1989-1993 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Lift Kits

Lifting a 1989-1993 Ram 5.9L Cummins

The 1994 redesign moved the 4WD Ram's front suspension to coil springs, which confirms that 1989-1993 4WD trucks ride on leaf springs at both ends. That shapes every first-gen lift. The lift documented on multiple builds is a 4-inch leaf-spring lift, found on a 1992 W350, a 1993 W250 and a 1991.5 W250, with one build adding 2-inch spacers. 2WD D250 and D350 trucks are a different job: they use coil-spring independent front suspension, and a built D350 of the same body kept that layout with taller coils. Either way, the 5.9L Cummins doesn't change what fits. The chassis does.

What changes when you lift

A first-gen lift is more than springs. Lifted trucks pair the lift with crossover steering, a drop pitman arm and a steering-box brace, and some add a track-bar kit. Lifted builds also run shocks chosen for the new height. Before you lift, check the spring perches and the frame behind the fuel tank for rust, the top first-gen inspection point, and replace worn ball joints and tie-rod ends while the front end is apart. Mid-1991-and-later 250 Cummins trucks sit on 350 frames, so spring and bracket parts may follow the frame rather than the badge.

What we carry

The BDS Suspension kit in this collection is a 6-inch lift with a 4-link, and its title lists 2013-2018 Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins 4WD with rear air ride. That is a much later Ram, not a first-gen, and its title does not cover a W250 or W350. If you came here for a first-gen lift, call us with your drivetrain, frame and the height you want, and we will talk through your options.

Fitment notes

2WD and 4WD first-gens take completely different lift parts, so drivetrain is the first question. Factory overload leaf springs were an option, so tell us if your truck has them. Cab and bed matter too: these trucks came as regular cab long bed, Club Cab long bed from 1990, D350 and W350 dually, and chassis-cab. Verify by VIN before you order anything.

Frequently asked questions

How much lift do first-gen Rams usually run?

The documented builds run a 4-inch leaf-spring lift on W250 and W350 trucks, with one adding 2-inch spacers on top. Four inches with crossover steering is the combination that shows up on several lifted first-gens.

Will the BDS 6-inch kit fit my 1993 W250?

Its title lists 2013-2018 Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins 4WD with rear air ride, which is a much later truck. A 1993 W250 is leaf-sprung front and rear, so treat that kit as a later-Ram part and call us before ordering anything for a first-gen.

Do I need steering changes when I lift a first-gen?

Lifted first-gens are documented running crossover steering with a drop pitman arm and a steering-box brace, and some add a track-bar kit. Plan for those parts in the same job as the lift so the truck steers right at the new height.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.