jeff

That sits up real nice .

oh man...........I hate you for posting this. I love the stance of that truck

And........I'm ripping off the vinyl between the windows now.

New to the forum and wow! was shocked to see my truck here thanks for the compliments,Performance lift,is a company that will help you out before and after the sale, most places have forgotten that, I have sent numerous e-mails to them and they respond and help, I was a little unsure about this lift at first, but after getting it and installing it, the ride is GREAT, it is not harsh or jarring like my older truck with only a 3 inch lift, since these pictures were taken i have 305/55/20 on there now, THEY DONT RUB AT ALL.......not a little, not at full turn, not backing up, no spacers or anything just bought them and put them on, I cant say that about any other brand but 305/55/20 Nitto Terra Grapplers dont rub in the front on mine at all ,get this kit and get it put on , you will be amazed how good the ride remains and how TALL it is, thanks to Performance Lifts for all the help. I have attached pictures of the new tires to show how they look on there, thanks again.

welcome over Bullram!

Thanks man, I saw you here this morning, looks like a great place.

JJ you have comp now

company? LOL - there's a few 4th genners on here. Not enough!

0212353 said:

.I'm ripping off the vinyl between the windows now.

Click to expand...

??? You mean you have black vinyl covering those pillars?

yeah.....and I left mine on.

I woulda ripped that off hella quick, show that silver buddy!

eh......if I did - tomorrow I'd want it back on. Up in the air on it!

Looks good either way, I didnt even know it was vinyl so what does that tell you?

AWE Daniel said:

Looks good either way, I didnt even know it was vinyl so what does that tell you?

Click to expand...

that you don't know jack about 4th gens? LOL - just playin

Yeah, its on there nice and smooth!

Dude I barely know anything about 3rd gens lolz, any ways back on topic, the lift looks sweet!

BULLRAM said:

New to the forum and wow! was shocked to see my truck here thanks for the compliments,Performance lift,is a company that will help you out before and after the sale, most places have forgotten that, I have sent numerous e-mails to them and they respond and help, I was a little unsure about this lift at first, but after getting it and installing it, the ride is GREAT, it is not harsh or jarring like my older truck with only a 3 inch lift, since these pictures were taken i have 305/55/20 on there now, THEY DONT RUB AT ALL.......not a little, not at full turn, not backing up, no spacers or anything just bought them and put them on, I cant say that about any other brand but 305/55/20 Nitto Terra Grapplers dont rub in the front on mine at all ,get this kit and get it put on , you will be amazed how good the ride remains and how TALL it is, thanks to Performance Lifts for all the help. I have attached pictures of the new tires to show how they look on there, thanks again.

Click to expand...

Where in Texas are you Bullram?

Hopefully we can get some over her from the other place.......
I live south on 288 towards Lake Jackson