2005 Ram 1500 suspension and tires… Help!!!

[Johnbrown8907]

I’m building up my 2005 ram 1500 4x4. Torsion bar front suspension and leaf spring rear. I want to use a 3” key lift in the front and an add a leaf in the rear. My problems are these. Ive been told that If I use the key lift in the front and roll it all the way out to its 3” max my ride quality on and off the road will be that of a beat up old HMMWV (Humvee). I’ve been there and done that and I don’t want to ride in one of those again. lol. So is this true? Are some kits better than others. I’m also putting on new shocks all the way around at the same time so will that help? And my other problem is the add a leaf. I can’t seem to find one for my truck. And the final problem is tires. I can’t decide what to get. I want aggressive tires that have longevity and not a lot of road noise. I want to run 33x10 or maybe 12.50 on stock rims from 2015 ram 1500. So anybody with experience in this area will be greatly appreciated, especially if it’s specific to my make and model. Also if you suggest a product or an article adding a link would be AWESOME. Thanks!!!

Happy 4th and be safe out there.

Semper Fi

 

[MMc]

Check out Carli Suspension, they know their stuff. Look into a progressive leaf spring upgrade also.Carli knows them too. A progressive spring kit replaces your 3 or 4 springs with 9 or 10 springs. The idea is the weight is spread out over the pack, so when the truck is empty it's ride is smoother with the same payload when full. It will lift the truck a inch or two. Best thing I ever did as for ride on my trucks.
Tires are very subjective, a west coast tire For sand maybe to wide for the snow. The softer rubber on a mud and rock tire will wear out faster. It's like a Chevy vs Ford thing.

 

[MidOH]

It's IFS.

Keys are rubbish. Sacrificing down travel, for higher ride height is unacceptable. I wouldn't do that more than 1". And I'd switch to coilovers to do it. If the factory ''lowered'' your truck, then you have more room to play with. But still, be careful. Watch your CV and arm angles.

I'd research how much tire you can fit with minimal lift. And then just buy a very good tire that fits. I always suggest Cooper STT pro, or STT Maxx for milder use.

 

[Johnbrown8907]

Check out Carli Suspension, they know their stuff. Look into a progressive leaf spring upgrade also.Carli knows them too. A progressive spring kit replaces your 3 or 4 springs with 9 or 10 springs. The idea is the weight is spread out over the pack, so when the truck is empty it's ride is smoother with the same payload when full. It will lift the truck a inch or two. Best thing I ever did as for ride on my trucks.
Tires are very subjective, a west coast tire For sand maybe to wide for the snow. The softer rubber on a mud and rock tire will wear out faster. It's like a Chevy vs Ford thing.

Carli doesn’t carry any thing for my year truck. Thanks for your time.

 

[Johnbrown8907]

Check out Carli Suspension, they know their stuff. Look into a progressive leaf spring upgrade also.Carli knows them too. A progressive spring kit replaces your 3 or 4 springs with 9 or 10 springs. The idea is the weight is spread out over the pack, so when the truck is empty it's ride is smoother with the same payload when full. It will lift the truck a inch or two. Best thing I ever did as for ride on my trucks.
Tires are very subjective, a west coast tire For sand maybe to wide for the snow. The softer rubber on a mud and rock tire will wear out faster. It's like a Chevy vs Ford thing.

For the tires i want to do trails some mud but nothing deep or crazy. So I’m thinking and aggressive all terrain? Or a mud terrain that is made to last.

 

[Johnbrown8907]

It's IFS.

Keys are rubbish. Sacrificing down travel, for higher ride height is unacceptable. I wouldn't do that more than 1". And I'd switch to coilovers to do it. If the factory ''lowered'' your truck, then you have more room to play with. But still, be careful. Watch your CV and arm angles.

I'd research how much tire you can fit with minimal lift. And then just buy a very good tire that fits. I always suggest Cooper STT pro, or STT Maxx for milder use.

The front of the truck is noticeably lower than the re from the factory. I’ll post a picture later.

 

[Johnbrown8907]

I think I’ve decided to wait a little longer and save for a quality 4” suspension lift with new upper control arms.

 

[Johnbrown8907]

The front of the truck is noticeably lower than the re from the factory. I’ll post a picture later.

It's IFS.

Keys are rubbish. Sacrificing down travel, for higher ride height is unacceptable. I wouldn't do that more than 1". And I'd switch to coilovers to do it. If the factory ''lowered'' your truck, then you have more room to play with. But still, be careful. Watch your CV and arm angles.

I'd research how much tire you can fit with minimal lift. And then just buy a very good tire that fits. I always suggest Cooper STT pro, or STT Maxx for milder use.

i agree the keys aren’t the best option. So I have a question. Would using keys with new upper control arms give me close to the ride quality I want and the clearance and travel I’m looking for? Or maybe I should do lift spindles, coil overs and new control arms up front and progression leaf spring in the rear?

 

[MidOH]

It depends. CV's, arm angles (upper and lower) have a drastic effect on how the truck handles. Upper arms allow more travel without binding. But will the lower arms be correctly angled? And how much % sag do we have?


Before budgeting for a complete suspension, especially more expensive IFS suspensions....... also keep in mind that trade in values are at an all time high for trucks. Might be wiser to upgrade to a Ram 2500 or Ford F250 that can be lifted to nearly any height with minimal bad effects. Not that they have to, they both fit 35" tires stock. A 4" suspension is as tall as I go with those trucks now. Which may fit 38" MT's with ease.