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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: Lowering Modifications

While many like to turn their Ram into a monster truck, some love the low rider look. Here's how you can make yours hug the pavement.

By Jeffrey Smith - July 22, 2015

This article applies to the 4th Generation Dodge Ram (2009-Present).

So you want to go against the monster truck enthusiasts and be a radical by lowering your truck? You want to have a ground-hugging low rider? You have several options from which to choose to make this eye popping modification. The questions you need to ask are: how low do you want it, how much do you want to invest in money as well as time, and do you have the skills to do it yourself? If money is a major concern, then you should stick to modifications that you know you can handle, rather than spending the extra cash for a pro to handle the work. If you have mad skills, then have at it and enjoy your new low-riding Ram.

Dropping Your RAM: Lowering Your Truck

For Ram truck owners, you have a few lowering methods from which to choose. Cover drop spindles can get your truck really low, rear lowering springs can get a more conservative low look and get rid of the rake, or lowering spring kits can make a nice all around lower and level truck.

Figure 1. This lowered look can really make the Ram unique and stand out in the crowd.

Drop Spindles

DIY Cost – $250-$450 with stock coils

Professional Cost – $400 in labor plus parts to start

Skill Level – Easy; there are no special tools and you can do it in your driveway in just a few hours.

The coil drop spindles lowers your truck by relocating the spindle shaft up from where the factory put it. This also kicks out your front tires a little, which gives it a mean look. You will have a similar ride quality if you use the factory coils; albeit, maybe feel the bumps a little more. You can also use the spindle drop with lowering coils for an even greater drop. Recommended for its easy installation.

Rear Lowering/Leveling Springs

DIY Cost – $200

Professional Cost – $200 labor plus parts

Skill Level – Moderate; a spring compression tool will be needed, which needs some experience to handle.

Rear coil lowering springs are probably the most economical way to go if you are looking to lower your truck. They are pretty easy to install; however, you will need a spring compression tool to remove the stock coils. It is not too difficult to use, but it can be extremely dangerous if you don't have experience using one before. The lowering coils will be much more stiff than stock to avoid bottoming out the suspension; however, the ride handling is improved greatly. Use in conjunction with lowering shocks, and you'll have one mean low riding street racing machine.

Most kits that are sold as rear springs only are sold as "leveling kits," which refers to the fact that the wheel gaps, or ride height, is leveled from front to rear. From the factory, the Ram has a bit of stagger in terms of ride height, so dropping the rear down a bit helps balance the proportions of the truck. Recommended for its improved handling.

Lowering Spring Kit

DIY Cost – $500-$1500 depending on how comprehensive the package is

Professional Cost – $500 plus the cost of parts

Skill Level – Moderate; this takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Spring compressors will still be needed as well.

Lowering spring kits replace most of the suspension components in your truck. They are designed to create a different size drops from front to back in order to level out the truck nearly perfectly. Most people do not want to have a rake when they lower their trucks, so the kits are the perfect choice for them. Several hours will be needed to complete this modification, but the look is very striking, which will get you a lot of attention as you are cruising down the boulevard. Recommended for drivers who want a low and level look.

Upper and Lower Control Arms

DIY Cost – $650-$700

Professional Cost – $300 plus parts to start

Skill Level – Moderate; a spring compression tool should be used with this method.

If you opted for the less expensive lowering kits, then picking up control arms would be a great addition to your overall suspension setup. Aftermarket arms offer stronger bushings and ball joints, among other things.

Getting a set of lower control arms will drop the bed of the coil so that it sits lower in it. This works really well in conjunction with a lowering kit; however, you can use the factory coil and you'll keep your factory handling. If you do the lowers without replacing the upper control arms, your front tires will toe-in or have a negative camber, which is not good on tire wear or on your alignment. It's best to do the uppers and the lowers if you are planning on using this lowering method. Recommended for drivers who went for a less expensive kit.

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