Bad Lift?

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Hero6

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1998
Engine
5.9
Hello all,

I recently bought (cheap) a 1999 Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L I have questions about the current lift that is on it. It doesn't handle too well and have thought about just buying a new lift and having a professional install it. Has 37s and probably will go with 35s afterwards to help with drive ability...not really going to be an off-road rig, just on occasion. Anyhow, just want someone to look at what is currently on it and give me their opinion on what is currently on there. I have read that stacking blocks is bad, looks like that is what i have on the back....Not sure what is going on with the front, it looks like a mess. Looks like some sort of home-made bracket was welded to the frame. Is there anything reasonable I can do to fix the lift that is on here, or is it too bad and I need to start over...thanks for any suggestions...

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DodgeDude99

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That’s a Skyjacker track bar drop bracket. The track bar is probably shot.
It’s an obviously piece together lift somehow. That truck looks familiar, I remember seeing it with Ground Hawg tires years ago on PavementSucks.

That’s some sorts of long arm kit, maybe a Fabtech or **** Cepek.

The double stack blocks have got to go.

If it were me, I would ditch the inverted Y steering linkage for the inverted T off the ‘02 2500’s ( it will bolt right in).
Replace the shocks, ball joints, hub bearings, source an aftermarket style track bar, & at least an add a leaf for the rear.
The steering stabilizer is a band aid for anything and not needed. I didn’t run one my ‘99 Ram w/37”s not my K5 w/40”s with no issues. If the chassis parts are tight & good quality you don’t need it.
 

Gr8bawana

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Talk about a hack job! :superhack: I especially like the rope holding who knows what.
I think you should just start over with a new correct lift kit and have it done professionally if you don't have the tools and know-how.
 
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Hero6

Hero6

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Kind of what I was thinking, starting over...Looks like the rope is holding the tranny lines out of the way...what is the thing highlighted in the attached picture? Looks like it was homemade and welded onIMG_6900-800x600-800x600.JPG
 

Gr8bawana

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Can't tell what that is. That crappy exhaust needs to go as well. I also see more rope on the front end, holy ****!
 

Charles.rogers1

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looks pretty much exactly like my 5in rough country lift aswell, also using stacked lift blocks, drop sway bar brackets that look the exact same.. so if you start over dont go rough country cause it looks the exact same! as for the 02 steering i'll have to look into that aswell!
 
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Hero6

Hero6

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Any idea what size lift is on here now? Was guessing about 8 inches. Looks like while waiting on funding for the lift kit, I am going to replace the ball joints, as they look really bad. Don't know if new ball joints will help tighten up the front end "wander' any. Also going to adjust the steering box slightly to see if i can tighten up some of the steering wheel slop. I assume once the ball joints are replaced, an new (adjustable) track bar will tighten up the "wander" problem in the front end as long as my tie rods are good?
 
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cb torque

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Hi, new to the forum here...Similar question...can anyone identify this lift? Rides fine but looks crappy. Was thinking of putting the Rough Country dual front stabilizer set up on the front but don't know if it will fit. Any help is appreciated (1996 1500 4x4)

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dodge dude94

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Honestly looks like an old Skyjacker or Rough Country lift that has seen better days.
 

ouch1011

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With the angle on the steering drag link, it's never going to handle well. There will always be awful bump steer. Needs a drop pitman arm.
 
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