I'm considering a leveling kit for my 02 Ram 3500 2WD.

Question: What percentage chance do I have of running into problems with ride quality if I install?

I've read of axle geometry changes, the need for an adjustable track bar, etc., all of which would likely dissuade me from the install. I'm gonna do front shocks (Monomax) so a couple of level spacers at that time is a no brainer. If I have to spring for additional accessories OR deal with geometry or ride problems after the install I'm not sure I'd do it. If I can do just the spacers (2" maybe?) and new, longer shocks without issue, I'm all over it.

Primary use for truck is pulling my 8000 lb. 5th wheel, which it currently does very, very well.

 

I'm not sure your 2WD has a trac bar...

Most kits get installed on 4x4 trucks, which usually have larger tires, which usually are wider, too. Mine rub the control arm on the right side when turning full lock, but it isn't bad, just noisy.

You may want to post this in the regular section for 2nd gens, engine and drivetrain for more looks.

Nice truck!

 

Noticed the "Cracked Dash Club" in your signature. Have you fixed it?

I put a dash and bezel cap on mine for about $250.... Excellent fix.

BTW...Not sure how to move the post to the regular section?

 

Tonight I jacked the front of the truck up until I measured 1.5" higher than it sits stock. That amount of lift still left a 2" rake, and it looked great!

Since it's a 2wd and the stock tires will remain, I don't need huge wheel clearance up front. My objective is simply to reduce the substantial rake (about 3.5") as it sits currently.

I've read a lot about leveling kits, and it seems that although there are people that have installed these and ended up with a harsh ride, the majority report no significant adverse effects.

I'll be installing stock length KYB Monomax shocks along with the 1.5" leveling kit, hoping that the result is appealing both in aesthetics and ride.

Now.... Poly, aluminum, or carbon steel spacers?

 

Did u do the leveling kit? If so how did it go? And pics please

 

I've decided on the 1.5" kit, and ordered one just today along with two new KYB Monomax front shocks. Should be here in less than a week and I'll be scheduling the install soon.

Will post details....

 

So today I paid a mobile mechanic to install the 1.5" Daystar leveling kit and 2 KYB Monomax front shocks.

Big job....took him a solid 6 hours as he ran into a number of issues.

I love the stance, it's exactly what I was looking for. The ride however, is another issue. Very bouncy on large bumps. Lots of rebound, and harsh, exactly what I was hoping to avoid.

Took the truck to Les Schwab for an alignment and described my pain. Was told the stock length shocks are too short, and that really fries me as I checked with a number of leveling kit manufacturer's and they all told me that under 2" I should use stock length shocks. (I was replacing the old shocks anyway so could have easily prepared for the issue by ordering longer length shock design, assuming I can find one for my application)

So now it appears the options are to replace with longer travel shocks, or look into shock extenders. Both the guy at Les Schwab and the counter man at O'Reilly auto parts discouraged the shock extenders, especially on a 1 ton application, yet MANY are sold online with leveling kits.

KYB doesn't seem to sell an extended travel shock for 2WD applications, although it seems to me that I did see a Bilstein 5100 series shock for lifted applications. (Again, not sure if 2WD compatible)

Would love to hear from others that have experience with this issue, and what was done to resolve it.

 

If you still have your old shocks you could slap them on and see whether your ride problem is caused by the shocks or by the levelling kit.
I had a set of KYB shocks in a different application and they were horrible.. called the distributor and got another pair shipped. Much better...

HTH

 

True....but I've used KYB and Bilstein both in the past with excellent results, and I've already installed them on the rear and they work perfectly. I'm familiar with the ride produced by a monoshock design.

When you bounce on the bumper you can actually hear the shocks topping out.....sort of a slapping sound. Rather than install the old shocks which are equal length to the new KYB's, I may seek out shock extenders as a temporary fix, just to see what the longer travel gives me. Or...I may just see about a longer shock if I can get one from KYB or Bilstein.

 

Not sure of the spring rate on your stock 3500 but am guessing they are the hd's since you have the one ton. There may still be build tags on them, IIRC mine had the 048 on the drivers and an 036 on the passenger side. Whatever they are they are the heaviest rate stock spring as my truck was ordered with the plow and camper package...

Since you used spacers, not replacement springs, I would think the rate would remain the same and not/shouldn't have affected ride much. I am thinking your shocks are new and as stiff as they will ever be as they wear in. Give it a week or two and see if it settles down a bit.

Glad you got the look you wanted! That is important and really the only reason I did mine.

Also, since you used a spacer your springs should already have settled and you shouldn't get any further sagging until the miles really get up there.

As for the dash, its still together, I plan on r/r'ing it with a new one from Geno's this spring...

 

Even a 4x4 needs longer shocks when you level the front out. after the i installed the spacers I took a tape and measured the length of shock that i wanted and cross ref. to find what i needed. Even stock i find the shocks a little short!

 

Oh man that sucks, but yeah, I had read longer shocks would most likely be needed. Im sure you'll keep us posted. Please pictures anyway! Before and after!

 

Several people have told me that the ride should not have changed with a simple 1.5" spacer over the coil. Oh how I wish that were true!


I've also heard that KYB Monomax shocks are about as stiff as you can get. I drove it around for about 20 miles or so today and feel like it may be softening a touch...maybe. It could also just be me trying to justify the ride because I love the stance so much. I'm not giving up. I hope to have both the stance and the ride I'm looking for, and the Monomax shocks I put in the rear sure don't bounce like the front does....never did.

Not sure what a new dash from Gino's will cost you, but as I said earlier I put a dash/bezel cap on and even though there where chunks missing from both. The end result for $250 was excellent.

 

The counter man at Les Schwab (who seemed very knowledgeable) said that the stock stroke on the front of the 02 Ram 3500 was only about 2 inches. I don't know how accurate that statement is, but clearly he felt longer shocks are needed.

I'd really like to try a set of shock extenders to see what effect they have before I go out and buy another set in longer travel length. I've now had three people tell me that they're not a good idea on a heavy duty 1 ton application, that they're just not strong enough and therefore unsafe. Still, if I was to use them for a short time just to see what happens.... I've got emails out to several online retailers to see what they offer. Hopefully I'll get some responses tomorrow...

Update: I've had responses for at least two retailers that use extensions on lifts/leveling kits often and state no problems. I've got a set ordered up, expect them here in about 3 days, and hope to install over the weekend. I'll update then...

 

Purchased a set of Superior Shock Extensions (3.5") from Summit Racing on their eBay site.

Installed this evening and took it out for a long test run.

Rides perfect! Most excellent ride and handling. Firm, but no longer bouncy, and great control.

I'm now very happy with not only the stance, but the ride as well.