2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab

[Flyin6]

Yes it does. Aft of the axle of course. In front of the axle the new torsion type sway bar provides additional clearance.

So that makes me wonder if someone could shorten the steering stops and get a bit tighter of a turning radius out of it, like on my Suburban.

[Dustoff35]

Yes it does. Aft of the axle of course. In front of the axle the new torsion type sway bar provides additional clearance.

So that makes me wonder if someone could shorten the steering stops and get a bit tighter of a turning radius out of it, like on my Suburban.

I’m not going to do that. I would be concerned about possible damage to the axle shaft U-joints at full lock. This truck has a good enough turn radius for me, probably better than the IFS Duramax.

[Dustoff35]

The radius arm drop bracket is the first component in. It is well-built and heavy. It slides over the stock radius arm mounting point and secures to the frame with 4 large bolts. Next in is the Carli radius arm. Also well built and heavy. The new springs are next. Longer than stock. I will have to compress the springs a little even with the axle dropped.

[Dustoff35]

I took the time to wrap the King Shock bodies and reservoirs with 3M clear. The bodies are zinc-coated steel and the reservoirs are anodized aluminum. The steel will dull, pit and rust over time if not wrapped.

[Dustoff35]

Springs and shocks installed on both sides. Next is to tackle the torsion sway bar and the adjustable track bar. This is taking longer than anticipated, trying to be thorough and precise and working with heavy parts is, well, a workout to be honest.

I am continually impressed with the quality of this system. All components are well engineered, carefully manufactured, beautifully finished and meticulously packaged. Hats off to Carli and thanks again to Tate (Randy’s Worldwide) for the recommendation.

[Flyin6]

I looked at this yesterday. These parts are massive. The photos do not do them justice. For those who may not know, Randy's Worldwide acquired Carli and Icon. Two top-tier suspension/wheel/stuff manufacturers. Members of this forum may have a unique and cost-effective way of purchasing these parts.

I have already had Tate generate a quote for a similar but lesser kit for my truck. Listening to Duane's comments which are experienced based on towing semi-heavy things long distances, I have learned of the shortcomings of this truck, although they are few, for washboard roads the heavy Ram could benefit from a better suspension. Duane here, has gone all the way to their top-tier offering. 2.5" King shocks are big dogs in the off-road shock world. We should see a really great handling truck here once all the gymnastics is done.

I am still thinking through what I really need to do to mine to tame road manners and give it fire-access road capability while towing a camper or light trailer.

[Dustoff35]

Back on the stock wheels and tires while I set up the sway bar end links. It measures 3 inches higher than my start point. I still have to install the limit straps and torque the radius arm pivot bolts. Then on to the rear components which consist of 1” billet aluminum blocks, new U-bolts, King reservoir shocks and greasable spring shackles.

[BobbyB]

You are in southeast WI?

Work in Green Bay, live in Appleton. Drive all over the area doing errands and family stuff.

[Dustoff35]

The rear springs are removed in order to get the new grease-able shackle in place. Very heavy and bulky to get the spring out and back in. A 1-inch billet block is also inserted between the spring pack and axle. We are going to have to fabricate a spacer for the airbag platform to prevent over-extending the airbag.

[Flyin6]

Me likes!

[Bigdave_185]

Why not loose the air bags and install the timbren bump stops.  Iv yet to try them but haven’t heard a single bad about them. 

There is also a cup adaptor that allows the air bag to float.  I believe Don has had experience with them.  I’ll look for a link

Daystar, Air Bag Cradle designed for full suspension travel, Fits All 6" diameter convoluted Air Bags, fits any full size of half ton truck, 2/4WD, KU09140BK, Made in America, Black https://a.co/d/8VZ2CUD

That would eliminate the need for a space and no possible way of over extending them


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[Dustoff35]

I’m really not concerned with over-extending the airbags. The truck doesn’t see that kind of use. Primarily highway towing with perhaps 5% gravel and dirt roads. Occasionally forest service roads to trailheads and the like. I have the airbags to level the truck while towing. A level truck keeps the steering and braking predictable.

[Dustoff35]

We cut some solid stock into the correct size for spacers and cleaned it up in the blast cabinet. We then prepared the airbag axle plate and welded the spacers, ensuring we maintained clearance for the mounting bolts.

[Dustoff35]

With the spacers welded into place, we primed and painted the lower mounting plate and re-installed it onto the axle with longer bolts. The last item(s) to install was the Carli-King 2.5 reservoir shocks.

[Flyin6]

Why not loose the air bags and install the timbren bump stops.  Iv yet to try them but haven’t heard a single bad about them. 

There is also a cup adaptor that allows the air bag to float.  I believe Don has had experience with them.  I’ll look for a link

Daystar, Air Bag Cradle designed for full suspension travel, Fits All 6" diameter convoluted Air Bags, fits any full size of half ton truck, 2/4WD, KU09140BK, Made in America, Black https://a.co/d/8VZ2CUD

That would eliminate the need for a space and no possible way of over extending them


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Thanks for the link, Dave. I will be installing bags late this week or early next as I do the suspension on my am. I will use those. They are the ones I use on my Suburban, and I have driven it off road at my farm, mild really, but I tried to get to full suspension droop, and I carry maybe 20psi in the bags.

[Dustoff35]

I may consider using those Daystar bottom cups on this truck at some point in the future. I do not have time to do this right now. This install has taken up more time than I anticipated. It is scheduled for an alignment this afternoon.

[Flyin6]

I may consider using those Daystar bottom cups on this truck at some point in the future. I do not have time to do this right now. This install has taken up more time than I anticipated. It is scheduled for an alignment this afternoon.

I ordered a pair yesterday after Dave posted the link.
BTW, those daystars are $86. Exact same product, different vendor cost me $35... Should be here tomorrow.

[Dustoff35]

I may consider using those Daystar bottom cups on this truck at some point in the future. I do not have time to do this right now. This install has taken up more time than I anticipated. It is scheduled for an alignment this afternoon.

I ordered a pair yesterday after Dave posted the link.
BTW, those daystars are $86. Exact same product, different vendor cost me $35... Should be here tomorrow.

I’d like to take a look at those before you install them if you don’t mind.

[Dustoff35]

I spent yesterday morning poring over the underside of the truck, checking and re-checking torque values and placing witness marks on fasteners with a paint pen. Once complete, I drove the truck a few miles to a local Tire Discounter’s for an alignment. There is still a good amount of tread left on the OEM tires so I will run them for another 1000-1500 miles while I decide which route to take regarding wheels and tires.

[Dustoff35]

Time to update this thread! Method HD wheels and Toyo A/T 3’s were the choice. The tires are 35” diameter.


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[Dustoff35]

About a week after installing the wheels and tires, I drove from Northern Kentucky to Northwest Wyoming.


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[Flyin6]

Perfect tire placement in the wheel well. That's what a 5.75" BS gets you on these 4th-5th gen Rams.

[Dustoff35]

To date, I have driven approximately 10,000 miles with the Carli Suspension System and the Method wheel and Toyo AT3 tire setup.


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