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Call or Text (352) 722-5295Lifting the 2003-2004 Ram 5.9L Cummins
When Dodge redesigned the Ram 2500 and 3500 for 2003, the heavy-duty trucks kept live axles for longevity and durability. The front is a solid, coil-sprung axle located by a four-link and a single track bar, and the rear runs leaf springs. That layout can be lifted, within limits. About 3 inches up front with 3/4 to 1 inch in the rear is the best all-around setup, and the stock control arms handle it. Beyond 3 inches, a kit has to deal with the arms, the track bar, the shocks and the sway-bar links. That is what separates a 3 inch kit from the 6 and 8 inch kits on this page for your 5.9L Cummins Ram.
What a bigger lift changes
- Control arms: past 3 inches they have to be replaced or adjusted. As the name says, the long-arm kits here use longer control arms.
- Track bar: it has to be lengthened, and 39-1/8 inches center to center is the maximum safe length.
- Shocks and sway-bar links: stock shocks do not have the range of movement for a lifted truck, and the sway-bar links change too.
- Rear height: lifting the front moves weight rearward and drops the rear about 1/2 inch.
- Alignment: caster runs 3.2 to 4.8 degrees depending on year and model, total toe 0.00 to 0.05 degrees, and with a 2 to 3 inch lift the cam adjusters go vertical.
Standard kit vs. coil-over conversion
At each height, BDS offers a version with FOX 2.5 coil-overs. The FOX 2.5 coil-over conversion kits swap the front over to FOX 2.5 coil-overs, while the standard kits do not include that conversion. If you already run a BDS 6 or 8 inch Factory Series lift, BDS also sells FOX 2.5 coil-over conversion upgrade kits so you can make the change later. Choose the height you need for your tires and the way you use the truck, then compare the parts lists on each product page to decide whether the coil-over package is worth it to you.
What we carry
Every lift kit here comes from BDS Suspension: a 3 inch lift kit and a 3 inch kit with FOX 2.5 coil-over conversion; a 6 inch kit, a 6 inch long-arm kit and a 6 inch long-arm kit with FOX 2.5 coil-over conversion shocks; an 8 inch long-arm kit and an 8 inch long-arm kit with FOX 2.5 coil-over conversion; and FOX 2.5 coil-over conversion upgrades for the 6 and 8 inch Factory Series lifts.
Fitment notes
All of these are 4WD parts. The 3 inch kits are listed for 2003-2013 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins trucks, while the 6 and 8 inch kits are listed for 2003-2007 5.9L Cummins trucks. The FOX conversion upgrade kits carry a 6.7L label in their titles, so confirm them with the fitment checker on the product page or call before ordering. Front-end parts for this truck are usually cataloged as 2003-2013 2500 and 2003-2012 3500 fitments. Verify by VIN.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a 6 inch lift on the stock control arms?
No. The stock arms are fine up to about 3 inches. Beyond that, the control arms must be replaced or adjusted. Check the parts list on each kit to see how it handles the arms, or call us and we will walk through it.
Do I need a longer track bar with a big lift?
Yes. Past 3 inches the track bar has to be lengthened, but never beyond 39-1/8 inches center to center. Even then, a perfectly centered front axle is not realistic; close is the goal.
What happens to the rear when I lift the front?
Lifting the front transfers weight rearward and drops the rear about 1/2 inch. Plan rear height with the front so the truck sits the way you want.
Do I need an alignment after a lift?
Yes. Caster runs 3.2 to 4.8 degrees depending on year and model, and total toe should land at 0.00 to 0.05 degrees. With a 2 to 3 inch lift, set the cam adjusters vertical for the best handling.
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 at our shop in Wildwood, FL.