4.5 or 7 inch?

[TexasRex]

Hey guys, I've been stalking these forums for months and finally decided to do some more upgrades to my ram. I need advice on going with a 4.5 or 7 inch Maxtrac lift, and if 35's would look best with either. I'm assuming 37's aren't an option due to gearing. I have a 2wd (unfortunately) so these seem to be my only options.

Also, what tread would you recommend? AT's or MT's? I am really leaning toward the Mastercraft MT's in 35x12.5x20. It's all for looks of course

 

[SilverStreak88]

Maxtrac won't work on my 4WD so I can speak from personal experience, but everyone that's running them on here are going the 7" route. I think a couple folks a 4.5, but had said they wished they got the 7" instead. As far as tires go... it really depends on what you plan to do as far as terrain wise. Are you gunna run it through the mud or just off on some dry/loose ground or is it going to be "pavement queen"?

Edit: I just read your post again and if you're going for just look's all the way around then I would recommend A/T's. If you put a M/T on you will just throw money away unless you want that look then go for it. The brands I recommend in order: Cooper, Mickey Thompson, Nitto, Toyo and BFG. I've run everything except Toyo's...

 

[jdwildman]

I get my chariot back from the shop today with the 7" front, 4.5" rear kits installed (put the 1.5" coil spacers in the rear also to level it out). Also, got the 4.56 gears from Moe's on the way to accommodate the 37" tires. 3.21 just won't do for me. I'll get you some pics when it comes out. It'll still have my 33" Continental road tires, but it'll give you an idea of what to expect.

Tire preference mostly has to do with how stuffed or unstuffed you want your truck's wheel wells looking, based on my experiences on this forum. I kinda prefer the half-stuffed look, with the tires sticking out just a bit more than stock, as opposed to the entire tire almost outside the well. Don't forget about your offset and back spacing. That could play a hand in your decision too. Also, what year is yours? I have seen where '13+ have had issues with UCAs, so that might be another purchase suggestion from some.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[SilverStreak88]

I get my chariot back from the shop today with the 7" front, 4.5" rear kits installed (put the 1.5" coil spacers in the rear also to level it out). Also, got the 4.56 gears from Moe's on the way to accommodate the 37" tires. 3.21 just won't do for me. I'll get you some pics when it comes out. It'll still have my 33" Continental road tires, but it'll give you an idea of what to expect.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

I forgot about the rake... I guess with your set-up it should put you about level huh?

 

[jdwildman]

^^Yeah, that's what Maxtrac told me based on my measurements. Mine had a pretty steep rake, though. Apparently they are not all the same.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[SilverStreak88]

^^Yeah, that's what Maxtrac told me based on my measurements. Mine had a pretty steep rake, though. Apparently they are not all the same.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

2WD will sit lower all the way around.

 

[jdwildman]

"I contacted you via Fb Messenger earlier. I measured my rake and it comes out like this: Front is 31 1/4", rear is 34". So with those beginning measurements, the front comes up to 38 1/4", with the rear at 37". With the 1.5" spacers, the rear would come up to 38 1/2", which would be as close to level as possible. If you agree with my logic here, that would mean I need the 1.5" spacers if I want it level. Let me know what you think. Thanks"

That was my question to Maxtrac, and they confirmed my suspicion.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[jdwildman]

2WD will sit lower all the way around.

Yeah, I knew that, but they said that even different trucks of the 2wd variety have shown slight differences that would make measuring your own rake a necessary step in figuring out how much lift to put in on either end.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[SilverStreak88]

"I contacted you via Fb Messenger earlier. I measured my rake and it comes out like this: Front is 31 1/4", rear is 34". So with those beginning measurements, the front comes up to 38 1/4", with the rear at 37". With the 1.5" spacers, the rear would come up to 38 1/2", which would be as close to level as possible. If you agree with my logic here, that would mean I need the 1.5" spacers if I want it level. Let me know what you think. Thanks"

That was my question to Maxtrac, and they confirmed my suspicion.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

You'll have an extreme "slight" rake. I personally like the front sit a little higher than my back like it is now, but you will be - to the naked eye "level". Make sure you post up pics when get her back and show her off in the (lifted) section.

