Well I've decided

[Phylodog]

I started a thread recently asking about whether to go 6.4 or 6.7 in a 2500 and I've decided to go 6.7. I think I've got a handle on the increased costs of buying and maintaining it and it doesn't concern me. I test drove one last week and I was sold. I've wanted a diesel forever and I don't think I'm going to regret it. It isn't the best time to be looking for a 2500 as the 2019s haven't been released and the supply of 2018s is a bit thin but my dealer has located one that I'm hoping to buy next week. Soooooo.........

What do I need to know?

While I'd love to delete it and tune it I don't think it would be prudent until I no longer have a warranty. I plan to talk to the dealer as to their feelings about deleting and if they're ok with it I'll start down that road but if not it'll have to wait a few years. She's gonna have to come off the ground a bit (I'm thinking 4" lift) and wear bigger shoes (more than likely 35's). I can't say money is no object but I plan to keep this one a loooong time so I don't mind spending the money to do things right up front. Just curious to hear from the experienced owners about recommended upgrades, mods, issues and experiences.

 

[JoshR104]

Not sure I would go 4 inch lift over just a level unless you aren't planning on towing as you can fit up to 37s with the proper wheel offset on stock suspension.

I would update the lighting, get a tonneau cover, upgrade minor lights to leds to start. At least thats what I did with my 2500 but its the hemi 6.4 didnt want to deal with diesel again so cant speak on the delete or tunes.

 

[Phylodog]

I'll definitely be towing. Does the lift create significant issues when towing?

 

[MADDOG]

I'd do a 2" - 2.5" level if you plan on towing. That will level it out and 35's fit with no problem.

 

[JoshR104]

I'll definitely be towing. Does the lift create significant issues when towing?

Depending on what your towing as these things already sit significantly high. The bed is over 5 feet 6 inches in mine my wife literally cant see over the bed with 35s on it.

 

[McBroom]

I'll definitely be towing. Does the lift create significant issues when towing?

No, you’ll be fine towing with this truck. 4” lift and 37’s is a great combo and towing with it will be easy and safe as long as you have a top notch WDH
weight distribution hitch.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

 

[mtofell]

At what size wheels and tires do you diesel guys start thinking about re-gearing from the 3.42 ratio?

 

[McBroom]

At what size wheels and tires do you diesel guys start thinking about re-gearing from the 3.42 ratio?

With 37’s I recommend a 4.56 or 4.88


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

 

[mtofell]

With 37’s I recommend a 4.56 or 4.88


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

Wow, this is with the diesel?

 

[McBroom]

Wow, this is with the diesel?

Yes tire size effects pulling power. The larger the tire. The higher the gear ratio. The deeper the gear # (4.56) the more pulling power the larger tire size actually counter acts the gear size.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

 

[Jaywoo]

Here ya go. Some light reading for you on regearing for a 37” tire.

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/2013-general-discussion/2280018-regear-37-tires.html

 

[crash68]

I'll definitely be towing. Does the lift create significant issues when towing?

If you think a fifth wheel may be in the future, that may limit on how tall you go with the wheels and/or lift.

 

[reloaderguy]

Unless you want a big lift don't go over 3". 4" lifts require trackbar drops and bump stop extensions which reduce up travel to 2" or less. If you have to have a lift over 3" then stick with 6".

You can easily fit 37's with a 2" leveling spring.

 

[Abell34]

Man unless youre mud running that thing i wouldnt lift it. As stated a level would be more than enough. They already sit really high. I have stock suspension and 295/75r18 tires roughly 34x11 and i already need a 6in drop hitch for most trailers to sit level. Plus all the other issies with that tall of a truck, garage doors, mileage, visibility of off road obstacles gets worse as you increase the angle to the ground, just getting in and out, actually loading something into the bed, reaching your hood after opening it... but hey its your truck and your cash make it yours my friend!

 

[Phylodog]

I appreciate all of the advice. Sounds like a level will get me where I want to be rather than a lift. Are any of the leveling kits out there strongly preferred over others?

 

[JoshR104]

If money is no object check out thuren or carli. They are top notch but if its going to be a pavement cruiser and just going for the look there are a bunch of much cheaper options out there just stay away from the pucks go with like the eibach pro truck kit or something similar. Thats what I plan on running when I level mine. Had thuren on my 1500 and it was really nice but it def cost plenty more.

 

[reloaderguy]

I appreciate all of the advice. Sounds like a level will get me where I want to be rather than a lift. Are any of the leveling kits out there strongly preferred over others?

Just as a point of reference, you can fit a set of 38x13.5 with 3" coils and a little effort. Thuren coils have the best ride and are the easiest to make work correctly.

 

[SouthTexan]

FYI, larger tires and lifting has the same effect to the drivetrain and suspension warranty as tuning/deleting does to the powertrain warranty. Some dealers will overlook it, and some won't. I have a friend find out the hard way that his lift and 37 tires voided his trans warranty.

 

[reloaderguy]

FYI, larger tires and lifting has the same effect to the drivetrain and suspension warranty as tuning/deleting does to the powertrain warranty. Some dealers will overlook it, and some won't. I have a friend find out the hard way that his lift and 37 tires voided his trans warranty.

I had to drive my truck over 500 miles to a dealer that was competent enough to change a defective lifter. Your warranty is near worthless to begin with. Caveat Emptor; when your transmission sh!ts the bed (because Ram uses 3.42 gears) you'll be on your own anyways.

 

[SouthTexan]

I had to drive my truck over 500 miles to a dealer that was competent enough to change a defective lifter. Your warranty is near worthless to begin with. Caveat Emptor; when your transmission sh!ts the bed (because Ram uses 3.42 gears) you'll be on your own anyways.

He had 4.10's(5.7L) when his trans took a crap so I don't think it is entirely the fault of the 3.42 gears.