Ever look at your Ram 1500 and think, “It needs a little more… presence”? Maybe you dream of tackling tougher trails, fitting bigger tires for a bolder look, or just giving your truck that commanding stance. But then you start looking at lift kits, and suddenly, it feels like you’re lost in a maze of terms and numbers. It’s tough to know where to start, right? There are so many different types, and each promises to transform your truck. Choosing the wrong one can lead to more headaches than happy miles.
That’s exactly why we’re here. This post is designed to cut through the confusion and give you the clear answers you need. We’ll break down what makes a lift kit tick, what the different options mean for your Ram 1500, and how to pick the one that best fits your style and needs. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident and ready to give your Ram the upgrade it deserves, avoiding common mistakes along the way.
So, if you’re ready to lift your Ram 1500 and conquer new horizons, let’s dive in and explore the world of lift kits!
Our Top 5 Lift Kit For Ram 1500 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lift Kit For Ram 1500 Detailed Reviews
1. Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2012-2018 Ram 1500 4WD – 33231
Rating: 8.5/10
Want to give your 2012-2018 Ram 1500 4WD a serious upgrade? The Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit (33231) is here to help! This kit delivers a fantastic mix of looks, toughness, and capability. You’ll get more ground clearance for tackling rough trails and a tougher stance that makes your Ram look even more impressive.
What We Like:
- Gives your Ram awesome ground clearance for off-roading adventures.
- Comes with premium N3 Shock Absorbers that work great on and off the road.
- Includes strong, heavy-duty lifted knuckles for a solid build.
- Features sturdy front and rear crossmembers to protect your truck’s underside.
- Comes with protective skid plates to keep important parts safe from damage.
- Rear support and coil spacers are included for a balanced lift.
- Rough Country backs it with a lifetime replacement warranty, and the shocks have a 3-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation might require some mechanical skill and tools, so plan for that.
- While the shocks are great, some users might want even more advanced options for extreme off-roading.
This Rough Country lift kit transforms your Ram 1500, giving it the height and ruggedness you crave. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to boost their truck’s performance and appearance.
2. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit w/ N3 Shocks for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 2WD – 30730
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to transform your 2009-2018 Ram 1500 2WD with the Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit. This kit gives your truck a fantastic mix of better performance, extra protection, and a tougher look. It’s designed to help you tackle more adventures while keeping your ride comfortable.
What We Like:
- Gives your Ram much more space under the truck.
- Comes with N3 Shock Absorbers that are great for driving on and off the road.
- Keeps your ride smooth, like it was from the factory.
- Lifts the front of your truck to match the height of the back, making it look level.
- Parts are made with strong materials that are cut precisely.
- Protected by Rough Country’s warranty, so you can trust it.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation might take some time and effort.
- While it improves ride quality, some users might notice a slight difference from the absolute stock feel.
This Rough Country lift kit is a solid upgrade for your Ram 1500. It offers a great balance of improved capability and a stylish new stance.
3. Rough Country 3″ Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks for Ram 1500 4WD (2012-2018) – Silver Upper Control Arms
Rating: 9.1/10
Give your Ram 1500 the aggressive look and improved capability it deserves with the Rough Country 3″ Suspension Lift Kit. This kit brings your truck up 3 inches, leveling out the front and rear for a tough stance. It also gives you room to fit bigger tires, up to 33 inches, making your truck ready for adventure.
What We Like:
- It adds 3 inches of lift for a cool, leveled look.
- The kit includes N3 loaded struts and shocks for a smooth ride on and off the road.
- Forged aluminum upper control arms help your truck handle better and last longer.
- The front and rear spacers provide a balanced lift.
- It’s a 100% bolt-on installation, so no cutting or drilling is needed.
- Rough Country backs it with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The silver color of the upper control arms might not match every truck’s style.
- While it preserves a factory-like ride, some off-road enthusiasts might want an even more rugged feel.
This Rough Country lift kit is a solid upgrade for your Ram 1500. It offers a great balance of style, performance, and ease of installation.
4. dynofit 3″ Front 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit for Ram 1500 4WD/AWD (2009-2025)
Rating: 9.4/10
Want to give your Ram 1500 a tougher look and better clearance for bigger tires? This dynofit 3″ Front 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit is designed to do just that. It lifts the front of your truck by 3 inches and the rear by 2 inches. This levels out the stance, making your truck look more aggressive and giving you more space for off-road adventures or just a cooler appearance.
