Ramforums

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

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