What’s on this truck: Carli Commuter system: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/94-02-carli-systems/products/carli-dodge-ram-1994-2002-2500-3500-commuter-2-0-suspension-system Carli control arms: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/carli-dodge-suspension-components/products/copy-of-carli-suspension-dodge-ram-2500-3500-control-arms Carli rear add a pack leaf springs: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/carli-dodge-suspension-components/products/carli-dodge-ram-2500-3500-5-leaf-progressive-spring-pack Thuren sway bar: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/1994-2002-thuren-ram-2500/products/active-rate-sway-bar-ram-2500-1998-5-2002 Synergy HD Steering: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/steering-linkage DT Pro Fab Track Bar: www.cjcoffroad.com/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift?_pos=1&_sid=b80e21284&_ss=r
What gear ratio do you have on this truck? I just got some 37s and I'm still running the 3.55 gear ratio with 35s. I want to change the gear ratio before I install the 37s. Just wondering if you have 4.10 or 4.56. And what gear ratio you recommend if I plan on towing a toy hauler with this setup. Thank you!
Awesome video. Audio seemed really rough. Just figured I’d mention. But can’t wait to see more on this truck. I love that you guys showed some of the work being done to truck. Please show more shop footage.
That's the downside of filming in a working shop environment sadly! We'll do our best to include more working footage moving forward since it seems like people enjoy seeing it!
I can't tell you how much more I want to move after seeing that truck. Trucks don't look that good 6 months off the lot here in Ontario Canada. Love it !!!!! Thanks for sharing.
I picked up a very stock 02 5spd 4x4 reg cab cummins recently and have started looking into suspension and steering upgrades as it's a bit rough without weight in the bed. I primarily drive bumpy windy roads at 20-35mph and need to find a package that handles that well when empty and with a full load. Your video was really helpful in learning about what to replace going forward. I'll be sure to check out the website when I get closer to buying parts for it.
Thanks a lot...I just got my Carli commuter 3.25" kit for my 2014 Ram 3500...now I want to set up my 1996 Dodge 2500 with the same. I am the original owner and have a 4wheel popup camper on it to help with the ride. 380,000 miles and still runs strong...I can't seem to let it go, which makes my wife crazy but use it on my own for those trips to the coast :)
i wish carli made a 5 or 6” system for our second gen rams, i want 37s to bad but on a leveling system they are a bit too stuffed. i have the carli 3” level system and love it, i’m going up to 35s soon. ask the boys over at Carli to make a 6” system and i’m sure it would sell like candy!
@@Booneboarder there’s actually a pretty high demand for it, im in a few 2nd gen groups on FB with probably around 250k combined members and a pretty substantial amount of them would want a 5-6” suspension system. i’m going to make a poll to see if maybe i can convince the boys over at carli to make something for us
@@payloadperformance9706 WOW! I'm not on any of social media, but it's nice to know so many of us want a higher kit made. I might have to shot them an email. Good luck with the poll and hope they knock one out for us.
I was able to use 37" BFG Mud Terrains on my 1999 2500 24V without hitting the fenders by just putting on a set of leveling springs in the front end and using the factory 17x 8 Aluminum rims. I ran it that way for years...
We only claim fitment if the truck can bottom out and cycle the steering lock to lock! BFGs run quite a but under the stated size so their 37s will get by for basic driving, but won't fully cycle at full compression without some fender work.
@@CJCOffRoad I had noticed that the only rubbing was on my control arm when I turned the wheel lock to lock. My solution in 2003 was to make my own upper and lower control arms, I made them out of 1-1/2 x 3" box steel. Basically I made them zig-zag for lack of a better term, or actually zig-zag-zig...LOL. Years later I saw Core Offroad and others do what I did, I just had 10+ years on them. Somewhere I have time stamped photo's of my control arms. Now I see a few different companies doing the same thing. I ran those home made control arms for about 150,000 miles. I had plasma cut my towers where the factory shock ran through and made my own shock towers. I wound up using King Offroad dampners and their 800 lb springs. The truck sat level in the front. No rubs, no contact anywhere.
@@CJCOffRoad I agree 100%. The aftermarket stuff has improved 1000% in the last ten years! It's amazing to see what was some rather exotic race tech back in the early 2000's trickle down to us guys in our back yards! Keep up the good work!
