Lifting my truck (BDS 5" long arm) share some advice please

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

Hi all. I am lifting my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD. (current picture below)

]

After a little reading on these forums, I am buying the BDS 5" Long Arm lift kit.

My local mechanic says he can take care of lifting it for me, no problem. I still want to check with the pros here on the forums and get your advise on anything I should do besides just buying the lift kit and having it installed?

I have read things such as: leveling kits, new axles, bigger tires, etc. I have an average budget (about $5k) and it looks like the kit + install will cost me around $2500. This means I have around $2500 left to spend on other upgrades.

Any thougsts, advice, tips will be greatly appreciated.

BBartow · Dec 17, 2015

That kit is for a 4x4

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

Guess that is the best tip I could have received at this point

Is there a similar kit for 2WD? This is the kit I was looking at, it doesnt specify 4x4 or 2WD, please confirm: http://bds-suspension.com/product?ma=2&mo=16&ty=13&yr=2000-2001

BBartow · Dec 17, 2015

Yep definitely for a 4x4.

How high are you looking to go? Or more importantly what size tire are you trying to fit?

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

BBartow said:
That kit is for a 4x4

I dont want to question your knowledge because it is obviouls beyond mine but the BDS website does not state if it is 2WD or 4x4 specific. Are you certain of this? I would hate to buy it and it not be compatible.

BBartow · Dec 17, 2015

The whole front of the kit wouldn't work, but just to reassure you

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

BBartow said:
Yep definitely for a 4x4.

How high are you looking to go? Or more importantly what size tire are you trying to fit?

thank you. I am looking to lift it 4"-5". I am not certain of my current tire size but plan to replace them along with getting the lift. Do you have a recommendation? I am looking at the rough country website now. What should I consider in getting the lift kit and new tires? I appreciate your attention to this.

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

dapepper9 · Dec 17, 2015

Here ya go
Doetsch Dodge Ram 1/2 Ton Lift Suspension Kit

BBartow · Dec 17, 2015

Doetsch Tech and Fabtech are the only ones I know of that make big kits for 2WDs

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

dapepper9 said:
Here ya go
Doetsch Dodge Ram 1/2 Ton Lift Suspension Kit

Hey, thanks pepper. The 6/3 lift kit (kit#62059) seems like what I am looking for in terms of height.

My truck is all stock at the moment, will I need to purchase anything else besides this kit? (NOTE: I plan to replace the tires along with getting the lift)

I appreciate your time.

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

Please also help me understand what "6/3" and "5/2" etc. means. I assume 6" lift, 5" lift, but what about the second number? thanks.

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

Merc225hp · Dec 17, 2015

6/3 = 6" lift for the front and 3" for the back. And yes rear gear ratio should be changed out to match your tire size.

dapepper9 · Dec 17, 2015

6/3 means 6" up front and 3" in back.

Edit: Merc sniped me!

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

thanks gentleman. As a final confirmation, I can buy the 6/3 kit here (http://doetsch-shocks.com/16.asp), replace my tires, and change the rear gear ratio to match the new tire size and I am good to go? You guys are great, cant wait to share before/after with you.

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

Merc225hp · Dec 17, 2015

Hummm how much u wanna spend cause we can spend it for u very fast lol.

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

Merc225hp said:
Hummm how much u wanna spend cause we can spend it for u very fast lol.

Merc, I have about $4000 that I want to spend comfortably. I can extrend that some if I need to. What do you have in mind?

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

dapepper9 · Dec 17, 2015

Merc225hp said:
Hummm how much u wanna spend cause we can spend it for u very fast lol.

That we can!

Tires: depends, we all have preferences and are influenced by checkbook as well, pricing depends on tire selected and size

Gears: there are brand preferences but general consensus is $1000 average per axle (you're 2wd so only one) to have em installed. Don't do it yourself unless you've done it before or can afford to have the truck down for an extended length of time and are very mechanically inclined
33s=4.10s
35s=4.10s-4.56s
37s=4.56s-4.88s (if you can find 4.88)

Merc225hp · Dec 17, 2015

JohnRBurke2 said:
Merc, I have about $4000 that I want to spend comfortably. I can extrend that some if I need to. What do you have in mind?

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

Do it right as a package not just a lifted truck.

Mopar M1 intake Approx $600
New heads Approx $700
Cam approx $350
Headers approx $400
Sct tuner. approx $600
Other goodies approx $400

JohnRBurke2 · Dec 17, 2015

Merc225hp said:
Do it right as a package not just a lifted truck.

Mopar M1 intake Approx $600
New heads Approx $700
Cam approx $350
Headers approx $400
Sct tuner. approx $600
Other goodies approx $400

are these prices for the parts or approx price to have a shop install them? I do not imagine I will be doing much of the work myself. My mechanical experience ranges from a major tune-up and replacing a wiper motor

I imagine those ideas will make the truck perform better?

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

Merc225hp · Dec 17, 2015

Those are just parts prices no labor included.

Hell yeah they will........

Lots of good people here that can teach u and walk you through the work involved.

Lifting my truck (BDS 5" long arm) share some advice please

Junior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page