Warlock Lift Explanation - Read this before lifting/leveling your Warlock's

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

VTCD

Junior Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2022
Posts
2
Reaction score
1
Location
Ohio
Ram Year
2020
Engine
5.7 hemi
I bought a 1.75" leveler. Just the basic spacer or puck. I just want to raise the front some. Will I need anything else, control arms, etc? Thanks.
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
I bought a 1.75" leveler. Just the basic spacer or puck. I just want to raise the front some. Will I need anything else, control arms, etc? Thanks.

If you got just a 1.75" spacer you should be okay. You would be around 2.5" of lift over factory. If you mostly drive on the street I would say you were good. Might wanna keep an eye on those upper ball joints as that would likely be the first to fail. But not after at least 30-50k miles.
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
If you got just a 1.75" spacer you should be okay. You would be around 2.5" of lift over factory. If you mostly drive on the street I would say you were good. Might wanna keep an eye on those upper ball joints as that would likely be the first to fail. But not after at least 30-50k miles.


But I would be cautious on a spacer. @kurek Just did a good job explaining this in another post.

I don't know about those measurements but for the rear just look if there is a spacer above or below the coil springs. If the coil springs directly touch the axle perch and directly touch the chassis there is no rear lift. A spacer would be an obvious puck (steel, aluminum or poly) not welded to the frame or axle.

In front you can find the hole in the upper spring perch and look for a spacer through there. Not easy to see with the fender liner but it will be visible or you can hold a mirror or hold your phone camera to see it.

At stock height (no spacer) this rubber ring (circled) presses directly up against the underside of the chassis perch, so you'll see the bolt and shaft from the strut sticking up through that hole and you'll be able to make out this rubber part just on the other side of the ~1/16" thick steel chassis perch it's bolted to.
View attachment 486739

If instead it's some distance down that's a spacer. Like this:


View attachment 486740

There are some "small hole" spacers that don't give you as much view of the rubber bit... that would be a GOOD thing. These "big hole" spacers are junk because the rubber part is designed to push up against the chassis and if there's nothing to push against it will self destruct sooner or later and that means you'll need new struts, new strut mounts, different spacers... or eliminate the spacers and use lift struts.


The strut is located approximately 2/3 the distance from the frame pivot and the lower ball joint which means a 1" thick spacer produces about a 1.5" lift.



I would strongly consider going with something like the Bilstein 5100 if you're looking to level your truck.
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Doing a little work on the truck today, and I removed the front bumper. If any of you have done this lately you know it's not exactly light. I've taken the bumper off too many times to count at this point, but I decided to do some measurements of how much it sags with it on vs off.

Bumper on My measurements from ground to fender are 40.5" This is with Bilstein's at 2.8 + 317/70r17 tires and a zone 1.5" BL

Bumper off Measurements are 41.4"

Now this is with 5100's at 2.8 - stock coils for 40,000 miles. I think I had the stock Hitachi struts for maybe 5000 miles before I lifted with the Bils.


I found it interesting that the bumper caused it to sag about the amount of the factory lift.



Pic:

IMG_0157.jpg

vs Bumper

IMG_8353.jpg
 

Wulf

Senior Member
Military
Joined
May 16, 2021
Posts
182
Reaction score
77
Location
United States
Ram Year
2021
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Don't appreciate your sarcastic comments. I've owned several half tons over the last 30 years and was surprised of the low payload. For instance a 3.6l similarly equipped may have a 1700 lb payload

What sarcasm?

Generally speaking, in the U.S., 1 ton (or short ton for those that want to get technical) is 2,000 lbs. 1/2 of that is 1,000 lbs. Since we are comparing the naming convention of U.S. trucks, this is applicable here.

1500 (Dodge and GM)/ Ford F150 = "1/2 ton" or 1,000 lbs.
2500 / 250 = 3/4 ton or 1,500 lbs.
3500 / 350 = 1 ton or 2,000 lbs.

From ramtrucks.com (factory site), there are different Warlocks (similar to my truck) listed at 4x2 5.7 HEMI with 8 speed, and quad cab configuration that have anywhere from 1,660 to 1,760 lbs. max payload. I "built" one on that site to match the actual specs on mine ('21 4x4, 5.7, quad cab) and the max capacity is showing at 1,580 lbs. Well within the 2500 range on a "1/2 ton" truck.

How is anything that much over the truck's advertised or rated load of 1,000 lbs. "low"?
 