Definitely need more of the 2nd gen videos these trucks don't get enough attention and they hardly ever get a quality suspension system very nice truck
I'm in the process of tearimg my truck down to the frame and when it goes together you will definitely be getting a phone call absolutely no expense spared when I'm done
You mentioned this truck is a 5spd. Did you/are you going to re gear? Assuming this 2500 came with 3.55s. My 97 5spd with 3.55s has 35s and is at the limit of being able to start in 2nd gear.
My ‘01 QCLB 2500 5spd W/35’s came stock with 4.10’s and 2nd gear starts are definitely the way to go. HTH Definitely invest in high end ball joints and add a free wheel kit if you’re serious about keeping the truck I’d think
@@CJCOffRoad Have you considered gears yet? If so, what ratio(s)? I’m on 37’s and 3.54 as well. Not too bad, but hard to keep EGTs in check on long grades, usually slow down and shift to 4th. Torn between 4.10 and 4.30s. Leaning toward 4.30 for 40s in near future or slightly higher RPMs if I go back down to 37s. Would appreciate your input!
I need to find a way to offset the axle breather for carli long travel bags that interfere with my 2nd gen I do have that lift leaf pack from you guys as well but just the bags is my only prob
I'm curious about those Amp steps and they were mounted. Also I went with Thurne springs on the front of my truck but i have the 2nd gen drivers side lean. My OCD is killing me and probably going to install an 1" spacer to get it level
Just install some rear leaf spring shims to get it level! Here's a link to the AMP step brackets for 2nd gens: www.tycaindustries.com/amp-step-conversion-kit/ampkit
That truck is beautiful. I feel waay better about all the money I’ve thrown at my 2nd Gen now. Haha! I’m likely to go the pin top route after seeing truck prices go up and up. Thanks for a great video.
have a second gen ram 1500 that im looking to beef up the front end making it good for off road in the mountains and pulling cars back on to the road in the winter months. will this set up be good for a 1500 or just the 2500
If you o that route; l recommend swapping for an OEM disc brake axle as opposed to the weak expensive kits (that pretty much eliminate the e-brake) offered. My ‘01 QCLB drums have plenty of power IMHO
Availability is awful, so we're ordering tires months in advance for installs. Even then, many customers are having to switch around tires at the last minute. We've been holding onto these tires for about a year to put on this truck!
All you need is a basic Carli system with a track bar and control arms, along with a wheel that's no wider than 9" and has about 0 offset. @justdiesels truck is a perfect example!
We recommend reaching out to Deaver Springs to build some custom front and rear leaf springs, and then doing a nice shock setup. That's a HUGE improvement in ride on those trucks!
I just bought the Carli leafs for my 01 2500 from you guys, is there anyway you guys can tell me the measurement from the hub to the bed? Just curious how much lift you get from these springs.
It's going to vary greatly from truck to truck since most 2nd gen leaf spring have de-arched over the years. On a new 2nd gen you would have seen about 2" of rear lift with the Carli springs.
We recomend DT Pro Fab for these 2nd gens! www.cjcoffroad.com/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift?_pos=2&_sid=94973ba25&_ss=r
35s would be perfect with that commuter system. if they made a 5” system that would be ideal for 37s not too tall not too short and it would give even more wheel travel but unfortunately i don’t think they will ever make that type of set up for our second gen trucks
You waisted your money buying a manual transmission truck the dodge manual transmissions are worst then the automatic as far as durability you could have bought a stock automatic much much cheaper and installed the zf6 witch is ten million times stronger and smoother shorter throw just all around much better
I know the kits around 5k loaded up with all the goodies but that’s all you need minus a transmission unit and some gear oil no soldering or splicing wires plug and play true bolt on other then a minor hole that needs to be cut witch bye the way my 13 year old helped me do so that’s how easy it is
What’s on this truck:
Carli Commuter system:
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/94-02-carli-systems/products/carli-dodge-ram-1994-2002-2500-3500-commuter-2-0-suspension-system
Carli control arms:
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/carli-dodge-suspension-components/products/copy-of-carli-suspension-dodge-ram-2500-3500-control-arms
Carli rear add a pack leaf springs:
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/carli-dodge-suspension-components/products/carli-dodge-ram-2500-3500-5-leaf-progressive-spring-pack
Thuren sway bar:
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/1994-2002-thuren-ram-2500/products/active-rate-sway-bar-ram-2500-1998-5-2002
Synergy HD Steering:
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/steering-linkage
DT Pro Fab Track Bar:
www.cjcoffroad.com/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift?_pos=1&_sid=b80e21284&_ss=r
What gear ratio do you have on this truck? I just got some 37s and I'm still running the 3.55 gear ratio with 35s. I want to change the gear ratio before I install the 37s. Just wondering if you have 4.10 or 4.56. And what gear ratio you recommend if I plan on towing a toy hauler with this setup. Thank you!
