Guide to Leveling & Wheel and Tire Sizing for 06+ 4wd Ram 1500's

[Vanterpool224]

I have bils at 2.8 with a .75" rear spacer. 35x12.5 on 17x9 -12 wheels. I have no contact at all. At 2.1 you might not clear at -12 but I would think you would at -6. I can't say for sure though. Probably really close.

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Apiazza,

I like the setup up your running. I am definitely gonna run bils at 2.8, with some Zone UCA's and 3/4" rear spacers. Did you upgrade your rear shocks to accomodate the 3/4" spacer, or are you still running the stock setup? Suggestions?

 

[Vanterpool224]

So I'm running Bilstein 6112s at 2.3" front and their 1" rear coils. Before I put oem 20s on I ran 315 70 17s with 1.5" wheel spacers and no rubbing, including offroad. There was a SLIGHT kiss on the one wheel liner that I had to search hsrd to find, heated the liner with a torch and mushed it back and all was good. With the 1.5" spacers I was effectively at -12 offset. It was close, but never rubbed. That being said my tires did hit my fender flares up top when I jumped my truck, so just don't jump it and you'll be good [emoji16]

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Hodge-xj,

I have probably read this ENTIRE thread a dozen times already. It just came back to the rim sizing. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Apiazza]

Apiazza,

I like the setup up your running. I am definitely gonna run bils at 2.8, with some Zone UCA's and 3/4" rear spacers. Did you upgrade your rear shocks to accomodate the 3/4" spacer, or are you still running the stock setup? Suggestions?

For the time being I am running factory shocks. No issues, but I don't do heavy off roading. When it comes time for new shocks I'll probably run lengthened springs with longer shocks just to quiet down the rear over big bumps but for now it works fine. I also don't want to abandon my airlift 1000's being they are great while towing.

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[hodge-xj]

Hodge-xj,

I have probably read this ENTIRE thread a dozen times already. It just came back to the rim sizing. Thanks for the advice!

No prob. I'd say -12 offset on an 18x9 ish the most you'll be able to get away with before you start to run into rubbing at some point during turning. After I heated and pushed the liners back I had about 2 fingers between tire and plastic at its closest so you have a bit of room to work with before having to actually trim. Alignment (castor angles) will also play a part in how close your tire sits as well. My head was spinning after searching this topic for a while, on top of looking at wheels. So I just bought spacers, gave up and said eff it.

Id say you SHOULD be ok but every truck is a bit different. He'll my front fender liners are both totally different in the way they were stamped.

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[Vanterpool224]

I think my final set up is going to be to add the Bils B6 4600 in the rear. I will tag that with what I posted earlier so that my rear has better than OEM ride quality. I appreciate all the info. I will post my build as it progresses!

 

[Vanterpool224]

Apiazza and Hodge-xj,


I am wondering... does the bils set @2.8 require any aftermarket sway bar endlinks due to the new height?

 

[hodge-xj]

Apiazza and Hodge-xj,


I am wondering... does the bils set @2.8 require any aftermarket sway bar endlinks due to the new height?

The links should be ok. The bilsteins don't over extend anything so you'll be within their designed range, just at a new angle. Might be worth it for a fresh set depending on the condition of the bushings but you'll be ok.

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[Vanterpool224]

The links should be ok. The bilsteins don't over extend anything so you'll be within their designed range, just at a new angle. Might be worth it for a fresh set depending on the condition of the bushings but you'll be ok.

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Gotcha. I might as well buy them for the added piece of mind. I do want to upgrade as much of the suspension components as I can. The plan is to have some fun, but also make it last another 10 years!

 

[cjkalt]

What do I have to put 285-55/20 on my stock 17’ ram 1500


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[Ed F]

I love this site and have read it all twice. I’ve read some guys mention that the Bilstein 5100’s will settle after a bit. I’m just about to do the Bilstein on all 4 corners. Not sure if I’m going 2.1 or 2.8 but that’s the only mod I plan to do. No lift, stock tires for now. I live on a mountain road in NC that could serve as a vehicle proving ground. The last mile and a half to my house is unpaved and full of ruts and twists and that’s on a good day. I’m thinking this road will settle these shocks in a hurry and maybe going to 2.8 now is the way to go? I don’t want to do it twice. Thanks, guys.

 

[Matt Burroughs]

Just joined today and this is a very informative forum.
I'm having Bilsteins installed to level my 2017 Lariat 1500 4x4 on Tuesday.
I plan on keeping my factory chrome 20" wheels and am beating myself up trying to decide what size tire to go with. I'd rather not run spacers. I don't want too much tire and don't want too little.
Is there a gallery of leveled trucks by chance with tire sizes ?

 

[JB1]

Just joined today and this is a very informative forum.
I'm having Bilsteins installed to level my 2017 Lariat 1500 4x4 on Tuesday.
I plan on keeping my factory chrome 20" wheels and am beating myself up trying to decide what size tire to go with. I'd rather not run spacers. I don't want too much tire and don't want too little.
Is there a gallery of leveled trucks by chance with tire sizes ?View attachment 172293

Welcome to the Ramforum

What height are you planning on setting the Bilsteins at?
Any rear lift?

