Knowledge About Truck Lifts.......

[Bassin_7]

I have a 2017 RAM 1500 Limited with 142k.

It is time for brakes and tires.

I was/am debating on looking for another truck or keeping this one. My thought was that if I keep this one, I will do a few things that I've wanted to do and then keep it until it stops. So, I started looking at lifts/leveling kits. Nothing more than 3", as I do not want any advanced work or cutting to be done.

I received a quote of $2,600 to remove the current air ride suspension and install a 3" leveling kit.

Seems high to me. I figured I could get a 3" lift for that cost (installed). However, I've never had it done so I am not that informed on it.

Thoughts regarding cost......

[5 Alive]

What brand?

I did a Rough Country 3.5" with 33" tires and 22" wheels years ago for around $3,500 if I remember. Rough Country isn't the best but for the price does what I want.

[skeeterator]

Seems high to me as well but I work on all my own vehicles so who knows.
Curious why you want the air ride suspension removed? You simply want the lift for looks or is the air ride simply bad?

[BMCD]

Not sure what is in the lift kit. generally 2.5 to 3 is a leveling kit. 3.5 to 4" is usually a "real" lift kit. Drop brackets for track bar, and steering. New springs, etc.

My last Lift Kit, May 2020, was a 4" BDS with Radial arms and steering stabilizer for $1900, Installed for $1000. Just the lift. BDS is on the high end for lifts. Tires and rims was about 3k.

[BigFishSteve]

Pull up to HD/Lowes pallet of quikreet. Load bags just inside of tailgate until you like the level of level. Go pay for bags kept.

[Wackyjig]

Honestly at that mileage, I wouldn't do anything to a Ram that wasn't maintenance or repairs to keep it on the road.
The Ram I had as a work vehicle started falling apart around 140k. Wheel bearings, 4wd system failure, multiple electrical gremlins, 2 coil packs, and finally it's SECOND cam shaft failure at 169k.

[Bassin_7]

Honestly at that mileage, I wouldn't do anything to a Ram that wasn't maintenance or repairs to keep it on the road.
The Ram I had as a work vehicle started falling apart around 140k. Wheel bearings, 4wd system failure, multiple electrical gremlins, 2 coil packs, and finally it's SECOND cam shaft failure at 169k.

I'm still on the original brakes and rotors.

Other than a head light and fog light going out, the only issue I have had is the rear sliding window.

[BackLash625]

Make sure the kit includes a headlight adjustment.

[Rider99XX]

Will removing the air ride system throw codes that will have to be fixed?

[berudd]

I put leveling kits on both my last two trucks. No lift in the rear but level front to back. I did it to run slightly larger tires. Anyway, with it being level unloaded, if you put an weight in the bed (like my small 4 wheeler) or hook up the boat the rear will squat just enough to raise the headlights. Apparently, it looks like I have my high beams on because I get flashed constantly. I'll skip on the leveling kit from now on.

[BMCD]

Easy enough to adjust head lights. When I put my lift on, and towed for the first time I got flashed by everyone. Just adjusted them down some and no more issues.

All trucks have this issue though, not just lifted or leveled trucks. Yes it can be worse on a leveled truck. I have flashed regular trucks towing bigger trailers, that felt like I was looking into the sun.

[okskeetertzx190]

They sell links to replace the factory ones that will lift that truck and keep the air suspension. They are not expensive at all. Usually about $100 for a pair. Take about 5 mins to install.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/14351446100...mis&media=COPY

[Mcjenson]

Man, losing nice factory air ride and 3 grand just to put slightly bigger tires on (and get worse mileage) just isn't worth it imo. It truly baffles me that 90% of the elite pros are running lifts to go from boat ramp to boat ramp.

[rboren]

I have a lifted truck. But it is an older model without any factory air ride system so I will say you will have a service light problem that could be fixed if it occurs. I did install a air bag system for when I carry very heavy loads. Mine is only a 3” lift and I really didn’t see any change in mileage. There can be quite a bit of labor involved depending on what kind of lift style you use. So depending on where you are that price could be fine and average for your area.

[BMCD]

Man, losing nice factory air ride and 3 grand just to put slightly bigger tires on (and get worse mileage) just isn't worth it imo. It truly baffles me that 90% of the elite pros are running lifts to go from boat ramp to boat ramp.

I know..... and guys that Spend 50k+ on a boat just to catch bass. Or spend 20-30k in electronics. Truly Baffling

[Mcjenson]

I know..... and guys that Spend 50k+ on a boat just to catch bass. Or spend 20-30k in electronics. Truly Baffling

They don't take that 100K boat and throw a modification on it that makes it use more fuel, run slower, lose resale value and is purely for cosmetics.

I'm just saying for the OP who seems to be on the fence whether or not they want to keep the truck long term anyways, I would caution against lifting. Not only is it very expensive, but you lose the air ride and that will turn off a lot of buyers in the future if he decides to sell it later anyways.

[high 2]

I put leveling kits on both my last two trucks. No lift in the rear but level front to back. I did it to run slightly larger tires. Anyway, with it being level unloaded, if you put an weight in the bed (like my small 4 wheeler) or hook up the boat the rear will squat just enough to raise the headlights. Apparently, it looks like I have my high beams on because I get flashed constantly. I'll skip on the leveling kit from now on.

So you’re the guy!!

[skeeterator]

They don't take that 100K boat and throw a modification on it that makes it use more fuel, run slower, lose resale value and is purely for cosmetics.

I'm just saying for the OP who seems to be on the fence whether or not they want to keep the truck long term anyways, I would caution against lifting. Not only is it very expensive, but you lose the air ride and that will turn off a lot of buyers in the future if he decides to sell it later anyways.

Exactly, that's why I asked the op his reason for removing the air ride.

[Swerve-n-Protect]

I put leveling kits on both my last two trucks. No lift in the rear but level front to back. I did it to run slightly larger tires. Anyway, with it being level unloaded, if you put an weight in the bed (like my small 4 wheeler) or hook up the boat the rear will squat just enough to raise the headlights. Apparently, it looks like I have my high beams on because I get flashed constantly. I'll skip on the leveling kit from now on.

When I would "level" my last couple trucks, I would put a 1" block on the rear to give it a little rack.... so when towing my boat it would be level...

[Bassin_7]

Appreciate the insight.

As for why I'd remove the air ride........told it was necessary.

Again, not to knowledgeable on this. That is why I came to the experts at BBC!

I may just say piss on it and just do the brakes and rotors. May be throw a topper on so I can set the bed up for dog training and bird hunting.