Last updated: September 2026 Written by the LiftKitGuide Team, truck suspension installers and editors
A 2017 Ram 2500 leveling kit raises the front 2 to 2.5 inches and lets the truck run 35-inch tires. Spacer kits cost $80 to $250 and coil kits cost $250 to $2,000. On an 8 to 12 year old 2014-2018 Ram 2500, budget another $200 to $800 for worn steering parts found during the install.
Key takeaways
- The 2014-2018 Ram 2500 4WD uses a solid front axle on coil springs with a track bar, the same basic layout as newer trucks, so most kits list 2014-2026 fitment.
- Rough Country’s 2.5-inch spacer kit lists at $79.95 and excludes the Power Wagon, Rebel and rear air suspension trucks.
- Worn track bar bushings, ball joints and tie rod ends are common on 2014-2018 trucks and should be replaced before or during a level.
- A 2.5-inch level fits 35×12.50R18 or 35×12.50R20 tires on most trims with light trimming.
- Diesel trucks that tow do better with leveling coils than spacers.
On this page
This page covers fitment for 2014-2018 trucks, the wear items older Rams need, spacers versus coils, tires, cost and the install. It uses 2017 as the reference year, but every point applies to 2014 through 2018 4WD trucks.
Does a 2017 Ram 2500 use the same leveling kit as newer trucks?
Yes, a 2017 Ram 2500 4WD uses the same front coil spring and track bar layout as 2019 and newer trucks, so most leveling kits list 2014-2026 fitment. The exceptions are trim based, not year based. Power Wagon trucks and any 2500 with the optional auto-level rear air suspension need specific kits.
If you own a 2019-2023 truck, our 2022 Ram 2500 leveling kit guide covers the newer generation.
What should you check on an older Ram 2500 before leveling?
Check the steering and front suspension before leveling a 2014-2018 Ram 2500, because a level adds load to parts that may already be worn. Most trucks from these years have 80,000 to 200,000 miles.
- Track bar bushings and bolts. Worn bushings cause a clunk and can trigger death wobble, a violent front-end shake at speed. A replacement track bar costs $150 to $800.
- Ball joints. Play in the ball joints shows up as uneven tire wear. Replacement runs $400 to $900 per axle installed.
- Tie rod ends and drag link. Loose ends make the wheel wander.
- Steering stabilizer. A worn stabilizer hides problems but does not fix them. Replace it, but fix the cause first.
For a 2017 truck with original steering parts, spending $300 to $800 on a track bar and tie rods during the level is a better choice than paying for a second alignment later.
Spacer or leveling coils for a 2014-2018 Ram 2500?
A coil spacer suits a 5.7L or 6.4L HEMI truck that tows lightly, and leveling coils suit a 6.7L Cummins that tows or carries weight. A spacer sits on top of the factory coil. Leveling coils replace it with a taller spring rated for the engine.
| Kit | Lift height | Price range | What’s included | Best for | Not good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Country 2.5 in. spacer | 2.5 in. | $80-$250 | Coil spacers, optional shocks | Gas trucks, budgets | Power Wagon, rear air |
| ReadyLIFT 1.75-2 in. | 1.75-2 in. | $200-$600 | Spacers or coils | Simple level | Heavy towing on diesels |
| Leveling coils (BDS, Thuren) | 2-2.5 in. | $450-$2,000 | Coils, shocks on some kits | Cummins trucks | Tight budgets |
| Carli 2.5 in. | 2.5 in. | $2,000-$3,500 | Coils, shocks, track bar options | Ride quality and towing | Budget builds |
What size tires fit a leveled 2017 Ram 2500?
A leveled 2017 Ram 2500 fits 35×12.50R18 or 35×12.50R20 tires on most trims with light trimming of the front plastic. Stock tires on 2014-2018 trucks measure about 31.6 to 33.5 inches, from LT265/70R17 to LT285/60R20. Wheels around 0 to +18mm offset give the best clearance at full lock.
How much does a 2017 Ram 2500 leveling kit cost installed?
A spacer level costs $300 to $600 installed with an alignment, and a coil kit costs $1,000 to $4,000 installed. Add $200 to $800 if the shop replaces a worn track bar or tie rods. Labor runs 2 to 4 hours at $100 to $175 per hour, based on typical US shop rates in 2026. See our suspension lift kit installation cost guide for details, or the Dodge Ram 2500 suspension lift guide if you want 37s.
How do you install a leveling kit on a 2014-2018 Ram 2500?
A spacer level on a 2014-2018 Ram 2500 takes 2 to 3 hours with jack stands, a floor jack and a torque wrench. Follow your kit’s instructions.
- Measure front and rear fender height and soak the track bar and shock bolts with penetrating oil.
- Raise the front by the frame, set jack stands, and remove the wheels.
- Support the axle and disconnect the lower shocks, sway bar links and track bar at the axle.
- Lower the axle until the coils are loose, watching brake lines and ABS wires.
- Install the spacers or new coils.
- Raise the axle, reconnect everything, and replace worn track bar or tie rod parts while it is apart.
- Torque every bolt at ride height.
- Get an alignment the same day and recheck track bar torque after 100 miles.
Safety note: This job touches steering and suspension load. Keep the axle on a jack whenever the coils are loose.
Frequently asked questions
Will a leveling kit for a 2017 Ram 2500 fit a 2018?
Yes. The 2014 through 2018 Ram 2500 4WD share the same front axle, coil springs and track bar, and most kits also fit 2019-2026. Power Wagon trucks and trucks with rear air suspension are the main exclusions. Confirm with the brand’s fitment tool.
What size tires fit a 2014-2018 Ram 2500 with a level?
35-inch tires fit. A 2 to 2.5 inch level on a 2014-2018 Ram 2500 clears 35×12.50R18 or 35×12.50R20 tires on most trims with 0 to +18mm offset wheels and light trimming. Thirty-seven inch tires need a 3 to 4 inch lift.
Can a leveling kit cause death wobble on a Ram 2500?
No, not by itself. Death wobble on 2014-2018 Ram 2500 trucks usually comes from worn track bar bushings, loose track bar bolts, worn ball joints or tie rod ends. Leveling can expose those worn parts, so inspect and replace them during the install.
Do I need new shocks with a Ram 2500 leveling kit?
No, not at 2.5 inches or less. Factory shocks have enough travel for a 2.5-inch level. Many owners replace them anyway on older trucks, because original shocks are often worn out by 80,000 miles. Bilstein 5100 shocks are a common upgrade.
Does a 2017 Ram 2500 with rear air need a special kit?
Yes. Trucks with the factory auto-level rear air suspension hold a fixed rear height, and most standard front spacer kits exclude them. Brands like Thuren Fabrication make kits for rear-air trucks. Check the window sticker or look for air springs in the rear.
The bottom line
The best 2017 Ram 2500 leveling kit for most owners is a 2 to 2.5 inch setup on 35-inch tires, paired with a new track bar and tie rods on high-mileage trucks. Use spacers on HEMI trucks, coils on Cummins trucks, and align the same day.
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