Advice on starting a build.

[CalDad14]

2017 Ram 1500 SLT, 5.7, 6-speed, 4×4, CC, SB, 3.92Gears, Camper Shell(Canopy). Bone Stock! Just over 32,000kms.

Purchased truck brand new, March 2017. My ride quality has really declined over the last 12 - 14 months. Confident that it's the tires(original, from factory). Possible rear sway bar bushing is worn.

Currently shopping for new tires. Would like to lift the truck then get tires. Not trying to run the Baja or conquer Moab. My FIL has 2007 PW, my BIL has 2013 PW. So, I have a little bit of "keeping up with the PW's" going on!

We do summer camping where I tow a small camper(<5000lbs), tackle the occasional trail, harvest trees, haul water. We also do winter picnics.

Don't have a ton of $ to spend. Would like to keep it under $5,000.00 CA. including install.

Want to go 4" lift max. Give me a bit more clearance along with some piece of mind in the snow. You never know what lies just beneath that fluffy white stuff! I'd like to use my stock 17" rims as well.

I've had a couple sit downs with some off-road shops in town. I get different answers/recommendations from each place. 33"'s will look goofy w/a 4" lift, if I do a full "lift kit" then I need to upgrade my hubs too, etc???.... Even got an estimate from the dealership I bought the truck from and the cost was astronomical, >$12,000.00!!!

Again, I'd like to lift the rear 2" - 3", then match the front. I'd like to keep the "geometry" of my truck as true as possible. I know once I "lift" my truck it won't ever be perfect, but I'd like to try. I'd like new/upgraded struts & shocks. Possibly HD coils(when I tow, I'm usually maxed out on my "payload capacity"). I'd also like to replace/upgrade all bushings in regards to the steering & suspension. I'd like to run a 33" × 12.50 on my factory 17" rims.

I've researched AEV. They seem to focus their efforts toward Chrysler products, which I like. For every good thing I hear about Fab tech, ask a different "specialists" and they'll tell you everything bad about it!?!

If someone smarter than me might be able to provide some ideas? Give me a starting point with the basics of what I'm after. I would really appreciate it. Thanks to all.

 

[danielmid]

33s will fit without a lift and are smaller than what comes on the stock 20s. With the 4" lift 33s will look small I'd think.

For a lift kit either @Quick_Shifter or @Nick@GotExhaust will be the best source, likely BDS 6" turned down with the best shock option in the kit that you can afford. But including install in the budget might change that recommendation.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

I recommend Zone 4" kit with the Fox rear shocks and we can discuss some front strut options. Problem is a lift with stock 17" wheels. I am pretty sure none of them work with stock 17's.

 

[olyelr]

2017 Ram 1500 SLT, 5.7, 6-speed, 4×4, CC, SB, 3.92Gears, Camper Shell(Canopy). Bone Stock! Just over 32,000kms.

Purchased truck brand new, March 2017. My ride quality has really declined over the last 12 - 14 months. Confident that it's the tires(original, from factory). Possible rear sway bar bushing is worn.

Currently shopping for new tires. Would like to lift the truck then get tires. Not trying to run the Baja or conquer Moab. My FIL has 2007 PW, my BIL has 2013 PW. So, I have a little bit of "keeping up with the PW's" going on!

We do summer camping where I tow a small camper(<5000lbs), tackle the occasional trail, harvest trees, haul water. We also do winter picnics.

Don't have a ton of $ to spend. Would like to keep it under $5,000.00 CA. including install.

Want to go 4" lift max. Give me a bit more clearance along with some piece of mind in the snow. You never know what lies just beneath that fluffy white stuff! I'd like to use my stock 17" rims as well.

I've had a couple sit downs with some off-road shops in town. I get different answers/recommendations from each place. 33"'s will look goofy w/a 4" lift, if I do a full "lift kit" then I need to upgrade my hubs too, etc???.... Even got an estimate from the dealership I bought the truck from and the cost was astronomical, >$12,000.00!!!

Again, I'd like to lift the rear 2" - 3", then match the front. I'd like to keep the "geometry" of my truck as true as possible. I know once I "lift" my truck it won't ever be perfect, but I'd like to try. I'd like new/upgraded struts & shocks. Possibly HD coils(when I tow, I'm usually maxed out on my "payload capacity"). I'd also like to replace/upgrade all bushings in regards to the steering & suspension. I'd like to run a 33" × 12.50 on my factory 17" rims.

