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Introduction
An increasing number of truck owners are turning to lifted trucks for the intimidating presence they bring as well as improved ground clearance. Lifted trucks, however, come with certain myths that do not apply in most cases. The idea that these increased heights will lead to less control and more rolling over is only partially true. If the vehicle is lifted properly and the driver has the necessary skills, then a lifted truck can drive just as safely and comfortably as its factory settings.
Given this background information, it’s useful to compare a 4-inch lift versus 6-inch lift on a Ram 1500. While this comparison may vary from vehicle make and model, there generally tend to be some similarities between different types of trucks when it comes to lift kits. Both lifts can provide improved performance when traversing challenging terrain but will offer different levels of off-road capability with possible improved ride quality depending on various factors such as springs, shocks and type of tires used along with other customization options available for an individual truck setup.
The 4-inch lift will offer less extreme gains for most vehicles compared to a 6-inch lift as far as ground clearance due to the larger gap needed to fit larger wheels or tires than its smaller counterpart will allow. This type of setup also tends to decrease road noise due to higher tire pressure while providing provides improved handling characteristics over stock rides since they are designed statically taller than factory suspensions so therefore any bumps encountered will be soaked up better due reduced suspension compression unlike greased systems which reduce compression outright but increase road noise dependent upon speed limits encountered during rides. Higher lifts also cost slightly more than smaller lifts due added components needed outfitting corresponding vehicles with more advanced setups. Additionally, upgraded electrical components may need replaced making labor costs higher than traditional solutions used around OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Advantages of a 4-Inch Lift vs. a 6-Inch Lift Ram 1500
A 4-inch lift on a Ram 1500 provides a raised look while still retaining some off-road abilities, as well as proper loading capabilities. With a 4-inch lift, features such as air intake, suspension and transfer case components are generally easier to install or upgrade. In addition, with a 4-inch lift, there is no need to invest in larger tires to keep the same gear ratio. The “nose-down” look of the Ram will be much more pronounced with a 6 inch lift compared to the relatively slight increase when using a 4-inch lift. The ride might be slightly bumpier and rougher driving at high speeds with the 6 inch lift because of greater suspension travel. Aesthetically, a 6 inch lift may look more exciting and can offer larger wheel clearances and better ground clearance while providing additional space for larger tires and custom shocks/struts if desired. With additional ground clearance comes another advantage – greater off-road capability over obstacles, rocks, streams and other unmaintained terrain than what is possible without any lift kit.
Potential Downsides of a 4-Inch Lift and 6-Inch Lift
When choosing a 4 or 6 inch lift on your Ram 1500, it is important to consider the potential downsides of each.
In terms of a 4-inch lift, there are some significant changes that could limit its overall performance and capacity. A four-inch lift would drastically reduce the factory ride height, making it more difficult to clear obstacles in off-road terrain. It also has the potential to create a much rougher ride as the suspension will be further from its ideal/optimal settings. Additionally, a four-inch lift can potentially increase fuel consumption due to the additional weight of the added parts and larger tires.
On the flip side, a 6-inch lift will offer greater clearance for larger tires and better ground clearance compared to a 4-inch lift. However, much like the four-inch option there are some downsides to consider when opting for a full 6 inches of height change. A six-inch kit requires replacing many components in order to fit into place including control arms, track bars as well as shocks and other items. The extra parts needed also mean an increased cost which could be prohibitively expensive in addition to taking longer time to install correctly due to all of the individual components required. Furthermore, because air ride systems are not designed with large lifts in mind they could potentially not function correctly or worst case damaged if they become too unregulated outside their factory specs.
Performance on Different Types of Terrain
When considering the differences between a 4 inch lift vs 6 inch lift Ram 1500, one of the major factors to consider is performance on different types of terrain. A 6 inch lift offers more ground clearance, allowing for better performance in off-road situations and improved stability when going over uneven surfaces or rocks. On the downside, it can make the Ram 1500 less maneuverable because of increased wheel height. The 4 inch lift may give slightly less ground clearance, however it offers an improved ride quality due to a softer suspension which makes driving on paved roads more comfortable. It also makes taking turns and corners easier since there is less weight transferred to each wheel with its shorter design. So if you plan on mostly driving on pavement or mild off-roading conditions, a 4 inch lift may be the best choice; but if you are looking for extreme off-roading capability, then a 6 inch will provide better effects when conquering rough terrains.
Cost Comparisons of Full Suspension vs Part Suspension Lifted Trucks
A 4-inch suspension lift on a Ram 1500 truck is typically less costly than a 6-inch full suspension lift. Full suspension lifts provide more ground clearance to help protect the undercarriage of your truck, while part suspensions provide an increased ride height and additional lifting power. With a full suspension lift, you will also generally have an improved suspension system that improves steering and braking for better control when off-roading.
When it comes to cost comparisons, a 4-inch suspension lift usually costs somewhere between $300-$1,000 depending on how extensive the job is. On the other hand, a 6-inch full suspension kit can range from $2,500-$4,000 for an average installation costing anywhere from $3,200 to 3,600. The additional cost often comes from extending or replacing the shocks and struts with heavy duty products as well as added labor costs for having to maneuver around larger tires or wheel arches. Additionally, there may be extra parts or hardware such as brake lines and exhaust components that might have to be upgraded in order to fit within the given space of 6 inch lifted truck. Finally, custom looks are sometimes created with additional accessories such as side trim steps or skid plates mounted beneath the frame rails when more ground clearance is desired beyond what can be provided through traditional coil spacers alone.
