RC 2" leveling strut review and help

[justjay]

I purchased a 2019 classic Ecodiesel 1500 and like everyone else want to reduce the rake to a more manageable level, not to mention stuff a little bit bigger tire in there and make the truck look better. I know that many people run the Bilstein setup and I have myself in many other trucks, but I know when you put them towards their max it makes them pretty stiff.

With that being said, does anyone have any insight as to how well the RC 2" leveling struts work? Are these a relatively new thing for our trucks? Are they stiff or pretty much ride like factory? An all inclusive strut fully assembled doesn't seem like a bad option at all, but I'd like to be sure that ride quality doesn't suffer too much as I still would like to take it on trails and continue towing a 7000lb trailer without fear of my front-end blowing up.

My plans were the Rough country leveling struts on 18x9 +18 offset with a BFG AT 305/70. I like the tires to sit flush and tuck into the wheel well on articulation. Please give me your critques, advice, help etc. Thanks!

 

[ram1500rsm]

Are these the ones you're referring to ? https://www.roughcountry.com/dodge-leveling-struts-500028.html?rrec=true
I don't have direct experience with them, in concept they look very similar to Rancho QL struts which i had prior to my King setup. They're plug and play nothing to remove from your factory strut and transfer to the new ones, no damn washers to mess with and i think we have a couple of members using them. Little frmer than stock if i remember correctly (from their impressions) but not 5100 to the max firm.

I started out with the Ranchos front and rear with the idea of upgrading to something better down the road so they're now my backup suspension set. i ran them for about 12k miles and had nothing but joy. I did mate them with Zone UCA's right from the get go

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

I'd think those RC struts will serve you well to start, prob the most affordable plug and play leveling struts we have at the moment, and they're relatively new to the RAM's.

 

[justjay]

Are these the ones you're referring to ? https://www.roughcountry.com/dodge-leveling-struts-500028.html?rrec=true
I don't have direct experience with them, in concept they look very similar to Rancho QL struts which i had prior to my King setup. They're plug and play nothing to remove from your factory strut and transfer to the new ones, no damn washers to mess with and i think we have a couple of members using them. Little frmer than stock if i remember correctly (from their impressions) but not 5100 to the max firm.

I started out with the Ranchos front and rear with the idea of upgrading to something better down the road so they're now my backup suspension set. i ran them for about 12k miles and had nothing but joy. I did mate them with Zone UCA's right from the get goUntitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

I'd think those RC struts will serve you well to start, prob the most affordable plug and play leveling struts we have at the moment, and they're relatively new to the RAM's.

Yes, those are the ones. With regards to arms, there are so many options these days. RBP, readylift, CST, Icon, Zone....being new to Ram I haven't the slightest clue which ones are the go to UCA's though I can assume something with a super pivot like a heim or uniball construction. Oh and btw nice articulation and truck in the pics! I noticed you have something Metalcloak on your rig, I have a full Metalcloak set up on my JK, great suspension. I've had Icon on my old 4runner before the Jeep, but it's definitely on the pricier side of the house.

 

[ram1500rsm]

Here you have somebody last month who got these installed. You want aftermarket ucas as they are longer than stock.
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/rough-country-2-coilovers-installed.160920/

 

[ram1500rsm]

Yes, those are the ones. With regards to arms, there are so many options these days. RBP, readylift, CST, Icon, Zone....being new to Ram I haven't the slightest clue which ones are the go to UCA's though I can assume something with a super pivot like a heim or uniball construction. Oh and btw nice articulation and truck in the pics! I noticed you have something Metalcloak on your rig, I have a full Metalcloak set up on my JK, great suspension. I've had Icon on my old 4runner before the Jeep, but it's definitely on the pricier side of the house.

I had a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited before the RAM with full synergy adjustable control arms, OME springs, 29" extended shocks, MC bumpstops etc (i like how they stack in 1" increments ) so i used the same bumpstops in the back of my RAM (just 1" blocks).

