Suspension Advice Needed

[jpop8807]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I drive a 2011 Ram 1500 ST Single Cab 4x4 with the Tow Package. Purchased the truck for cheap (pretty sure it was a work truck hence the 5 wheel hole in the bed) came with 265/70/17s these looked incredibly small, so I upgraded to 285/70 17s in Cooper ATP's(discount tire special). I didn't want to go to large with 35's later I might step up to 285/75's.

Now onto the question. I want to lift it. I don't feel like I need much maybe just a level seeing my nose enjoys eating the ground every time I go off road. I daily drive this truck I'm not much into the whole mudding thing, just exploring nature hitting up places like marble falls, and big bend type terrain. So my options are...

Rough country 3.75 level a spacer lever with a 1 inch body lift Pros-Cheap minus body lift install price
Cons-I was told to avoid all spacer lifts due to the fact the hinder shock travel
Bilstein 5100's adjustable-Pros-From what I've heard build to allow full travel when adjusted to level
Cons-A bit pricier then the Rough Country
Lastly I was looking at a ICON Stage 2 package Pros- I'll sit level, amazing ride, increased travel
Cons- Almost 2 thousand dollars
What would you do? I do offroad a decent bit, should I just start saving or will the Billies or RC level be fine?
Lastly the truck has air shocks in the rear should I keep those or replace them when I do the suspension upgrade?

 

[armymgdude]

I have a 2012 that I started with spacer lifting. The ride was horrendous. I upgraded to Bilsteins all the way around with the front at 2.8 and the rear shocks are 1 inch longer than stock. I have Tufftruck 50% stronger springs in the back so the back is lifted at least 2 inches. I still have 265 70 17s, but they are E load mud tires. The ride is now better than stock. I could easily fit 35s. I am constanly towing, hauling a load in the back, and I volunteer for SAR so the truck sees a lot of dirt.

 

[Regcabguy]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I drive a 2011 Ram 1500 ST Single Cab 4x4 with the Tow Package. Purchased the truck for cheap (pretty sure it was a work truck hence the 5 wheel hole in the bed) came with 265/70/17s these looked incredibly small, so I upgraded to 285/70 17s in Cooper ATP's(discount tire special). I didn't want to go to large with 35's later I might step up to 285/75's.

Now onto the question. I want to lift it. I don't feel like I need much maybe just a level seeing my nose enjoys eating the ground every time I go off road. I daily drive this truck I'm not much into the whole mudding thing, just exploring nature hitting up places like marble falls, and big bend type terrain. So my options are...

Rough country 3.75 level a spacer lever with a 1 inch body lift Pros-Cheap minus body lift install price
Cons-I was told to avoid all spacer lifts due to the fact the hinder shock travel
Bilstein 5100's adjustable-Pros-From what I've heard build to allow full travel when adjusted to level
Cons-A bit pricier then the Rough Country
Lastly I was looking at a ICON Stage 2 package Pros- I'll sit level, amazing ride, increased travel
Cons- Almost 2 thousand dollars
What would you do? I do offroad a decent bit, should I just start saving or will the Billies or RC level be fine?
Lastly the truck has air shocks in the rear should I keep those or replace them when I do the suspension upgrade?

Icon's got a fine reputation. If you love the truck and plan to keep it they'd be a way to go.

 

[jpop8807]

Thats awesome. So scratch the spacer lifting then.

 

[jpop8807]

I have a 2015 Ram 1500 single cab 4x4 and did the Mopar factory 2" lift, consisting of four Bilsteins, a pair of Icon springs, bump stop extensions and sway bar/brake line extensions. Actual result was more than 2"

Nice thing with it is that Bilsteins are top notch (I've been a fan for a long time, use them in every vehicle for which parts are available) and you get increased front travel without overextending the front or having to worry about the front ball joints. Rear travel is massively improved as well, thanks to the longer rear shocks and the bumpstop extensions to protect them.

I paid $700 delivered for the lift and installed it myself, plus $159 for an alignment (w/ 3 years free alignments) - would make the same choice again.

I will have to look into that. I never knew about the factory upgrade stuff. Now is that more the 2 inches all around or does that raise the front and level it out?

 

[Regcabguy]

I have a 2015 Ram 1500 single cab 4x4 and did the Mopar factory 2" lift, consisting of four Bilsteins, a pair of Icon springs, bump stop extensions and sway bar/brake line extensions. Actual result was more than 2"

Nice thing with it is that Bilsteins are top notch (I've been a fan for a long time, use them in every vehicle for which parts are available) and you get increased front travel without overextending the front or having to worry about the front ball joints. Rear travel is massively improved as well, thanks to the longer rear shocks and the bumpstop extensions to protect them.

I paid $700 delivered for the lift and installed it myself, plus $159 for an alignment (w/ 3 years free alignments) - would make the same choice again.

Nice job and fine kit! It sits great now.

 

[chilliwak]

Jpop have you looked into BDS lift for your truck? Less expensive than the super high grade stuff and an incredible unlimited waranty! Also I agree with everyone else, go with a set of Bilstein shocks...

 

[jpop8807]

Nice bro looks great. I also joined Ramforumz I just rarely use it cause there is no real off road discussion. Mostly show stuff, or hey there's this mud hole over there lets get a 6 inch plus lift n see how many times we can go thru it yee yee type stuff lol.