Maintenance, Ease of Installation and Reliability
When deciding between a 4 inch and 6 inch lift kit for a Ram 1500, it’s important to consider the different levels of maintenance and reliability. Both lifts increase the ride height of your vehicle significantly, but a 6 inch lift can add even more performance and stability to your truck. For general on-road driving, a 4 inch lift is enough. However, if you intend to use your vehicle for off-roading or fording, then you might want to consider going with the 6 inch lift.
Another factor in choosing between these two kits is ease of installation and maintenance. Generally speaking, a 4 inch kit will be easier to install than a 6 inch one because it has fewer suspension components that need to be changed out or adjusted. It also tends to require less maintenance overall since there are fewer things that could go wrong or need periodic tuning or replacement. A 6 inch kit on the other hand will require more attention when it comes to installation and keeping everything set up correctly and running smoothly over time.
Visual Aesthetic Differences and Results when Adding Wider Tires
The visual difference between a 4 inch and 6 inch lift on a Ram 1500 is quite noticeable. 4 inch lifts offer an attractive stance with the body being slightly lifted up, giving the vehicle an aggressive appearance. The 6 inch lift offers an even more impressive look, giving the vehicle a surprisingly high stance which some may find intimidating.
When adding wider tires, both lifts can still be seen but they also bring with them performance benefits too. With the 4 inch lift, you gain some space for up to 33-inch tires which allow you to maintain your daily driving duties and off-road adventures comfortably. With the 6 inch lift, you can fit up to 37-inch tires for monster articulation, clearance, and incredible performance in off-roading situations without sacrificing daily drivability.
Comparisons of Different Brands of Lift Kits
A 4 inch lift kit and 6 inch lift kit for a Ram 1500 are two of the most popular suspension modification options aftermarket consumers are considering. Not only do they offer an enhanced look, but they also enable you to add bigger tires and more articulation to your truck. But with so many brands on the market, choosing one can be tough.
When making this decision, it’s important to assess each lift kit according to design quality and component selection. It is helpful to read reviews from current users and compare pricing in order to make an informed decision about the lift kit you will choose for your Ram 1500.
Popular 4 inch lift kits for a Ram 1500 include those from iconic brands like Fabtech, Superlift, Rough Country, BILSTEIN/Fox Shox or Skyjacker as well as lesser-known companies like Performance Accessories or Pro Comp USA. Depending on the brand you choose, what is included can vary widely in terms of components such as springs, struts/shocks and spacers/brackets. As far as design quality is concerned, some users report better ride quality when upgrading with a more expensive option while according to others quick-install kits yield best results regardless of price point.
When considering how much of a lift to go with (4 inch versus 6 inch) for your Ram 1500 suspension upgrade, it largely comes down to preference and usage intentions. People who drive their trucks both off-road and on-street may opt for a 6” lift because it offers more ground clearance which makes extreme offroad use easier without sacrificing comfort when commuting; whereas some may only want tire clearance which could be achieved just fine with a 4” lift depending on tire size/brand choice. All of these factors should be considered before making your purchase decision regarding the right suspension modification solution for your Ram 1500’s needs.
Considerations When Selecting a Lift Height and Vehicle Modifications
When deciding between a 4 inch lift or 6 inch lift for your Ram 1500, there are several factors to consider before making a decision. Depending on the terrain and conditions you plan to drive in, you may need more suspension travel from with a taller lift height. A larger lift will provide increased ground clearance, which can be beneficial when off-roading. Similarly, running bigger tires with additional ground clearance may require more articulation to avoid damaging expensive parts. Furthermore, the size of tires you want will also affect the amount of lift needed; larger tires require proportionally more lift — meaning that a 6 inch lift is better suited for running bigger tires than a 4 inch lifts. Additionally, larger lifts may involve additional body modifications (such as adding fender flares and mudguards) to prevent interference between chassis components and items such as rocks beneath the truck. Finally, different manufacturers will offer different types of suspensions at different levels of lifts which can determine how stiff or soft your ride feels due to load capabilities and spring rate adjustments which could affect overall ride quality as well.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Choosing between a 4 inch lift and 6 inch lift for a Ram 1500 ultimately depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. A 4 inch lift provides a more modest, yet still noticeable, lift in height from stock level, while a 6 inch lift will give you even more ground clearance than the 4 inch option. Both lifts offer access to larger tires and wheels, so if you’re looking for bigger tire sizes without intruding on your vehicle’s load capacity or steering capabilities, then either of these options should suit your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to how much elevation you would like to acquire in order to find the right solution for your Ram 1500. Each will provide better off-roading capabilities but selecting the one that serves your purpose best is the key criterion here. Cost might also be another factor when making this decision as 6 inch lifts tend to be more expensive than 4 inch lifts. It can be worthwhile doing some research on sales and price comparisons before committing to an upgrade since this decision could be costly. With all factors considered, it can help narrow down the choices much quicker in choosing either of these two great options for Ram 1500 owners.
