And just like that, the 2019+ 1500 Platform is a wrap! It seems like forever ago the process started but we’ve finally come to a close. What felt like 100 different combinations of coilovers, reservoir hoses, front & rear springs, and reservoir mounting combinations culminated into the beautiful symphony of leveled 1/2 ton you see above.
Yup, Leveled! People often question our lift heights asking when we’re going to go bigger – short answer, in the 1500s, i don’t see it happening. Our goal is to optimize the platform’s capability, not challenge it. Going higher requires addressing steering & axles while accommodating larger tires (37s). Addressing steering means it’ll never steer like it did factory again, no matter how you drop/space it – you’ll never match the angles perfectly. The axles introduce more complications possibly requiring knuckles, differential drop brackets etc. all to maintain CV angles. As for the 37″ tires… They’re beasts (most nearly 100lbs/tire). We keep to these on the 2500/3500 for a reason, their front ends can handle it. No matter how high you lift your Ram 1500, you’re still going to be turning the tires with the same tie-rod ends. Sure, we could make better tie-rod ends, drop brackets, etc. as well but that’s getting into the weeds building parts to handle lift height vs. gaining performance and again – we wanted to take this platform, maximize wheel travel within the capability of the factory infrastructure (replace ONLY what’s necessary to optimize performance) and utilize a 35″ tire with minimal trimming. This ensures that every dollar you throw at our system nets performance gain and subsequently, value.
I digress; the front coilovers are, of course, Carli specific. Several limitations and mounting constraints resulted in a coilover that’s NOT adjustable for more lift height. The 600lb rate on which we landed with the spec’d preload provides exactly 2.5″ of front lift. Another 1/2″ turn of the collar will result in coil bind. That said, there’s a decent amount of room to thread the collar back. Conversely, the coil would remain under tension even if the collar were to be backed off to the top-cap (i.e., if a rear-high stance is prefered). The way the coilover comes out of the box is the height at which we recommend running it and to what we tuned; again, 2.5″ of front lift. To the end user, that means these CANNOT be preloaded to make up for lost height if you’re adding weight (large bumper/winch) to the front end of the truck.
When comparing this to the previous generation Ram 1500 Performance 2.5, the 2019 system sees 2″ more down travel stroking a total of 9″ up front with the rear cycling 12″ at the wheel. Same wheel travel overall, BUT, a far more balanced travel stroke as the 2009-18 were starved for droop. This added downtravel makes the Carli Control Arms a MUST; they’ll be included in the Performance 2.5″ System to avoid topping out on the factory ball-joint upper control arm.
The Commuter System will only extend travel 1″ over stock and will not require the addition of the Upper Control Arm. Customers would still benefit from the addition of the upper arms as they are much stronger than the factory arms, feature serviceable joints, and are camber and caster corrected for the lift height. That said, maxing factory alignment adjusters will keep you in spec with the factory arms as there’s not enough down travel to bind the upper control arm ball joint.
In the rear, we swap in our multi-rate coil spring. This went through several iterations. The 2019+ came with an all new spring that had us back to the drawing board. We wanted a spring that would maximize suspension travel while providing a supple yet predictable ride on and off the pavement. Further, we didn’t want to deviate too far from the factory load capacity. Our rear springs are shot-peened & pre-set for longevity of the coil (it won’t ever sag), then powder coated to ensures the finish quality is as good as the spring’s performance.
This coil provides 1.25″ of rear lift and runs 2 rates. The initial, softer rate is blocked out at ride height. This is NOT designed to be some super soft on-road rate – think of this as a “tender spring”. We wanted predictability in ride and handling so the truck will run on the 2nd rate unless the rear axle droops (offroad). Further, when loaded, it ensure sag is not exaggerated by initial collapsing of a softer rate. Take it in the dirt and, once the axle droops, the initial rate opens to keep the coil tight to its mounting perches while the extended travel shocks are pushed to the bottom of their longer stroke. As travel was extended in the rear, we spec our extended sway bar end links to maintain the factory sway bar through the extended range.
Extended travel King 2.5″ Shocks (or Fox 2.0 on the Commuter) round out the rear of this system. That’s right, NO track bar drop. Again, where it’s not needed, we don’t include it. The redesigned factory track bar position and length of the 2019+ platform showed no increase in rear yaw (side to side movement of the rear axle) through the extended travel stroke so we felt no need to address it.
The end result? More travel, more comfort, PERFECT stance (1/4″ higher in the rear than the front when measured at the pinch weld – NOT wheel wells) and 35″ tire fitment.
Lastly, wheels and tires… These trucks fit metric equivalent 35s better than standard as they’re often offered in more narrow width requiring less trimming. The trade-off, these normally ride stiffer. This customer elected to run a Nitto Ridge Grappler in a 295/70r18 – roughly, 34.5″ x 11.5″. They fit like they were made for this truck and lift.