37s on oldschool 2 door trucks looks so good. They look like 40s or bigger on a new 4 door. The 5 speed with the 5.9L Cummins 🤤
Love it. It seems to me that a build of this level deserves long arms.
You'd be amazed how well a proper short arm system rides on these trucks! With this setup, we don't have to weld the frame to mount arms.
Keep checking to see if there’s gonna be anymore videos of the truck???
Awesome video. Audio seemed really rough. Just figured I’d mention. But can’t wait to see more on this truck. I love that you guys showed some of the work being done to truck. Please show more shop footage.
That's the downside of filming in a working shop environment sadly! We'll do our best to include more working footage moving forward since it seems like people enjoy seeing it!
I can't tell you how much more I want to move after seeing that truck. Trucks don't look that good 6 months off the lot here in Ontario Canada.
Love it !!!!! Thanks for sharing.
it's amazing how well preserved trucks from dry climates are! The frame on this one looks brand new!
I picked up a very stock 02 5spd 4x4 reg cab cummins recently and have started looking into suspension and steering upgrades as it's a bit rough without weight in the bed. I primarily drive bumpy windy roads at 20-35mph and need to find a package that handles that well when empty and with a full load. Your video was really helpful in learning about what to replace going forward. I'll be sure to check out the website when I get closer to buying parts for it.
We need to see how these builds perform off-road
Thanks a lot...I just got my Carli commuter 3.25" kit for my 2014 Ram 3500...now I want to set up my 1996 Dodge 2500 with the same. I am the original owner and have a 4wheel popup camper on it to help with the ride. 380,000 miles and still runs strong...I can't seem to let it go, which makes my wife crazy but use it on my own for those trips to the coast :)
i wish carli made a 5 or 6” system for our second gen rams, i want 37s to bad but on a leveling system they are a bit too stuffed.
i have the carli 3” level system and love it, i’m going up to 35s soon.
ask the boys over at Carli to make a 6” system and i’m sure it would sell like candy!
I've been hoping they come out with a 5" or 6" also. I'm sure they could throw something together for us 2nd Gens. It would be nice
@@Booneboarder there’s actually a pretty high demand for it, im in a few 2nd gen groups on FB with probably around 250k combined members and a pretty substantial amount of them would want a 5-6” suspension system.
i’m going to make a poll to see if maybe i can convince the boys over at carli to make something for us
@@payloadperformance9706 WOW! I'm not on any of social media, but it's nice to know so many of us want a higher kit made. I might have to shot them an email. Good luck with the poll and hope they knock one out for us.
Nice truck. 👍. I have 1999 Ram 2500 with the Sport trim package. Same color. Very impressive.
This is probably the perfect second gen I’d love to have that suspension on mine
That’s one amazing looking 20 year old truck.
Be a bad ass truck for chasing tornados
I was able to use 37" BFG Mud Terrains on my 1999 2500 24V without hitting the fenders by just putting on a set of leveling springs in the front end and using the factory 17x 8 Aluminum rims. I ran it that way for years...
We only claim fitment if the truck can bottom out and cycle the steering lock to lock! BFGs run quite a but under the stated size so their 37s will get by for basic driving, but won't fully cycle at full compression without some fender work.
@@CJCOffRoad I had noticed that the only rubbing was on my control arm when I turned the wheel lock to lock. My solution in 2003 was to make my own upper and lower control arms, I made them out of 1-1/2 x 3" box steel. Basically I made them zig-zag for lack of a better term, or actually zig-zag-zig...LOL. Years later I saw Core Offroad and others do what I did, I just had 10+ years on them. Somewhere I have time stamped photo's of my control arms. Now I see a few different companies doing the same thing. I ran those home made control arms for about 150,000 miles. I had plasma cut my towers where the factory shock ran through and made my own shock towers. I wound up using King Offroad dampners and their 800 lb springs. The truck sat level in the front. No rubs, no contact anywhere.
