Best Lift Kits for Ram 1500 — Buyer's Guide (3rd & 4th Gen)

The Ram 1500 has quietly become one of the most interesting half-ton trucks to build on. Its coil-spring rear suspension — unique among domestic half-tons — gives it a ride quality advantage over the competition and opens up lift possibilities that leaf-spring trucks simply can't match. Whether you're on a 3rd gen or just picked up a 4th gen, this guide breaks down the best lift kits, what makes the Ram platform unique, and which brands deliver.

What Makes the Ram 1500 Different to Lift?

Two things set the Ram 1500 apart from the F-150 and Tacoma in the lift conversation:

Coil spring rear suspension. The Ram 1500 is the only domestic half-ton to use a coil spring rear suspension rather than leaf springs. This gives it a noticeably smoother factory ride and makes rear lift more straightforward in many configurations — coil spacers are a clean, effective solution that leaf-spring trucks can't use. The tradeoff is somewhat reduced maximum payload compared to a leaf-spring setup, which is worth knowing if you're a heavy hauler.

Air suspension availability. The 4th gen Ram 1500 is available with an optional air suspension system — the Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension. This is a significant fitment consideration. Air suspension-equipped trucks require air suspension-compatible lift components, and not all lift kits support it. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing.

Beyond these two points, the Ram 1500 shares the IFS geometry considerations common to modern half-tons — CV axle angles increase with lift height, and geometry correction becomes important above 3 inches.

What to Look for in a Ram 1500 Lift Kit

Air suspension compatibility. If your Ram is air suspension-equipped, this is the first filter. Many leveling kits work with air suspension; full suspension lift kits require specific air-compatible configurations. Confirm before buying.

Coil spring rear options. The coil rear opens up cleaner lift solutions than a leaf spring truck — quality coil spacers or replacement coils are the most common approach and deliver good results when properly matched to the front lift height.

Geometry correction at higher lifts. As with any IFS platform, upper control arm geometry matters above 3 inches. Lift kits that include or are paired with UCA upgrades are worth the investment at those heights.

Shock quality. The Ram's factory ride is one of its strongest selling points — a quality shock upgrade maintains or improves that reputation after a lift. Don't undermine a good platform with generic dampers.

Best Lift Kits by Generation

3rd Gen Ram 1500 (2009–2018)

The 3rd gen is a well-supported platform with a mature aftermarket. It introduced the coil rear suspension that defines the Ram's ride character and established the platform's reputation as the most comfortable domestic half-ton. Fitment options are broad and installer experience is deep.

ReadyLIFT — ReadyLIFT's 2" and 3.5" leveling and SST lift kits for the 3rd gen are among the most popular solutions on this platform. Their bolt-on approach requires no cutting or modification, installs cleanly, and delivers a meaningful stance correction. The 3.5" SST system is a particularly strong option for owners who want to run 33s to 35s without a full suspension overhaul. Reliable, proven, and well-priced for what you get.

BDS Suspension — BDS's 3rd gen lift kits extend to 4" and 6" and are engineered around the Ram's coil suspension architecture. Their geometry correction hardware is thorough and their kits are designed to maintain the Ram's signature ride quality at elevated heights — no small feat. For owners who want serious lift with daily driver manners, BDS is the right conversation.

Bilstein — Bilstein's 5100 series shocks are one of the most trusted shock upgrades on the 3rd gen Ram platform. Adjustable ride height on the front units allows for 0.5"–2.5" of lift without additional components — a clean, straightforward solution for owners who want improved damping and a modest lift in a single upgrade. Bilstein's monotube construction delivers consistent performance across temperature ranges and terrain types that twin-tube designs struggle to match.

FOX — FOX's 2.0 performance series and remote reservoir shocks pair naturally with BDS and ReadyLIFT systems on the 3rd gen. For owners who want to push the damping performance further than Bilstein's 5100 series, FOX is the step up — particularly on builds targeting serious off-road use.

4th Gen Ram 1500 (2019–Present)

The 4th gen Ram refined everything that made the 3rd gen compelling — a more sophisticated coil rear suspension, available air suspension, improved interior, and stronger powertrain options including the eTorque mild hybrid system. It's a more complex platform to lift than its predecessor but the results are worth it when done correctly.

ReadyLIFT — ReadyLIFT has strong 4th gen coverage including air suspension-compatible leveling kits — a critical differentiator on this generation. Their 2" leveling kit for air suspension-equipped trucks is one of the cleaner solutions available, maintaining air suspension functionality while correcting the factory rake. For standard suspension trucks, their SST lift kits extend to 3.5" with solid geometry correction hardware included.

BDS Suspension — BDS's 4th gen systems are among the most comprehensively engineered options available. Their 4" coilover lift kits are designed specifically around the 4th gen's revised suspension geometry and are available in both standard and air suspension configurations. For owners building a capable overland or trail rig on the 4th gen platform, BDS delivers the depth of engineering the truck deserves.

Bilstein — Bilstein's B8 6112 coilover system is one of the standout upgrades for the 4th gen Ram. Unlike the 5100 series, the 6112 replaces the factory strut assembly entirely with an adjustable coilover unit — delivering significantly improved damping performance, adjustable ride height, and a notable improvement in both on and off-road capability. For 4th gen owners who prioritize ride quality as much as trail performance, the B8 6112 is a premium solution worth the investment.

ARB / Old Man Emu — OME's shock and spring upgrades for the 4th gen bring their characteristic balance of trail capability and highway composure to the Ram platform. For owners building a long-term overland rig who want components that hold up over years of varied use, OME's reputation for durability translates well here.

How Much Lift Do You Actually Need?

A Note on the Air Suspension

The Ram's available air suspension is genuinely useful — it adjusts ride height automatically for loading and highway driving, and provides improved articulation at off-road mode heights. Lifting an air suspension Ram without the correct compatible components can disable or damage this system. The good news is that quality brands like ReadyLIFT and BDS have developed air suspension-specific solutions that preserve full functionality after the lift. If your truck has air suspension, make sure your installer confirms compatibility before any components are ordered.

Bottom Line

The Ram 1500 is one of the most rewarding half-tons to build on — its coil rear suspension and available air suspension make it a more sophisticated lift platform than the competition. ReadyLIFT covers the entry and mid-range lift space cleanly, including air suspension-compatible solutions. BDS handles the serious lift territory with thorough engineering on both generations. Bilstein and FOX give you best-in-class damping options at every build level, and OME rounds out the lineup for owners focused on long-term overland durability.

At OK4WD we carry and install all of the above on both 3rd and 4th gen Ram 1500s. Stop into our Stewartsville location or give us a call — we'll build it right the first time.

OK4WD has been building trucks and Jeeps since 1979. Browse our Ram 1500 lift kit inventory or schedule a consultation with our service team.