RAM_CHAOS

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2021
Posts
38
Reaction score
20
Location
California
Ram Year
2017
Engine
5.7L
Doing a little work on the truck today, and I removed the front bumper. If any of you have done this lately you know it's not exactly light. I've taken the bumper off too many times to count at this point, but I decided to do some measurements of how much it sags with it on vs off.

Bumper on My measurements from ground to fender are 40.5" This is with Bilstein's at 2.8 + 317/70r17 tires and a zone 1.5" BL

Bumper off Measurements are 41.4"

Now this is with 5100's at 2.8 - stock coils for 40,000 miles. I think I had the stock Hitachi struts for maybe 5000 miles before I lifted with the Bils.


I found it interesting that the bumper caused it to sag about the amount of the factory lift.



Pic:

View attachment 487328

vs Bumper

View attachment 487329

Hi J-B,

I’m about to put on Bilsteins 6112 set at 2.8, Carli UCA, Carli rear sway link drop for alignment, new linkage front and rear, and Bilstein 5100 in rear with Tuftruck 1223-VT.
Icon 17x8.5 with 315x70
Any thoughts?
Should I add 1.5 body lift? I was worried the tow hooks wouldn’t align so I’ve held off.
You looking intake mods / exhaust?

RAM BIGHORN 4x4 1500, 3.92s
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Hi J-B,

I’m about to put on Bilsteins 6112 set at 2.8, Carli UCA, Carli rear sway link drop for alignment, new linkage front and rear, and Bilstein 5100 in rear with Tuftruck 1223-VT.
Icon 17x8.5 with 315x70
Any thoughts?
Should I add 1.5 body lift? I was worried the tow hooks wouldn’t align so I’ve held off.
You looking intake mods / exhaust?

RAM BIGHORN 4x4 1500, 3.92s
That setup should be very nice!

You'll have plenty of clearance for those tires, and the ride will be great.

As far as a body lift goes, I would wait to see if you need it after the lift. It's an easy install, just takes a while.

For me it was a great way to retain the ride I had and no permanent modifications had to be made on the suspension to achieve 4" of lift. (which I think is the perfect height visually for 35's) I'll also be able to stuff 37's in the future if gas ever comes back down... The Body lift does make some work easier on the truck, but also it takes away a lot of bolt on parts and makes them modified to fit parts.

Either way you'll enjoy that suspension set up!
 

dstock

Junior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2021
Posts
29
Reaction score
12
Location
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Has anyone put 35's on a Warlock without a leveling kit? I've got limited garage height (7ft) so I'm not looking to go with much of a lift if I can avoid it. Thinking Black Rhino 17x9.5 0 offset and 315/70 17 K02's which are more like 34.4"
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Has anyone put 35's on a Warlock without a leveling kit? I've got limited garage height (7ft) so I'm not looking to go with much of a lift if I can avoid it. Thinking Black Rhino 17x9.5 0 offset and 315/70 17 K02's which are more like 34.4"

I was around 6'7" with my Bils at 2.8 and 35's. I'm now at 6'9" with my 1.5" BL So you should be Golden for a 7' door.
 

RAM_CHAOS

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2021
Posts
38
Reaction score
20
Location
California
Ram Year
2017
Engine
5.7L
Has anyone put 35's on a Warlock without a leveling kit? I've got limited garage height (7ft) so I'm not looking to go with much of a lift if I can avoid it. Thinking Black Rhino 17x9.5 0 offset and 315/70 17 K02's which are more like 34.4"
I’d be careful with 17x9.5 with 0 offset, you might rub with 315x17. Better to go with 17x9 or 17x8.5 if you want 0 offset or increase your off set.

Do you have 17s or 20? I know factory 20x9 offsetting is 5.25 That’s why I went to method 17x8.5 to get at least 4.5 total, .75 more clearance on the inside. There will be no required trimming but I might anyway on the inside.

It took me a month to chose between Method and Black Rhino.

Just throwing that out there.
 

dstock

Junior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2021
Posts
29
Reaction score
12
Location
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I’d be careful with 17x9.5 with 0 offset, you might rub with 315x17. Better to go with 17x9 or 17x8.5 if you want 0 offset or increase your off set.

Do you have 17s or 20? I know factory 20x9 offsetting is 5.25 That’s why I went to method 17x8.5 to get at least 4.5 total, .75 more clearance on the inside. There will be no required trimming but I might anyway on the inside.

It took me a month to chose between Method and Black Rhino.

Just throwing that out there.

I appreciate the info!

I've got the 20's which need to go. With 17's, I'd like to keep somewhat flush with the side of the truck but I am concerned about rubbing. I don't think I've ever had such a hard time figuring out wheels for a vehicle. Throw in the fact that it's a 21 Classic and half the websites don't have the Classic in their fitment guides has made it a pain. Right when you think you have it figured out, you discover it's not a 17x9 but 17x9.5..lol

I've been looking at Method as well, they've got some really nice rims.
 

