Decide my Suspension Kit!

[The Nukeman]

Hello,

Was a TDR member way back in the day with a 2003 3500, many trucks and Jeeps since, and here I am back. Last truck was a '16 Ecodiesel.

2016 2500 Mega Cab (bought new in December) and I'm looking for everyone here to decide which suspension kit I should purchase.

First, I DO NOT want a "lift kit" for the sake of simply lifting the truck. I want the extra height, but also want to reap the benefits of a smoother ride.

Now, my type of driving. Many, many 16 hr. Interstate round trips to Montana from Utah. 15k a year at least.

Occasional off-road to explore mines, back roads, etc.

I only tow a 14x7 Enclosed Cargo trailer for camping/ATVs. Probably 4k total and 800lb tongue weight at most.

I do plan on installing a topper (Snugtop) in the near future. Factory bumpers and OEM tires for now, might upgrade to a slightly larger tire, but nothing huge (I'm over the huge lift/tire phase of my life)

What I HATE about my Mega is how easily it bottoms out. Doesn't take much and you can feel those front bumpstops slam against that axle. Not a fan.

So, here is what I've narrowed it to. Not trying to exclude Carli, but for the money I think Thuren is a better investment unless you guys think otherwise.


1. Thuren Overland kit (front/rear) with rear Trackbar kit and Overland shocks for now (maybe Kings later)
2. AEV kit
3. BDS 3" with Fox 2.0 and replacement radius arms

Not a fan of the 5100 Bils (these come with the AEV). I've ran them on Jeeps and my Ecodiesel, but hear they are rather stiff on the HD trucks. I've heard great things about Don Thurens Overland shocks and Fox 2.0s.

Thanks!

 

[Bob4x4]

I have driven many rams with the Carli system at many different levels.His 4th genkit with the 2'' Fox shocks has an amazing ride on pavement while still allowing some fun in the dirt.

http://www.carlisuspension.com/dodge-ram/suspension_2014/2500_commuter20.html

 

[GrantP]

I'll second the Carli commuter setup. I'm running that on my 3rd Gen along with their swaybar and high clearance arms. The on road ride quality is fantastic and perfect for long road trips (AZ to MT twice last year). The system also does very well off road, I wasn't expecting much given the "commuter" description but it works. You won't be slowing down for speed bumps anymore...

 

[Cummins12V98]

Try a set of Bilstein 4600's.

 

[Bob4x4]

Try a set of Bilstein 4600's.

That will not address the lack of bump travel

 

[Cummins12V98]

That will not address the lack of bump travel

It may keep it from hitting, that is what a good shock will do.

 

[Bob4x4]

The truck NEEDS more travel to not hit the bumps or the shock would have to be so stiff it would have a bad ride

 

[The Nukeman]

I would agree and from my experience no matter how good the shock is, it simply isn't designed to offer additional travel, or prevent travel. The only exceptions would be a shock (like Old Man Emu) that is designed to be a limiter of up travel. Even then they do not prevent bottoming, only act as an internal bumpstop which still bottoms.

I have no doubt that the Carli kit is awesome, I just can't justify the $3k when a Thuren kit, that doesn't require bumpstop extensions due to Thuren's spring design, costs $1k less. I was looking for anyone's experience with either Thuren, AEV, or BDS.