Need some advice

[audiophile]

Okay, I know that these kind of questions have been asked countless times but me and the search function just don't see eye to eye. I figured I would start this thread so NJ I have one place to go to to see any answers, opinions and pics or facts about lift kits.
In March when my bonus hits, I plan on getting a lift kit.
I have a 2016 1500 4X4 Outdoorsman Crew Cab with the 6-4" bed. This is my first 4wd so i am a novice at some of this.
I was happy with the stance and ground clearance it had from the factory but after adding the Westin nerf bars, it dropped that clearance down. I needed bars with a step as my wife had trouble getting in the truck prior. I would like to get a little of that back and still make it manageable for her to enter and exit the truck.
I am looking at the 2.5 - 3" kits. My budget will be roughly 150.00-300.00. I also wish to keep the slight rake and not level it. I have found several kits online but I know nothing about brand and quality.
I am familiar with brands like Rough Country and Skyjacker but know little about other brands and long term quality.
Anyone that has used these or any brand that they have good luck with I would appreciate your opinions.
Installation is not an issue as I have plenty of knowledge in suspension and front ends. My dad and I can do just about anything to a vehicle needed, I just am not well versed in the off road world.
I will keep the stock 265/70/17s for now but do plan on getting larger tires later this year when they are due replacement. Custom wheels will follow but nothing drastic (17x9) or so.
Thanks in advance.

2016 1500 Outdoorsman 4X4 5.7L

 

[BOWERSFJ]

Bilstein 5100’s front set at 2.1 and a 1-1/2” rear spacer ...


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[BOWERSFJ]

Hell Bent Steel makes a good rear spacer ... Lotsa places to get 5100’s ... Bout $200 for the Bils, $100 for the rear spacer, and you’ll proly have to rent a spring compressor


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[BOWERSFJ]

Oh, and an alignment ... You just went over budget ... Lol


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[audiophile]

Oh, and an alignment ... You just went over budget ... Lol


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Yeah, alignment I see as a sunk cost in this endeavor. Thinking about getting the lifetime one from Firestone because I will have to realign it if I go bigger on the tires as well.
Found the Bilsteins on Amazon for 199.99/pair.

2016 1500 Outdoorsman 4X4 5.7L

 

[BOWERSFJ]

Lifetime alignment is a great idea, and $199 is a good price on the Bil 5100’s

Now just do your measurements, figure out what setting you want the Bils at, how much rake you want, and then you’ll know what size rear spacers to get


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[Jrod]

With my bills set at 2.8 and 1.5" rear TCG spacers I maintain a 1" rake.

 

[BOWERSFJ]

With my bills set at 2.8 and 1.5" rear TCG spacers I maintain a 1" rake.

No doubt it looks awesome ... For me, and all the reading I did, 2.8” just pushes the limits and angles for long term ... I ran 2.1 for years before my 4” lift ... I read things about ball joints with years after 2012 ... 1” rear spacer works better with the factory shocks travel ... All from stuff I’ve read here and my wagon


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[Jrod]

No doubt it looks awesome ... For me, and all the reading I did, 2.8” just pushes the limits and angles for long term ... I ran 2.1 for years before my 4” lift ... I read things about ball joints with years after 2012 ... 1” rear spacer works better with the factory shocks travel ... All from stuff I’ve read here and my wagon


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I upgraded my UCA's for that same reason. Some say it's fine while others disagree. For an extra $120 I figured why not, so slapped some mevotech's while I was in there. Side note: my truck is a highway queen. I may see an occasional dirt or gravel road but that's it.

 

[BOWERSFJ]

I upgraded my UCA's for that same reason. Some say it's fine while others disagree. For an extra $120 I figured why not, so slapped some mevotech's while I was in there. Side note: my truck is a highway queen. I may see an occasional dirt or gravel road but that's it.

No shame in that ... I didn’t spend $35k on a truck, and add another $5k in add-ons to take it out and beat the **** out of it ... Mine’s the badest lifted mall crawlin golf buddy hailin Ram rollin on 35’s in Ohio ... To each his own


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[audiophile]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Bils + spacers vs a full kit? Just curious.

2016 1500 Outdoorsman 4X4 5.7L

 

[BOWERSFJ]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Bils + spacers vs a full kit? Just curious.

2016 1500 Outdoorsman 4X4 5.7L

Bils and spacers will get you 2”-2-1/2” of leveled lift with rear spacers that rides great and is easy on your cv angles ... A full lift like a 4” will get you more lift ... If you add the Bils to the 4” lift with the 3” rear springs (Zone) with the Bils set at 0.7” or 1.4” you get about 5” of lift with a great ride


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[sequoia464]

I'm looking for a similar setup - 2017 4x4 - currently running TufTruck 1211 springs in the back.

I use this truck for towing so I'm looking to keep the front/rear relationship as it is - want the rear a bit high so it sits level when towing.

We were in Moab a couple of months ago, found I could use a bit more clearance - nothing radical, just looking at raising the truck 2 - 2 1/2 inches.

Would the Bilsteins up front and spacers in back be appropriate for me also?

 

[BOWERSFJ]

Definitely ... A guy just found the Bils on Amazon fir $199 which is a good price ... Hell Bent Steel or Top Gun Customz is a good place for rear spacers ... If you go much more than 1” or 1-1/2” rear spacers, then you’ll need longer rear shocks


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[sequoia464]

Definitely ... A guy just found the Bils on Amazon fir $199 which is a good price ... Hell Bent Steel or Top Gun Customz is a good place for rear spacers ... If you go much more than 1” or 1-1/2” rear spacers, then you’ll need longer rear shocks


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Thanks, going to keep it right at 2", I'll set the Bilsteins at 2.1 and get the 2" spacers that Top Gun offers.

Need to find some shocks though - Zone offers these for a 2-3" lift, are these any good, or do you have any suggestions?

https://www.americantrucks.com/zone-offroad-nitro-rear-shock-for-23-lift-0617-4wd-ram-1500.html

 

[BOWERSFJ]

Not sure but most stuff from Zone is pretty good ... I’ve had no issues with the shocks in the rear that came with my lift ... When I replace them I’m gonna go with the Rancho 9000 series that are adjustable


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[hodge-xj]

In your price range you have the bilstein 5100s, eibach pro lift struts, and rancho quick lifts.

Eibach and bilstein are very similar, and honestly both set to 2.1 look great and should get you a nice level look, while maintaining some rake and not having to lift the rear or worry much about angles or reliability. You can't really go wrong with these as long as you are just looking for a nice level look and a bit of a ride upgrade over oem.

Rancho are nice since they have the ability to fine tune the ride to your liking with their adjustment knob and they are an assembled unit, which really cute down on install time. I haven't run these but the feedback has been good on these as well, just not as popular.

Once you raise the truck beyond the 2-2.5" range it's heavily suggested to keep and eye on your don't end components, there's lots of stories about issues arising. Tho I haven't seen any myself, id not recommend something for someone that may create future issues down the road, so keep it moderate with the level height and you'll have many care free miles.

I'll preach day in and out, avoid spacers. Some kits are better thought out and designed than others, and I know there's guys that run them problem free, but I have seen the problems they create first hand on my own truck. Do it once with a nice set of shocks and avoid the bs these create down the road. I'll attach a picture of the "worst case" I had of a poor spacer design installed by the previous owner on my truck.

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