Last updated: September 2026 Written by the LiftKitGuide Team, truck suspension installers and editors
A Dodge Ram 2500 suspension lift runs 3 to 6 inches and costs $1,300 to $6,000 in parts, or $2,500 to $9,000 installed. A 3-inch kit fits 35-inch tires on a 2014-2024 Ram 2500 4WD, and a 6-inch kit fits 37s. Diesel and gas trucks use different springs.
Key takeaways
- The 2014-2024 Ram 2500 4WD uses a solid front axle on coil springs located by control arms and a track bar, plus rear coil springs on most trims.
- BDS’s 3-inch radius arm kit for 2019-2024 Ram 2500 diesel trucks costs about $1,996 to $5,328 depending on shocks and is rated for 35-inch tires.
- A 6-inch lift fits 37-inch tires and usually calls for a front driveshaft or transfer case indexing ring to control vibration.
- Kits are engine-specific because the 6.7L Cummins weighs several hundred pounds more than the 6.4L HEMI, so front spring rates differ.
- Most Ram 2500 lift kits exclude the Power Wagon, which has its own factory-lifted suspension.
On this page
This guide covers how the Ram 2500 suspension works, which lift height to choose, what tires fit, what breaks, which brands to buy, cost and the install. It focuses on 2014 and newer 4WD trucks, with notes on the 2025 update.
How does the Ram 2500 front suspension work?
The Ram 2500 4WD front suspension is a solid axle on coil springs, held in place by control arms and a track bar. A solid axle means both front wheels share one axle housing, unlike the independent suspension on a Ram 1500. This layout is strong and simple to lift, but it is sensitive to steering and track bar geometry.
Lifting a solid-axle Ram 2500 changes three things at once: caster, track bar angle and driveshaft angle. Every good kit addresses all three with longer or repositioned arms, a new or relocated track bar, and matched shocks.
What is a radius arm kit?
A radius arm kit replaces the factory lower and upper control arms with a single long arm on each side that bolts to the axle at two points. Radius arms hold caster more consistently as the suspension moves, which improves steering feel on 4 to 6 inch lifts. BDS and Rough Country sell radius arm versions of their Ram 2500 kits for a smoother ride.
How much lift should you put on a Ram 2500?
A Ram 2500 used for towing and daily driving works best with 2.5 to 3 inches of lift, which clears 35-inch tires without big driveline changes. A 4.5 to 6 inch lift is for owners who want 37s and a tall stance and accept more cost and more maintenance.
For a Ram 2500 that tows, a 3-inch coil and shock kit is the better choice because it keeps factory driveshafts on most trucks, clears 35s, and does not hurt hitch height much. A 6-inch lift raises the hitch point several inches and usually needs a drop hitch.
| Lift height | Typical parts | Realistic max tire | Parts price | Shop labor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-2.5 in. level | Coil spacers or leveling coils | 35 in. with trimming | $80-$2,000 | 2-4 hrs |
| 3 in. | Coils, shocks, track bar, sometimes radius arms | 35 in. | $1,300-$5,300 | 6-8 hrs |
| 4.5-5 in. | Coils, radius arms, track bar, rear springs, shocks | 37 in. with trimming | $2,500-$6,000 | 8-12 hrs |
| 6 in. | Coils, radius arms, track bar, driveshaft or indexing ring | 37 in. | $2,500-$6,500 | 10-14 hrs |
If you only want to remove the factory rake, our 2024 Ram 2500 leveling kit guide covers 2 to 2.5 inch options.
What size tires fit a lifted Ram 2500?
A 3-inch lift on a Ram 2500 fits 35×12.50R20 or 35×12.50R18 tires, and a 5 to 6 inch lift fits 37×12.50R20 or 37×13.50R18 tires. Stock tires measure about 32 to 34 inches. Wheel offset matters as much as lift height, and most installers target 0 to +18mm offset on 18 to 20 inch wheels.
Factory 3.73 gears feel slow on 37s, especially with a heavy diesel and a trailer. Moving to 4.10 or 4.30 gears costs $2,000 to $3,500 for both axles and restores towing performance.
What breaks or needs changing on a lifted Ram 2500?
A lifted Ram 2500 puts extra load on steering parts and the front driveline. These are the items installers see most often:
- Track bar and steering. A worn track bar or loose bolts cause death wobble, a violent front-end shake at highway speed. An adjustable track bar and steering stabilizer help.
- Front driveshaft. Lifts over about 3 inches increase the front driveshaft angle and can cause vibration. BDS notes that an optional transfer case indexing ring can fix vibration on some trucks.
- Brake lines. Front lines come up short at full droop on 4-inch and taller lifts unless the kit includes brackets.
- Caster. Lifting rotates the axle and reduces caster, which makes steering feel light. Radius arms or adjustable arms correct it.
- Rear air suspension. Trucks with auto-level rear air need a kit made for it.