What We Like:
- High-Quality Materials: The strut spacers are made from strong, CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. They have a special black coating for extra protection against rust.
- Durable Construction: The kit uses super strong bolts that won’t bend or break over time, ensuring a lasting upgrade.
- Improved Tire Clearance: You get more room to fit larger tires and wheels, which not only looks great but also helps with ground clearance.
- Smoother Ride: Despite the lift, the kit is designed to maintain or even improve your ride comfort, so bumps and rough terrain feel less jarring.
- Easy Installation: It’s a simple bolt-on process. You don’t need to remove the entire strut assembly or drill any holes.
- Brand Assurance: dynofit offers a 2-year warranty and a 30-day refund policy, plus helpful customer service for any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Compatibility Restrictions: This kit does NOT fit Ram 1500 models with air suspension, Mega Cab, or TRX models. It also has specific limitations for 2WD models.
- Alignment Needed: After installation, you must get your truck’s alignment checked and adjusted to ensure proper handling and tire wear.
- Lift Ratio: The actual lift height isn’t exactly the same as the thickness of the spacers due to your truck’s original suspension setup.
This dynofit leveling kit is a solid choice for Ram 1500 owners looking to enhance their truck’s style and capability. It offers a good balance of performance, ease of installation, and manufacturer support.
5. Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks for 2019-2024 Ram 1500 4WD – 31430
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to give your 2019-2024 Ram 1500 4WD truck a serious upgrade? The Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit with N3 Shocks (part number 31430) is here to help you achieve the perfect mix of looks and capability. This kit boosts your truck’s ground clearance, making it ready for tougher trails and giving it a more aggressive stance. It’s designed to improve both on-road comfort and off-road performance.
What We Like:
- It gives your Ram truck more ground clearance.
- The N3 Shock Absorbers offer great performance on and off the road.
- Forged aluminum control arms help keep your ball joints at the best angles.
- It uses Clevite rubber bushings for a smooth ride.
- Installation is straightforward, even for at-home mechanics.
- Rough Country backs this kit with a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might wish for a slightly taller lift option.
- While installation is generally easy, some mechanical knowledge is still needed.
This Rough Country lift kit is a solid choice for Ram 1500 owners wanting better performance and a bolder look. It provides a noticeable improvement in both style and off-road readiness.
Level Up Your Ram 1500: Your Complete Lift Kit Buying Guide
So, you want to give your Ram 1500 that aggressive, taller stance and conquer tougher terrain? A lift kit is the answer! But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? This guide will help you make an informed decision.
Why Lift Your Ram 1500?
A lift kit does more than just make your truck look cool. It gives you:
- Increased Ground Clearance: This means you can drive over obstacles like rocks and logs without scraping your undercarriage.
- Improved Off-Road Capability: Tackle trails, mud, and uneven surfaces with more confidence.
- Room for Bigger Tires: Larger tires offer better traction and a more commanding presence.
- Enhanced Towing and Hauling: In some cases, a lift can improve your truck’s ability to handle heavy loads.
- A Bold New Look: Let’s be honest, a lifted truck just looks awesome!
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a lift kit, keep these important features in mind:
- Lift Height: Kits are measured in inches. Common heights are 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 inches. Think about how tall you want your truck to be and what you’ll be using it for. A 2-3 inch lift is great for bigger tires and a slight lift. A 6-8 inch lift is for serious off-roading and a dramatic look.
- Lift Type:
- Spacers: These are simple pucks that add height. They are usually the most affordable option.
- Coilover Systems: These replace your factory shocks and springs with a complete unit. They offer better ride quality and adjustability.
- Control Arm Kits: These replace your stock control arms with longer, stronger ones. They are often part of larger, more complex lift systems.
- Suspension Components: Look for kits that include quality shocks, springs, and possibly control arms. These are crucial for ride comfort and handling.
- Brake Line Extensions: If you lift your truck high enough, your brake lines might become too short. Good kits include extensions to keep your brakes safe.
- Differential Drop Kits: For significant lifts, this helps maintain proper CV joint angles, preventing premature wear.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
The materials used in a lift kit directly impact its durability and performance.
