9. The OE spring isolators...
9. The OE spring isolators and stud rings are used on top of the new BDS springs. The kit also includes new longer BDS 9500 gas shocks.
10. A track-bar relocation...
10. A track-bar relocation bracket is included to properly center the axle under the vehicle. It is fastened to the OE track-bar frame mount and to the track bar via 9/16-inch bolts.
11. Extended bumpstops and...
11. Extended bumpstops and sway-bar end links (shown) are included to maintain the OE handling characteristics.
12. The OE lower control-arm...
12. The OE lower control-arm frame brackets are removed from the vehicle, and the bare metal is painted to prevent corrosion.
13. Here's the front suspension...
13. Here's the front suspension in finished form. BDS says that this setup creates 6 inches of total lift.
14. BDS says that the new...
14. BDS says that the new rear leaf springs included in our kit generate 5 inches of lift. Installation is straightforward, though it's important to note that the Ram 2500/Mega Cab came with three different-diameter axletubes so you need to know which one you have so BDS can send the correct U-bolts.
15. Like the front, the rear...
15. Like the front, the rear suspension gets new extended-length BDS 9500 gas shocks.
16. Before the install, the...
16. Before the install, the Mega Cab traveled 47 inches up our 20-degree RTI ramp.
17. After the BDS install,...
17. After the BDS install, it climbed 52 inches up our ramp-a gain of 5 inches.
Longer lower control arms create less caster change through the entire range of wheel travel when compared to the stock setup. Among other things, this creates a more solid feel in the steering wheel and better off-highway characteristics. Translation: It ain't a handful to drive. As a matter of fact, the owner of this Mega Cab drove the truck from Illinois to Colorado and back immediately following the install and reported no annoying quirks or problems throughout the trip.
The kit is advertised to fit up to 36x12.50 tires on a 17x9 wheel with 5 inches of backspacing. The owner of this rig chose 37x12.50-18 tires on 18x9 wheels. It's been 'wheeled during an elk-hunting foray and no rubbing was reported, though we expect there might be rubbing in the front in instances where the wheels travel through a complete cycle.
If we were going to do one thing different, we would probably upgrade to the dual front-shock option to offset the heavy front bumper and winch we installed. It's a tad soft for our taste, but that's our preference. Ultimately, we (and the owner) are very pleased with this kit's ease of installation, quality of components, and on- and off-highway performance.