 

[jdwildman]

My biggest concern was not wanting to have to go back in and have to put in spacers after the fact. I'm not a fan of the Cali look.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[jdwildman]

Before pic. Still waiting on the shop to call.

It was just a little too much like my Durango with the front tires all stuffed up in there and the massive space in the rear. I know that with a load it evens out, but I don't haul gravel or tow much, so like the OP, it's mostly for looks. [emoji41]


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[SilverStreak88]

Yeah, I knew that, but they said that even different trucks of the 2wd variety have shown slight differences that would make measuring your own rake a necessary step in figuring out how much lift to put in on either end.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

They are right about measuring individually and not going by what you have seen with X model vs. Y model. I saw 2 Laramie's sitting next to each other (same everything) and the left one sat (to my eye) about 3/4" lower than the right one, level ground and all.

 

[Hemipower392]

The maxtrac lift is good, I have the 4.5 inch kit and I love it, I wouldn't trade it for the 7 inch just cause I'm not into the real big lifts, but either way you'll be getting a good lift

 

[TexasRex]

The maxtrac lift is good, I have the 4.5 inch kit and I love it, I wouldn't trade it for the 7 inch just cause I'm not into the real big lifts, but either way you'll be getting a good lift

Right, I'm debating on it for a couple of reasons. First, my wife some times drives my truck and she's short, like 5 feet 1 inch. She wants me to mod the truck and essentially do whatever I want to it because she loves big lifted trucks and thinks it'll be fun to drive. So, pretty glad I married her...haha.

Also, I have three kids (who are also short, obvs) and I'm considering how hard it would be to get them in and out of it. All of my kids want me to lift it as high as possible with big tires, which I think is hilarious. So I'm running with it.

Alright, I'm convinced to get AT's over MT's...I think. I believe Cooper has some good tires for the price. Wish I just got the 4x4 by oh well, she'll be a pavement princess. We need to replace our second car here soon and there are some pretty good deals in Houston for 4x4 Laramies. 42k before negotiating. I'm now trying to convince my family to have two trucks and why that's important for us haha, wish me luck. They all want me to get a 4Runner at the moment. Thanks guys!

I have a 2014 Express Crew Cab 5.7, side steps on it, I think they're Pro Traxx, and a tonneau cover.

 

[TexasRex]

Definitely post pics! I want to see.

 

[jdwildman]

Got her back today. Went ahead and pulled the trigger on some 37x12.5R20 Nitto Terra Grappler ATs. Kept the stock 20x9 chrome-clad 6 spoke wheels, and I'm glad I did. Saved a ton of money on wheels and: The truck looks awesome! I'll post pics when I get daylight back. Ride is super smooth and no rubbing at full lock left and right. Honestly came out a little higher than I was really expecting.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[TexasRex]

Got her back today. Went ahead and pulled the trigger on some 37x12.5R20 Nitto Terra Grappler ATs. Kept the stock 20x9 chrome-clad 6 spoke wheels, and I'm glad I did. Saved a ton of money on wheels and: The truck looks awesome! I'll post pics when I get daylight back. Ride is super smooth and no rubbing at full lock left and right. Honestly came out a little higher than I was really expecting.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nice! Can't wait to see the pics. Sounds like Christmas came early for you this year lol.

So on the 7" lift, what is the total lift for the truck? Would it be the amount of lift from the back or front? Isn't the back up 4.5 inches? Plus another 2 from the tires I guess?

 

[jdwildman]

The front came up to 37 3/4", the back to 38 1/2". That's up from 31 1/4" and 34", respectively. So a total of 6.5" in the front and 4.5" in the back. Kept a little, almost unnoticeable rake, which I like. Those measurements are taken from the bottom of the wheel to the fender, FYI. For total lift, yeah, you would add the 2" for the difference in tire size. Pictures still in the works.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[jdwildman]

2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)

 

[jdwildman]

I'll get some better pics after she's had a bath. Too many hand prints all over the place. Grabby ********! Lol.


2011 Ram 1500 Laramie CC 4x2 (SWB)