- Steel: Most lift kits are made from steel. Look for high-quality steel, like forged or DOM (drawn over mandrel) steel for control arms and other critical components. This steel is strong and resists bending.
- Aluminum: Some components, like shock bodies, might be made from aluminum for lighter weight and better heat dissipation.
- Polyurethane Bushings: These are used in various joints to absorb vibration and allow for smooth movement. Good quality polyurethane will last longer and perform better than cheap rubber.
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Reputable Brands: Stick with well-known manufacturers that have a proven track record.
- Powder Coating: A good powder coating protects the metal from rust and corrosion.
- Adjustability: Some kits offer adjustable shocks or control arms, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension.
- Designed for Your Specific Ram 1500 Model: Ensure the kit is made for your year and trim level.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Cheap, Thin Steel: This can bend or break under stress.
- Poor Welding: Weak welds are a major safety concern.
- Low-Quality Bushings: These can degrade quickly and lead to a rough ride.
- Generic, Universal Fit: Kits not designed for your truck can cause alignment issues and premature wear.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your lifted Ram 1500.
- Daily Driver with Occasional Light Off-Roading: A 2-3 inch lift with good quality shocks will likely suit you. You’ll get a better look and the ability to fit slightly larger tires without sacrificing too much ride comfort.
- Serious Off-Roader: You’ll want a higher lift (6+ inches) with robust components like forged control arms, heavy-duty shocks, and possibly adjustable coilovers. This setup will handle rough trails and large obstacles.
- Show Truck: Aesthetics are key here. You might opt for a dramatic lift height and larger tires for that head-turning stance. Ride quality might be a secondary consideration.
Remember to factor in the cost of installation if you’re not doing it yourself, and potential modifications like fender trimming or re-gearing your differential for larger tires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ram 1500 Lift Kits
Q: What is the most common lift height for a Ram 1500?
A: The most common lift heights are 2 to 3 inches. This is a popular choice for adding larger tires and improving the truck’s appearance without drastically changing the ride quality.
Q: Will a lift kit affect my truck’s fuel economy?
A: Yes, a lift kit, especially a taller one, will likely reduce your fuel economy. This is because the truck becomes less aerodynamic and requires more power to move.
Q: How much does a Ram 1500 lift kit typically cost?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic spacer kits can start around $100-$200, while complete suspension systems with coilovers can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
Q: Can I install a lift kit myself?
A: Some basic kits, like spacer lifts, can be installed by a DIYer with mechanical experience and the right tools. However, more complex kits often require specialized tools and knowledge, making professional installation recommended.
Q: What size tires can I fit with a 3-inch lift on my Ram 1500?
A: With a 3-inch lift, you can typically fit 33-inch to 35-inch tires without major modifications, though some minor fender trimming might be needed for 35s.
Q: Does a lift kit void my Ram 1500’s warranty?
A: It depends on the dealership and the specific part of your warranty. Modifying the suspension can potentially void the warranty on related components, so it’s wise to check with your dealer.
Q: What is the difference between a leveling kit and a lift kit?
A: A leveling kit typically raises the front of the truck to match the height of the rear, giving a level stance. A lift kit raises both the front and rear, or just the rear, to achieve a taller overall height.
Q: How will a lift kit affect my Ram 1500’s ride quality?
A: This depends on the kit. Spacer kits might slightly stiffen the ride. Kits with upgraded shocks and springs, especially coilovers, can actually improve ride quality and handling.
Q: Do I need to get an alignment after installing a lift kit?
A: Absolutely. Lifting your truck changes the suspension geometry, and a professional alignment is crucial to ensure proper tire wear and safe handling.
Q: What are CV angles, and why do they matter with a lift kit?
A: CV (constant velocity) joints allow your axles to flex. When you lift a truck, the angle of these joints increases. If the angle is too extreme, it can cause premature wear and potential failure of the CV joints.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the voice behind esteeringwheel.com.. With a passion for all things automotive, I created this platform to share my journey, insights, and expertise about cars. From the latest tech to timeless driving tips, my goal is to help fellow enthusiasts and everyday drivers navigate the fascinating world of automobiles. Welcome to my corner of the road—let’s steer toward knowledge and discovery together!