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Dodge Ram 1994-2008: Lift and Level Modifications

Lifting a truck is simple, but there are many options on how to do so. Read more to find out.

By Jerry Perez - July 16, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram 2nd and 3rd Generation (1994-2008).

Lifting your truck up doesn't only look cool, but it gives it a certain attitude that makes other smaller trucks feel weak in comparison. Lifting up a truck can consist of many different modifications that could be performed to your Dodge Ram. The most common modification is the suspension lift, in which the suspension components are modified to achieve higher ground clearance. Some of the other methods include lifting the truck body with a body lift, fitting blocks, or spacers to raise the body height, as well as leveling kits to level the front and the end of the truck. Remember that any of these lifts will alter your vehicle's driving and handling capabilities, and may speed the wear rate of your tires, etc. While some of these can be DIY projects, you can also visit your local dealer or repair shop.

Lift and Level Modifications

The term lifting consist of the action performed to give a truck a higher ground clearance than it originally came with from the factory. Lifting a truck can be performed in different ways, each one with its pros and cons. Below is a breakdown of the most common modifications performed to lift a Dodge Ram truck.

Figure 1. Lifted Dodge Ram.

Body Lift/Blocks

DIY Cost – $80-$250

Professional Cost – $250-$1,000 per install job

Skill Level – Moderate; requires the help of an extra person, and must work underneath vehicle.

The most common way to lift up a truck is with a simple block or spacer job. The way these blocks and spacers work is quite simple, they are nothing but a high density rubber block that sits in-between the frame of your truck and the the leaf springs of your Ram. By creating this "gap" in between these two components, they visually raise the body of the truck up; although, the actual ground clearance of the axle and other drivetrain components remain the same height. Blocks are an inexpensive mod, but are not the best option for handling and durability characteristics. Recommended for drivers who want to raise their trucks.

Leveling Kits

DIY Cost – $95-$195

Professional Cost – $150-$300 per install job

Skill Level – Moderate; this may require the help of an extra person, and must work underneath the vehicle.

Leveling kits aren't quite a way to "lift" your Ram truck, but they are a quick way to level or straighten the look of your truck. From factory, the Ram trucks come with a slightly higher suspension clearance in the back than in the front, the reason for this is that the bed of the truck should have more clearance, so it will not bottom out when loaded with cargo. Unfortunately, this sometimes makes for an uneven look, the leveling kit consists of blocks that raise the front end and give it a more leveled look. Recommended for drivers who want to level or straighten their trucks.

Suspension Lifts

DIY Cost – $180-$5,000

Professional Cost – $250-$10,000 per install job

Skill Level – Difficult; this job requires specialty tools and knowledge, as well as the help of an extra person.

One could say that suspension lifts are the "proper" way of lifting a truck. The reason behind is that by using a suspension lift, one is actually raising the suspension higher and offering higher ground clearance, as well as maintaining relatively the same handling and driving characteristics as the stock setup. Suspension lifts can be offered in as little as 1-inch extra clearance, all the way up to monster truck heights; therefore, their cost can range from a couple hundred dollars all the way to more than the original cost of the truck! Recommended for drivers who want higher ground clearance but want the same handling as stock.

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