Does a lift kit increase my Ram's payload or towing capacity?
No. GVWR, axle ratings and the combined rating come from the manufacturer and are printed on the door-jamb labels. Stiffer springs, air bags or a lift can change how level the truck sits under a load, but they don't raise those ratings. Bumpers, winches and bigger tires add weight, so they actually reduce the payload you have left. More on towing with a lift.
Which Ram 2500/3500 years have radius arms up front?
Every Ram 3500 4x4 from 2013 on and every Ram 2500 4x4 from 2014 on has the three-link radius-arm front. 1994-2012 trucks and the 2013 2500 use a five-link front with two control arms per side. See the generations table.
When did the Ram 2500 get rear coil springs?
For the 2014 model year: every 2014-on 2500 has a coil-spring link rear (some with optional air springs in place of the coils). Every 3500 has leaf springs.
Is a leveling spacer bad for my truck?
Not automatically, but it's a compromise. A spacer raises the front without changing the spring rate, shocks or geometry, and the bump stops should be extended to match. On radius-arm trucks (2013-on 3500, 2014-on 2500), some suspension builders warn that spacers stress the factory coils. A spacer won't fix caster or axle position, and it can interfere with larger-body shocks.
Do I need long arms?
It depends on your height and how you use the truck. Short adjustable arms with an adjustable track bar work well for mild lifts on link-front trucks. Long arms sit flatter and swing the axle less fore and aft, which helps ride and caster stability on taller lifts and on rough terrain. They cost more and take more installation work. How arm length matters.
Why does my truck lose caster when I lift it?
On a solid front axle, the steering axis is fixed to the axle housing. Lifting tips the control arms or radius arms to a new angle, which rotates the housing and reduces caster. Adjustable arms, radius-arm drop brackets, replacement radius arms or long arms bring it back. Caster after a lift.
What size tire can I run with my lift?
This site doesn't give tire size numbers, because they depend on the exact kit, the wheel backspacing, bump stops and how much trimming you'll accept. Follow the tire and wheel guidance published for your kit, then check clearance at full steering lock with the suspension compressed. Tire size vs lift.
Will lifting my truck affect towing?
It can. The receiver sits higher, so you may need a drop shank to keep the trailer level. A fifth wheel or gooseneck needs its height and bed-rail clearance re-checked. Taller tires lower the effective gearing, and a higher center of gravity adds body roll. The ratings themselves don't change.
Is a Power Wagon already lifted?
It sits taller than a regular 2500. The 2014-on Power Wagon is the same truck as the 2500 with taller coils (at the 2014 launch Ram described more than two inches of lift). Everything Dodge Off Road makes for the 2014-current Ram 2500 4x4 fits the 2014-on Power Wagon; just remember that spacer or coil heights quoted for a 2500 start from a lower baseline. Power Wagon notes.
Where do I find steering help for a lifted Ram?
Track bar angle, bump steer, drag links and steering boxes are covered on our sister site, Dodge Ram Steering. The arms page links to it.
Are you Dodge, Ram or Mopar?
No. This is an independent guide from the Dodge Off Road crew. It isn't affiliated with or endorsed by FCA US LLC, Stellantis, Dodge, Ram or Mopar. We use brand names only to identify the trucks we write about.
The planning worksheet puts everything on one page.
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information for planning. Follow your service information and parts maker's instructions.