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Introduction
Choosing the right lift for your Ram 1500 pickup truck can be a difficult decision. Whether you are looking to increase ground clearance, boost performance or lift the suspension, both 4 inch and 6 inch lifts can provide a significant difference to your vehicle. Both have their own advantages over the other. In this article, we will discuss what the differences are between a 4 inch and 6 inch lift for your Ram 1500 and which one is best for you.
Advantages of 4 Inch Lift: A 4 inch lift provides improved off-roading ability with an increased ground clearance of up to 10 inches in some cases. This can help with navigating big boulders, rocky terrain or deep mud holes as well as avoiding hitting rocks on tracks. It also makes it easier to climb steep mountains because of its improved center of gravity, although it may not be extreme enough for climbing extremely tough hills.
Advantages of 6 Inch Lift: A 6 inch lift offers even greater off-roading potential due to the increased center or gravity and ground clearance which increases up to 14 inches in some cases. This means that it can take on tougher terrain while still being able to maintain good traction and handling characteristics. The higher ride height allows for better approach angles so obstacles can be tackled with more success than a 4 inch lift would normally afford.
Conclusion: Overall, when choosing between a 4 inch vs 6 inch lift for your Ram 1500, each has its own advantages when it comes to off-roading performance. With the increased ground clearance provided by both lifts combined with their improved traction control and ride height characteristics respectively, you simply have to decide what level of off-roading you plan on getting yourself into and choose the appropriate size suitable for your needs.
Overview of a Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a popular full-size pickup truck designed and produced by Chrysler. It offers the power, capability and performance that drivers need for their hauling and general driving needs.
The overall design of the Ram 1500 is aesthetically pleasing thanks to its robust grille, bold Ram logo, spacious interior as well as its available 4WD with modern technology. When considering additional aftermarket improvements to lift your truck there are two options to choose from: a 4 inch lift or 6 inch lift.
A 4 inch lift gives you marginally more ground clearance than stock, making it easier to tackle whatever the road throws at you such as potholes, mud or river crossings. This modest increase in ride height will also help when driving on rough terrain and over obstacles. Keep in mind that 4″ lifts still maintain a factory geometry which ensures that handling and steering remains comfortable. The downside of this is that bigger tires won’t clear suspension links so may not be suited for more serious off-roading applications.
In comparison, a 6 inch lift increases ground clearance offroad crafts compared with the regular 4″. With an extra 2″ of room designed for bigger tires, this should allow users to have more confidence when navigating difficult surfaces without affecting your original suspension components too much. The downside to these bigger lifts can be added stress/wear on other drive components such as; ball joints, wheel bearings etc., as well as increased noise due to larger contact area between the tires and asphalt which can result in reduced fuel efficiency if they aren’t balanced correctly
The Pros and Cons of a 4 Inch Lift on a Ram 1500
Pros:
-A 4-inch lift on a Ram 1500 provides greater ground clearance and approach angles for easier access over off-road obstacles.
-It also increases the wheel base, which gives the truck more stability and improved grip on uneven terrain surfaces.
-The suspension is better able to absorb larger bumps and shocks. The extra lift also improves wheel travel, allowing the vehicle to better handle heavier loads over tougher off-road paths.
Cons:
-Higher center of gravity due to increased height makes the Ram 1500 more prone to rollover in dangerous situations.
-Fuel economy can suffer somewhat as shorter gearing is required to compensate for the taller tires and lift kit creating a greater strain on the engine.
-A 4 inch lift can cause premature tire wear if not setup correctly, which requires additional money to be spent in order to keep performance at an optimal level.
The Pros and Cons of a 6 Inch Lift on a Ram 1500
Pros:
– More ground clearance to traverse over wider trails, rocks and other difficult terrain
– Higher ride height to improve visibility and safety while driving
– Ability to install larger tires for more off-road traction
– Better approach and departure angles, resulting in a higher level of articulation
– Supports the load from additional accessories such as bumper guards, carriers, ladder racks and hitches.
Cons:
– Can create an excessive amount of body roll when cornering or making sharp turns at high speeds.
