Axle flip help

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

04BlueDevil

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Posts
9
Reaction score
4
Location
Nashville
Ram Year
2004
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Hello. I'm new to the forum. Recently bought a 2004 Dodge Ram SB w/5.7Hemi. I bought an 6" axle flip kit. Shopping for shocks. Any pointers, info, and advice on any of it will be greatly appreciated.
 

Redtruck-VA

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Posts
5,864
Reaction score
984
Location
Virginia
Ram Year
2003 & 1989 D250 RWD
Engine
Hemi-5.7, 5.9 12v & 24v diesel
Have you notched your frame? For a 6" drop you'll need to. As for shocks I measured the travel and length I needed and went to the Monroe shock chart and selected one that fit my requirements. Good luck..
 

HemiBabe

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2010
Posts
7,214
Reaction score
921
Location
DFW
Ram Year
2004
Engine
Hemi
I have the Belltech Street Performance shocks, don't get the Nitro Drop II's they are way too soft
 
OP
OP
04BlueDevil

04BlueDevil

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Posts
9
Reaction score
4
Location
Nashville
Ram Year
2004
Engine
5.7 Hemi
What is the lowest I can go without notching the frame?
 

usaf2006

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2014
Posts
4,518
Reaction score
1,572
Location
Augusta, GA
Ram Year
2008
Engine
Hemi 5.7
2/4.5 from what I heard. Poss 5 but I think that cuts it too close.... no pun intended. Haha nice truck btw... is it 4x4? I was looking into a 2/4 drop from moes but they all say 2wd. I emailed them but didnt get a response. Any thoughts on if they would or not work for my 4x4? Was looking at the 2/4 drop for $409
 

Redtruck-VA

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Posts
5,864
Reaction score
984
Location
Virginia
Ram Year
2003 & 1989 D250 RWD
Engine
Hemi-5.7, 5.9 12v & 24v diesel
Yes, 2"- 4-1/2" drop is generally considered the lowest you can go without a notch. I recommend reading about Timbren springs to use for bump stops as they help eliminate frame slap.
 
OP
OP
04BlueDevil

04BlueDevil

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Posts
9
Reaction score
4
Location
Nashville
Ram Year
2004
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Thanks for the advise. Im gonna send the axle flip back. Will 2" shackles level it? Eventually Im going with the 2/4 drop kit. All the trucks on here with that set up look great.
 

RamRod37

2014 Ram 2500 HD 5.7 Hemi
Joined
Jun 28, 2014
Posts
478
Reaction score
504
Location
Georgetown TN
Ram Year
2014
Engine
5.7L Hemi
Thanks for the advise. Im gonna send the axle flip back. Will 2" shackles level it? Eventually Im going with the 2/4 drop kit. All the trucks on here with that set up look great.

My 2005 1500 QC is 3 higher In rear and the total travel is 5 inchs on mine I wanted to go 2-5 drop on mine but don't want to notch frame I still use it to tow so since shackles only go to two inchs I'm going to use belltech 3 drop springs to level mine with air helper bags for when towing they are 187.00 Each but Ill Get it level
 

Redtruck-VA

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Posts
5,864
Reaction score
984
Location
Virginia
Ram Year
2003 & 1989 D250 RWD
Engine
Hemi-5.7, 5.9 12v & 24v diesel
More than a few tow with the bolt in notch kits. I have a 3/8" plate welded on the back that even makes it stronger than just the original kit. That section of the frame is stronger than the rest of the frame IMO.

This is just bolted in. Before being fully welded.
zpin.jpg
I'm not encouraging you to cut on your truck, but don't think it is a weak spot.
 

RamRod37

2014 Ram 2500 HD 5.7 Hemi
Joined
Jun 28, 2014
Posts
478
Reaction score
504
Location
Georgetown TN
Ram Year
2014
Engine
5.7L Hemi
Not trying To Start A Argument but Yes That Does Make Frame Weaker Than Stock Just To Make A Point Take A Say a 2x4 Is 24 Inchs Long now take a 2x2 24inchs long now both laying across a brick standing up one under each end now hit both with a 8lbs Sledge Hammer Which One You Think Will Break The 2x2 Because it Half The Height of the 2x4 same with the frame rail you have a 2x4 with a 2x2 right in the middle of the span which makes that a weak spot anyway iv got a gooseneck hidden hitch mounted to my frame right there so I cant do that anyway but point being its a weak spot
 

Redtruck-VA

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Posts
5,864
Reaction score
984
Location
Virginia
Ram Year
2003 & 1989 D250 RWD
Engine
Hemi-5.7, 5.9 12v & 24v diesel
Not trying To Start A Argument but Yes That Does Make Frame Weaker Than Stock Just To Make A Point Take A Say a 2x4 Is 24 Inchs Long now take a 2x2 24inchs long now both laying across a brick standing up one under each end now hit both with a 8lbs Sledge Hammer Which One You Think Will Break The 2x2 Because it Half The Height of the 2x4 same with the frame rail you have a 2x4 with a 2x2 right in the middle of the span which makes that a weak spot anyway iv got a gooseneck hidden hitch mounted to my frame right there so I cant do that anyway but point being its a weak spot

You make an excellent point except the frame is not solid and the notch kit is made of thicker plate then the OEM frame material plus I added a fully welded in 3/8" back plate to box the inside of the notch kit. Unfortunately our frames material is not that thick and relies on being boxed rather than metal strength. But with that said I don't recommend anyone cutting their frame and thinking it is better in anyway other than to provide axle clearance. The added back plate I made I think should be offered with the kit, but then it wouldn't be a bolt-in kit any longer. The bottom line is if you drop more than 4-1/2" you will need additional clearance of a notch.. Good luck with whatever folks choose.
 

RamRod37

2014 Ram 2500 HD 5.7 Hemi
Joined
Jun 28, 2014
Posts
478
Reaction score
504
Location
Georgetown TN
Ram Year
2014
Engine
5.7L Hemi
You make an excellent point except the frame is not solid and the notch kit is made of thicker plate then the OEM frame material plus I added a fully welded in 3/8" back plate to box the inside of the notch kit. Unfortunately our frames material is not that thick and relies on being boxed rather than metal strength. But with that said I don't recommend anyone cutting their frame and thinking it is better in anyway other than to provide axle clearance. The added back plate I made I think should be offered with the kit, but then it wouldn't be a bolt-in kit any longer. The bottom line is if you drop more than 4-1/2" you will need additional clearance of a notch.. Good luck with whatever folks choose.

True Being boxed in does help
 
Top