2wd Lift on 2500?

[WebCrush]

Hi Guys,



My first post here, so be gentle on me.



I just snagged a '95 Dodge 2500 (with the Cummins of course), SLT ext cab, 8ft bed, 2wd, 174k miles on it, mint condition for 8k, so I think I got a good deal. Already got in a TST plate, PacBrake on the way, etc. I'm in heaven.



Now, as to my question--I'm looking to give her a lift of some sort (please no flames, I'm just looking for some urban curb clearance and the ability to slap in a TransferFlow 54 gallon tank).



This truck will be used about 95% of the time so distance between pit stops is helpful. I also have a raised cap on the bed, so a in-bed tank is out of the question.



I've looked at a few systems, but they're all for 1/2 ton trucks.



Does anyone have any comments or opinions to putting in a Daystar 3" coil spacer (designed for the 1500) in the front, 2" blocks in the back, and some Rancho shocks?



Should that give me the same height as a stock 4x4 and do you think they're would be any problems with either a-arm clearance? Do you think they're would be a problem since the spacers were meant for the 1500?



I've already browsed through all 10,400 posts in this forum with no luck, please help.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I've read where you can swap out front 4x4 springs into a 2 wheel drive to raise the nose.



there is a member of our group giving away a set of 4x4 springs too.

 

[WebCrush]

Originally posted by Bob Wagner

I've read where you can swap out front 4x4 springs into a 2 wheel drive to raise the nose.



there is a member of our group giving away a set of 4x4 springs too.

Very interesting. So I could simply swap in the 4x4 coils with no issues? Would I gain the full height of the 4x4 or would IFS eat some of that up?



So--somebody giving away springs? Have contact info for this person?

 

[Bob Wagner]

click here for details

 

[Dkevdog]

I've been told 4x4 springs will work, in fact there is a guy who is going to try it and post the results soon. I had started this thread about lifting my 2001 Dually, and this discussion came up. The problem with the 4x4 springs is if the are newer, they will be too tall and you'll have to grind them down. The older 4x4 springs might work, as they will have lost some hieght.



As far as spacers go, its just not the best way to go about it. Spacers can be problematic. I doubt that spacers designed for a 1500 Ram would fit the 2500's anyway. Your other problem is going to be 3". From my previous experience with lifting my 96 2wd, anything over 2" to the front will require fabrication of suspension components, including new A arms. Fine if you want to lay down that kind of cash, but unless you know someone who's good with fabrication, forget it. The kits just simply don't exist to support the wieght of our trucks.



So... ... ... . back to springs.



If you want a quick simple and easy lift for the frot of about 1. 75" or so, you can do what I did to my 96. I installed Fabtec springs designed for an F250. They worked well, and were not all that expensive, I am guessing around $150. Most places that sell Fabtec will have NO CLUE what you're talking about, but Darren at Agressive Suspension (714) 870-9422 in Anaheim, CA will know. Just tell him you have a 2wd diesel and Kev sent ya over. They played with mine for some time (trying out different springs) until they came accross this unusual matchup. I had it on my truck for about 20Kmiles before I sold it and it rode great.



If you want to level the truck, that will about do it. I had 265/75 tires on it and MANY people mistook the truck for a 4x4. I also had the rear springs packs built, if you want more info on that, let me know.



Kev

 

[WebCrush]

Originally posted by Bob Wagner

click here for details

I appreciate it, but I can't view the post. I even registered and logged into that forum but it states that certain permissions are needed to view it and I don't have em.







Kev--thanks for the tips. I think I'm gonna try the 4x4 springs first (cheapest route) and add some blocks in the rear. Think two inch spacers for the rear is about right? If the springs don't work out, then I'll give your boy Darren a call.

 

[MikeR]

Hmmmm... .

I have a 2wd Ram and a 4wd Ram... there is no way the stock springs from my 4wd is going to fit onto the 2wd.



-Mike

 

[WebCrush]

ugh, conflicting reports.



Has anyone actually done the 2x4-4x4 spring swap? WERE there problems?

 

[P Madrid]

I installed DayStar coil spacers, 2. 5" ($80). With these spacers it gave me 3. 5" of lift, there are smaller spacers. With this much lift you have to change the shocks for longer ones. The upper ball joint ends up with an extreme angle so I sold one of my turbos to buy a set of control arms ($400). Control arm kit and spacer gave me almost 4" of lift, enough space to install a set of Eagle #102 18X9. 5 with Nitto Terra Grappler 285/60/18. I love the way it looks but best of all my wife like it also. The truck handles the same as stock with the OE tires but handles way better with the Nittos. I'm trying to get a list together of member that would like to lift via a lift spindle from Doetsch Systems . If any one would like more information please E-mail or PM, -- email address removed --.



Pablo

 

[michaelmurray]

I suggest using a 2" or 3" body lift kit to raise the truck. If you wanted a level ride, you could replace the stock rear leaf spring block with a shorter one. The reason I suggest a body lift instead of a suspension lift is so that you don't alter the IFS geometry. It could really make your truck handle wierd and give uneven tire wear. I have a 2WD truck, and I'm considering the same thing.



Michael

 

[P Madrid]

I'm also looking at the 3" body lift option. I want all the lift I can get. Why did I not buy a 4X4, I practically stole this truck with the deal I got. When the 98 12 valve 4X4 comes around with a good price I will get it and then I will take my 2WD and mount the service box I want for work.



With a spindle lift the alignment geometry will not be affected by much to change the handling or tire wear. You are moving the tires down and not changing the control arm geometry. If you lift with spacers or bigger coils, 2" or more and you keep the same control arms and shocks, you will end up with an alignment problem and handling issue but if you add the control arms that Doetsch Systems or FabTech offers and change the shocks you end up with no noticeable difference in ride or handling. I know this because I have done it.



I have the FabTech control arms because I did not know Doesch Systems did lifts, I knew they were into shocks but when I found out they were around the corner from us I paid them a visit and learn about their lifts. A few members in So. Cal. Rattlin' Rams (Souther CA TDR Members) to include Kev (Dkevdog), our president, saw my ride during our last Wrench Day. I also have a thread on the Product/Accessories Forum on who would like to get the spindles made. 2WD lift spindles

The more orders, the better the price we can get.



Pablo

 

[WebCrush]

Done Deal

Well, I bit the bullet and put my money down.



Ordered:



2. 5 Daystar coil spacers (good for 3. 5" front lift)

Upper Control arms

3" rear block and u-bolts

shocks all around



In time I might replace the stock springs with slightly larger ones or get a spindle kit if/when they ever come out.



I'll install them (once I get my truck back from the transmission rebuild) and let you all know how it went and final results (obviously with lots of pics)