I've researched AEV. They seem to focus their efforts toward Chrysler products, which I like. For every good thing I hear about Fab tech, ask a different "specialists" and they'll tell you everything bad about it!?!

If someone smarter than me might be able to provide some ideas? Give me a starting point with the basics of what I'm after. I would really appreciate it. Thanks to all.

6 speed? Huhhhhhh?? You mean 8?

 

[westcoasting]

6 speed? Huhhhhhh?? You mean 8?

Maybe it’s a Canada thing… I have an 18 with the 6 speed.

 

[Wild one]

6 speed? Huhhhhhh?? You mean 8?

Canada is/was FCA's dumping ground for the RFE 6 speed,you could still get a 6 speed lower trim level truck in Canada up till either 19 or 20.

 

[olyelr]

Maybe it’s a Canada thing… I have an 18 with the 6 speed.

Canada is/was FCA's dumping ground for the RFE 6 speed,you could still get a 6 speed lower trim level truck in Canada up till either 19 or 20.

OMG thats fawking TERRIBLE! Lol what the heck!

 

[CalDad14]

Trust, it's a 6-speed. It's the only way I could get the column shifter. I hated/hate the knob shifter on the dash. All 8-speed 1500's come w/knob shifter only(atleast in Canada). And yes, I made a mistake, I should've went w/the 8-speed.

 

[olyelr]

Trust, it's a 6-speed. It's the only way I could get the column shifter. I hated/hate the knob shifter on the dash. All 8-speed 1500's come w/knob shifter only(atleast in Canada). And yes, I made a mistake, I should've went w/the 8-speed.

I cant believe they still offered the 6 speed. I had no idea.

I have a power wagon with the 6 speed and hate it. My 1500 has the 8 speed and i really enjoy that. The knob took me just a few days to get used to…now i wish my power wagon had a knob instead of the lever.

 

[Franks]

Bang for buck, I’m really happy with the eibach pro kit I bought from Nick. 2” up front and 1” in the rear with a small increase in payload capacity. New struts and springs up front, new coils and springs in the back. The truck rides better than stock. Saving some money there, you could put it towards the tires and maybe new wheels. I found a mint set of sport wheels with decent tires for $800 US.

If I were to complain about anything I’d say that set at the supposed 2.75 of lift, I only got 2 inches up front. I’m curious what setting it on the 2nd notch would actually yield lift wise. (If anyone wants to chime in, I did get zone UPC’s installed). Directions claim 3.5 on the 2nd notch. I’m guessing in reality, 2.75.

I kept the stock 275 60 20’s. (33 x 10.8) next time around I’m going with nitto recon grapplers because it’s one of the few 275 65 20 (34x10.8) that’s not a 60 pound E rated beast. My trucks primary job is to haul, at most, three dirt bikes, or some home improvement materials. Id imagine a trailer under 5k wouldn’t phase them either.

The shifter knob gets me every Monday morning after driving my ram all weekend and then getting into my work truck, F250. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it!

 

[healthyrx]

Bang for buck, I’m really happy with the eibach pro kit I bought from Nick. 2” up front and 1” in the rear with a small increase in payload capacity. New struts and springs up front, new coils and springs in the back. The truck rides better than stock. Saving some money there, you could put it towards the tires and maybe new wheels. I found a mint set of sport wheels with decent tires for $800 US.

If I were to complain about anything I’d say that set at the supposed 2.75 of lift, I only got 2 inches up front. I’m curious what setting it on the 2nd notch would actually yield lift wise. (If anyone wants to chime in, I did get zone UPC’s installed). Directions claim 3.5 on the 2nd notch. I’m guessing in reality, 2.75.

I kept the stock 275 60 20’s. (33 x 10.8) next time around I’m going with nitto recon grapplers because it’s one of the few 275 65 20 (34x10.8) that’s not a 60 pound E rated beast. My trucks primary job is to haul, at most, three dirt bikes, or some home improvement materials. Id imagine a trailer under 5k wouldn’t phase them either.

