Superlift 4" Radius Arm, Coil Spring Suspension Lift???

[74Beeper]

Anyone have experience or opinions on the 4" coil spring suspension lift from Superlift for 2014-2016 2500's? I'm about to pull the trigger on this kit and wondering if anyone knows how their coils ride compared to the originals. Superlift said it will have a softer ride but just wondering if anyone can confirm this.

Thanks!

http://www.superlift.com/4-inch-lif...-2015-ram-2500-4wd-pickups-with-diesel-engine

 

[KEssman]

Hi 74 Beeper

I did see something saying the same thing from someone who recently installed this lift as I am looking into this myself. I will see if I can find it and post it here. I really like the look of the 37s on this truck and am not sure a 3" lift will accommodate without rubbing. I had a Carli 2.0 Backcountry on my 2006 2500 to fit Toyo 35 ATs and I liked the way the truck leveled out and looked but hated the ride (harsh) and it took a long time to get the steering and 'death wobble' sorted out. Had to buy and replace ball joints and other front end parts. The lift and bigger tires on the 2006 just brought out all the 'bad' in the steering design of that truck. Bumps and potholes at freeway speeds were still nerve racking as the whole truck shook and it felt like you might lose control at any moment.

I have started talking to installers and people with lifted 2014 and later trucks to find out which systems they like best, why, and how they use their trucks. As much as I like the look of a conservative lift and level, don't want to go through all that again. I will forward anything of use I find.

 

[GrantP]

I had a Carli 2.0 Backcountry on my 2006 2500 to fit Toyo 35 ATs and I liked the way the truck leveled out and looked but hated the ride (harsh) and it took a long time to get the steering and 'death wobble' sorted out. Had to buy and replace ball joints and other front end parts. The lift and bigger tires on the 2006 just brought out all the 'bad' in the steering design of that truck. Bumps and potholes at freeway speeds were still nerve racking as the whole truck shook and it felt like you might lose control at any moment.

I'm surprised to hear you weren't happy with the Carli suspension, I'm using their stuff on my 06 and couldn't be happier. I've been around a lot of different aftermarket suspensions on different trucks and never had one perform as well as Carli. Certainly not Superlift, Rancho, or even Kore (all of which I've used). I guess ride quality is subjective, to each his own.

 

[GrantP]

From the Superlift site: " Track bar relocation bracket prevents stud bind and steering wheel kick"

That sounds like a great way to introduce slop from bracket movement to the track bar, hello death wobble.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I would go with Thuren or Carli suspension components.

https://www.thurenfabrication.com

http://www.carlisuspension.com/dodge-ram/index.html

 

[Tinman]

I think the issue you had with your Carli was you were using 2.0 shocks and expecting and 3.0 shock ride. 2.0 just don't have the piston area to have a "plush" road ride without bottoming too easily. Been there, done that. A larger shock has a larger "window" of valving so it can start out "plusher" and still product enough force to ride good in the rough. Radius arms will do better than short arms. I wouldn't trust any of the "Mall Terrain" vendors, get good quality parts and design and get the biggest shock you can afford. 2.5 are a great shock for all around performance. You won't need more unless you mosh pretty fast off road. Death wobble can happen on any solid front axle truck and lift can make it worse. It happens. 06 steering is just crap anyway you look at it. I'm still dealing with mine to get it were I would like.

 

[KEssman]

Appreciate all the great feedback on this issue of the Carli lift for the 2006 4wd 2500. I certainly wasn't intending to bash any lift vendors or their parts, I just ran out of time, $, and interest in getting ride sorted out after multiple trips back to the installer, and more parts (carli ball joints, steering stabilizers). Different shocks may have helped the harshness, but rough pavement and potholes at freeway speeds was truly a sphincter test. Especially after several death wobble incidents where rough pavement triggered extreme shaking of the front wheels where I nearly lost control on the freeway and it was all I could do to get the truck to the shoulder and stopped. I did a lot of online research and talking with installers and sellers of lifts before I made that choice. It was overall just a bad experience that I don't want to repeat. Happy to say I sold that truck summer of 2014, for about what I paid for it in 2007 with 75k mi, the ride was mostly sorted out, but not plush or confidence inspiring handling like we read about on all the lift companies' advertising websites and literature.

It's been almost a year now since we discussed lifts and tires for the 14' 2500 4wd and newer, and tires getting to the point of needing replacement. Time to decide on bigger tires (want to keep factory 20" wheels) and a lift or just keeping the suspension unchanged (the radius arm set up rides SOOO NICE comparatively to the previous generation). I am sure I am not alone on this internal debate. LOTS of new kits out there now and a lot of information, however not a lot on this forum, and a very high percentage of trucks on the road out here in the Western US have aftermarket suspension and larger off road tires. Each installer has their own preferences, and lift kit companies basically just tell you what you want to hear to sell their parts. How do we who want to lift our trucks without destroying them, separate facts from sales hype?

With what I can come up with after a few hours of digging, considering AEV and BDS as they have the 3" and 4" lifts respectively, that will handle 37" tires. Still have to fit under parking structures when going into the city. Truck is used mostly for freeway commute, and haul dirt bikes and home depot crap on the weekends. Want increased off road clearance, capability, and the leveled, modestly lifted look, without losing towing capability... and most importantly... as good as stock or better RIDE and HANDLING!

So as they famously say in the Ten Back column, we have come full circle, yet again. Anyone out there have the perfect setup or suggestions for finding it...?