Thoughts on Tires, Shocks and Fender Flares?

[lawdog1]

A few questions for comment by folks that have done upgrades to 4th Gen trucks.



My truck looks level in stock form, do you not need a leveling kit with the 4th Gen trucks? ... I "needed" one on my 3rd Gen with bigger tires.



Is anyone running 285's or 315's on a 4th gen 2500? If "yes" I would welcome input on you whether the leveling kit is needed/desirable and some photos if you care to share. I am trying to make a decision one way or the other. It has been a while since I had my '03 with the 315's and my memory is hazy. Also regarding wheel flares, is the MOPAR flare that is on the Power Wagon and Laramie's sufficient with 285's or 315's or do you need a bigger/wider flare? My Big Horn did not come with flares and I like the look of the factory flare if it will give you the coverage you need for bigger tires.



Also what are folks impressions regarding the stock shocks? ... and what shock would be the best for an upgrade if it is worth the money to do so.



I don't expect to tow over 10K at present and if I do I will probably look at putting on air bags if I expect to regularly tow north of 10K. The write up on the Pac Brake bags with ping tanks in recent issues was a good read. What is the tow weight (generally) where you may want to consider air bags and does the addition of them give you any non-towing benefits other than load leveling when you carry heavy in the bed? Finally, will bags give you increased carrying or tow capacity or should you still stay within Dodge's tow limits for your VIN even with bags?



Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I replaced my factory shocks this last summer with 15K. One of the front shocks were leaking. I went with the blue and yellow Bilstien's from Geno's Garage. Great shocks.

 

[AEdelheit]

A 12. 5" wide tire on stock wheels will not stick out past the fenders so no need for flares. They look better with a "leveling kit " but not required

 

[wyosteve]

I run 285's on mine and they do not stick out from the fender. I have the factory flares, but they are only approx. 3/4 in. wide. I do not have a leveling kit nor do I see the need for one.

 

[Oil Stain]

I use 5100 Bilstein shocks. Replaced the stock ones at 5000 miles for better ride and handling when towing my 5ver.

 

[Beast2B]

Here's my 2010 ccsb 4x4 with 285/75 on stock aluminum 17x8 wheels. It is reverse leveled (swap the blocks/spacers in the rear to the top of the spring pack) because the Reunel bumper and winch dropped the front 3/4". I may add a level kit and put the rear spacers back in the normal spot.



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[Beast2B]

... and I'd suggest mudflaps before flares with this tire, but the factory flares do look great as these tires fill the wheelwell much better than stockers

 

[EDankievitch]

I'm running 285's on my 2012 you don't need the leveling kit but it looks awesome with it. I also added a copy of the factory flair just for the look of the outdoors man truck. With the stock wheels they don't stick out too much.

 

[lawdog1]

Beast, that truck looks tough, thank you for sharing the photo. If you have some photos of the front bumper and winch I would like to see that as well... those could be in the long range plan for my truck .

I appreciate everyone's comments.

 

[crispyboy]

Beast2b,
You have a nice looking truck. I did the same "reverse level" 2 years ago on my 09. I wanted the bed closer to the ground and it is easier to hook up a trailer.

 

[Beast2B]

Thanks guys. I did the reverse level because it was free! My 01 was lifted and running 37s and I loved it, but I'm TRYING to keep this one more normal... And the mpg is better down lower even though the bumper winch negated any gain. here's a closer pic of the front for you lawdog1



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... and another one before I color matched the grille:



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[lawdog1]

That is a heck of a bumper and brush guard, looks good. How big is the winch? 12K, 15K? ... and have you found that the wench gets cold sitting on that bumper in the fall and winter? JK.

 

[Beast2B]

The wench is sturdy! She doesn't complain one bit... I went with a Warn PowerPlant 9500lb winch that has the built in compressor. I'm only moving chunks of trees and loading broken vehicles on trailers occasionally, so I don't need a winch that'll lift the truck off the ground. Ther bumper is a BEAST as well. The brush guard bars are solid steel rod, not tube! Reunel does a lot of CHP and gov't vehicles, so they are very stout platforms. The rear towing bumper is rated for 20k trailer and 6k hitch! No, I won't do that, but it's nice to see something WAY overbuilt for my needs

 

[EdGarcia]

Here are some pic's of my Ram. I kept it simple. 2 inch leveling kit, 285/75/R17 Toyo MT's, Bushwhacker Extend a flares, painted to match, RollBak lockable tonnue cover, upgraded magnum super hitch, chrome nerf bars, and one AMP-Research Bedstep on the rear bumper.

 

[Beast2B]

That looks really clean EdGarcia. I just picked up a set of the Extend-a-flares, but they hit the brush guard bars (solid rod, not tube!) by the headlight. I may have to see if the painter can shape them a little...

 

[lawdog1]

A great looking truck for sure!

I believe I am going to go with 315's, maybe 295 nito's if I waiver ... . just waiting to wear out my 265's... and I got 7500 miles in 2 months of ownership so it will be here before I know it.