– Could negatively impact steering geometry due to increased lift angle resulting in suspension components needing to be upgraded.
– Higher center of gravity can increase chances of losing control during hard cornering or braking, so care must be taken when driving.
– Extra strain on drivetrain components with large tires reducing fuel economy and increasing repair costs if extra care is not taken during offroad excursions.
The Cost of Installing a Lift Kit on a Ram 1500
Installing a lift kit on a Ram 1500 is an expensive undertaking because it requires purchasing quality materials as well as professional assistance. The cost of installing a 4-inch lift kit will be significantly more affordable than a 6-inch lift. A 4-inch lift can usually be accomplished with adjustable coil spring spacers, coil corrective plates, steering links, brake line brackets, sway bar relocation brackets and either aftermarket control arms or heavy duty off-road shocks. This should cost around $1000 to $2000 in most cases. On the other hand, a 6-inch lift requires far more materials including front and rear struts, replacement pitman arm and track bar drop brackets, along with all of the same components listed for a 4-inch lift – plus your old parts must also likely be replaced and any vacated body mount locations plugged or padded out. All of this extra work can drive the cost up to anywhere from $2500 to $5000.
Commonly Used Ram 1500 Performance Parts To Enhance Your Vehicle
A Ram 1500 4 inch lift or a 6 inch lift is an ideal solution for those who want to give their truck a more aggressive appearance and better off-roading capabilities. Both lifts will provide excellent levels of performance when you are using your truck on rough terrain, but the 6 inch lift will offer superior height and clearances over a 4 inch lift. While it should be noted that there can be challenges associated with fitting larger tires on a 6 inch lifted RAM 1500, it’s recommended as it offers more clearance for large tires that can handle more challenging terrain. In addition to lifting kits, other common performance parts used in conjunction with lift kits include aftermarket exhaust systems that increase horsepower, cold air intakes to gain better airflow, heavy duty suspension upgrades to provide greater stability off-road, steering stabilizers for improved steering response and accuracy, and beefy bumpers made from steel or aluminum for superior protection against rock impacts or other potential obstacles. With the right combination of aftermarket enhancements for your Ram 1500, you’ll have an unbeatable vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of buying a RAM 1500 with a 4-inch lift versus a 6-inch lift?
A: The main advantage of a 4-inch lift is that it costs considerably less than the 6-inch version, however this will also have an impact on the vehicle’s performance. With the 4-inch version, you’ll experience less suspension travel and articulation. That is to say, when driving on rough roads or crossing obstacles offroad, your ride will be harder and more jarring due to reduced ground clearance and lower shock rates. On the other hand, upgrading to the 6-inch lift means you’ll benefit from increased suspension travel and improved articulation for better overall comfort when hitting bumps and dips along the way. Additionally, you’ll get increased ground clearance which gives more capability of tackling offroad terrains without bottoming out. Another beneficial aspect of a 6-inch lift is greater payload capacity meaning you can tote around more cargo without compromising on performance or ride quality.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to determining the optimal solution for your vehicle with regards to a 4 inch or 6 inch lift, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration. If you are looking to increase ground clearance and make more room for larger tires, then opting for a 6 inch lift on your Ram 1500 is certainly the more superior choice. At the same time, it must be noted that a 6 inch lift also comes with an increased likelihood of unwanted vibration as well as broader turning radius. Additionally, depending on the model of your truck, the suspension system may become overly stiff due to the extra distance it travels when adjusted to the higher 6 inch ride height.
On the flip side, a 4 inch lift provides a reasonable amount of additional ground clearance while also having decreased chances of vibration and providing enough space for bigger tires. Not only that, but this option will preserve some level of ride comfort since it does not cause extremely stiff suspension adjustments for most models. The tradeoff here is that vehicles utilizing a 4 inch lift may not have enough space and flexibility for big off-road tires or extreme changes in terrain.
Ultimately, when deciding between going with a 4 or 6 inch lift on your Ram 1500, it is essential that careful thought goes into sequencing prior to settling on any specific operation. Both lifts have advantages and disadvantages based on desired effects and practical use; therefore, compare all aspects carefully before making any final decisions regarding which will be used.