Yeah you were at this before all the off road stuff was cool! Thankfully now you can just go out and buy some ready to bolt in arms!
@@CJCOffRoad I agree 100%. The aftermarket stuff has improved 1000% in the last ten years! It's amazing to see what was some rather exotic race tech back in the early 2000's trickle down to us guys in our back yards! Keep up the good work!
Very nice build .
I daily mine with this kit, flipped shackles in the rear and now sway bars, cushy
What an awesome find! That thing looks cherry!
Hard to beat this truck. These Gen 2s look like they are looking for a fight with this set up. Well done!
Definitely need more of the 2nd gen videos these trucks don't get enough attention and they hardly ever get a quality suspension system very nice truck
It's true! We wanted to show a great, cost effective option for them!
I'm in the process of tearimg my truck down to the frame and when it goes together you will definitely be getting a phone call absolutely no expense spared when I'm done
You mentioned this truck is a 5spd. Did you/are you going to re gear? Assuming this 2500 came with 3.55s. My 97 5spd with 3.55s has 35s and is at the limit of being able to start in 2nd gear.
We're going to drive it for a bit like this and then make a decision on gears!
My ‘01 QCLB 2500 5spd W/35’s came stock with 4.10’s and 2nd gear starts are definitely the way to go. HTH
Definitely invest in high end ball joints and add a free wheel kit if you’re serious about keeping the truck I’d think
@@CJCOffRoad Have you considered gears yet? If so, what ratio(s)?
I’m on 37’s and 3.54 as well. Not too bad, but hard to keep EGTs in check on long grades, usually slow down and shift to 4th.
Torn between 4.10 and 4.30s. Leaning toward 4.30 for 40s in near future or slightly higher RPMs if I go back down to 37s.
Would appreciate your input!
My 95 on stock suspension and stock tires is in need of some upgrades
I need to find a way to offset the axle breather for carli long travel bags that interfere with my 2nd gen I do have that lift leaf pack from you guys as well but just the bags is my only prob
Cool truck!
Still waiting on a video for the long bed mega you guys did!
Sadly that customer was on a short timeline, so we didn't get time to film it!
I'm curious about those Amp steps and they were mounted. Also I went with Thurne springs on the front of my truck but i have the 2nd gen drivers side lean. My OCD is killing me and probably going to install an 1" spacer to get it level
Just install some rear leaf spring shims to get it level! Here's a link to the AMP step brackets for 2nd gens: www.tycaindustries.com/amp-step-conversion-kit/ampkit
That truck is beautiful. I feel waay better about all the money I’ve thrown at my 2nd Gen now. Haha! I’m likely to go the pin top route after seeing truck prices go up and up. Thanks for a great video.
At this point you have an appreciating asset!
Yep . Worth more every day
have a second gen ram 1500 that im looking to beef up the front end making it good for off road in the mountains and pulling cars back on to the road in the winter months. will this set up be good for a 1500 or just the 2500
About time some 2nd gen love… I have a 2001 sport in Amber fire pearl, 6 speed 4x4.
Great job to the team at CJC
What is that tool bolted to the hub at 2:46?? I’ve been a mechanic a long time and I don’t know what it is
Probably to measure the toe in
@@jackkrinkov9273 I bet your right… now I need some lol
We use that to measure toe for our alignments! We have a notch for stock tires, 35s and 37s.
Were the stock shackles used when switched to the full progressive leaf packs?
Yes they are re-used with both the Carli full pack and add a pack.
@@CJCOffRoad what size lift springs were used?
please do a carli lift on a 80s square body chevy
Great looking truck! I would look at a disc brake swap for the rear next.
If you o that route; l recommend swapping for an OEM disc brake axle as opposed to the weak expensive kits (that pretty much eliminate the e-brake) offered. My ‘01 QCLB drums have plenty of power IMHO
Absolute beauty...
Awwwww, she's a manual 🥰
congrats on the nice find! how many miles on the rig, looks really clean.
just turned over 150k!
Fantastic Video! I have 2Gen only owner. Who in Phoenix would you recommend for a similar build? Not against bringing rig out to SoCal Cheers JD
If you don't mind, shoot us an email to sales@cjcoffroad.com and we can send you a list of our partner installers near you.
