So, you're thinking about installing a leveling kit on your 2021 Ram 3500? Awesome! Leveling kits are a fantastic way to improve the look and functionality of your truck. They eliminate that factory rake, giving you a more aggressive stance and allowing you to run larger tires. But with so many options out there, choosing the right leveling kit for your specific needs can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, guys! This article will guide you through the process, covering everything from the benefits of leveling kits to the different types available and how to choose the perfect one for your 2021 Ram 3500.

Understanding Leveling Kits

First, let's dive into what exactly a leveling kit is. Basically, leveling kits are designed to raise the front of your truck to match the height of the rear. From the factory, most trucks have a slight rake, meaning the rear sits higher than the front. This is done for a few reasons, including improving aerodynamics and preventing the truck from sagging when carrying heavy loads. However, many truck owners prefer a more level stance for aesthetic reasons or to improve off-road performance.

Leveling kits achieve this lift by adding spacers or new components to the front suspension. The amount of lift typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 inches, which is usually enough to eliminate the factory rake and provide a more balanced look. In addition to improving the appearance of your truck, leveling kits can also offer several other benefits. One of the most popular reasons for installing a leveling kit is to allow for larger tires. By raising the front of the truck, you create more clearance in the wheel wells, which means you can fit bigger, more aggressive tires without rubbing. This can significantly improve your truck's off-road capabilities and give it a more rugged look. Furthermore, a leveling kit can improve your truck's ground clearance, making it easier to navigate obstacles on the trail. This is especially important if you frequently drive off-road or in areas with uneven terrain. By raising the front of the truck, you reduce the risk of scraping the undercarriage on rocks, stumps, or other obstacles. Beyond the functional benefits, many truck owners simply prefer the look of a leveled truck. It gives the truck a more aggressive and balanced stance, which can significantly enhance its overall appearance. If you're looking to improve the look of your 2021 Ram 3500, a leveling kit is a great way to do it.

Types of Leveling Kits for Your 2021 Ram 3500

When it comes to leveling kits for your 2021 Ram 3500, you'll typically encounter a few main types: strut spacers, coil spacers, and torsion bar keys. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences before making a decision.

Strut Spacers

Strut spacers are one of the most common and affordable types of leveling kits. They are designed to be installed on top of the strut assembly, effectively extending the length of the strut and raising the front of the truck. Strut spacers are relatively easy to install and don't require any major modifications to the suspension. However, they can sometimes limit the amount of suspension travel, which can affect ride quality. If you're primarily concerned with achieving a level stance and aren't planning on doing any serious off-roading, strut spacers can be a good option. They are a cost-effective way to improve the look of your truck without sacrificing too much ride quality. Strut spacers are generally made from materials like polyurethane or aluminum. Polyurethane spacers are typically less expensive and offer good vibration damping, while aluminum spacers are more durable and can withstand more abuse. When choosing strut spacers, it's important to consider the quality of the materials and the reputation of the manufacturer. Look for spacers that are designed specifically for your 2021 Ram 3500 to ensure a proper fit.

Coil Spacers

Coil spacers are similar to strut spacers, but they are designed to be installed on top of the coil spring instead of the strut assembly. They work by compressing the coil spring, which raises the front of the truck. Coil spacers are also relatively easy to install and don't require any major modifications to the suspension. However, like strut spacers, they can sometimes limit the amount of suspension travel. Coil spacers are a good option if you want to maintain a near-stock ride quality while achieving a leveled stance. They are also a good choice if you plan on adding heavier accessories to the front of your truck, such as a winch or a heavy-duty bumper. The added weight can cause the front of the truck to sag, and coil spacers can help compensate for this. When choosing coil spacers, it's important to consider the spring rate of the coil spring. If you plan on adding heavier accessories, you may want to choose coil spacers with a higher spring rate to prevent the front of the truck from sagging. Also, make sure the coil spacers you choose are designed specifically for your 2021 Ram 3500.

Torsion Bar Keys

Torsion bar keys are used on trucks with torsion bar suspensions. They replace the factory torsion bar keys and allow you to adjust the ride height by increasing the tension on the torsion bars. Torsion bar keys are a more involved modification than strut or coil spacers, but they offer more adjustability. With torsion bar keys, you can fine-tune the ride height to achieve the exact stance you're looking for. However, it's important to note that adjusting the torsion bars too much can put excessive stress on the suspension components, which can lead to premature wear and tear. If your 2021 Ram 3500 has a torsion bar suspension, torsion bar keys can be a good option if you want more adjustability. However, it's important to have them installed by a qualified mechanic who understands how to properly adjust the torsion bars. Also, be sure to choose torsion bar keys that are designed specifically for your 2021 Ram 3500 to ensure a proper fit. When adjusting the torsion bars, it's important to do it in small increments and to check the ride height after each adjustment. This will help you avoid putting excessive stress on the suspension components.

Choosing the Right Leveling Kit

So, how do you choose the right leveling kit for your 2021 Ram 3500? Here are a few factors to consider:

• Your budget: Leveling kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and quality of the kit. Determine how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping.
• Your intended use: How do you plan to use your truck? If you're primarily concerned with improving the look of your truck, a simple strut or coil spacer kit may be all you need. However, if you plan on doing any serious off-roading, you'll want to choose a more robust kit that can handle the abuse.
• Your desired lift height: Leveling kits typically provide between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of lift. Consider how much lift you need to achieve the stance you're looking for and to clear the tires you want to run.
• Your mechanical skills: Leveling kits can range in difficulty to install. If you're not comfortable working on your truck's suspension, it's best to have the kit installed by a qualified mechanic.
• Read Reviews: Before making a final decision, take the time to read reviews from other 2021 Ram 3500 owners who have installed the leveling kit you're considering. This can give you valuable insights into the kit's performance, durability, and ease of installation.

Installation Considerations

Once you've chosen the right leveling kit, it's time to think about installation. As I mentioned earlier, leveling kits can range in difficulty to install. Some kits are relatively easy to install with basic hand tools, while others require more specialized tools and knowledge. If you're not comfortable working on your truck's suspension, it's best to have the kit installed by a qualified mechanic. A professional installation will ensure that the kit is installed correctly and that your truck's alignment is properly adjusted.

Before you start the installation, be sure to read the instructions carefully. The instructions will provide step-by-step guidance on how to install the kit and will also list any special tools that you may need. It's also a good idea to watch some videos of other people installing the same kit on a similar truck. This can give you a better understanding of the process and can help you avoid any potential pitfalls.

After the installation, it's important to have your truck's alignment checked. Leveling kits can change the alignment of your truck, which can lead to premature tire wear and handling problems. A proper alignment will ensure that your truck drives straight and that your tires wear evenly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right leveling kit for your 2021 Ram 3500 can be a daunting task, but with a little research and planning, you can find the perfect kit to meet your needs. Consider your budget, your intended use, your desired lift height, and your mechanical skills when making your decision. And don't forget to read reviews from other Ram 3500 owners to get valuable insights into the kit's performance and durability.

By following these tips, you can be sure to choose a leveling kit that will improve the look and functionality of your 2021 Ram 3500 for years to come. Happy leveling, guys! Now go out there and make your Ram 3500 look even more awesome!