This tire required VERY little trimming to cycle on these Method NV 18×9, -12mm Offset (4.5″ backspace). A 35″ x 12.5″ equivalent would require slightly more trimming but, in our experience, the more square profile rides better. With more customer purchasing these “hybrid” style tires (Toyo R/T, Nitto Ridge Grappler, etc.) that extend tread life often at the expense of ride quality, we like to milk every ounce of comfort we can from the wheel and tire combo. We still recommend All Terrains or Mud Terrains as they’re not nearly as hard as these hybrids and advise customers to keep to standard sizes and proper pressures. In the 1500s, 35×12.5″ Tires on wheels that are 8.5″-9″ wide with 4.5″ backspacing (slightly negative offset). Cold tire pressure should be kept at 35psi in the front, 30 in the rear for optimal ride quality when unloaded. Stock wheels and tires WILL fit this lift but larger tires will NOT fit on stock wheels – they’re too offset and will rub the Carli Control Arms. If you’ll notice, this has been tested as evidenced by the slight rust spot pictured on the Carli control arms in the photos above.
Final notes: we’ve not yet tested this system on the Eco-Diesel or the Rebel; those are to come. Availability, we’re likely looking at end of the year on the Performance 2.5 and early 2021 on the Commuter System!
Would the Eco-diesel theoretically use the same kit, but it’s purely a question of ensuring fitment? If so, would it be possible to preorder a kit for an Eco-diesel? Thanks, –Will
Hi Will, Eco-Diesel should, indeed, use the same kit. The motor being slightly heavier will result in less lift as there’s no ability to preload the spring to get the 2.5″ if it achieves less and we need to confirm the ride quality! We’d be interested in booking you for install if you’re local to 92530!
Hi Dan, thanks so much. I’d be there in a heartbeat if I were near 92530, but I’m up in the northwestern corner of WA. So, I’ll stay posted and eagerly await when orders are accepted for Eco-diesels, great to hear it’s the same kit! Thanks, Will
I’ve got a 2020 Laramie Ecodiesel with the Off-road package. I would be very interested to find out how this fits my truck and to find out the pricing. I’m up in the Central Valley.
We’re on it, Chris!
If you guys want a rebel to do test fitment let me know. I’m in the rancho area!
Hey Chris – Shoot us an email to info@carlisuspension.com and we’ll keep you information for when the time comes!
I have a question about tires sizing. I’m already on a leveling kit that was a shock replacement kit so I can fit larger tires but I want to make sure I get tires that will fit with this kit since I will be upgrading when it comes out. What tires size are you guys recommending? I’ll be running race lines that are 18×9 with -12mm offset.
Hi there Dan I’ve nothing but great things about your company. I have a 2020 ram reble 5.7 with al the goodies. If you’re looking for a test subject. I am your huckleberry. I’m in the Fontana area and have a second vehicle in case you need multiple days….
Thanks, Jose! Shoot an email to info@carlisuspension.com if you wouldn’t mind!
Does it matter if the 2019 ecodiesel is 4×4 or RWD?
Yes, this will be 4wd only.
What is the price point on the performance system?
We’ve not yet released pricing – this information should be up in the next month or so!
Can’t wait for the price! I’ve been waiting a hot minute for this!! Can’t flippin waitttttt
This is awesome can’t wait for the Rebel fitment confirmations!
Ohh man i’m so happy to hear they are ready to go, sad it will be only at the end of the year… What will the price be for the kits? Thanks
We’ve not yet released pricing – this information should be up in the next month or so!
Soooo excited this is finally coming out. Not local or I’d bring my ecodiesel by for a test fit.
Will either of these kits affect load capacities or tow capacity from stock numbers?
Hi Brian – Rear spring rate is reduced about 10% for compliance AND the truck is leveled. It will now sag to a rear deficit vs. sagging to a leveled stance as it did from the factory.
This is Fantastic all the guess work is taken out of the equation when trying to get the right set up! im local so if you still want to test them out on a black truck to see if they still work as good let me know :)
Need a Rebel to test it out on? Mines always available!
Hey Brandon – we sure will and appreciate your offer! Shoot us an email – info@carlisuspension.com.
I’ve got a set of readylift control arms now but want a set of carli ones as they are greaseable and more serviceable, And for when i add a set of shocks to get rid of the spacers. But would my wheels with a back space of 5.47″work ? They are dirtylife Dt 01 20 x 9 +12 offset so they do offer more room than stock and don’t rub on the readylift arms.
Hey Richard – 4.5″ backspacing is best with our arms. 5.5″ is too much, unfortunately.
Excited to hear about thie release. Wondering what widest tires with a 5 inch backspace would be? Probably not much wider then stock. How much clearance is there with the 35 x12.5s with -12 offset?