The shifter knob gets me every Monday morning after driving my ram all weekend and then getting into my work truck, F250. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it!

Do some more looking at those recon grapplers- I’ve seen a few people on here who have been less than pleased with them.
But congrats on the lift! You gotta get some pics up for us. I had the same eibach lift for a few months before I lost my impulse control and bought coilovers. But I was definitely impressed and happy with those eibach struts!

 

[danielmid]

Do some more looking at those recon grapplers- I’ve seen a few people on here who have been less than pleased with them.
But congrats on the lift! You gotta get some pics up for us. I had the same eibach lift for a few months before I lost my impulse control and bought coilovers. But I was definitely impressed and happy with those eibach struts!

Still happy with the Icons even with driving a few states over for moving and all?

 

[JJEH]

Don't have a ton of $ to spend. Would like to keep it under $5,000.00 CA. including install.

Want to go 4" lift max. Give me a bit more clearance along with some piece of mind in the snow. You never know what lies just beneath that fluffy white stuff! I'd like to use my stock 17" rims as well.

Good news, bad news. Good news is that there are options, bad news, you might need to stretch them out.... getting a lift and a set of good tires will most likely not be possible.

Have a look at Carli. They use Fox shocks for their lesser expensive systems and have a decent lift (2"/.75"). You'll lose about 10% of towing capacity I've been told. I'm looking at it as well, but I'm still on the fence.

Commuter System

Designed and tuned for the truck that spends its life on road with occasional dirt trails, this custom shock project was intensely focused on delivering a comfortable in-town ride and smoothing the freeway's all while improving vehicle control for light off-road adventures. FOX IFP Pintop shocks...

carlisuspension.com

I've seen people liking ICON, but I've no experience with them. I think Bilstein offers a coilover set for the front... 6112 I think. But you'll need separate springs in the rear (gives you 1" if I remember correctly). That might be an option. You could also do a cheap spacer leveling thing, but you'll be regretting it later.

Another problem I see is with your tires. If you want 33x12.5 your factory rims might not be wide enough, so you might need to use a different tire size, so you still have the overall diameter but not the width. The backspace could also be a problem and might force you to use wheel spacers or buy new rims.

Here's my unpopular opinion. Screw them Power Wagons... if they know what they are doing you'll always have a hard time keeping up anyway.
So keep saving your money and then buy exactly what you want. Is the truck a daily driver? Are the tires still good? If so I'd just keep on driving and keep on saving. If the tires are bad then buy good tires now! In the size that fit on the truck now. That's worth more than a cheap half@$$ lift kit.

 

[healthyrx]

Still happy with the Icons even with driving a few states over for moving and all?

98% of the time I am. I still like my analogy of the icons to motorcycle forks with the icons being like a race setup vs bilsteins being more like a trail bike setup. They are firm but they handle big hits/ fast hits like those super nasty bridge joints that make you clench really well. If I had to drive daily on a washboard road (thankfully I dont) I would not be enjoying them though. But these Icons also look to have a 650 pound spring on them. Im sure I could get that changed out if i want to but right now Im planning on a front bumper so i can see if I can clear 37s on this ~4" lift Ive cobbled together. If the ride is still firm after the bumper I may consider a little lighter spring rate.
Also FWIW my rear is super stiff with the ebiach coils and shocks that are back there and when I put my 500 lb street triple in the bed to move it up with me the truck barely squatted but it felt like a completely different truck

 

[csm64]

Good news, bad news. Good news is that there are options, bad news, you might need to stretch them out.... getting a lift and a set of good tires will most likely not be possible.

Have a look at Carli. They use Fox shocks for their lesser expensive systems and have a decent lift (2"/.75"). You'll lose about 10% of towing capacity I've been told. I'm looking at it as well, but I'm still on the fence.

Commuter System

Designed and tuned for the truck that spends its life on road with occasional dirt trails, this custom shock project was intensely focused on delivering a comfortable in-town ride and smoothing the freeway's all while improving vehicle control for light off-road adventures. FOX IFP Pintop shocks...

carlisuspension.com

I've seen people liking ICON, but I've no experience with them. I think Bilstein offers a coilover set for the front... 6112 I think. But you'll need separate springs in the rear (gives you 1" if I remember correctly). That might be an option. You could also do a cheap spacer leveling thing, but you'll be regretting it later.

