Has ANYONE had ANY problems with the 2" leveling kit on thier truck? I am thinking of getting the kit plus some bfg 315's, but I do not want to create any driveability issues or make the truck handle like a pile of jello. If you got one speak up and tell what you like and don't. Thanks!!

I have 35x12.50 bfg mudders on mine with the leveling kit and have had no troubles. Doesn't rub drives great. They're still on the stock rims for now though.

I had no rubbing problems when I installed the 315's prior to the leveling kit. Now with the leveling kit, there it lots of clearance. You can click here for a couple of photos:

http://www.geocities.com/mike67rs/Dodge_Ram.html

Has anyone used the Revtech leveling kit? I know a lot of guys have used the Tuf Country but I heard Revtech is a real good company as well.

Hey Mike67RS, when you get a chance can you measure how much room you have between the tire and back of the front fender? You know right where the closest part is to the tire. I'm trying to figure out if I can run 37 x 12.5 x 17 bfg's with only a 2" leveling kit on my 3500.

Mike67rs,

Those pics are with the 2"leveling kit right? What would that run installed approx. or could I do it myself? Looks like you have the factory steel/chrome wheels like I have,and they look really good with 315's. Good looking truck.

Randy.

Mike67rs: Nice truck! Nice House! Those 315's sure look a lot better than my dinky 265s...

is the kit used up front?? How much $$$

What would that run installed approx. or could I do it myself?


I've been told you could do it yourself and read all the instructions and believe even I could do it. Betcha could do it yourself.

I've found the kits on the net from $119 to $179. I'm guessing $100 or so to have someone put it on around town.

Geets, there is only about 1" of clearence between the tire and the rear of the wheel well. I think you'll have problems getting a 37" tire in there.

I got my kit from here.
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/329003.html Looks like it is on sale now.
Here are the PDF instrucutions from Tuff-Country.
http://tuffcountry.com/NewFiles/32900.pdf

I did the install myself, but I was not able to do it without using outer spring compressors. I have heard you can loosen the track bar bolt(s) also, but I did not go that route.

As far as driveability, I have a CA S.O. with 3.73's. I am not real happy with performance, but I would think those of you with the HO would not have problems. I will probably go with the new EDGE BOX when it is released which should help me out a lot. I have noticed no negative handling issues. If I had it all to do over again, I would have gone with 4.10's. (or if I was psychic I would have waited for a 50 state HO)

The BFG TA's were real cheap for 315's. I got them from Tire Rack for $109 each. They are currently $124. I was told BFG over produced the tire for the Hummer H2, which this tire was specifically made for.

As a side note, with the lift and 315's, my truck still fits in a standard 7' garage with about 2" to spare. Good luck, Mike.

Mike,

This is all real good information. I didn't think I could go with the 37's and you confirmed it for me. I have the 4.10's so I should be ok with the larger tires. I am thinking of going with the 35 x 12.5 x 17 BFG MT's for a little more aggressive look. They are only .3" taller over the 315's.

I think you are psychic because I was concerned about the garage opening as well and you answered it also.

Thanks for your help!!
Steve

what are the advantages installing the 2" lift??? Cons??

Thanks for the replies. How does the truck handle with the 315's? How is the wear pattern with the stock wheels? Thanks

The leveling kit will give you 2" of height up front. It will not change your spring rate as it is just a spacer. I ran my new tires without the leveling kit and had no rub problems, but you might if you went off-road. Without a load, the truck is perfectly level. With a load, your rear will sag, making your truck look butt heavy. I don't like the front heavy look. That is the main reason I wanted to bring the front up. Another benefit was less of that annoying unloaded bounce on the freeway.

I have about 4500 miles on the 315's. I have noticed no unusual wear. BFG recommends a 8.5" minimum wheel width. Ours are 8" width. I run 50 lbs up front and 40 lbs in ther rear unloaded.