Hi Orlando. I wouldn’t exceed a 285 on a 5″ backspace. I’d highly recommend looking at a 4.5″!
Will a nine inch wide rim with backspacing of 4.5 Work? I really dig the Black Rhino Armory matte gun black wheels. Not the end of the world if they won’t work as I’ll run what fits best.
Hey Kevin, Sure will, yes.
I wished I too lived closer but, I’m in WA State as well. I’ll be ordering my Rebel Ecodiesel next week.
How about a 9.5…….
If you’re referring to wheel width, i would not recommend anything over 9.
Happy Thanksgiving. Any news on the Rebel Ecodiesel?
We have an Ecodiesel in process and the Rebel will follow this. The Rebel Ecodiesel will likely happen after that!
Hi, my 2020 Sport 1500 has the off=road package which from my understanding makes the truck sit 1″ taller than stock suspension. I assume this kit will this still work with the off-road package but only give 1.5 inch of added height and level.
Hey Charles – Correct, you’ll see a 1.5″ lift height vs. the 2.5″ from a non Off-Road Package.
Will a diff drop kit be included/necessary?
Hey Oscar, this is exactly the reason we aren’t exceeding the 2.5″ lift height – it’s not necessary!
Also, will the factory 22 inch wheels work with this new platform?
If you intend to keep the factory tire size, they’ll work. Larger tires do not work with factory wheels on these trucks – they’ll hit the control arms. Plus, a 22″ wheels leaves a LOT to be desired in ride quality (small bump compliance).
Would you guys need a ram rebel 2020 to test fit the suspension on.. Would love to be the test dummy! haha
Hi Nathan – We absolutely will when the time comes. If you’re interested, shoot an email to info@carlisuspension.com!
Do you have anything for tie rod ends that are lifetime for a 2019 RAM 1500 4×4?
I read that they are prone to going bad when you replace the tires to bigger rims and wide mud/snow tires.
We do not, unfortunately. The reason we kept out lift height to the 2.5″ was to ensure proper functionality of all front end components. The tie-rod ends will be under slightly more stress with the larger tires allowed but it will be minimal.
Quick question regarding the rear spring and ride height adjustability. I understand the note regarding the front end not being adjustable due to coil bind but I have a shell/topper on my 2020 rebel and typically have various items in the back (Shell = 250lbs and misc items = 50lbs). Is the rear spring and shock system able to be adjusted to account for the additional weight of the shell? Any recommendations?
The front is a coilover – that’s adjustable by nature. The rear is a coil spring which is not. 250lbs will likely drop the rear a touch but cannot be adjusted.
Thanks for the quick response do you feel extra weight Of a shell and some gear will significantly decrease performance or is it not a worry?
Will you be offering a TRX package in the future?
Hi Deemo, Time will tell! We’ll need to see one first.
Would you guys possibly need a test ram rebel in colorado I do alot of driving on rocky mountain roads, overland/camping and do alot of towing awesome product very anxious for it to be available for purchase
Hi Nathan – All testing is done locally; we do appreciate the offer, though!
Hello, if you’re still looking for a 2020 ecodiesel I’m about an hour out of Lake Elsinore and would love to work something out. Let me know!
Best,
Garett Larson
Hi Garrett – appreciate that offer! Please shoot us an email to info@carlisuspension.com!
Nothing to compensate for the EcoDiesel engine weight? That stinks. Lot’s of people are buying these for overlanding due to MPG and miles-per-tank.
Eric I completely concur.
Any ETA on the Rebel Ecodiesel?
Hi, will this work on trucks that have the ORP, “off road package” thanks in advance! 2020 RAM 1500
Any updates on release date for the performance package, Pre-sale, stuff like that?
Hi Chris – Not at this time. It’s in costing at the moment. We are still confirming it on the Eco-Diesel, creating part numbers and instructions, etc. Sign up for our email list to be the first to get the preorder announcement. It shouldn’t be much longer.
Interested in the set up for the ram rebel as well. I currently have a 2 inch spacer on the front with new UCAs and a 1 1/2 inch spacer on the rear. Would much prefer to have some quality aftermarket coils and springs.
Thanks.
Also curious if we could call and order the fronts To be said that a 2 inch lift instead of 2 1/2.
We’ve not yet tested on a Rebel but it’s on the list of things to do!
Is there a release date yet?
Hi William – Doing the pricing as we speak! We should be sending out a release soon enough – make sure you’re on our email list so you’re the first to hear.
“coilover that’s NOT adjustable for more lift height. The 600lb rate on which we landed with the spec’d preload provides exactly 2.5″ of front lift. Another 1/2″ turn of the collar will result in coil bind. That said, there’s a decent amount of room to thread the collar back. Conversely, the coil would remain under tension even if the collar were to be backed off to the top-cap (i.e., if a rear-high stance is prefered). The way the coilover comes out of the box is the height at which we recommend running it and to what we tuned; again, 2.5″ of front lift. To the end user, that means these CANNOT be preloaded to make up for lost height if you’re adding weight (large bumper/winch) to the front end of the truck.”
