Exploring Level/Lift Options

[Jalopy13F]

So I've researched enough to know that the choices are endless. I'm looking for input on what I want my truck to do.

I have a 2012 stock Cummins, and am looking to build it into an offroad-in-to-camping truck, while maintaining road serviceability. Dirt or lightly rocky trails and some brush are what I'm primarily looking at going through (other than very short drives to work). With all this being said, while I certainly don't want to go full budget, I'm not trying to sell off my first-born, either.

I'm interested in y'all's perspectives, be they from experience or theory. I've got time to figure it out, and would love the dialogue.

Edit: If it helps, I live in Colorado basically at the base of the mountains.

 

[azcoyote]

If I had a 2500, this is where I would start.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/product-category/ram-hd/suspension-systems-ram-hd/

I expect Carly and Thuren will get mentioned shortly too.

 

[Jalopy13F]

The AEV system appears to only work for '13 and up?

Also, I've talked to a dude at Carli. I'd honestly love to go with them, but might be a little too poor.

 

[ram1500rsm]

Carli or Thuren have at least coil springs for $2300.
But keep in mind i think both of them have softer rear coils which will will make you sag more under load. They do so because that way they can give better matched shocks that will render a way comfier ride with respect to stock on or offroad.

This is what i'll do, put down what you need/want in writing, then email Thuren, Carli, Synergy MFG, Icon etc and let them tell you how they can help you.

If money is a concern there are cheapy spacer kits that will give you height but not a lot of people like the way their rigs ride with those. Don't know anybody who has complained about Thuren or Carli after lift. Their basic kit is $700 or $800 and it goes higher from there if you need more height. same with synergy, same with Icon. Height cost money especially when you want to make it right. cheaping out lifting your live axel truck is asking for trouble. The higher you go the more attention to details you'll need for the vehicle to drive right.

 

[Quick_Shifter]

So I've researched enough to know that the choices are endless. I'm looking for input on what I want my truck to do.

I have a 2012 stock Cummins, and am looking to build it into an offroad-in-to-camping truck, while maintaining road serviceability. Dirt or lightly rocky trails and some brush are what I'm primarily looking at going through (other than very short drives to work). With all this being said, while I certainly don't want to go full budget, I'm not trying to sell off my first-born, either.

I'm interested in y'all's perspectives, be they from experience or theory. I've got time to figure it out, and would love the dialogue.

Edit: If it helps, I live in Colorado basically at the base of the mountains.

Kore off road makes a budget friendly kit along with Synergy suspension