What a RAM suspension lift does

A RAM suspension lift raises the body of your truck higher off the ground by replacing or modifying the suspension components that connect the frame to the wheels. The lift works by installing taller springs, shocks, or spacers — or a combination of all three — so that the distance between the frame and axle increases. This gives you more ground clearance, which lets you fit larger tires and navigate rougher terrain without the undercarriage scraping.

The amount of lift varies depending on which components you change and how much you change them. A modest lift might be 2 to 3 inches, while more aggressive setups can reach 6 inches or higher. The higher you go, the more the truck's center of gravity shifts, which affects how it handles on the road and how much weight it can safely carry.

Key Takeaways

  • Suspension lifts raise your truck by replacing springs, shocks, or adding spacers between existing components, with typical lifts ranging from 2 to 6 inches.
  • A lift kit includes the new suspension parts, but you will also need to budget for installation labor, wheel alignment, and often new tires to match the increased height.
  • Lifting your truck changes how it handles, brakes, and accelerates, and can void your factory warranty if not done carefully.
  • Different RAM models and years require different lift kits, so you must confirm your truck's generation and engine before ordering parts.
  • Professional installation is strongly recommended because suspension work affects safety and requires specialized tools and knowledge of your truck's geometry.

Types of suspension lift kits for RAM trucks

The most common lift for RAM trucks is a coil spring lift, which replaces the factory coil springs with taller ones. This is usually the most affordable option and works well for trucks that will see both street and light off-road use. Coil spring lifts are straightforward to install and maintain good ride quality if the kit is designed well.

A leaf spring lift works differently and is less common on modern RAMs, but some owners use it for heavy-duty trucks or when maximum payload capacity matters. Leaf springs are stacked metal strips that flex to absorb bumps, and adding extra leaves or replacing them with longer ones raises the truck. This approach can handle more weight but often produces a stiffer ride.

Spacer lifts (also called suspension spacers or leveling kits) sit on top of existing springs or shocks and push the suspension up without replacing the springs themselves. These are cheaper and faster to install than a full lift, but they typically only raise the truck 1 to 2 inches and do not improve ride quality the way a proper spring lift does.

Some owners combine methods — for example, installing new coil springs in the rear and spacers in the front to level out a truck that sits lower in back. The right choice depends on your budget, how much lift you want, and what you plan to do with the truck.

What you need to budget beyond the kit itself

The suspension lift kit is only part of the cost. Professional installation typically runs $800 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of the kit and your local labor rates. A shop will need to remove the wheels, disconnect the suspension, install new components, and reassemble everything — this is not a weekend DIY job for most owners.

After the lift is installed, you will need a wheel alignment, which costs $150 to $300. Lifting changes the angles of your wheels relative to the frame, and if you do not correct this, your tires will wear unevenly and your truck will pull to one side. Some shops include alignment in their lift installation price, so ask before you commit.

New tires are almost always necessary. A lifted truck can fit tires one or two sizes larger than stock, and many owners do this to take full advantage of the extra clearance. Larger tires cost more than stock sizes — sometimes $200 to $400 more per set — and they also slightly reduce fuel economy and can affect speedometer accuracy.

You may also need to install a leveling kit or adjust brake lines and suspension geometry to prevent rubbing or binding. Some lifts require new shocks to handle the changed suspension geometry safely. Budget an extra $500 to $1,000 for these secondary adjustments if your truck needs them.

How lifting affects your truck's handling and performance

A lifted truck sits higher, which raises its center of gravity. This means the truck is more prone to body roll when you turn at speed, and it can feel less stable on the highway compared to a stock truck. The higher you lift, the more pronounced this effect becomes. A 2-inch lift is barely noticeable; a 6-inch lift will change how the truck feels significantly.

Braking distance may increase slightly because the truck's weight is now distributed differently, and the suspension geometry has changed. Some lift kits require upgraded brake lines or adjustments to prevent air from entering the system. Your brakes will still work, but the pedal feel may change.

Acceleration and fuel economy both suffer a little. A lifted truck is heavier (the kit adds weight), sits higher (more wind resistance), and larger tires have more rolling resistance. You might see a 1 to 3 mile-per-gallon drop depending on the lift height and tire size. Towing capacity may also be reduced — check your kit's documentation and your truck's manual to confirm safe limits.

Off-road performance improves because you have more ground clearance and can navigate obstacles without hitting the undercarriage. The suspension also typically has more travel, meaning the wheels can move up and down more before bottoming out. This makes the truck more capable on rough terrain, though it does not make the truck unstoppable.

Warranty and insurance considerations

Installing a suspension lift will void your RAM factory warranty on suspension and related components. If something fails that the manufacturer believes is related to the lift, they will not cover the repair. Some dealers are more flexible than others, so ask your dealer before you lift if you are concerned about warranty coverage.

Your insurance company should be notified about the lift, especially if you are modifying the truck's height or appearance significantly. Some insurers do not care about suspension work; others may charge a small premium or require you to disclose the modification. Call your agent before you proceed so there are no surprises if you need to file a claim.

If you ever sell the truck, disclose the lift to potential buyers. A lifted truck is not for everyone, and buyers will want to know about any modifications. The lift may increase the truck's value to some buyers and decrease it for others, depending on their needs.

Finding the right kit for your RAM model and year

RAM trucks come in different generations — the current generation (2019 and newer) is different from the previous generation (2009–2018), which is different from older models. A lift kit designed for one generation will not fit another, so you must know your truck's year and generation before you order.

You also need to know your engine size and whether your truck is a regular cab, crew cab, or mega cab. These details affect suspension geometry and the way the kit installs. Check your truck's registration or owner's manual if you are unsure.

Once you have this information, search for lift kits by your truck's year and model. Major manufacturers like BDS Suspension, Rough Country, and Fabtech all make kits for RAM trucks, and each offers different lift heights and price points. Read reviews from other RAM owners to see which kits perform well and which have common problems.

A reputable shop that specializes in RAM trucks can also recommend a kit based on your truck and your goals. They will know which kits work well, which ones have fitment issues, and which ones are worth the money. This is worth paying for, because a poor kit choice can lead to rubbing, binding, or a rough ride that costs more to fix later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a suspension lift affect my truck's towing capacity?

Towing capacity may decrease slightly because the truck's weight distribution changes and the suspension geometry is altered. Check your lift kit's documentation and your RAM's manual for the new limits. Most modest lifts (2 to 3 inches) have minimal impact, but larger lifts can reduce capacity by 10 to 20 percent.

Can I install a suspension lift myself?

It is technically possible if you have the right tools, a lift, and suspension knowledge, but most owners should have a professional do it. Suspension work affects safety — incorrect installation can cause handling problems, brake failure, or component damage. The labor cost is worth the peace of mind and the may provide that the work is done correctly.

How long does a suspension lift installation take?

A typical installation takes one to three days depending on the kit complexity and the shop's schedule. Some kits are straightforward and take a day; others require custom fabrication or adjustments that take longer. Ask the shop for an estimate before you drop off your truck.

Do I need new shocks when I lift my truck?

Most lift kits include new shocks or recommend them, because the factory shocks are designed for the stock suspension height. Using factory shocks with a lifted suspension can lead to poor ride quality, reduced travel, and premature wear. Budget for new shocks as part of your lift installation.

What is the difference between a suspension lift and a body lift?

A suspension lift raises the truck by modifying the suspension itself, while a body lift raises only the truck's body by inserting spacers between the frame and body. A body lift is cheaper and easier to install, but it does not increase ground clearance the way a suspension lift does. Most owners prefer suspension lifts because they actually improve off-road capability.