I also have 2020 JT rear control arms and 2020 JT 2.5" rear springs both from Clayton Offroad in my RAM just cause i like to be different, but mostly cause the RAM aftermarket doesn't have chit for the overlander looking to carry more weight and have longer shocks and keep the lift small. I had Icon 1.5" springs which can carry some nice weight but wanted to run longer than the 27" extended shocks i have now Almost went with BDS (they have 3" and 5" springs) but they recommended against going with their 3" springs because the rate on them is too soft (240 lbs/inch) for the weight i have /can have at any point in time. Clayton Springs have 280 lbs/inch 2nd rate, 360lbs/inch 3rd rate) best of all i'll be able to run 5" lift shocks in the back (29.3 " extended) with only 2" of lift so she's going to flex pretty good, That's why i changed the rear control arms as well, new shocks should be ready in a couple of weeks.

Anyways for the front UCA's you have a lot of arms to choose from, you can check my post here where i list part numbers for pretty much everything we can run in our 4th gen 1500 trucks when it comes to suspension. They're PDF files.
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/4th-gen-1500-coilovers-struts-shocks-control-arms-trackbars.158811/

I'm running Zone UCA's, and they're working fine with my extended travel King coilovers.
Also Zone will allow you to run 5* caster if you want to accommodate bigger meats without rubbing issues. Seems not every UCA allows that much caster adjustment but i know Zone does as that is what i run and i'm one of the few members here running and offroading 37x12.5x17 KO2's on literally 2.75" lift without rubbing issues and i haven't cut any metal whatsoever. (have a tube bumper in the front though)

You should have no issues with 305/70/18 rubbing with high caster, but you want to use caster to your advantage otherwise you can always cut what's needed to clear. No BMC needed on the RAM's like we did with FJ's or Tacos or 4runners with just 33's, but even with 35's you may need to shave a little metal corner or plastic if you weren't running high caster depending on your wheels backspace.

UCA's


You can check my build in the signature for details. I'm also local in Socal so i can tell you what works if you're going to be bashing the truck around our local deserts

 

[justjay]

Here you have somebody last month who got these installed. You want aftermarket ucas as they are longer than stock.
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/rough-country-2-coilovers-installed.160920/

That's what I thought as well with regards to the arms, just to keep the suspension geometry correct, so I'll get a set of those. Any problems with CV axle angles at the 2" lift mark? Will I need to address spacers for the tranny and or transfer case? Lastly, do you think I can swing a 35x 12.5 BFG on 18x9 +20 offset wheels with this setup and not too much rubbing? (I like my Cooper STT pro's on the jeep, but for this I think they are too soft). Also, do you think Ill have a problem towing about 6-7k lbs? (BTW I got the 3.92 gears for this very reason as well)

 

[justjay]

I had a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited before the RAM with full synergy adjustable control arms, OME springs, 29" extended shocks, MC bumpstops etc (i like how they stack in 1" increments ) so i used the same bumpstops in the back of my RAM (just 1" blocks).

I also have 2020 JT rear control arms and 2020 JT 2.5" rear springs both from Clayton Offroad in my RAM just cause i like to be different, but mostly cause the RAM aftermarket doesn't have chit for the overlander looking to carry more weight and have longer shocks and keep the lift small. I had Icon 1.5" springs which can carry some nice weight but wanted to run longer than the 27" extended shocks i have now Almost went with BDS (they have 3" and 5" springs) but they recommended against going with their 3" springs because the rate on them is too soft (240 lbs/inch) for the weight i have /can have at any point in time. Clayton Springs have 280 lbs/inch 2nd rate, 360lbs/inch 3rd rate) best of all i'll be able to run 5" lift shocks in the back (29.3 " extended) with only 2" of lift so she's going to flex pretty good, That's why i changed the rear control arms as well, new shocks should be ready in a couple of weeks.