For those of you thinking about tires, consider getting an extra for the spare, and even a matching wheel. This way you can rotate all five and won't have any problems on the road if your rear goes flat. You don't want to run mismatched tires in back. Mike

Hey Mike. Those tires look great. I was thinking of doing the same and keeping the stock rims. I notice that you don't have the fender flares. How far do those tires stick out?

Thanks for all the great info Mike.

Striper, the tires don't really stick out past the top of the wheelwell.Just add about an inch to the outside of your stock tires and you'll have an idea of how much more these stick out. These 315's seem like they are made for these trucks. Some have said that the tires kick gravel and mud up on the sides of thier trucks and have added flares or flaps. Good luck, Mike

Mike.......I am trying to do as much reading as I can on the 2" lift and I am wondering if the front axle moved to the drivers side at all?
I have read where it will move 0.11" for every inch of rise...is this true with yours? Is it noticeable if it did and did you go with longer shocks.

Thanks
JIM

Stock shocks work with the 2" kit. If your gonna replace shocks anyways, do it at the same time since they have to come off anyways. I have not heard of the axle moving to the side with a lift on the Dodge. looking at the geometry of the suspension, it is more likely the axle would move back a bit.

Installed 2" Level Kit with no noteable geometry changes or steering wheel change from center, Did have a little trouble installing passenger side and had to drop the lower axle bolt & both sides of the sway bar. Be sure to put some reference marks so all items go back the same.

how many hours did it take to get you 2" leveling kits on?

For me, 2 people, 2.5 hours.

anyone have theres done at a shop....how much did you get charged for labor?

HAS ANYONE DONE THIS TO A DUALLY AND WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TIRE THAT WILL FIT THE DUALS IN THE REAR? Sorry for yelling. ;D

For those asking about the Revtech lift, I just put them on my truck. I will tell you... they are sweeeet! It's made from a solid hunk of metal for toughness, but it has a flange that covers the top of the spring like the poly ones. The best thing is that they're cheaper than most of the others... only $115. I got mine from Rocky Mountain Suspension... I highly reccommend them!

John

;D SO with the 315's and the lift...how much has it affected your fuel mileage?

I'm looking to do the same, but not if will adversely affect the mileage....

Okay, to break it down for ya, here is the list of stuff i've done so far to my 03 HO Cummins truck:

1st Round
---------
-Rhino Over-The-Rails Spray-On Liner
-Truxedo
-CPS Westin Platinum Step-Ups
-Locking Tailgate
-Rubber Mats

2nd Round
----------
-Rancho RSX9000 Shock System (Front And Rear)
-Rancho Front And Rear In-Cab Adjustment Console

This basically lifted the front 2", which allows for 35x12.5x17 tires. These shocks are pretty cool. You can auto-adjust the comfort level inside the cab with the console...check out ranchos website for a better explanation of how it all works (gorancho.com)

3rd Round
----------
-(5) ProComp All Terrain 35x12.5x17 Tires. I actually prefer these over the BFG AT, but hey its only my opinion. Pick the tire you prefer.

My truck looks much better now, rides a lot nicer, and is great off-roading. I would say so far though, i've put a good $3500 or so into it for everything including installations. I've gotten everything after round 1 from 4wheelparts.com. They usually have like a 3 month no payments no interest so it works out well, and they have all the new stuff and even some more deals beyond that. If you want to know more questions just ask.

But as for gas, I haven't noticed it affect it at all...in fact I saw my Avg. MPG actually go up a few ticks. Pretty crazy huh?! :o

2nd Round
----------
-Rancho RSX9000 Shock System (Front And Rear)
-Rancho Front And Rear In-Cab Adjustment Console

This basically lifted the front 2", which allows for 35x12.5x17 tires. These shocks are pretty cool. You can auto-adjust the comfort level inside the cab with the console...check out ranchos website for a better explanation of how it all works (gorancho.com)



I'm wondering how the Rancho's ended up giving you 2" of lift?? Did you forget to list a leveling kit? ???

Hehe...yeah basically, when you buy the front shocks for the 03 2500/3500, you also pay for a 2" leveling kit. I'll take pics of my truck tomorrow if anyone wants to see it and any of the accessories i have for it.