Another problem I see is with your tires. If you want 33x12.5 your factory rims might not be wide enough, so you might need to use a different tire size, so you still have the overall diameter but not the width. The backspace could also be a problem and might force you to use wheel spacers or buy new rims.

Here's my unpopular opinion. Screw them Power Wagons... if they know what they are doing you'll always have a hard time keeping up anyway.
So keep saving your money and then buy exactly what you want. Is the truck a daily driver? Are the tires still good? If so I'd just keep on driving and keep on saving. If the tires are bad then buy good tires now! In the size that fit on the truck now. That's worth more than a cheap half@$$ lift kit.

Yep you're right JJEH, don't think you can run 33x12.5 r 17 on the stock rims. I went with bil 6112s up front set at circlip 8 (gave me almost 3") and icon 1.5" springs on the rear with Fox performance 2.0. Picked up fuel revolvers 17 x 9 -12 offset and wrapped em in 33x 12.5 nitto ridge grapplers. No rub, no scrub, no trimming. Love the stance I got overall. If I lifted it any higher I would def go with 35s. Also added icon UCAs with the delta joint, suspension Maxx front end links and Core 4x4 end links on the rear. Got a lot of good advice from @quickshifter and nick@gotexhaust. Actually bought everything from Nick except the bils and tires/wheels. Awesome customer service and prices.

 

[csm64]

Here's a quick pic

 

[CalDad14]

Bang for buck, I’m really happy with the eibach pro kit I bought from Nick. 2” up front and 1” in the rear with a small increase in payload capacity. New struts and springs up front, new coils and springs in the back. The truck rides better than stock. Saving some money there, you could put it towards the tires and maybe new wheels. I found a mint set of sport wheels with decent tires for $800 US.

If I were to complain about anything I’d say that set at the supposed 2.75 of lift, I only got 2 inches up front. I’m curious what setting it on the 2nd notch would actually yield lift wise. (If anyone wants to chime in, I did get zone UPC’s installed). Directions claim 3.5 on the 2nd notch. I’m guessing in reality, 2.75.

I kept the stock 275 60 20’s. (33 x 10.8) next time around I’m going with nitto recon grapplers because it’s one of the few 275 65 20 (34x10.8) that’s not a 60 pound E rated beast. My trucks primary job is to haul, at most, three dirt bikes, or some home improvement materials. Id imagine a trailer under 5k wouldn’t phase them either.

The shifter knob gets me every Monday morning after driving my ram all weekend and then getting into my work truck, F250. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it!

Hi Franks, thanks for your feedback. Really appreciate it. How did you "increase the payload"? I presume the "coils and springs in the back", were bigger/heavier duty than factory? Any chance you could post a pic of your rig? Thanks again.

 

[Franks]

Another Eibach pro review

I have a 19 classic, crew cab, 6’4” bed, 4x4, with the 5.7 and 30k miles. Love the truck but the 3” of rake was killing me! I found a set of sport wheels and put a set Firestone AT’s on, Factory size. That helped a lot! (We all know factory Goodyears are junk) I ended getting in touch with...

www.ramforum.com

There’s my review with a couple pics. I looked real quick and can’t find it, but am pretty sure there’s supposed to be a 10% increase in payload capacity. (Isn’t much, 150 lbs on a 1500 lb load…, but is something).

Like I said, in hind sight, I would have picked Quickshifters brain on his thoughts going to the second notch in the front to level it a little more. But for the aesthetics alone, I think this is how it should look from the factory, but another 3/4”-1” up front and a 275/65 would look better. (I’m limited on height parking next to my carport. It’s pretty close now.)

 

[Franks]

First picture is it close to level with 2 dirtbikes and gear. Probably 5-600 pounds. Second picture is just one Dirtbike, and the picture that makes me want to level it more!

 

[Franks]

Do some more looking at those recon grapplers- I’ve seen a few people on here who have been less than pleased with them.
But congrats on the lift! You gotta get some pics up for us. I had the same eibach lift for a few months before I lost my impulse control and bought coilovers. But I was definitely impressed and happy with those eibach struts!

Maybe it’s because the recon is the newer tire and there is more hype around it, but I read more positive reviews on it then the ridge grappler.