Raise the Stakes: A Guide to Lifting Your RAM Truck with Style

Ram trucks are already dynamic, versatile vehicles, but sometimes there’s a little extra you might want to get out of your truck. Whether you aspire to transform your city slicker into an all-conquering off-roader or simply want a more commanding presence and a little more clearance to conquer urban roads, it’s amazing how a slight lift can revamp your driving experience.

Lifting your Ram truck unlocks a world of possibilities, boosting its capabilities on rougher terrain and adding a touch of personalization to better match your unique style. Read on to discover all you need to know about lifting your RAM truck.

Why Lift Your RAM Truck?

So why lift your truck in the first place? Lifting offers more than simple aesthetics, though there’s no denying that an imposing chrome Ram truck with oversized tires will certainly catch the eye. Lifting your truck helps maximize its potential. For one, increased ground clearance boosts its off-roading capability, allowing you to tackle rough, rocky terrain and uneven dips without damaging the vehicle’s undercarriage.

The extra lift can also accommodate larger, more aggressive tires that offer enhanced traction and grip, particularly off-road. Some lift kits can also improve handling since they adjust the suspension geometry, making for a smoother ride on all terrains. Finally, it’s the ultimate personalization statement. Alongside lifting your truck, you might choose to add beefier bumpers or sleeker running boards, turning your off-the-line truck into a one-of-a-kind adventure vehicle.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Lifting Your Ram Truck

The first thing to check before modifying your vehicle is that it will be compliant with any local laws and regulations regarding vehicle height. Once that’s taken care of, you can follow the steps below to lift your Ram truck and add that touch of dynamic personalization.

Choose the Right Lift Kit

When choosing a lift kit, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. There are different types of kits, each with their own advantages. Body lift kits, for example, raise the truck’s body from the frame, providing more clearance for tires without affecting the suspension. They’re relatively easy to install but may impact handling. For a truck with a higher rear suspension, you might opt for a leveling kit. These raise the front suspension to match the rear, leveling the truck to maintain a balanced stance, especially when loaded or towing.

If you’re looking for an even taller lift, consider a suspension lift kit. These come in several different types:

Coil spring spacer lift kits: A budget-friendly option, these kits use spacers between the existing coil springs and the axle to raise the ride height. They’re ideal for a medium-height lift that offers a bit more ground clearance.
Strut extension lift kits: These kits are similar to those with spacers but offer a slightly higher lift by increasing the suspension travel of the strut assembly.
Full suspension lift kits: These kits replace multiple suspension components, such as the springs, shocks, and control arms, to deliver a significant lift and improved off-road performance.

When choosing a lift kit, you should consider how high you want your truck to go. This might be down to your aesthetic tastes or specific off-road ambitions. Then, think about how you intend to use your truck — whether it’s your daily driver or an off-road adventurer. Finally, consider your budget, as lift kits can vary in price depending on the type.

Gather Tools and Materials

If you’re going to install a lift kit yourself, the first thing to do is make sure you have all the right tools on hand. These include:

Socket wrenches of various sizes.
A lug wrench.
A torque wrench.
A screwdriver.
A floor jack.
Jack stands.
Pry bars.
A rubber mallet.

Once you have your tools ready, make sure that you have all the materials required to install the lift. First and foremost, this includes your lift kit, the specific components of which will vary depending on the type of lift kit you’ve bought. For a suspension lift, have new shocks ready, too. You might also need longer brake lines for some lifts. Make sure you wear the correct safety equipment when working on your truck. Safety glasses and gloves are a must.

Prepare Your Truck

Ensure your truck is properly prepped to guarantee a safe and smooth transformation. Park it on a flat, secure piece of ground, and remember to engage the parking brake. Don’t forget to disconnect the battery before starting work, as this helps prevent any electrical issues while you’re working on the suspension.

Lift Installation Process

Now it’s time to get to work. Always consult the specific instructions provided with your chosen lift kit for precise, technical installation guidance. In general, though, the installation process involves two main steps:

Front suspension: Jack up the front of your truck, secure it with jack stands, and then remove the wheels and temporarily disconnect the sway bar. Follow the lift kit’s instructions to install the new springs, spacers, or other components, and then tighten everything up to the specified torque using the torque wrench.
Rear suspension: Essentially, repeat the process at the other end. Jack up the rear, remove the wheels, and install the lift components following the provided instructions, paying particular attention to any adjustments needed for shocks and other parts.

Alignments and Adjustments

Once you’ve installed the lift, it’s important to make any necessary final adjustments to ensure proper wheel alignment. This is essential for proper truck handling and to prevent uneven tire wear. Refer to the lift kit’s instructions for any specific adjustments required.

Give It a Test Drive

Before taking your revamped truck out on the road, give it a quick test drive to make sure everything’s functioning smoothly. Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues. This is also an opportunity to conduct a final vehicle inspection to double-check that all the nuts and bolts are securely tightened.

Make Your Truck Your Own at Sherrod Customs

A lift kit is a great way to make your vehicle your own. For the ultimate customization for your Ram truck, visit Sherrod Customs in Waycross, Georgia. Along with custom lift kits, our truck upfits also include Sherrod performance exhausts and custom diamond-pleated leather seat upgrades. Contact us today to talk about a Sherrod-standard overhaul for your Ram truck.