My 2004.5 Ram is in need of new springs (front end) and shocks (all the way around). It has 192K miles and is on the original springs & shocks. The truck has 35" tires (315/70-17 mounted on H2 rims) and these tires never rubbed. The truck rode well & had no tire rubs until a month ago when I put on a Ranchhand bumper on it (which I am guessing weighs 400 lbs). Now the ride is bouncy and I get rubs.

So, I am guessing that new front springs are in order. Can I put on springs that will give me a 2" lift without changing anything else in the suspension? Would I have to change the rear springs to maintain a level ride? Right now the nose seems a little low.

Also, a source and manufacturer for springs and shocks would be appreciated.

 

It probably doesn't need springs if the front end has not been loaded down until recently.
SImplest solution would be a 2" coil spacer and new shocks.
I put Bilstein 5100's on my truck 80k mi ago and they still work like new. They have the travel in front to work with stock ht or 2" lift.
A friend put a 2 or 3" Carli setup on his 03. Had it for years now and that truck rides/drives great. Not sure how much it costs. Definately waaay more than coil spacers but it's a nice system.

 

Mark,
Your timing is perfect for this question considering I am in the market for the same solution (you will see in my sig that I am currenty running 35's with a 2" coil spacer...further, I too have also just recently installed a "ranch-hand" bumper replacement as well).*As for the weight of your front bumper, you probably only added a little over 200 LBs to your front weight over your stock bumper's weight.

I spent a alot of time looking at what I could do to beef up the front end (considering the additional weight I just added) and improve the overall ride.
After a lot of research I looked up Lorenz Suspensions. In my opinion...this is the answer (for me anyway). Below I have included the link to his page for the "system" I will be getting here shortly.

http://lorenzindustries.com/kits_bilstein_5100.html

*If you shoot Sean Lorenz an e-mail (only way to get a hold of him until he gets back to you by phone or mail...according to him it really helps him determine who is serious about an upgrade and it cuts down on all the Chevy/ Toyota guys)...he will get back to you via phone QUICK.
In short, he's a great guy with tons of helpful advise.
He spent at least 20 minutes with me explaining all my options based on what I was looking for.
FYI: He will probably suggest the 6% coils for your bumper add on oppossed to the 23% ones...sounds like the 23% coils are for trucks with snow plow applications (600-800 lbs units).

Good luck..and let me know if you "pull the trigger" on this kit before me. Everyone I have spoken with that uses his systems are THRILLED!