David Gunn
Junior Member
I have a 2016 RAM 1500 Crew Cab 4WD. I have a Belltech 2"/4" drop kit installed with the Belltech springs and BT Street Performer Shocks. I have the BT track bar relocation bracket installed as well. Control arms are stock in the stock configuration. I've had a few issues with the ride and working through a few fixes. I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone who has been through this. Below are my thoughts and observations. I LOVE the way the truck looks and sits but I'm in my truck quite a bit every day and if I can't get the ride quality improved I'm going to put it back to stock. I know that ride quality is subjective but my opinion is that it is not good. I've tried to determine if my objection is to the way the front of the truck rides or the rear. Mainly I think it is the rear. At least that seems like a good starting place.
1. First issue was the truck was riding on the bumpstops, even at rest, so I cut about 1" off the bump stops. That helped some.
2. I was still bottoming out fairly regularly so I installed a pair of air lift helper bags for a Dodge Durango. That helped the bottoming out and I'm still playing with different air pressures but the ride is still not where I want it to be.
3. I've noticed that the suspension seems very sensitive. While it might be ok with me riding in the truck alone, if I put in a passenger or any cargo in the bed the ride changes fairly drastically. I was embarrassed when i took a co-worker to lunch the other day and was bouncing him all over. Once I dropped him off and it was just me it in the truck it seemed much better.
4. Since it is fairly easy, I'm thinking about changing out the BT shocks for another type of shock as a test. I've seen other threads about different shock options. That's confusing too. Adjustable single, adjustable dual, non-adjustable, what size, etc. Is there a shock that would work with the 4" drop or work at stock height?
5. If rear shocks don't help I may change back to a stock spring or maybe a 2" lowering spring. Is 4" just too much of a drop to expect a decent ride quality? Maybe my expectations are too high?
6. Where do the rear control arms come into play? Are they affecting any of this? At speed the truck is stable and drives straight. No wobble or other odd feelings other than bouncing over bumps.
7. After I attack the rear I guess I can then look the front.
Any comments or suggestions appreciated.
1. First issue was the truck was riding on the bumpstops, even at rest, so I cut about 1" off the bump stops. That helped some.
2. I was still bottoming out fairly regularly so I installed a pair of air lift helper bags for a Dodge Durango. That helped the bottoming out and I'm still playing with different air pressures but the ride is still not where I want it to be.
3. I've noticed that the suspension seems very sensitive. While it might be ok with me riding in the truck alone, if I put in a passenger or any cargo in the bed the ride changes fairly drastically. I was embarrassed when i took a co-worker to lunch the other day and was bouncing him all over. Once I dropped him off and it was just me it in the truck it seemed much better.
4. Since it is fairly easy, I'm thinking about changing out the BT shocks for another type of shock as a test. I've seen other threads about different shock options. That's confusing too. Adjustable single, adjustable dual, non-adjustable, what size, etc. Is there a shock that would work with the 4" drop or work at stock height?
5. If rear shocks don't help I may change back to a stock spring or maybe a 2" lowering spring. Is 4" just too much of a drop to expect a decent ride quality? Maybe my expectations are too high?
6. Where do the rear control arms come into play? Are they affecting any of this? At speed the truck is stable and drives straight. No wobble or other odd feelings other than bouncing over bumps.
7. After I attack the rear I guess I can then look the front.
Any comments or suggestions appreciated.