2nd gen ram suspension help

[stoprez2006]

Hey guys,
I’ve got a '98 Ram 1500 4x4 and have been looking all over for a suspension setup for my truck that is better than just a standard lift kit. I have talked to Carli and to KORE and neither offers anything for the 2nd gen Ram half tons, only ¾ and 1 tons. I want my truck to be able to roll 37”s with the least amount of lift as possible and be able to soak up some good bumps in the sand and desert as well as have good street manners. My thoughts up to this point are to run a Dick Cepek long arm kit, Carli’s progressive rate coil springs, fox shocks, 37” tires, and 4” flaired glass fenders and bedsides. From what I have gathered the springs are designed to give a 2500/3500 diesel 3” of height, which would be about 5-6” on my truck. I want the lowest ride height necessary to clear the tires and not rub so I don’t know if the Carli springs are my best bet or if coilovers would be better. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!!!

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[Total Distortion]

I would look into a different long arm kit. The DC kit requires that the body mount to be notched due to the upper arm. Trying to keep it low will suck. You're on your own for coils, unless you get some custom made, cut some 2500's or fab mounts for coil-overs.
In the end you'll end up with something that's better than short arms. Just don't forget to address the panhard bar issues.

[stoprez2006]

Have you had issues with the DC kit before? I knew about the body mount notching but from what I remember all the long arm kits are like that. One thing I had thought about doing was usnig the DC arm mounts and then making my own arms that would be stronger, or maybe going to a raduis arm instead of four seperate links, any thoughts? As far as springs go I think coil overs will be my best bet after talking to Carli on the phone about the springs they have yesterday. I guess wanting to have a 2nd gen half ton be able to perfom instead of just be tall is a bit of an odd duck because no one seems to want to do it.

[Total Distortion]

Coil-overs would be the way to go. If you have the capabilities to fab, then do that and make your own arms and mounts. I would try to fab a new cross member with integrated arm mounts that kept it 4-link.
I don't have any experience with the DC kit, the body mount thing was just the 1st thing that came to mind.
I'm not sure I would run a radius arm on that big of a vehicle. I guess it could be built strong enough, but also that way the suspension would handle v.s. a 4-link.
I think any route you go will be fine. It will be the coil-overs that will make it all happen.
Choose wisely!

[ZJARCHER]

Talk to Don Thuren. He built a pretty rad 2nd gen 1/2 ton, there's a video on his website.

Thurenfabrication.com