RAM_CHAOS

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2021
Posts
38
Reaction score
20
Location
California
Ram Year
2017
Engine
5.7L
I appreciate the info!

I've got the 20's which need to go. With 17's, I'd like to keep somewhat flush with the side of the truck but I am concerned about rubbing. I don't think I've ever had such a hard time figuring out wheels for a vehicle. Throw in the fact that it's a 21 Classic and half the websites don't have the Classic in their fitment guides has made it a pain. Right when you think you have it figured out, you discover it's not a 17x9 but 17x9.5..lol

I've been looking at Method as well, they've got some really nice rims.

I was pretty sure you meant 17x9 - but had to throw it out there.

If you go to Customoffest.Com then Gallery, enter your vehicle and hopefully you’ll see a ton of pics and set ups to help you decide.

Try: https://www.customwheeloffset.com/w...sion=Suspension+Lift+2.5q*Leveling+Kit&page=2

I looked a pics for months because I wanted that perfect visual set up “I” wanted. If I had my truck set up I’d send a photo but parts are still in garage.
 

RAM_CHAOS

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2021
Posts
38
Reaction score
20
Location
California
Ram Year
2017
Engine
5.7L
@j-b , sorry for stomping on your thread but this probably the best longest running thread with info / pics, great comments I’ve seen. Like you, I think most people are looking for that true All-Terrain truck, ps you’ve nailed it, and it’s hard to do /
Decide. Huge thanks for the blog documentary. I’ll be sad when you buy a RAM 2500 AEV build and leave us behind. Those trucks what come from dreams! Absolutely amazing.

The Dream below!!!!!!

AD258404-B390-4D8A-ABFD-5B4C1999536D.jpeg
 

dstock

Junior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2021
Posts
29
Reaction score
12
Location
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I was pretty sure you meant 17x9 - but had to throw it out there.

If you go to Customoffest.Com then Gallery, enter your vehicle and hopefully you’ll see a ton of pics and set ups to help you decide.

Try: https://www.customwheeloffset.com/wheel-offset-gallery?year=2017&make=Ram&model=1500&drive=4WD&wheel_diameter_from=17&suspension=Suspension+Lift+2.5q*Leveling+Kit&page=2

I looked a pics for months because I wanted that perfect visual set up “I” wanted. If I had my truck set up I’d send a photo but parts are still in garage.

Thanks for the link, that definitely helps!
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
@j-b , sorry for stomping on your thread but this probably the best longest running thread with info / pics, great comments I’ve seen. Like you, I think most people are looking for that true All-Terrain truck, ps you’ve nailed it, and it’s hard to do /
Decide. Huge thanks for the blog documentary. I’ll be sad when you buy a RAM 2500 AEV build and leave us behind. Those trucks what come from dreams! Absolutely amazing.

The Dream below!!!!!!

View attachment 490621


Haha you're not stomping on it at all. I wanted to create a thread where people who are new to this platform could get some advice. It also stinks that when shopping for parts you really have to deep dive to get the right things on these warlocks.

a 2500 will most likely be the next upgrade once kids get thrown into the mix lol.
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
@dstock @RAM_CHAOS

As long as you lift the front 2" or 1" over stock on the warlocks, you should have enough clearance for most backspacing's.

I've ran stock 8 wides with 0 spacers, 2" spacers, and 1.25" spacers. which really covers the spectrum.... and none of those produced enough rub to worry about anything.

That is a range of 5.25"-3.25" backspacing


Right now my 9 wides with +1 backspacing ride perfect as far as fitment go.


Here's a great chart to reference.

EDU_wheel-offset-backspacing-conversion-chart.jpg
 

dstock

Junior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2021
Posts
29
Reaction score
12
Location
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Hemi 5.7
@j-b I appreciate this thread as well, you aren't kidding about a deep dive on parts!

Next is to decide if I want to try to fit a 35" spare underneath, experiences seem to vary quite a bit here on the forum.
 
OP
OP
j-b

j-b

Senior Member
TOTM Winner
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Posts
300
Reaction score
408
Location
Kansas City
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
@j-b I appreciate this thread as well, you aren't kidding about a deep dive on parts!

Next is to decide if I want to try to fit a 35" spare underneath, experiences seem to vary quite a bit here on the forum.
Good luck..... I tried many ways, and ultimately gave up. I'd rather build a swing out than try to get it under.
 
Top