Why a lift is more than springs
Ram HD front axles are located by control arms and a track bar. Lift the truck and the axle moves: the track bar pulls it sideways off center and the arms pull it back and change caster. Carli and Thuren both explain why lifted link-front trucks need an adjustable track bar and longer or adjustable arms to put the axle back where it belongs.
Know your layout
- 1994 to 2012 (and 2013 2500): coil springs with a 5-link front (four control arms plus track bar).
- Radius-arm trucks (2013 3500, 2014 2500 on): three-link front with radius arms and a track bar. BDS explains how drop brackets and arms affect geometry.
Dodge Off Road by generation
| Truck | Lift and arms | Track bar and steering |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd gen 1994-2002 | 3-inch long arm kit, double adjustable long arms, shackle flip kit | HD track bar (lifted), HD steering kit |
| 3rd gen 2003-2009 | 3-inch kit, 6-inch kit, long arms | steering brace, crossover steering |
| 4th gen 2010-2012 | 3-inch kit, 6-inch kit, rear lift shackles | track bars, steering |
| 2013/2014 on | 5th gen long arms, dual-rate coilovers | track bar 14-18, 4.5/5th gen steering linkage |
| Power Wagon | 2005-2012 and 2014 on parts | sway bar end links |
Product names as listed by Dodge Off Road. Confirm fitment for your exact truck with the store; we do not repeat fitment, prices or warranty terms here.
Bigger tires
Taller tires make the speedometer read slow and lower the effective gearing, which a Cummins notices most when towing. Plan on recalibrating and think about gearing before going big.
Going deeper
For lift planning by generation, see our sister site Dodge Ram Suspension. Dodge Off Road also has install guides and a truck specs page.
Questions
Do I need a track bar for a leveling kit?
Any lift on a link-front Ram shifts the axle sideways. Suspension makers recommend an adjustable track bar to re-center it; how much it matters grows with lift height.
Where this comes from
- Carli Suspension: 1994-1998 Dodge extended control arms
- Thuren Fabrication: 1994-2002 2500/3500, building your suspension
- BDS Suspension: Radius arm vs 4-link
- Torque King IDN-121: 1994-2013 Dodge Ram 5-link coil spring identification
- Stellantis media: 2013 Ram Heavy Duty press kit
- Offroaders.com: Tires, gears, MPH and RPM
- HowStuffWorks: Speedometer calibration
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: your owner's manual and service information come first.