Anyways for the front UCA's you have a lot of arms to choose from, you can check my post here where i list part numbers for pretty much everything we can run in our 4th gen 1500 trucks when it comes to suspension. They're PDF files.
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/4th-gen-1500-coilovers-struts-shocks-control-arms-trackbars.158811/

I'm running Zone UCA's, and they're working fine with my extended travel King coilovers.
Also Zone will allow you to run 5* caster if you want to accommodate bigger meats without rubbing issues. Seems not every UCA allows that much caster adjustment but i know Zone does as that is what i run and i'm one of the few members here running and offroading 37x12.5x17 KO2's on literally 2.75" lift without rubbing issues and i haven't cut any metal whatsoever. (have a tube bumper in the front though)

You should have no issues with 305/70/18 rubbing with high caster, but you want to use caster to your advantage otherwise you can always cut what's needed to clear. No BMC needed on the RAM's like we did with FJ's or Tacos or 4runners with just 33's, but even with 35's you may need to shave a little metal corner or plastic if you weren't running high caster depending on your wheels backspace.

UCA's
View attachment 210266

You can check my build in the signature for details. I'm also local in Socal so i can tell you what works if you're going to be bashing the truck around our local deserts

Sorry to be a pain, but I've been in the game too long and wasted too much money on bad decisions and regrettable ride quality so I tend to be certain before I jump into the builds these days. I've also contemplated an 18x9 +18 as well with a possible 305/70R18 as well (34.8"tall and only 12.2 wide). Any insight , or words of wisdom? I just want to ensure its a capable rig on the trails and for towing alike.

 

[ram1500rsm]

That's what I thought as well with regards to the arms, just to keep the suspension geometry correct, so I'll get a set of those. Any problems with CV axle angles at the 2" lift mark? Will I need to address spacers for the tranny and or transfer case? Lastly, do you think I can swing a 35x 12.5 BFG on 18x9 +20 offset wheels with this setup and not too much rubbing? (I like my Cooper STT pro's on the jeep, but for this I think they are too soft). Also, do you think Ill have a problem towing about 6-7k lbs? (BTW I got the 3.92 gears for this very reason as well)

Tires i have in the pics are 315/70/17 (advertised 34.7") on 17x9 -12 offset. We have No need for BMC, or diff/trans drop brackets with 2 or 2.8"
This is the CV angle with my truck at 2.75"
Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Don't know if you'll be able to fit 35x12.5 on +20offset wheels, factory offset is +19 and if you go with aftermarket UCA's chances are the tires will rub the UCA's.
This dude is running 18x9 +12 with 35x12.5
https://www.customwheeloffset.com/w...2015-ram-1500-black-rhino-taupo-rough-country

Keep your caster high and she won't rub. even if she did i could almost guarantee you can use a heat gun to mold some plastic away from front fender wheels and that will be it. For the back you may have to remove the plastic fender wells.

Some more pics with my 2" setup and the 315/70/17 on the trail, ZERO RUB in the front, 4.5-5* caster , ZONE UCA's will allow you to run that much caster without a single issue.
20180902_105719 by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Rear, this is factory springs with factory lenght Rancho 9000 XL shocks

20180902_105656 by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

You may rub here with the STT pro's but that's easy fix removing the plastic fender wells
I'm running no rear wells + 1 bumpstops with 37 KO2's so i doubt you'll have issues with a 35 tire.

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr


STT pros are more than fine in the RAM 1500's and you should have no issues towing heavy with them on a 35" size with 3.92's. You'll need air bags in the back though to counteract for the weight sagging at the very least, that or get into the Icon 1.5" springs.

This was Rancho QL/Rancho factory lenght rear shocks all around with the stock springs, Zone UCA's and 315's
2018-09-09_09-10-11 by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Same setup with Icon 1.5" springs and 27.5" extended Rancho 9000 XL rear shocks
20181007_145427 by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

 

[ram1500rsm]

Sorry to be a pain, but I've been in the game too long and wasted too much money on bad decisions and regrettable ride quality so I tend to be certain before I jump into the builds these days. I've also contemplated an 18x9 +18 as well with a possible 305/70R18 as well (34.8"tall and only 12.2 wide). Any insight , or words of wisdom? I just want to ensure its a capable rig on the trails and for towing alike.

If you keep your truck speed at Jeep Wrangler with 15 PSI speed while on the trail , you'll be fine with the RC's and any other conventional shock in the market right now that can fit your truck.