:D? I have the 315s and factory rims...and before the leveling kit they rubbed a little. Now they are not rubbing anywhere. I am considering putting a 17x8 inch Eagle 589 rims on them but am concerned about the back spacing. I hear from 4wheelparts that you cant use anything larger than a 9 inch rim without serious rubbing on the bumper and back wheel well. Has anyone tried the Eagle 17X8 or 9's

well, if I undestand your post, it's 8 inches for the rims you want, and since I know 8 is less than 9, why would you have any problems with the 17x8's? Because the chrome stock 17" rims are 17x8's. As for the 9's...yeah, with my 35's on my truck...there isn't much room left for play, so I think they may be right about the 9's.

Its because of the off set...they stick way out and may hit the body in front or back...

Hey seus
F Y I you can put after market rim (like AR) that is offset 17x10 with a 35x14.50 on a dodge 2500 stock. But you can only get 3/4 turn on the wheel. Which is ok to look cool but not practical. I think I'll put some levelers on. When I do I'll let you guys know.

Nice looking ride....are those BUSHWACKER fender flares? And, what style (Street, OE, etc.)

What has the 2inch lift and tire combo done to your fuel mileage?

Have a happy holiday!

Chevyman -

I know that, but thanks for the info. I think bambam wants to know the biggest size he can go with full wheel turn and no rub, if I read his post correctly.

Originally posted by Geets
Has anyone used the Revtech leveling kit? I know a lot of guys have used the Tuf Country but I heard Revtech is a real good company as well.


I just ordered the Revtek kit from http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/dodge4_03diesel.htm
It comes with aluminum spacers and new studs for $122

I now have the Death Wobble. Seems to be alignment... specifically caster caused by the leveling kit. I drove 1200 miles with the same wheel/tire setup without the leveling kit installed and no hint of wobble. After th ekit I feel a distinct tendancy and then one certain bump, it went nuts.

I'm going to tweek my caster tommorrow.

Does anyone know where I can get the 2" leveling kit for a 2wheel Duelly. Seems everyone I call they say they are only made for the 4x4.[eyecrazy]

You will be good with the leveling kit and 315's on factory wheels, but as soon as you go aftermarket wheels, with a different offset, you will be rubbing, or real close. I put the Mickey Thompson Classics w/bfg at 315's on my 2" leveled ram. I wound up going to a 6" lift to make it all work. The drivers side tire was 1" closer towards the door then the passenger side was. She tore the mud flaps up real good.

Mike

Maxing out the caster has done a lot to control my wobble. I haven't had an all out wobble since the adjustment but have felt a few shakes that felt like the start but quickly subsided on it's own without me taking any action.

I'm looking into spherical end track bar next.

Suggestions?

Put it back to stock?[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [dummy]

Stock is not the cure all from what I've read in my research. There are cases of third gen stock death wobble.

I should have been more specific.

Any suggestions on an aftermarket track bar?

Mike

I am planning to go with the SkyJacker replacement front springs instead of the spacers. Summit has them for $149. Has anyone other than hoot had any alignment problems after they installed their spacers?

-Muzzy

Why would the track bar help...it has no effect on steering?

Originally posted by cquestad
Why would the track bar help...it has no effect on steering?

But it does make sure that the axle is centered under truck, right? It seems to me that the more space we put between the axle and the truck, the more to the driver's side the axle will sit...with a stock track bar, that is. Right?

Chevyman who makes the 35x14.50x17 your talking about??????
And whats up w/ your sig???

A loose or mushy bushinged track bar allows death wobble by allowing a side to side oscillation. If you didn't have a track bar, you couldn't steer. Without it turning the steerin wheel would force the whole axle to shift sideways instead of turning the wheels.

Duh...I understand that. But I don't think it is what starts the DW. Anyways...I guess all I really know is how my truck is aligned, how they have been aligned in the past, and the lack of DW I have. If the rubber bushings are prone to "mushiness", why is there not a simple fix of changing them out to a poly base materal?

cquestad, what brand of brush bar is out front of your truck?

