I will soon be buying a van to use for my business, which will drastically reduce the miles and wear and tear on my 03, as it's what I have been using for my paint and drywall business. I bought the truck in April of 06 with 92,500 miles, and am currently at 125k +/- so I'm probably close to 20k a year avg maybe a little less. I don't mind the mileage, as I know it's no big deal but I am pretty much sick of trashing it. I can never keep the interior clean, which bugs the heck out of me. What I can't fit in the bed goes into the cab, and it's often my dusty tarps that I am trying to keep from getting wet in the weather that get it so darn dirty. Plus I have to take everything out of the bed when I get home every night since I don't have or want any type of cover or shell. Getting van will be so much nicer.
Now, I have always wanted to have a lifted truck with some big meats under it since I got rid of my Chevy and Ford both on 35's. I used both those trucks for work as well, but sold the chevy for my first diesel, (big mpg increase over the 350) then I sold the 7.3 because I wanted even better mileage, bigger power without being broke for the rest of my life, and a truck that sits a stock height because it's tough getting stuff out of the bed of a lifted truck every day. Now that I'll have a van, I want to lift my Ram.
I know I can put a leveling kit and throw some 35's on but I want to go a little taller. I'm thinking either a 4" or 6" kit. I want the clearance to be able to run no larger than 37's. Will a 4" do it, or should I go for the 6"? I am not sure what tire/wheel size or combo I will run yet. I would really like to run black KMC backseats in 20", but if I end up going with 37's it's gonna be pricey IMO. The truck will probably see 1/3 yearly of what it sees now, maybe 5-7k if that....
What's the good and bad when lifting 3rd gens?
Anyone with pics of quad cab long beds on 35's or 37's on 18's or 20's are appreciated as well to help me decide. Thanks in advance.

 

i dont have any pictures sorry all i have is a std cab and i was looking into getting it lifted also a 6" the guy at the shop said 5" is the highest you should go because then youll start having drive shaft trouble and he quoted me 2300 bucks for a 5" installed. now im not sure how much of that is true or what but i thought i would pass the info on good luck with what ever way you go. im thinking about a 2 inch spacer in front with a body lift i know people hate body lifts but the gap dont bother me at all and i found a kit for 225 bucks shipped. sorry i know i didnt help any but everyone is awsome on this site and youll get some good info

 

That's what I don't want to get into, is driveshaft problems, and all sorts of other geometry issues. I just want the clearance to run as big as 37's without the risk of them rubbing everywhere. I know a lot of guys run 35 and 37's on these trucks, where ya'll at? Shortbed guys chime in too, but I prefer pics on longbeds to help my decision....thanks

I know, I've kinda been around for a while....

 

Look at XLR8R's gallery. He fit 37's on a stock suspension with leveling kit. IIRC

 

Seen it, don't like it. I want some decent amount of clearance between the tire and fenderwell and that just isn't enough for the look I want.

 

You have a lot of options as far as lifts go, I have a 6" superlift, but it all depends on what rims you get(backspacing)mine have 4.5" bs with 37'' toyos they only rub on the inner fender,but with a die grinder that can be fixed and look like a stock setup not like a chopped up fender
With 4.5" bs on 37 inch tires:

and

OR you can go with powdercoated stockies 6" bs with 35's

with this setup you can get any lift you want none,2",4" or 6" etc.... but the tire will rub on the lower control arm at full **** either way
Your call.

 

That's nice, I like the 37's they look terrific. I don't mind a little rub, so long as it isn't excessive. Like I said, it'll be reduced from daily driver to about every few days, and most if not all of the weekends.....

 

.....also, I have no driveline vibrations either

 

I have a 6in lift with 37/13.50's on 22's. They only rub if I get on some pretty rough or uneven ground, on flat ground, no rub at all. No vibrations, or driveline modifications. I think 6in with 37's is the way to go for looks and still have some use out of the truck, my 2 cents.

Here are a few pics.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hp?photo=31093

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hp?photo=31091

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hp?photo=31092

 

8 inch lift and 38's with 18's

 

Now that's really nice looking! I think 22's are a bit bigger than I want. I like 18's especially 20's with 37's......the gap between the tires and fenders on yours is just what I'm looking for.

 

here is mine go big the first time. I should have went 8" with 37's.

 

That looks pretty good, but I couldn't get my truck that muddy......I hate clean up....

 

Ridin,

How do you like the lift? Any front shaft issues, I am looking at getting that one as well. I see they did away with the beafy boxes control arms, any reason for that? Truck looks wicked man!!

 

ya i don't like gettin it that muddy but when i am hunting, the hunt kinda takes over and you clean it up after.