Why arms matter after a lift
Lifting a link-front Ram changes arm angles, which moves the axle and rotates it, changing caster. Extended or adjustable arms put it back. Carli and Thuren both describe this on 1994 to 2012 trucks.
Radius-arm trucks
2013/2014 and later trucks use radius arms. Drop brackets or replacement arms are how makers restore geometry; BDS compares the approaches.
Arms from Dodge Off Road
- Double adjustable long arms, 1994-2002
- Extreme long arms, 1994-2002
- Double adjustable long arms, 2003-2012
- 5th gen long arms
- Rear control arms, 2014-2021 Ram 2500 4x4
- All long arms
- All control arms
After any arm change, get a proper alignment. Dodge Off Road also sells an alignment plate tool.
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
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: your owner's manual and service information come first.