Safety note: This lift changes steering geometry, brake line slack and how the truck handles a trailer. Get a professional alignment the same day, and retorque the track bar after 100 miles.
Which Ram 2500 suspension lift kits are worth buying?
The right Ram 2500 suspension lift kit depends on budget, engine and whether the truck tows. The kits below are common choices, and prices are typical 2026 street prices that change with shock options.
| Brand and kit | Lift height | Price range | What’s included | Best for | Not good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Country 3-6 in. | 3-6 in. | $1,300-$2,500 | Coils, shocks, track bar, arms on taller kits | Budget 35s and 37s | Heavy towing ride quality |
| BDS 3 in. radius arm | 3 in. | $2,000-$5,300 | Pro-Ride coils, radius arms, track bar, shocks | Diesel daily drivers | Power Wagon, gas trucks (diesel kit) |
| BDS 6 in. radius arm | 6 in. | $3,000-$6,500 | Coils, radius arms, track bar, shocks | 37-inch tires | Towing with a standard hitch |
| Carli 3.25-4.5 in. | 3.25-4.5 in. | $4,000-$10,000 | Coils, radius arms, track bar, King or Fox shocks | Best ride and towing | Budget builds |
| Thuren Fabrication | 2-3 in. | $1,500-$5,000 | Coils, shocks, track bar | Towing, rear-air trucks | Big lifts |
Rough Country wins on price. BDS gives the best value in mid-range kits, and Carli sets the standard for ride quality on Cummins trucks, at a price to match.
How much does a Dodge Ram 2500 suspension lift cost installed?
A 3-inch Ram 2500 lift costs about $2,500 to $6,500 installed, and a 6-inch lift costs $4,000 to $9,000 installed, before wheels and tires. Labor runs 6 to 14 hours at $100 to $175 per hour, based on typical US shop labor rates in 2026, plus $100 to $200 for the alignment. See our suspension lift kit installation cost guide for how shops price this work, and leveling kit vs lift kit if a level might be enough.
How do you install a 3-inch lift on a Ram 2500?
A 3-inch coil lift on a 2014-2024 Ram 2500 4WD takes two people about 6 to 8 hours with jack stands, a floor jack and a torque wrench. Follow your kit’s instructions and torque chart.
- Measure ride height at all four corners and soak all suspension bolts with penetrating oil.
- Raise the truck, support the frame on jack stands, and remove the wheels.
- Support the front axle, then disconnect the shocks, sway bar links, track bar and drag link as the instructions require.
- Lower the axle slowly, remove the factory coils, and install the new coils and any radius arms or arm brackets.
- Install the new or adjustable track bar and center the axle.
- Repeat the spring and shock swap at the rear axle.
- Install brake line brackets, check all lines and wires at full droop, and torque every bolt at ride height.
- Get an alignment the same day and retorque the track bar after 100 miles.
Safety note: Coil springs store energy. Keep the axle supported on a jack whenever springs are loose, and never work under a truck held only by a jack.
Frequently asked questions
What size tires fit a Ram 2500 with a 3 inch lift?
35-inch tires fit. A 3-inch lift on a 2014-2024 Ram 2500 4WD clears 35×12.50R20 or 35×12.50R18 tires on wheels with 0 to +18mm offset. BDS rates its 3-inch kit for up to 35-inch tires. Thirty-seven inch tires need a 5 to 6 inch lift.
Does a Ram 2500 lift kit fit the Power Wagon?
No. Most Ram 2500 lift kits exclude the Power Wagon because it uses a factory-lifted suspension with unique springs, Bilstein shocks and an electronic sway bar disconnect. Power Wagon owners need kits made for that model. Check the brand’s fitment notes before ordering.
Will a lift kit cause death wobble on a Ram 2500?
No, not when installed correctly. Death wobble on solid-axle Rams usually comes from a worn or loose track bar, worn ball joints or tie rod ends, or low caster. A quality kit with an adjustable track bar, correct caster and torqued bolts prevents it. Recheck track bar torque after 100 miles.
Do I need a different lift kit for a Cummins Ram 2500?
Yes. Diesel and gas Ram 2500 trucks use different front spring rates because the 6.7L Cummins weighs several hundred pounds more than the 6.4L HEMI. Most brands sell separate diesel and gas kits. Installing the wrong springs leaves the truck sitting too high or too low.
Can I tow with a lifted Ram 2500?
Yes. A lift does not change the Ram 2500 tow rating, which depends on the frame, axles, hitch and GVWR. Taller lifts raise the hitch, so use an adjustable drop hitch to keep the trailer level. Keep tire load ratings at E or higher for heavy towing.
The bottom line
For most owners, a Dodge Ram 2500 suspension lift of 3 inches with 35-inch tires gives the best balance of looks, ride and towing. Go to 6 inches only when you are ready to pay for 37s, gears, a drop hitch and driveline fixes.
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