Do you offer a spring with a slightly higher spring rate? I’ve got an eco diesel, and am trying to hang a winch off the nose. this seems like an easy fix to me, but then I am questioning where your talking above about coil bind? I don’t see where your going to bind anything by turning 1/2″. I’m guessing I am not understanding what your trying to say.
Why did you go with the King 2.5’s as opposed to the fox 2.5’s?
Thanks!
Hi Rob – we do not offer a higher rate spring at this time. We have a kit coming in to be tested on an ecodiesel so we’ll see if a higher rate spring is needed. The coil cannot be preloaded any more than it comes set from us. If you crank the coil anymore than it is, the coil will collapse on itself before the shock bottoms out – essentially, your coil will be your bump stop.
I’m excited for this kit but I’m curious, I already have a 4” BDS lift up front with 35” tires. I know it would be best to get a custom coilover to fit and replace the 4” spacer BDS uses, but I haven’t found any options for that. Would it be possible (and beneficial) to use the 2.5” system you developed with a 1.5” spacer on top? Also will I be able to buy your rear kit (coils and shocks) separately from the front? Right now I just have a 2” spacer in the rear that netted me 1.75” lift. I think I would like your rear lift setup better. Thank you!
Hi Corey – we do not make anything of the sort, unfortunately. Custom coilovers can be ordered directly from King Shocks to accommodate the lengths you’re looking for. These 1500s are SO sensitive to travel zone alteration, i would not use our coilover with a spacer on someone else’s lift – sounds like an issue waiting to happen. You can order our coils for the rear but they won’t give you the lift you’re after and our shocks will be too short. I would either order custom shocks for your BDS kit from King understanding you won’t see the ride quality our kit provides or sell the BDS system and order the Performance 2.5.
Darn, I had a feeling that would be the case. But for the rear though if I wanted just the 1.25” lift that you guys offer then I’d be fine getting your coils and springs right?
Will this system work on the 1500 limiteds (4 corner air ride)?
Thanks!
Hi Matt – We do not make anything to accommodate the air-ride, sorry!
Will this work with 2021 models? I have a 2021 Ram 1500 longhorn with the off road package. This kit is exactly what I’m looking for.
I am not aware of any production changes but would want to test fit before speaking to it.
I swapped the air ride in my 17 Rebel for kings in front and rear. It’s fairly simple to do being as the most non-conventional part of the swap is having to pull the 2 fuses for the air ride control module. It does say service air suspension on the dash when you start the truck but won’t put it in limp mode. You can also take it a step further by getting an OBD MX and the AflaOBD software are removing the ACSM from the system. Also a fairly simple process with some research.
Good to know! Many customers have told us our kit is a direct swap for air-ride guys with only factory upper spring isolators being required to finish the rear – glad to hear of another successful swap!
when is this coming out?
Working on pricing now! Availability will likely be early 2021 for the King System and mid-2021 for the Fox system.
I bought a 2020 ecodiesel with the offroad package. Interested in the potential fit for my truck. Can’t wait for more info and pricing to be released. I’m in the Central Valley so it’s it a long drive! Happy Holidays!
*Not a long drive….too much turkey
Hey Chris – we have a kit on order to prototype on an Ecodiesel and have a customer truck lined up! Shouldn’t be long… Hoping for early next year!
Will this kit be applicable to the 2 wheel drive model? great looking setup by the way
Unfortunately not, this is 4wd only…
Hi Dan – Would a zero offset, 8.5″ wide wheel work? Trying to get all accompanying stuff in order for the eco-diesel performance 2.5 release here. Thanks, Will
2021 RAM Rebel EcoDiesel here, located in Pasadena! Let’s do this!
Shoot us an email! info@carlisuspension.com
I’m also waiting for the Rebel with EcoDiesel suspension. To be practical, can you test with a bit of a payload in the box (500lbs) and a tank of fuel. Riding around in a pickup with one person and no payload isn’t realistic. Thanks
When would the rear springs be available to purchase?
Early 2021!
When will this full kit be available? Trying to hold out on buying the BDS coilover level kit…
Hey Tom! We should see the Performance 2.5″ Systems within the next 1-2 months, the Fox systems to follow mid to late 2021.
Really want a expedition weight rear spring, are there plans for that? I run around with a lot of tools in my bed underneath a diamondback HD cover and with a 33gal tank it adds up, nothing crazy stiff but maybe something a little taller to compensate for a load and/towing for the guys who work their truck?
Also rebel fitment por favor.
Hoping we’ll get to all this, in time!
Hey there, when do you guys think the performance 2.5 will be available? Very interested.
Never mind, just read the comments 😂
Sounds like you got your answer :-)