Nice! Just curious which amp research kit you went with to fit on the truck. Thanks! And thank you for the great content
This is the third gen step kit, with adapter brackets to work on the 2nd gens!
Such a clean build man
And I was literally wishing for a video of this truck after talking with one of your reps earlier
Planning on the dominator myself with bags
You'll enjoy the next phase of this build then!
I hope so
Also have to hunt down an nv5600 swap and a bare block for other reasons
You guys starting to get 37” Nittos coming in? I’m going on month 5 of backorder.
Availability is awful, so we're ordering tires months in advance for installs. Even then, many customers are having to switch around tires at the last minute. We've been holding onto these tires for about a year to put on this truck!
What would I need to do to my 2nd gen Cummins 4x4 to run 35s with out rubbing lock to lock
All you need is a basic Carli system with a track bar and control arms, along with a wheel that's no wider than 9" and has about 0 offset. @justdiesels truck is a perfect example!
@@CJCOffRoad we’ll it’s funny you say that because those are the wheels I’m looking to get but a very hard to come by
Amazing! If ever you decide you want to sell it make me your first call!
Could you retrofit a Carli suspension for a first gen Cummins?
No. First gen 4wd Dodges have leaf spring front suspension.
We recommend reaching out to Deaver Springs to build some custom front and rear leaf springs, and then doing a nice shock setup. That's a HUGE improvement in ride on those trucks!
I just bought the Carli leafs for my 01 2500 from you guys, is there anyway you guys can tell me the measurement from the hub to the bed? Just curious how much lift you get from these springs.
It's going to vary greatly from truck to truck since most 2nd gen leaf spring have de-arched over the years. On a new 2nd gen you would have seen about 2" of rear lift with the Carli springs.
What track bar are you running on truck?
Looking great! I'm about to start the first wave of big time suspension mods on my quad cab swapped 12 valve, so this is timely. 👍
It's money well spent on these trucks!
@@CJCOffRoad I can't wait! Are you guys gonna have EMF joints on sale for Black Friday?
@@everydaygearhead We will!
@@CJCOffRoad Excellent! Expect an order!
Could you put a link the the parts?
Our bad! Check the pinned comment!
I have a 2nd gen 12 valve longbed will this exact setup be the same
Yep! Bed length doesn't change the suspension!
what other modifications were needed to run 37's?
The suspension and fender modifications mentioned in the video!
What is the name of those wheels again?
Robbie Gordons!
This is sick, now sell it to me!
Love these kinds of videos of the older trucks 🙌. Why don’t you guys have a kit for 99-06 gm trucks?
Carli and thuren are pretty focused on solid axle trucks which excludes any GM made in the last 29 years
What track bar was on the truck? Been thinking about upgrading mine.
We recomend DT Pro Fab for these 2nd gens! www.cjcoffroad.com/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift?_pos=2&_sid=94973ba25&_ss=r
what aftermarket headlights do you have and how do you like them? you running leds or halogens?
These are actually just the normal factory sport headlights with Sylvania bulbs.
What’s under that dash mat lol
A nice OEM dash, which is why we have a dash mat!
Which front bumper is that?
Factory sport!
Do you guys sell that suspension set up?
We do! Check the pinned comment for links!
Let me know if you ever what to sell that truck
I wish my 2nd gen was rust free and not a salvaged title. (60% of the wiring has been dead ended or spliced together)
I would’ve left it stock personally. I think it looked better. The 37’s looked to big from a side profile but looked too then from the back.
35s would be perfect with that commuter system.
if they made a 5” system that would be ideal for 37s not too tall not too short and it would give even more wheel travel but unfortunately i don’t think they will ever make that type of set up for our second gen trucks
this and the 3rd gen are identical copies of just diesel 2nd and 3rd gen
Very nice.Until Brandon gets ahold of it.
Needs gears
You waisted your money buying a manual transmission truck the dodge manual transmissions are worst then the automatic as far as durability you could have bought a stock automatic much much cheaper and installed the zf6 witch is ten million times stronger and smoother shorter throw just all around much better
I know the kits around 5k loaded up with all the goodies but that’s all you need minus a transmission unit and some gear oil no soldering or splicing wires plug and play true bolt on other then a minor hole that needs to be cut witch bye the way my 13 year old helped me do so that’s how easy it is