This customer purchased his 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel as it was perfectly tailored to his needs. The truck was purchased for a song as the 2019s were on the lot and it was the right color combination, trim package (laramie) and was both 4×4 and EcoDiesel equipped. Commuting to and from work on mostly highways and driving the family around on the weekends, the truck was everything it was designed to be – comfortable, quiet and boring. He opted for the Commuter 2.0 with our Upper Control Arms to provide am even better ride and stance; complimented by the downsized 17″ Raceline Wheels and 285/75R17 Falken AT3W Tires. This served him well until he got the itch to hit the dirt.
A high-clearance bumper, Baja Designs lighting and our Performance 2.5″ System was fitted in “Stage 2” of this build – we tagged along to film the maiden voyage!
We rolled into Johnson Valley OHV area early in the morning. As with any other platform, finding and pulling the “ABS Pump Motor” fuse was crucial to disable the on-road friendly “Nanny” controls that can ruin your day in the dirt. Don’t quote me, but i think F06 was the fuse. I’ll correct this later if it’s wrong. A quick donut and hard stop ensured the Traction Control didn’t defuel while drifting and slamming on the brakes brought us to a skidding stop confirming ABS had been effectively disabled.
We got a feel for the truck through the dry lake bed and small whoop sections. It’s always fun to spin a 1500 as they’re so much lighter than the HD platforms with which we work everyday. The tuning we threw into these shocks was spot on, the truck handled everything with ease and the owner’s grin was ear to ear the entirety of the trip. We got everything we went for; popped the fuse back in and enjoyed the post-desert high for the 2-hour drive back home.
The day after, i’d received a picture from him that the truck was detailed and all evidence of the previous day’s shenanigans had been erased. It’s amazing to think one can have a truck that polishes up to rival the aesthetics of any other leveled Ram 1500 on the road while handling like a sports car on the highway & keeping up with side-by-sides in the desert. In conclusion, Raptor who? This build totaled under $45,000 including the truck!
Does this truck have a lift kit on it as well or just the 2.5 performance package?
Hey Kyle – This is the Full Performance 2.5″ System.
Suspension looks great! Looks like I will be going with this setup! What high clearance front bumper is that?
Hey Dana – The truck now has an ADD front bumper; this one, I cannot remember the manufacturer.
I’m impressed! I’ve got a ’15 Ram 1500 QC 4×4. Been looking for a performance suspension; didn’t realize Carli made 1/2 ton systems. This system and and the newly released Detroit True Trac, would be a game changer for me.
How do the do the King 2.5″ Shocks handle cold weather? Like Alaska cold -40 at times. Is the fluid in the shocks a synthetic type?
Hi Derek – The oil in the Kings is good to -55° F. It’s all synthetic fluid, yes. It will thicken at these temps but will still flow decent. We don’t have any oil optimized for these ranges.
Finally pulled the trigger on this Ordered from CJCOffroad, and am excited for it to arrive and to get it on my Rebel. I’m pairing this suspension with a Whipple Supercharger setup and it should prove to be loads of fun. Glad to hear the shocks will survive some cold. I certainly won’t be beating on it at -40 or colder.
Does this kit work with a 2020 ram rebel 4×4? If so, how badly is towing effected?
Thanks
Hi John – We’ve not yet tested on a Rebel to be able to advise, unfortunately.
I run this kit with some custom work. I use my truck for Fire/Med rescue for many of the off road race series. I have no issues responding on course with kit. I highly recommend it.
Here it is Sept 2020, eta on Carli system for 5th gen Ram 1500? Don’t make me go with Mopar 2”!
Hey Mark, We just posted THIS today – should answer your questions!
Please advise me when 2.5 lift comes out for my 2019 ram 1500 4×4
Hi Mark, Late this year!
Good Day….will this package work on the new generation of Ram pickup? I have a 2020 Ram. If not are you planning on developing a suspension package for the new Ram?
Hi Philip, We’re in the final round of R&D for the 2019+ Ram 1500 Systems. We’re testing the final set of rear coils before we hit the “go” button on production. We should have these systems available for the 19+ late this year!
Looks nice. I have a 2017 Ecodiesel. Can’t wait to install one of these on my truck.