Ranchhand...I need to post some new pics...missing some of my other goodies!

It was a little expensive...$500 or so, but is the best/strongect I have seen other than a full front end replacement..

I installed 2" kit and 315x70x17s a while back and have absolutely no problems.

My truck at http://www.GoRowan.com/2004ram

http://www.GoRowan.com/2004ram/DSC_0763.jpg

Originally posted by cquestad
Duh...I understand that. But I don't think it is what starts the DW. Anyways...I guess all I really know is how my truck is aligned, how they have been aligned in the past, and the lack of DW I have. If the rubber bushings are prone to "mushiness", why is there not a simple fix of changing them out to a poly base materal?

Do a google search on death wobble. Also search the Dodge forums for death wobble. There is even a site dedicated to it and many 3rd gen owners are complaining. I have people PMing me in the background about them having the problem.

I called a performance place and asked about it. Fellow does not make a track bar for 04 but said that is the problem. It's due to the coils sprung and trailing link design that forces Dodge to use those sloppy bushings because so much goes on during suspension travel. He said Dodge will not use anything more expensive than standard bushings design... no surprise.

You all may be fine now.... get back to us in a few 10,000 miles. Let me know if you haven't hit that "special" bumpo that set's it off. I'm not waiting for the next time. I'm doing the track bar... and I'll let you all know if I wasted my money.

Cost will be under $300.

Remember... It doesn't occur with me unless I'm doing like 65+ph and I have to hit a bump that knocks the drivers side up and starts a woblle. The speed and oscillation takes over. Only happened to me once. That's enough for me.

Originally posted by hoot
Do a google search on death wobble. Also search the Dodge forums for death wobble. There is even a site dedicated to it and many 3rd gen owners are complaining. I have people PMing me in the background about them having the problem.

I called a performance place and asked about it. Fellow does not make a track bar for 04 but said that is the problem. It's due to the coils sprung and trailing link design that forces Dodge to use those sloppy bushings because so much goes on during suspension travel. He said Dodge will not use anything more expensive than standard bushings design... no surprise.

You all may be fine now.... get back to us in a few 10,000 miles. Let me know if you haven't hit that "special" bumpo that set's it off. I'm not waiting for the next time. I'm doing the track bar... and I'll let you all know if I wasted my money.

Cost will be under $300.

Remember... It doesn't occur with me unless I'm doing like 65+ph and I have to hit a bump that knocks the drivers side up and starts a woblle. The speed and oscillation takes over. Only happened to me once. That's enough for me.

I'd certainly be interested in what you come up with. I don't have DW now, but I am not interested in ever getting it.

I won't have time doing any fixing till the end of August.
Since we will be driving the truck loads of miles it will be interesting. I just discovered lowering the air pressure in the tires seems to have made a significant difference in DW onset..... Drove yesterday for 100 miles on highway and not one bump gave me any type of shake..... Dropped my 315 pressure from 50 to 35 psi.

This is only a temporary fix as you cannot load a truck heavily under those lower pressures.


History....

8500 miles on the ODO.
Had DW one time after installing 2" leveling kit. No occurances since.

hoot...
I have about 20k on my lift and have hit a bump or two thousand...just to let you know.

Originally posted by cquestad
hoot...
I have about 20k on my lift and have hit a bump or two thousand...just to let you know.

I have the same truck as you. Don't know what to tell you. Maybe wheel offset or different tires? I think I'll get an alignment this week to rule that out.

What are we looking at for caster?

Mike

I think mine was close to 4.6 degrees. They left and right will be a little different to make your rig track straight. I don't think you will need to go over 5 degrees...

Good luck!

We do have significantly different backspacing...yours is near stock. Mine is 1 inch less backspacing. Maybe that would change something?

I have read that you want at least +5 for the caster. I did the T-Rex springs /Bilstein schocks and got the allignment and my caster was already +5.1 (L) and +5.4 (R). No hint of DW, but I do notice a larger amount of "sway".