Lots of pics here:


https://www.ramforum.com/threads/alright-guys-bilsteins-post-your-pics.79370/

 

[78Staff]

Offset is making my head spin... seems like most specs are in increments of 6, ie -12, -18, -24, etc.

Currently I have American Outlaws (Discount Tire Brand) 20x9 with 35x12.50 BFG AT's. They are +10 offset. They stick out a bit, but not much I guess - although I do notice the fronts stick out a bit more than the rear. I have a bit of rub turning left, with the outer edge of the tire catching the liner - but none turning right. I can trim a few inches of the fender liner I'm sure, but was curious about spacers since my rears appear tucked in more compared to the fronts.







If I added a 10mm spacer as an example, would it push them out further, or tuck them in more?

 

[olyelr]

Offset is making my head spin... seems like most specs are in increments of 6, ie -12, -18, -24, etc.

Currently I have American Outlaws (Discount Tire Brand) 20x9 with 35x12.50 BFG AT's. They are +10 offset. They stick out a bit, but not much I guess - although I do notice the fronts stick out a bit more than the rear. I have a bit of rub turning left, with the outer edge of the tire catching the liner - but none turning right. I can trim a few inches of the fender liner I'm sure, but was curious about spacers since my rears appear tucked in more compared to the fronts.







If I added a 10mm spacer as an example, would it push them out further, or tuck them in more?

It would push them out more, making them rub worse.

 

[78Staff]

It would push them out more, making them rub worse.

OK, that is what I thought,but wanted to be sure. So no spacers on the front then . Might still look at some on the rear to bring them out to look more "even" with the fronts - haven't decided.

These rims aren't that old, but if I do change down the road then I need to look at less offset ie 0 or even negative, based on the OP it appears...

 

[17Limited]

I’ve got a Limited 4x4 with air ride. I’m running 305/55R20 BFG KO2s without rubbing.

Looking pretty seriously at a set of Dropstars 645V. They’re 20x10, -19 offset. Would this setup be prone to rubbing?

I’m either gonna go back with the KO2s or maybe give the Duratracs a try.

Truck is bone stock currently, but I’ll probably level the front end with the links and possibly the daystar 2.5” leveling kit if I have to.

Any advice is welcome!


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[buddy guy]

I’ve got a Limited 4x4 with air ride. I’m running 305/55R20 BFG KO2s without rubbing.

Looking pretty seriously at a set of Dropstars 645V. They’re 20x10, -19 offset. Would this setup be prone to rubbing?

I’m either gonna go back with the KO2s or maybe give the Duratracs a try.

Truck is bone stock currently, but I’ll probably level the front end with the links and possibly the daystar 2.5” leveling kit if I have to.

Any advice is welcome!


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the daystar leveling kit is the one with spacers in front correct? there is enough evidence that front spacers are likely to damage front end components to not go that route. inexpensive solution in the short term but asking for trouble on ball joints.

 

[hodge-xj]

the daystar leveling kit is the one with spacers in front correct? there is enough evidence that front spacers are likely to damage front end components to not go that route. inexpensive solution in the short term but asking for trouble on ball joints.

@buddyguy the air suspension actually benefits from a spacer. They don't suffer the same fate as the standard coil suspensions, it actually rides much better with the spacers.

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[ram1500rsm]

Offset is making my head spin... seems like most specs are in increments of 6, ie -12, -18, -24, etc.

Currently I have American Outlaws (Discount Tire Brand) 20x9 with 35x12.50 BFG AT's. They are +10 offset. They stick out a bit, but not much I guess - although I do notice the fronts stick out a bit more than the rear. I have a bit of rub turning left, with the outer edge of the tire catching the liner - but none turning right. I can trim a few inches of the fender liner I'm sure, but was curious about spacers since my rears appear tucked in more compared to the fronts.







If I added a 10mm spacer as an example, would it push them out further, or tuck them in more?

You can fix that rub with more caster via alignment but you’ll need ucas with offset. I don’t think factory geometry ucas will allow you to advance caster towards 5* and camber in the 0*.
I’m running 37’s now with -12offset wheels and I’m inclined to say 2.75” lift front. 4.6* caster driver 5* passenger. You should have no issues with your tires and current wheels even with a little more offset if you fix the caster.

 

[78Staff]

You can fix that rub with more caster via alignment but you’ll need ucas with offset. I don’t think factory geometry ucas will allow you to advance caster towards 5* and camber in the 0*.
I’m running 37’s now with -12offset wheels and I’m inclined to say 2.75” lift front. 4.6* caster driver 5* passenger. You should have no issues with your tires and current wheels even with a little more offset if you fix the caster.

I'm running Zone UCA's, although I don't know if they would allow that much adjustment - they are designed for 2-3" lift and use a factory style Ball Joint, not a Uni-bail type.