Bilstein leveling shocks

[Ruffrider13]

Hello,

Looking at leveling my 2012 Ram 1500 Sport, I think I'm gonna end up using the Bilstein adjustable shocks. I've heard at the 2.8 setting that it causes vibration so I think I'll end up doing it at the 2.1 inch setting. I'm looking at getting roughly a 34 inch diameter and 11.5 inch wide tire on there, I've seen other people have this set up. Just wondered what would be the best offset to use for the rims though, I think a 9 inch wide rim is the right width, -12 to a -15 offset is what I'd like, gonna widen the stance and then probably put a set of bushwackers on. Does anyone have a setup like this? I wanna make sure that it doesn't rub anywhere, don't wanna be cutting the bumper on a truck of this age.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[Ruffrider13]

Not sure if I should be running that set up, don't want to rub and have to use a body lift, then the tires will look too small. My other option was bilsteins set at 2.1 and have a 1.25-1.5 inch body lift and run toyo MTs which run 34.8 inches. I believe this will work, only thing i don't like about the body lift is I'd have to get the exhaust tips relocated down. What is everyone's opinions? Anyone with photos of bilsteins with or without a body lift would be appreciated

 

[ARust]

I wouldn't attempt that set-up... even if it's just an inch taller and wider tire with a good size leveling kit you would probably need to trim the inner fender even if it's minor.

And the offset depends on the rim you are planning on using. If you use the OEM wheels, its a +19 offset and you would need a wheel spacer.

You could also just slap on a strut extension (to get it level) and use a body lift. You might be better off doing that, but you would still need to worry about the wider tire rubbing the upper control arm. And then it might look weird, body lifts to me are just cheap and look horrible unless paired with a suspension lift kit.

I think you could do a 34" inch tall tire, with the same width as the OEM tires and be alright. I'd answer more but I need to know my details...

 

[cableguy_hd]

stock tires are almost 11" wide. You want a tire that's .5" wider and a rim with a -12 offset will stick out almost 1.5" more than stock. It should work. The math seems to.

 

[ARust]

@cableguy_hd Would that not rub at all?

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[ARust]

And my OEM tires on my truck are just above 10" wide. It was like... 10.32" wide I think...

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[cableguy_hd]

I'm still learning this stuff but I think it would.http://ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=168422 nice write up here from a sire supporter. Different forum

 

[DublDee]

I love the setup I have, with the Bilsteins at 2.1 and the Goodyear Duractracs 275/65/20's seem to be a great all around tire.

 

[Cruizer]

You shouldn't need to trim anything running 34's on a level if you have the right offset. I think -12 would be spot on for a 20x9. The 2 biggest cases of rubbing I've seen are the upper control arm when going to a wider tire. The negative offset or a wheel spacer will correct.

The other issue I've seen is rubbing the valance under the front bumper. Don't think you'd see this issue with your setup though.

Maybe get some guys running 34's to post some pics and comments on what wheels/tires they're running and with what level. I think 34's look awesome on a level. I'd have gone this route, but I want a little more height so I'm adding a 3" body lift and running 35's soon.

EDIT: I'm currently on 5100's set at 2.8" with 1.75" rear coil spacers. I'm still on the stock 33's, but you can see I could easily run 34's of the same width. Think they're usually 275/65R20's. I do have the 4WD vibration right now though with the 2.8" setting and thinking of dropping to the 2.1" and removing the rear spacers. I just don't know yet.

 

[Bully's Performance]

Exactly this right here ^^^, You should be fine, with the proper offset you could run up to a 35 with no issues 95% of the time, the other 5% of the time will require minor trimming to the lower valance but that is all. If you are wanting to save some coin on bilsteins, wheels and tires reach out to us we could get you set up with a complete package read to install, wheels/tires high speed mounted and balanced with TPMS and lug nuts so all you have to do is a tire change.

If you are interested in a quote feel free to reach out to us by PM, or posting in our vendor sections, you can also reach us off of the boards (sometimes this is a little faster) via email at [email protected] or toll free at 855-432-FAST, if you reach out to us offsite be sure to tell us you are an RF member and you will get our best discounts!

Thanks
Jeremiah

 

[tjones524]

You shouldn't need to trim anything running 34's on a level if you have the right offset. I think -12 would be spot on for a 20x9. The 2 biggest cases of rubbing I've seen are the upper control arm when going to a wider tire. The negative offset or a wheel spacer will correct.

The other issue I've seen is rubbing the valance under the front bumper. Don't think you'd see this issue with your setup though.

Maybe get some guys running 34's to post some pics and comments on what wheels/tires they're running and with what level. I think 34's look awesome on a level. I'd have gone this route, but I want a little more height so I'm adding a 3" body lift and running 35's soon.

EDIT: I'm currently on 5100's set at 2.8" with 1.75" rear coil spacers. I'm still on the stock 33's, but you can see I could easily run 34's of the same width. Think they're usually 275/65R20's. I do have the 4WD vibration right now though with the 2.8" setting and thinking of dropping to the 2.1" and removing the rear spacers. I just don't know yet.

Just wanted to add, you don't need a lower offset to run 34's, stock you can, but it also depends on the 34 as well.

I've seen pics of 275/65/20 34" on stock 20x9's chrome clads which is +19 offset, and no level.

But, a slightly bigger 34", like 34.5" aka 295/60/20's, would probably need a spacer, being wider.

 

[Ruffrider13]

The reason I'm wanting a lower offset is because I do drive a fair bit of gravel, and with the added width of the tires they will stick out past the fender, so wanting to push them out far enough that I can put the pocket style bushwackers on and the stance won't look too skinny for the bushwackers, I can always throw a .25 inch wheel spacer in there to shim it out that little bit extra.

Thanks everyone for the help! Think I will be going with the 34.1 inch tires and hopefully the -12 offset rims. First I gotta check out this back order issue with the bilsteins. Hope the wait won't be too long. I'll definitely post up pics once I have the lift all done.