BDS 4.5 Inch Lift Kit | Dodge Ram 2500/3500 (1994-1999) 4WD | Rear Leaf Springs | NX2 Nitro Series

Configured with rear leaf springs and NX2 Nitro Series shocks. The multi-leaf progressive design provides a smooth ride while maintaining factory payload weight ratings. NX2 shocks feature a nitrogen-charged twin-tube design, 10-stage velocity-sensitive valving, dual-welded ends for increased strength, a 1-3/8-inch high-flow piston, self-lubricating seals, and a silver powder coat finish.

Overview

This 4.5-inch lift kit from BDS Suspension is designed for 1994–1999 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 4WD trucks. The kit improves stance, performance, and capability while providing clearance for up to 35-inch tires. BDS engineered new lower control arms that are longer than stock to rotate the axle for proper alignment, along with a relocation mounting bracket to flatten the upper control arm angle and maintain factory handling characteristics.

Up front, the kit includes Pro-Ride coil springs, all four control arms plus relocation bracket, a forged drop pitman arm, track bar bracket for steering correction, bump stops, sway bar drop brackets, and precision-tuned shocks. In the rear, the kit utilizes a heavy duty cast steel block and add-a-leaf combo (or leaf springs, depending on configuration), longer U-bolts, and a matching set of shocks.

The Pro-Ride coil springs are full-length, diesel-specific, and progressive rate, manufactured from high tensile steel with a properly sized wire diameter for maximum reliability without premature coil bind. To optimize steering geometry, a forged drop pitman arm minimizes steering angle and pairs with a heavy duty track bar drop bracket to keep steering components in phase through suspension travel while recentering the front axle.

Features

• Tubular short arms improve strength, handling, and caster control
• Heavy duty control arm brackets maintain proper suspension geometry
• Front high-strength progressive rate coil springs for a smooth ride on any terrain
• Front track bar relocation bracket to re-position the axle
• Forged drop pitman arm to correct steering angles
• Front sway bar correction to maintain handling performance
• Available with BDS NX2 Nitro or FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks
• Cast steel rear blocks engineered for correct pinion angles, reduced axle wrap, and a controlled, stable feel
• Multi-leaf progressive rear leaf spring design for a smooth ride
• Maintains factory payload weight ratings

Specifications

• Lift Height: 4.5 inches
• Tire Clearance: Up to 35 inches
• Application: 1994–1999 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4WD (models built after February 9, 1994)
• Front: Pro-Ride progressive rate coil springs (diesel-specific, high tensile steel), all four control arms, relocation bracket, forged drop pitman arm, track bar bracket, bump stops, sway bar drop brackets
• Rear: Heavy duty cast steel block and add-a-leaf combo or leaf springs (depending on variant), longer U-bolts
• Shock options: NX2 Nitro Series or FOX 2.0 Performance Series (front and rear)

Installation

• Estimated Time: 8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Special Tools Required: Pitman Arm Puller

Important Notes

• For models built after February 9, 1994 due to track bar stud size.
• May require exhaust modification.
• A dual stabilizer may be substituted for the single stabilizer included in the kit.
• These vehicles were produced with and without a top-mounted overload spring. You will need to identify which your vehicle has before ordering.