My lowering parts list so far -

fljab said:

For my '17 1500 standard cab short bed.

I've been reading and paying attention. I know threads asking what parts to use are all over the place, but I've yet to find one with a comprehensive list to knock about and discuss, so thought I'd do it here. A 2/4 drop is plenty for me and just the right amount, so not interested in 3/5, or just a rear leveling kit.

I have the lowest optioned Tradesman with a 5.7 because it was cheap, has a warranty, and I'll have it payed off in a year, so there's room in the budget to make it my version of a sport truck. I want to put together a complete package for a sorted out, well handling truck. I don't tow by habit, but do occasionally and also might throw a big motorcycle in the bed from time to time, thus the Airlift helper bags.

I'm still looking for OEM take off wheels to complete the lowered look, but not to get too far off topic, here is the parts list I've gleaned so far from this forum:

Beltech spring only 2/4 kit p/n 964 $299.98 Summit

Bilstein 4600 front shocks, unsure which application; for Ford F150? >$77.97/$155.94 Summit

Bilstein 5100 rear shocks $73.97 ea, $147.94 Summit

(4) Bilstein replacement bushings BSN-2202G $3.97 ea/$15.88 Summit

(4) Bilstein replacement bushings BSN-E4R01Z008C58 $4.97 ea/$19.88 Summit

Illicit no cut brackets (do I have to modify the rear axle mounts?) $500 Illicit

Hellwig rear sway bar kit HEL-7709 $211.78 Summit

Airlifter air bags (for the rear) - Airlifter 1000 system p/n#60824 (for more than 4" drop?); Airlifter p/n#60818 stock for Ram 60824 = $87.99; 60818 = $87.04 Summit

Below, not sure of if or what I need from this list; please help me clarify:


Cutter-Up is a small shop that specializes in high horse diesel suspension components,Rob has started to branch out into our 1/2 ton world lately.Anything you buy from Cutter-Up is fairly substantial,and you'll never break it,lol.You can find them on facebook

> Cutter up or Spohn rear sway bar and Cutter up rear upper and lower control arms and track bar- I'm a bit confused on these. Many complain that the Spohn line is junk. Cutter up - make yourself, or is this a small high end manufacturer/shop?

> (?) Offset upper ball joints

> (?) Drop spindles

Not including offset ball joints/drop spindles (if needed), and control arms/track bar, the total so far comes to $1439.39! Wow. I know there are vendors on Ramforum that could probably do better on pricing, but still with adding at least track and control arms, plus paying for installation, I can see the total going north of $2K easily. I'm not afraid to spend the money to do it right and want to get all the parts that will do that, but also don't want to just throw money at it and have things I don't need. Make sense?

Any thoughts/experience etc you can offer here would be appreciated. I'm not in a hurry to get this done, but do want to start buying parts when I can. TIA

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N1ck said:

Look into QA1 shocks, the Bilstiens are for factory height, I’m sure they will work but will be outside of their optimuim range. Also you’ll want the Cherokee / Durango Airlift kit, or fits perfect into the 4” drop springs.

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razor1 said:

Hey fljab, did you get your truck at Titusville Ram?

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razor1 said:

awesome, that's where I got mine. I have done everything your going to do to yours already. Only thing I didn't do was the lower arms, they are less than 1/8 " from stock if your using the Illicit brackets. I get in that area almost every month , in Frontnac.

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N1ck said:

Look into QA1 shocks, the Bilstiens are for factory height, I’m sure they will work but will be outside of their optimuim range. Also you’ll want the Cherokee / Durango Airlift kit, or fits perfect into the 4” drop springs.

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Gary's Hemi said:

The Bilstein 5100 rear shocks in this pic are the same exact height extended & compressed as the Belltech Street Performers. I installed them after my 30,000 mile Belltechs were done for. Much better ride & handling. Just need to install the bushings in the summit order picture due to the shocks coming w/ too small of bushings/sleeves.

Also I have 2" Belltech springs up front w/ stock height factory replacement Bilstein 4600's up front. Have had them fro 30,000 miles. Great shocks for a lowered set up. They help take bump steer & body roll out if the lowered set up
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