Anyone recognize this lift...?

[two dogs]

Hello everyone. I am writing from Norway. I bought a 98 Ram 2500 SLT used not long ago that was originally imported to Norway in 2005. I am running into questions from the Authorities about the lift on the truck. (They are very strict about that sort of thing here.) Even though it has been thought 8 years of inspections with no problems.

I believe the kit was dealer installed, as I have seen several other same model Rams here in Norway with the exact same setup.

So if anyone looks at this photo and recognizes the setup ( the 5 inch block) and know anything about any standard lift mod this might be that is approved by Dodge (that is what I need to 'prove') I would appreciate any info. Many thanks.

Photo Attached.

 

[Bigtman07]

Well good day to you sir.

It does appear to be a factory style block. But a couple of questions to hopefully help you prove this lift is factory.

Do you have any type of dodge dealer over there? If so have them run the VIN number in their computer and get a build sheet. If it comes back with "off road pkg" then most likely those are factory blocks. Dodge put out for a few years an off road edition Ram 1500, 2500 that had a 2" lift from the factory which was just taller blocks in the rear and a spacer up front.

2 Is there a sticker on the back tailgate that says 4x4 off road. Or has TRX in the description.

If you don't have either of those you can email dodge and request a build sheet. All you will need is the trucks VIN.

If there is no evidence of the off road or TRX package then most likely they are after market. The factory block is about 3" - 4"

Hope this gives you a little direction.

 

[two dogs]

Hey, thanks for the reply! Your truck looks like mine!

I see now that the other photos did not make it in so I will post them here. There are no longer any Dodge dealerships in Norway. I have emailed Dodge USA with my VIN but I have small hopes of an answer there. Had to even fake an ameican address just to complete the form.

Maybe these pictures help more?

 

[Bigtman07]

Well I hope they will be able to help ya. Can't really tell but is there a large steel spacer above the spring in the front? Looks pretty well stock to me.

 

[Okiespaniel]

Lift...that truck has stock rear blocks on the rear...you can tell by the ears cast in them for the bump stops.
Front has stock stamped control arms...can't tell if the springs have a spacer on top of them or not but rubber isolators up there are factory too.

 

[two dogs]

Thanks Okie. I am going to try to get a better photo showing the stamps, hopefully that will help. I have heard that about the winged blocks - but so far I cannot find any OEM part number or picture that shows it is stock : - (

My problem is I need to wave some papers in their faces to show them that it is factory. One problem is that the advertised trim packages for that year on the Laramie SLT included a 2" lift identifiable by build sheet, but the authorities are scratching their heads saying this is a five inch lift. (They are ok folks, they are just required to see papers when approving things. EU rules and such)

Anyone know of a particular dealer or Dodge contact that might be familiar with this kind of package ...? Thanks for all help - -

 

[Okiespaniel]

Thanks Okie. I am going to try to get a better photo showing the stamps, hopefully that will help. I have heard that about the winged blocks - but so far I cannot find any OEM part number or picture that shows it is stock : - (

My problem is I need to wave some papers in their faces to show them that it is factory. One problem is that the advertised trim packages for that year on the Laramie SLT included a 2" lift identifiable by build sheet, but the authorities are scratching their heads saying this is a five inch lift. (They are ok folks, they are just required to see papers when approving things. EU rules and such)

Anyone know of a particular dealer or Dodge contact that might be familiar with this kind of package ...? Thanks for all help - -

The only lift on a half ton that was factory was on the off road ram from 2000 to 2001....and you don't have one.
BTW, it didn't use any (but the factory) rear spacers, just stiffer springs.

I don't know if this would help, but try a web search on factory bumper/curb hiegths and you should be able to find one on your truck. You or the "feds" should be able to factor in the tire diameter if it is different than stock.

 

[two dogs]

Ok, I will try the search. When you said earlier you thought the blocks were factory because of the wings, what model would they have been common on, any idea?

 

[Bigtman07]

All models. 4x4 1500 all had the same running gear.

Here is a comparison. My right rear block from the rear. Stock rear height.

It looks like you have an off road edition block to me. Mine is only like 2"3"

Did the 2500s have a bigger block in the rear guys?

 

[jbmobbs]

my old 2500 was pretty high and it had factory blocks in the back i was alway accused of having about a 5'' lift or so but yours looks pretty much factory

 

[Okiespaniel]

All models. 4x4 1500 all had the same running gear.

Here is a comparison. My right rear block from the rear. Stock rear height.

It looks like you have an off road edition block to me. Mine is only like 2"3"

Did the 2500s have a bigger block in the rear guys?

Just to clarify a point here...

There are a lot of "urban legends" surrounding off road rams and thier lifts. But having put lifts on off road rams, and having off road ram springs on my truck there's nothinng magical.
Off road rams use "special high rate springs " * that means they are made stiffer. The front springs are the same wire diameter, same heigth and only lift a stock ram about 1.25 inches. The rears have the same amount of leaves as a stock 2000 ram. No special lift blocks, spacers or aftermarket type mods were used because this would mean different parts would have to be made. Heat treating a few hundred sets of springs is far cheaper.
When you combine these stiffer springs with taller 265/17 tires ( stock treads are usually 225-245 ) you get about 2 + inches in the front and about 3 inches in the rear.
Off roads also have special shocks (which are orange) extra webbing on the front diff housing, and gas tank skid plates along with other hd, charging system, and cooling components. They are also the ONLY 1500 2nd gen produced with 4:10 gears.


Lastly, the OP has a 2500...no off road rams were ever produced in a 2500 chassis. 2500's have a taller frame and larger springs so they sit higher than a standard 1500...about 2 -3 inches.
* factory promo literature.

 

[Bigtman07]

Very good info Okie. I did not know all that. Thanks for sharing.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[wermbang]

8 bolt spare tire too.