New shocks? Or should i be okay?

[Schwendy]

First off i am new to the forum. I have had my ram for about a year now and the last couple months i have been doing some upgrades. I have a 99 dodge ram reg cab short box 1500. I recently put 3/4 ton springs in the front and an add a leaf in the rear. problem is , the rear isn't setting much and i got a bit of rake going, and i don't like it. I got bilstein shocks for a 3 inch lift in the front. and bilsteins in the rear. I want to add a 2 inch coil spacer along with lower control arms, drop pitman arm and sway bar relocation brackets for the front. Do i need to buy longer shocks again or am i okay? I don't want to drop another $180 on shocks when mine are still brand new. any input is greatly appreciated. I'll try to add some photos of it to this thread.

 

[mike2me]

Personally I would you can pick up shocks from r/c for $25 each if i remember correctly. I replaced mine when I lifted the truck and it rides alot smoother than it did before (new springs as well).

 

[mike2me]

Sorry i didnt see that you just bought new shocks when i first read the post you should check what the max extension for the shocks you have are but i would imagine they will work with another 2 inches. If anything jack up the truck from the frame and see how much the shocks are out from full extension to when the truck is sitting then make a judgement call.

 

[Schwendy]

I'll have to try that. And yeah i just bought bilsteins so it kinda sucks if i have to get new ones lol otherwise i guess im keeping the rake.

 

[Stangshcky12]

You'll want to do something with the track bar as well once you put the spacers on

 

[Schwendy]

Do the relocation brackets work well or should i just go with an adjustable one? What would you recommend ?

 

[Stangshcky12]

How much lift did the springs give you?
The drop brackets are typically good for 3-5" of lift in the front
If your going to be over 3" of lift after the spacers you'll need to use a drop bracket
And adjustable track bar wouldn't hurt to add with it but not entirely necessary

 

[Schwendy]

Springs gave me 3 inches when first installed, not sure if they settled at all since then. Haven't measured. I'd ask about a specific brand but i see there is another active topic going on right now that has a lot of info on trac bars.

 

[Okiespaniel]

This is kind of a half arsed setup and you're trying to repair it cheaply. Cummins springs were never meant for a 1/2 ton gasser, and rather than buy spacers

I would junk the springs and get a set of 5 inch springs for your truck. This will rid you of most of your rake.

5 inch springs (or spacers with your old springs) are going to need both upper and lower arms so your caster can be set properly and your axle centered.
You'll need either a tuff country track bar mount if you go with a stocker or a much better track bar which isn't going to be cheap. A Bilstein dealer can tell you the extended length of your shocks and if they will work. They're likely long enough but not for any serious off roading.

 

[smiley]

I think it looks okay looks like it is made to work. A little take will be nice when you hook on a trailer.


$miley

 

[Schwendy]

Thanks for the good info guys!

 

[Stangshcky12]

If your still looking for control arms I think tuff country arms from summit will be the most inexpensive you'll find with top gun customz CA the next cheapest without making them

 

[Schwendy]

For some reason when i go to either site they don't list any control arms for my "99" except for summit with the skyjacker lowers only. something different on mine than say a 97?

 

[Schwendy]

Anyone ? Is there a difference in control arms through out the years for a 2nd gen ?

 

[Okiespaniel]

Yeah on '97 the control arm bolts are smaller than 99 and newer trucks. I would go to Rough Country on the site here. They should be able to get you the arms you need.

At the worst, you may have to drill out your holes on your mounting points to accept the larger bolts, and that's not a bad thng.