Air Suspension Lift+Level

[Detro]

Hey everyone, new here but had a couple quick questions for someone trying to lift/level their first truck while keeping the costs relatively low. I'm in a 2016 Limited 5.7 with air suspension.

I am going the spacer/adjustable link route for the level. Most people are using a 2.5" front spacer on the air bag, and using the links to correct the air suspension. Two questions here:

1) Can I add an additional 1" spacer on the front and rear (3.5" spacer total front and 1" spacer total rear) to get not only a level but also a 1" lift on all four corners? Has anyone attempted this or foresee any issues with this? I'm concerned about suspension geometry post lift (UCA ball joint) as well as whether I can get long enough bolts with that 3.5" of spacer.

2) Can I use standard coil suspension spacers on the rear air bag? I know that they are interchangable on the front, but have not seen whether the same is true for the rear.

3) Regardless if #1 or #2 works or not, it seems like I should be replacing the UCA due to known ball joint issues with leveled 4th gen Rams. I don't have the budget for Zone or other high-end UCAs, but it seems like these Mevotechs might be a good replacement (Mevotech). Do these offer any improvement over the stock UCA? Does Mopar make anything that I could use instead to help correct geometry? I've heard the 5th gen Mopar lift UCA (Mopar) may work on a 4th gen truck, but have not seen anything definitive.

Thank you!
Ben

 

[Jacob Maguire]

Food for thought:
Just a few comments from another, late(r) life (2015 5.7 Laramie) previously air-ride owner; If you are considering lifting/leveling and refreshing these components, might as well use this opportunity to swap them out for coils. I did the same a few months back and slightly regret NOT springing for the lift kit. Now, as I AM prepping for a lift, realize I must replace all coil components previously used to delete air-ride.

In addition to the lift, while I'm going back under there, going to purchase new hub assemblies for the new/larger knuckles, new HD axels and angel correcting UCAs. (down the road I'll get to the track bar, rear lower control arms and may have a bushing refresh or two to address but the core components will be in good standing)

 

[DA67Goatman]

Hey everyone, new here but had a couple quick questions for someone trying to lift/level their first truck while keeping the costs relatively low. I'm in a 2016 Limited 5.7 with air suspension.

I am going the spacer/adjustable link route for the level. Most people are using a 2.5" front spacer on the air bag, and using the links to correct the air suspension. Two questions here:

1) Can I add an additional 1" spacer on the front and rear (3.5" spacer total front and 1" spacer total rear) to get not only a level but also a 1" lift on all four corners? Has anyone attempted this or foresee any issues with this? I'm concerned about suspension geometry post lift (UCA ball joint) as well as whether I can get long enough bolts with that 3.5" of spacer.

2) Can I use standard coil suspension spacers on the rear air bag? I know that they are interchangable on the front, but have not seen whether the same is true for the rear.

3) Regardless if #1 or #2 works or not, it seems like I should be replacing the UCA due to known ball joint issues with leveled 4th gen Rams. I don't have the budget for Zone or other high-end UCAs, but it seems like these Mevotechs might be a good replacement (Mevotech). Do these offer any improvement over the stock UCA? Does Mopar make anything that I could use instead to help correct geometry? I've heard the 5th gen Mopar lift UCA (Mopar) may work on a 4th gen truck, but have not seen anything definitive.

Thank you!
Ben

#1 Yes you can, but you will have to re-engineer your air line hookups, they come out at right angles and do not have enough length to get more than 1.5in spacer above the strut.

#2 Unfortunately not above the spring because the rear airsprings clip into the upper spring pocket for retention when deflated or when vehicle weight is removed from the wheels and the suspension sags. (think a 2 post lift or jack stands under the frame not axle)
You may be able to use one of the machined lower perch extensions under the bottom as that end is kinda a press fit onto the axle nub, not much retention on that end.


#3 I can't speak too as I only went up 2in and haven't experienced anything regarding the angle.

 

[olyelr]

In my opinion 3.5” is just way too high without an actual lift kit with drop brackets for the a-arms. I wouldnt go over 2-2.5”.

 

[DA67Goatman]

There are some 4in air ride specific kits out there if you decide that you want to lift it properly. I believe BDS and AEV both offer something

 

[olyelr]

There are some 4in air ride specific kits out there if you decide that you want to lift it properly. I believe BDS and AEV both offer something

Yep. And if you want ROUGH COUNTRY i believe they have a 6” kit haaaa

 

[DILLIGAF]

If you dont have a budget for a real lift kit. Leave it alone.

 

[jeff_rey]

I also had air ride and it recently failed, do yourself a favor and get rid of it before headaches arise from the spacer and leveling links