I ran Anza Borrego Trails, Ocotillo Wells, Joshua Tree etc with the Ranchos and my Jeep group

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr


If you want bashing fun, save money and get yourself a kit from Kings,Fox,Radflo or Icon with 2.5 body front and rear. This are heavy trucks and you want 2.5 displacement for that.
Radflo 2.5 will be your best bang for money price wise with a 2.5 system, Icon Stage 1 will be the absolute chepeast entry level (2.5 CO's in the front NO RES, 2.0 rear shocks) keep in mind Icon doesn't give you resevoirs in the front for the RAM application even if you wanted to add those. so at the most you can upgrade the rear from 2.0 to 2.5 shocks but your front will never have RES or CDC with Icons. Have no idea why they did that with the RAM but it's what it is.

You also have Fox 2.0 front/rear but i honestly believe 2.0 displacement is not enough to have some bash fun in our Socal deserts with a truck as heavy as our RAM's. they'll do the work but you'll have to go through rebuilts more often for sure.

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

2020-05-02_06-24-53 by RAM RSM, on Flickr


Have fun.

 

[Gary2]

RC 2" leveling strut review ?

 

[MudderRam]

I ordered a set yesterday. Should be here tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get them installed during the weekend. Will post pictures and driving impressions as soon as I can. I went back and forth between the Bilstein 5100, Rancho QLs and RCs. I scratched Rancho due to people claiming to get less than 2 inches of lift. I picked the RCs over the Bilstein due to ease of installation. I didn't want to mess with spring compressors nor did I want to pay $275 getting them installed. For the price and ease of installation, the RCs are hard to beat. Mind you, I have the 5100s (all corners) on my Grand Cherokee and they are awesome.

 

[Gary2]

I will say I will not recommend Bilstein 5100's with out installing Ebach springs on them not the OE springs to get the best combination. Preloading a spring seems to be stiffer no matter what shocks ya use. Getting some spring compressor experience is a great thing if you own a vehicle with struts as I have changed my Ram set up many times to get a great ride. . I thought Bilsteins 5100 sucked till I installed a set of Ebach springs o them. You would never know they are the same shocks.

 

[MudderRam]

I got the RC struts installed today. In the middle of the job I realized half of my tools were at my cabin. My breaker bar, 24mm socket, etc. I was still able to get the job done but I missed my tools. I now need to get it aligned since the caster/camber is probably off. The driver's tire seems to be inwards at the bottom. I test drove it and it rides nice. I love the new stance. It took me about three hours. I also installed a Tyger soft roll up tonneau cover and the tailgate spoiler trim and front air dam. Seems like the previous owner cracked both. I measured on a level surface and the front fenders were exactly 39". Not bad. Time will tell if they last.

 

[MudderRam]

Yesterday I took my Ram to Firestone to get it aligned and they refused to service the vehicle supposedly due to not being able to adjust the steering angle sensors and not being able to align the steering wheel. ‍

I wasn't expecting that. Are we Ram owners limited to getting alignments only at the Ram dealers?

 

[ram1500rsm]

Find a different Firestone shop if you have their lifetime aligment or use a different shop all together. Also helps to tell them you have a RAM classic so they can use the specs from say a 2018 RAM 1500 crew cab.

 

[Cableman]

Ive had bilstein 5100s sitting in my garage since last year lol too many projects i guess.

Started reading more about the stiff ride and im thinking of maybe a full coil setup.
Not much off roading over here except beaches.

Would it be overkill to go with a fox 2.0 setup just to get a 2" front lift?
I really like the soft ride i have stock and even with my 305/55s it drives great.

 

[MudderRam]

Find a different Firestone shop if you have their lifetime aligment or use a different shop all together. Also helps to tell them you have a RAM classic so they can use the specs from say a 2018 RAM 1500 crew cab.

Got it aligned a the Ram dealer yesterday. Same price as Firestone. Rides smooth.

 

[MudderRam]

Ive had bilstein 5100s sitting in my garage since last year lol too many projects i guess.

Started reading more about the stiff ride and im thinking of maybe a full coil setup.
Not much off roading over here except beaches.

Would it be overkill to go with a fox 2.0 setup just to get a 2" front lift?
I really like the soft ride i have stock and even with my 305/55s it drives great.

So far I haven't noticed much difference from the stock ride. The RCs seem to be smooth. I like the new leveled look.